Tiger’s Blood Cocktail

While watching Charlie Sheen on Ustream (HERE) I started searching for Tiger’s Blood.

<Ed Note- Love the Reds Shirt Charlie>

Here is the best recipe I have found so far-

Directions for your own Tiger Blood cocktail:

• 3 oz. tomato juice
• 1.5 oz. Sake
• pinch of wasabi
• dash of soy sauce
• squeeze of lime

Shake ingredients hard over ice. Garnish with celery stalk, and begin winning

Personally, I like this way better than the P-Diddy concoction of Ciroc Redberry and Cranberry Juice (LAME).  This has nothing to do with my previous thoughts on “Mr Diddy” and his crappy vodka….well, maybe it does.  But it’s my blog and I can choose sides as I want.

Your Weekly Charlie Sheen

We love Charlie here at S&B and I truly do wish him well.  He brings us so much entertainment and joy….I hope he keeps sticking it to CBS.

Since we are a blog about Smoking and Alcohol, I thought two things were particularly relevant to this crowd-

First, if you happen to be a guest at Charlie’s while he is doing his WebShow, you are offered Candy and Cigarettes….what Charlie, no cigars? <J/K, I think it is awesome>

Secondly, we have Charlie with a Machete and drinking Tiger’s blood.  As long as he is not involved in the Asiansnakewine Fraud….I love it.

TMZ has a video of the event so follow the link if you want to watch

http://www.tmz.com/2011/03/07/charlie-sheen-machete-tiger-blood-knife-video-los-angeles/

Finally….why do we like Charlie so much?  Because we are WINNERS TOO <Stories HERE and HERE>.  Maybe I should become his new intern?

VICTORY- Part 2

Tonight I woke up with a headache. 

I think I am finally getting the crud that is going around and I’m really not looking forward to it with me in LA next week.

Anyway, since I was up, I decided to see how our old friends at Asiansnakewine.com were doing. 

You see, I love drinking and, as a company, these guys are doing a disservice to the industry.  There are tons of microbreweries and craft distillers out there that do not need people like AsianSnakewine.com to put doubt of quality into consumer’s minds.

With their poor customer service and lousy product, their only saving grace is the gimmick of their Snake Wine Product and the fact that word of mouth (and going viral) is keeping their business afloat.

So, as Don Quixote (having lost his mind due to lack of sleep and food from dedicating all of his time to reading….sound familiar) set out in the name of Chivalry….so have I, with Asiansnakewine as my Windmill.

My first quest resulted in VICTORY, so tonight I set off again…. visiting various blogs to see what others were saying and to add my two cents.

This lead me to Voda Online.   You can see their cached Blogpost HERE (more on why it was cached here in a minute).  After reading the post, I noticed there was no place to comment, but I did see you could follow them on Twitter.

A few quick tweets to @VodaMagazine and an hour later I got a respones:

VodaMagazine @smokesandbooze good to know! It would have been reasonable to not expect a scam but you never know with some other countries.

WOW.  At least they acknowledged that it could be a scam….but when I went back to link to the story…they had PULLED it.

Double Kudos to Voda!

Everyone, this goes to show that even a small voice can make a difference.  If one person doesn’t get ripped off by this scam, then all my blogging was worth it.

Do me a favor…..Visit Voda’s site to show them a little support.  They did the right thing here and I think they deserve some recognition.

Also, if you are on Twitter….you can follow along HERE (@smokesandbooze).

Keep up the good fight and spread the word. 

Washington Apple (Recipe and Review)

Ok, this one has been a long time in coming, partly because I lost the napkin it was written on.  I’ve now found it (although it is in about the same shape as the Shroud of Turin) and wanted to pass this along.

On Super Bowl Sunday, Simon and I were in KC in preparation for a staff meeting that week.  We had started watching the game at our Hotel Bar, but we were eventually cut off (That is a whole other Blog Post in itself & I swear we were nowhere close)…so we headed down the street to The Cheesecake Factory.

Now, I knew of the CCF for it’s food, but I had never tried their bar…even though it gets some great quotes in the movie Step Brothers -

Dale- Would it be cool if Brennan and I opened just one present each... ...since it's Christmas Eve?

Robert/Dad- I'm gonna go down to the Cheesecake Factory, have a drink.

Nancy/Mom - But it's Christmas Eve.

Robert/Dad- Merry Christmas.

Next Scene

Nancy/Mom -Well, you reek of Scotch and cheesecake.

Robert/Dad - You know... ...tonight at the Cheesecake Factory was the happiest I've been in months.

Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised.

At the downstairs bar, we got to watch the game and met a great bartender named Chad.  He was engaging and funny, which are signs of a good barman, and not once did he cut us off.  In fact, one of my favorite quotes of the night was “I knew you guys were professional drinkers when you called for an Oban”.

I won’t go into all the drinks we had (I don’t think I can remember them all), but I will point out Chad makes a mean Martini and I also wanted to highlight his signature drink –

The Washington Apple

1.5 oz Crown Royal

1.25 oz Sour Apple Pucker

.5 oz Cranberry Juice

2 oz Apple Cider

.25 oz Cherry Syrup

As you can see it’s a layered drink and served over ice in a tall glass.  It really does taste like a Washington Apple and personally give it 5 Stars.

