Reviews of the Week

I'll start reviewing beverage products that I try. I pick up a lot of harder to find stuff on my trips, so you'll see a few things that you probably won't be able to get where you live. I'll always have a link to each product though. Enjoy and feel free to add your comments.

Sept. 14, Meet Me In St. Louie:

St. Louis has a long tradition of beer and food. I've noticed a recent change and following for new specialty choices in the area within the last few years and I like what I see. Here's a few of the local treats that I picked up and enjoyed while visiting.

Fitz's Ginger Ale

Fitz's Bottling Company | St. Louis, MO

Notes: Real nice ginger taste with a bit of sweetness (cane sugar). Smooth and floral.

Used in a cocktail and the outcome was good. Here's the recipe -

2 oz Gin (I used Plymouth)

1/2 oz squeezed lemon juice

Top (3oz) with ginger ale. Add ice, stir & sip away.

O'Fallon 5-Day IPA

O'Fallon Brewery | O'Fallon (Greater St. Louis), MO

Notes: ABV: 6.1%. Pleasant aromas, nice citrus flavor, malty sweetness with caramel & butterscotch strengths, and hops are piney.

Schlafly Grand Cru - Bottle conditioned

Schlafly Brewery | St. Louis, MO

Notes: ABV: 9%. Smoky orange, buttery hops, lingering hints of ginger (I like). Suggestion that it pairs well with mussels. I'd second that.

Kaldi's Organic Guatemala Santa Isabel Coffee

Kaldi's Coffee Roasting Company | St. Louis, MO

Notes: Dark chocolate front, fruit notes, a bit toasty for my taste.

Sept. 21, Feeling Chile (Chilean Wines):

This week I was part of an event where each attendee had to bring a Chilean wine. We had 17 bottles and we tasted each and every bottle. What a great learning experience. Here's some recommendations from that night. Each bottle is very reasonable in price.

Montes Alpha Syrah '07

Awesome nose and tight finish. Big and bold, some vanilla, hints of coffee and currant. From the Colchagua Valley. 90 points Jay Miller (Wine Advocate). I highly recommend.

Tabali 'Reserva Especial' Pinot Noir '07

Nice fruits of red berries and cherry. Really had a nice nose and taste of raspberries and nice on nose overall. Hints of spices and tannins on the end. From the Limari Valley

Root:1 Carmenere '07

A surprise for me. Soft and smooth. Nice vanilla and spice. I love the nose. Also, rich, juicy plum. From the Colchagua Valley.

Primus Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah/Merlot/Carmenere '06
36% cabernet sauvignon, 31% syrah, 17% merlot and 16% carmenere. Interesting mix and I like the carmenere break down. Lots of dark berries on the nose and unpredicted, but good finish. 89 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar)

Concha Y Toro Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon '06

A nice tobacco, leather and other toasty notes. Black currant, some berry and sweetened out with fresh vanilla. "Drink now through 2018. 20,000 cases made. Score: 94." (Wine Spectator)

Due to a busy fall schedule, the reviews are on hold for awhile.