More beer reviews from Dylan

Dale's Pale Ale by Oskar Blues Brewery
Longmont, Colorado
Pale Ale
6.5% ABV
65 IBU

Oskar Blues Brewery from Longmont, Colorado have been brewing Dale's Pale Ale, among other beers, for over a decade now, and if you're a hop head (like me) you will fall in love with this easy to drink beer. This monstrously hopped brew is leaning towards the bitter side with it's four different styles of American hops, but is still very well balanced, thanks to the equally voluminous English pale malt character. Don't let the modest packaging fool you, this canned craft beer can compete with the rest of 'em, and will go places that glass bottles can't!

ICON Green by Saint Arnold Brewing Company
Houston, Texas
Amarillo Heffeweizen
5.4% ABV

So it's a normal heffeweizen, right? Wrong. This brew uses a tradition german European hefe recipe, but is dry-hopped with Amarillo hops right at the end of fermentation. This creates a very nice balance between the subtly sweet hefeweizen yeast and the bright citrusy character of the hops. This is a great one for the summertime as it is easy to drink, yet retains a nice spice flavor that is not prevalent in other beers in it's category. Support your local craft brewery and pick some up today.

Grainstorm Black Rye IPA by Boulevard Brewing Co.
Kansas City, Missouri
Black Rye IPA
7.7% ABV
65 IBU

Boulevard Brewing Company's Smokestack Series are beers that are brewed for beer nerds. These are beers that represent a certain style, or that break down the boundaries of style all together. Grainstorm, falls in the latter category, daring to be different. The mix of pale malts, malted rye, and roasted wheat lay down a canvas for the Simcoe, Bravo, Amarillo and Citra hops to be painted on, making this beer a masterpiece. Hop forward aroma and taste gives this brew great piney, and slightly citrusy complexity. The rye comes through more than the roasted malts, which is different for a Black IPA, but works extremely well for this beer. Try this beer at your next cookout with some barbecued meats and your tastebuds will be thanking you.

Beer...

No Label Brewery

EL HEFE WEIZEN
ABV: 5.6%
IBU: 11.7
A traditional German Hefeweizen. This beer is light and refreshing with strong notes of banana, cloves and citrus.  Perfect for that hot summer day.  Named after the boss of the house.

PALE HORSE ALE
ABV: 5.9%
IBU: 36
American Pale Ale with a significant amount of malts and hops.  Slightly bitter but not overly hopped.  Dry hopped with cascade for a nice floral aromas.

Leinenkugel`s Summer Shandy

A Shandy is beer brewed with a little something extra. Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy is crisp wheat beer brewed with natural lemonade flavor which makes it a perfect summertime refresher for those sun-splashed summer days.

Dogfish Head

In Festina Peche, since the natural peach sugars are eaten by the yeast, the fruit complexity is woven into both the aroma and the taste of the beer so there is no need to doctor it with woodruff or raspberry syrup. Just open and enjoy!

New red wines that are spot on!

Meander Cabernet Sauvignon
Winemaker Amy Aiken’s passion is producing Cabernet Sauvignon, and it shines through in this lovely wine whose grapes are sourced from Morisoli Vineyard in Rutherford, CA (50%) and St. Helena, CA (50%). This wine was aged for 22 months in 100% French oak, 75% new. It has aged well in the bottle, with balanced, soft flavors of blackberry, cherry, chocolate, and spices.
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WA 93 Pts. - According to the Wine Advocate:  2010 Prince of Hearts Paradise Hills Vineyard offers up gorgeous aromatics, refined fruit and a total sense of harmony from the very first taste. Juicy red berries, plums, roses and cinnamon meld together in this effortless, gracious wine. In 2010 the Prince of Hearts boasts lovely depth and roundness backed by the acidity and vibrancy of this great vintage. All of the Blankiet hallmarks are in the glass. If that sounds appealing, believe me, it is. This is a fabulous effort. At many estates, this would be the top wine; here it is the second label. Incidentally, Prince of Hearts is the most fairly priced among the second wines of Napa Valley’s elite properties. The 2010 is 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and a drop of Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. Rated 90+
Like a bottle of happiness!
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Ebra Mountainside Vineyards..Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
  A bouquet of cassis liqueur, graphite, violets and smoke introduces the wine to bold blackberry, blueberry and plum flavors with subtle spice, tobacco and leather accents giving a supple lush mouthfeel. The finish reveals polished tannins with a perfect balance of vanilla and toasted oak.

