|
Post by Shutter Girl on Apr 2, 2006 11:02:05 GMT -5
My nephew Kris had his first art opening last evening. It was at a local wine bar/store and was accompanied by a wine tasting. There were about 15 wines to try although I was only really impressed by one that I tried. I don't think it was a great place to display/sell art, most of the folks were milling around more interested in the wines than anything else.
After we viewed the art exhibit and took part in the wine samplings we mosied over to the wine bar and had a comfortable seat at the bar. The place is small but really lovely with a lot of ambiance in the stained glass lamps and the natural tones. I took the recommendation of the friendly bartender and tried the Rosenblum Zin, which had the taste of a gentle yet fullbodied cabernet. It's a great little wine, which I'm sure I'll purchase again.
My entire family attended this event and most of them ended up sitting at a table in the front corner of the bar. RJ, Trikrona and I sat at the bar and were happy when two of my nephews joined us there for fun conversations. Eventually my sister sat next to me and we had a great talk, all the while each enjoying the Zin. I met a very nice Indian gentlemen who told me of his travels around the world.
So many times when you go to a bar it's so noisy that you can't hear yourself think let alone have a conversation. This little place was great, we had so much fun enjoying each other's company and just soaking in the atmosphere. Maybe it was the sophistication of the place or maybe all the stars were aligned just right.... Whatever the reason, we all had a grand time.
|
|
|
Post by RepairmanJack on Apr 2, 2006 22:40:26 GMT -5
It was a fun evening! I am not much into wines so that part was just so so for me. While sitting at the bar I decided to have a single malt scotch instead. I tried for the first time a Macallan's 12 yr old. I have to say it was mighty tasty. The Indian gentleman SG talked to saw my drink and asked about it. Turns out he is a big fan of single malts also. He is also the first person I have found, other than myself, who really likes Laphroaig single malt from the Isle of Islay. It was a pleasure to find another single malt fan in a wine bar. I am looking forward to our next trip there
|
|
marcus
Minstrel in the Gallery
Posts: 33
|
Post by marcus on Apr 5, 2006 16:04:41 GMT -5
Is Laphroaig single malt a "smokey" Scotch? I was at a similar sounding place a few years ago and this type, I think was recommended to me because I was drinkin a Schlenkerla Rauchbeer, which is a smoked beer from Bamberg & my personal favorite among the many tasty brews of the world. Just curious because I am not a fan of most whiskey's but I love smoked food and beer. So now I am curious about Scotch Whiskeys, any recommendations? If anyone is interested check out www.smokebeer.com & try one if you can find it.
|
|
|
Post by Shutter Girl on Apr 6, 2006 9:14:18 GMT -5
RJ can answer your smokey question, Marcus. I just wanted to tell you that the wine bar we're talking about is Royal Park Wines on Rte. 82 just east of W130th on the north side of the street. They've got a nice little patio for summer enjoyment as well!! The store next door has a good cigar selection if you're interested in that, too.
|
|
|
Post by RepairmanJack on Apr 6, 2006 17:15:53 GMT -5
Laphroaig is a very smoky scotch. They use a lot of peat which gives it a very distinctive taste. If you like Rauchbeer you will like this. Like the beer it is a sipping drink.
Which Scotch to try is a hard question. Scotch comes in different styles--the two main ones are blended and single malt. There are also vatted and single grain styles. Blended scotch contains whiskey from several different distilleries. The idea is to smooth out the taste and make it more uniform. They are generally cheaper in price. Single malt, which I prefer, is whiskey from just one distiller. It is generally more expensive, but I think the taste is better.
The next choice is location. For example the Isle of Islay distillers, Laphroaig is one of them, use peat so they have a smokier taste. Each location has a slightly different taste. The other difference is age and how they are casked. The older the scotch the more expensive generally. As they age the taste does change so it is a personal preference. What type of casks makes a difference also. Most start with oak and then it can vary. I like scotch that has been aged in sherry casks. Again it is personal preference.
The wine bar we went to has a scotch sampler you can try. It is a great way to taste several different kinds without having to invest a lot of cash. Scotch can be pricey so I would recommend trying several out before buying a whole bottle. Some to look for: Glenfiddich 12 or 15 yr old, Macallan 10 yr old, Laphroaig 10 yr old, any of the Glendronach if you can find them, and Glenlivet 12 yr old. They are all very tasty ;D
|
|
|
Post by RepairmanJack on Apr 6, 2006 17:21:54 GMT -5
I forgot to add how to drink Scotch. Never ever add ice to a single malt. I prefer to drink it neat which means no water. Some people swear that a small amount of water will enhance the scotch. I would recommend trying it without first and if you feel the need you can add a small amount. Happy drinking
|
|
marcus
Minstrel in the Gallery
Posts: 33
|
Post by marcus on Apr 7, 2006 8:36:56 GMT -5
Thanks for the tip, I'll definitely have to try some.
|
|
|
Post by Shutter Girl on Apr 7, 2006 9:17:14 GMT -5
And while we're on the subject of whisky... Marcus, go to Claddagh in Legacy Village and get one of their Irish Whisky samplers, you might discover you enjoy those as well! RJ and I got one once after eating their Irish breakfast. And as far as Irish breakfasts go.... Brendan O'Neill's can't be beat!
|
|