New wines you really must try!!

Galante Sauvignon Blanc

Galante`s only white wine, this delicious, full-bodied, bright wine is packed with flavors of peaches, apricots, grapefruit and a hint of passion fruit. It has a tart, refreshing finish and is excellent on a warm summer day.

Long board Sauvignon Blanc

The 2012 Vintage of our Ode to freshness. Our dry style of Sauvignon Blanc combines the lush fruit character of our region with a lively minerality. Our way of making a melting pot style of Sauvignon Blanc, taking the best of France, New Zealand and California styles and calling it our own...

Daiquiri's for National Daiquiri Day

 

 

Avocado Daiquiri

• 1/4 medium avocado
• 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
• 
1 cup crushed ice
• 
1 1/2 oz light rum
1 lime wedge

Prep: Crush ice in blender. Add rum, lime juice, and 1/4 medium avocado in blender. Blend until thoroughly mixed and smooth. Pour into glass and garnish with lime wedge.

Almond Pear Daiquiri

• 2 cups ice 
3 canned pear halves (8.5-ounce can), drained and semi frozen
• 1 1/2 oz white rum
• 1 1/2 oz almond liqueur (amaretto)
• 
2 ounces pear liqueur or syrup from canned pears
• Juice of 1 lime 
1 teaspoon superfine sugar

Prep: Combine all the ingredients in a blender. Cover and pulse on and off until the mixture starts to swirl evenly. Blend on high for 20 seconds, or until the drink is completely smooth.

Fruit Salad Daiquiri

• 5 oz light rum
• 2 oz pina colada mix
• strawberries, 
watermelon, 
star fruit

Prep: Fill blender 1/2 to 3/4 full with ice and add strawberries, pieces of watermelon, and slices of star fruit. Last add rum and pina colada mix. Blend until smooth and garnish with a slice of star fruit and an umbrella.

 

DR Stephens Chardonnay

100% Old Wente clone Chardonnay from Rutherford, this 2011 Chardonnay was aged in 50% new French oak and aged in its lees for 11 months. Since 2011 was a cooler year, the mineral notes and natural acidity found its way to the front of the palate and through the finish. With this freshness in their 2011 Chard comes balanced notes of citrus peel and lemon oil. This is a Chard that will give you instant gratification.

Massican Anna...white blend

2012 Massican Annia - The nose of the 2012 Annia was simply gorgeous, with lime infused wet rock, backed by floral undergrowth, notes of peach skin and almond that came forward with time in the glass. On the palate, I found a level of intensity that, in the past, required an extra year in the cellar for Massican, yet it was here on the first pour. Still incredibly vibrant with teaming green apple acidity that made the mouth water, showcasing ripe pit fruits, weighty textures and a bitter twang that lasted through the refreshing finish. As much as i'm enjoying this now, I'm sure it will continue to improve due to it's impeccable balance. It's going to be hard not to drink them all this summer. (93 points)
The VIP Table

Don Cosme Tequila Blanco

Don Cosme Tequila Blanco

Don Cosme Tequila Blanco is 100% Blue Agave from Amatitán, Jalisco. Don Cosme Agaves are slow cooked in brick ovens for 48 hours, the juices are then extracted using a traditional tahona.

Since 1907, Tequila Don Cosme's exquisite 100% Agave Tequila recipe has been passed down from generation to generation. Don Cosme maintains a traditional process delivering quality and prestige, and is a 100% Mexican company that focuses on satisfying the most demanding of palates.

Easy tequila to mix or sip. This tequila is done using an old recipe, keeping some sweetness from the agave plant. You can't go wrong making your margaritas with this!

Busca Chardonnay

Busca Russian River Chardonnay

This Chardonnay has honeysuckle and jasmine on the nose.
It hits your mouth with green apple and pear, hints of butter and minerality adds zest to the clean crisp finish. A great stand alone wine or paired with lighter dishes that don't overpower this clean wine.

Sangria's

Sangrias are a great refreashing drink on a hot summer day. They can be made with red or white wine, brandy or no brandy, fresh or frozen fruit. If you are in a hurry use a Wine a Rita box. Here's my simple recipe for great sangria's every time:

1 bottle dry red or white wine
1 cup flavored brandy
  ***blackberry for red
  ***peach for white
1 package of frozen mixed fruit
   ***dark fruits for red
   ***light fruits for white

Combine all and let sit in the refrigerator until frozen fruit is thawed or overnight.

* for a lighter drink and club soda to taste when ready to drink.

Check out the display in the front of the store for my recommendations or ask for Carrie.

Butera Insolia

This luscious rich wine is has nice citrus with lemon and grapefruit,lots of tropical fruit flavors with honey and hints of almond and a silky finish.
Try some!

DR Stephens DRii

Fleshy and approachable after letting it sit for an hour or so, this is a great-drinking Cab that shows off some decadent black fruit and dark cocoa but still retains its balance. I was really impressed with this wine when I tasted with vintner Justin Stephens in May. While it may not last as long as their Moose Valley Vineyard Cab, this is the one to enjoy while the Moose is being cellared. 100% Cab, I highly recommend. - Kerrin Laz, Wine Director Dean deluca

Mueller Chardonnay

Mueller Chardonnay “LB” Russian River Valley
We have made this classic wine from the same grape vines since 1991. The vineyard is planted with the rare “Wente” clone with very small berries for maximum fruit intensity. Rich in pear, pineapple and banana, with full body and spicy oak finish.
Only available at Spec's Downtown and Atascocita stores in the Houston area.

Huge Bear Chardonnay

THE TASTING: This Huge Bear Sonoma County Chardonnay holds true to form, showcasing vivid fruit and plush, layered aromas. On the nose, generous spiced pear, lemon meringue pie, and tropical fruits segue to hints of smoke, stones, and toasted hazelnut. The aromatics lead seamlessly into a balanced mid-palate richness and a bright, lingering finish.
THE CRAFTING: The grapes were pressed cold and allowed to cold settle for 72 hours for optimal flavor extraction. The clear juice was racked to French oak and stainless steel barrels. We allowed partial malolactic fermentation to lend textural opulence. The wine was aged on its lees for 10 months.
THE PAIRING: This is an enticing wine with complexity and balanced structure. Consider matching it with dishes that feature lemon beurre blanc sauce or toasted nuts. We especially love it with Chicken Carbonara.

Lillet

Lillet is a French aperitif that has been produced since 1872 in the town of Podensac, France, just south of Bordeaux. Lillet is based on Bordeaux wine that has been both aromatized (flavored with herbs) and fortified (strengthened with distilled spirits).  Lillet is made with the typical grape varieties of the region: Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle for the Blanc; Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon for the Rouge and Rosé.
Lillet is approximately 85% wine, sweetened and fortified with various citrus liqueurs, flavored with orange peel, and aged in French oak barrels. Lillet also includes Cinchona bark from Peru, the “secret ingredient” that contains quinine, as is used in tonic water, thus making Lillet a “cousin” of Vermouth and technically an aperitif known as a quinquina.  Lillet actually contains very little quinine, and no other botanical flavorings besides citrus fruit, making it one of the mildest quinquinas in terms of both botanicals and flavor.

Twentieth Century

1½ shots gin
½ shot Lillet Blanc
½ shot lemon juice
¼ shot crème de cacao (light)
Shake well with ice, fine strain in to a cocktail glass with lemon twist for garnish.
The lemon juice and Lillet combine well to produce an interesting, refreshing flavour, with the subtle cocoa flavour of the crème de cacao mixing in nicely.
Honestly, if you don’t own Lillet it’s worth buying it just to make yourself a Twentieth Century.

Ginger Mojitos!!

Easy Ginger Mojito

• 2 Parts Domaine de Canton
• ½ Part White Rum
• 3 Lime Wedges
• Mint

Prepare as you would a traditional mojito in a collins or high-ball glass. Top with club soda.

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Ginger Mojito

3 slices fresh gingerroot (thumbnail sized)

12 fresh mint leaves

2 ounces white rum

1/2 ounce fresh lime juice

1/2 ounce sugar syrup

5 ounces ginger ale

Directions:

1. Muddle ginger in base of shaker.
2. Add mint and lightly muddle (just to bruise mint and release their essential oils).
3. Add the next three ingredients and shake with ice and fine-strain into a glass filled with crushed ice.
4. Top with ginger ale.
5. Garnish with a sprig of mint.