It’s not on the menu (as of yet), but I am sure Chad would whip you up one in a heartbeat.  Just swing by The Cheesecake Factory on the Plaza in KC and tell him Smokes & Booze sent ya.

Ed Note- To the Management of The Cheesecake Factory – I do want to point out that you staff in KC is excellent (not just the food).  If other Restaurants and Bars paid as much attention to the customers as you team did to us, the world would be a better place.  Great Job and keep up the good work.

Adult Chocolate Milk (Review)

Sometimes I really love living in a small town….if for no other reason than the local grocery.  I often go in there, and they have some off the wall stuff.  What is funny…they never have it priced correctly.  I’ve gotten cask strength Laphroaig for $25 to a Rumpleminz for $5.  It really is roulette and you never know what you are going to get.

Recently I went there and saw an unusual bottle, one with a Flip-Top and the words “Adult Chocolate Milk”.  With my brother in town (he’s not much of a drinker), I thought…”This is Perfect”.  It was even better when I went to the cash register and (as usual) it didn’t ring up.

Cashier- “Do you know how much this is?

Me- “I don’t know….it wasn’t marked”

Cashier to her coworker – “How much is this?”

Coworker “Beats me….I wonder if it goes good with cereal?”

Cashier – “I have no idea how much this is….is $3 ok?”

Me- “SURE “

This day is looking up.

I get home and immediately show my newfound prize to Debi (who looks less than thrilled).  Then it is off to the kitchen for a glass and some ice.

This review is gonna be short and sweet.  It tastes like Bailys.  Plain and simple.  The quality of ingredients is probably not up to the same standards as Bailys, so if you have one of those weird reactions to food impurities (Debi does)…I would stay away.  If it was ALWAYS $3, this would be a steal.  Anthing over $15, I would skip the novelty factor and go for the top shelf superior product.  You can purchase online HERE for $23.99 (+ SH), so…you make the call.  To me, it’s not worth it.

I never expected this stuff to become a mainstay in my liquor cabinet…and things worked out as I thought.

The companies website does have an interesting story, that the founder posted on Facebook "Tracy is enjoying some Adult Chocolate Milk” and it grew from there.  They also have 3 new products coming out – Adult Orange Cream, Adult Fruit Punch and Adult Limeade. 

In researching the product, I came across a very telling article on Askmen.com, where Adult Chocolate Milk was Number 2 on their list for Getting Drunk the Wrong Way.  I would agree.  If you are going to drink…go big or go home.

Asian Snakewine–The Fraud

Well, here we are – 21 Days after ordering express…..my Asian Snakewine Bottle arrived.  To say that I am disappointed is a HUGE understatement.

First, some background can be found HERE.

Since then, I have opened a complaint with PayPal about non-shipment, but now I will have to append it to be Damaged Goods and not what I expected.  Why is that you ask?  Read on McDuff…..

I picked up the package at my local Post Office.

The first thing that didn’t bode well was the DENT in the box.  Throw in that the entire box is wrapped in tape (to seal it, as I would find out later), the contents is listed as an Glasshour (Hour Glass) with a $20 Value for customs and finally the phone number listed is one I had never heard of before (323 area code is Hollywood California) and in retrospect, I should have not accepted the package at all.  My fear was that my small town PO would raise suspicion due to these inconsistencies and next thing you know, I am on a terrorist watch list (if not already).

I also noted that the box seemed a little small, considering that the website says the bottle is 10inches tall (more on that later).

I got home and cut open the box only to be greeted by an unusual smell and bubble wrap.  Not the big bubble bubble wrap mind you, but the tiny ones that are usually used for wrapping small electronics.  I would have investigated them further, except that they felt greasy and looked like they had been salvaged from a dump.  Plus, they smelled. 

Examining the bottle showed me the source of the smell.  The sealing job done by the vendor is lacksidasical at best.  It appears we are using some type of recycled bottle (the lid is partly covered and I can make out Kilmarnock Scotland) and they have to re-manufacture the seal.  How do you ask?  By wrapping it in (non-food grade) shrink tape of course.  The seal is horrible, and when you add that the cap is slightly dented and rusted…..there is no way in hell that I would ever drink the contents of this bottle.  I tried several times to get a good picture….this is the best I could do.  It should also be noted that the dent in the packaging is nowhere near where the end of the bottle was, so that cannot be used for an excuse (especially given the rust).

Another piece of false advertising is their website.  Remember when I said the package looked a little small to contain a 10 inch bottle?  Well, part of this has to do with the poor packaging and the other part is that the bottle is really 9 inches…..not 10.  Yet another rip off.

As you can see, this is a complete scam.  While the snake looks cool (it really does, although it is kinda small), the fact that the bottling is suspect (at best), the bottle cap is rusted and there is a leak (compromising the seal)…there is no way I would drink this.  I can’t even leave it on a shelf as it smells (due to the leak). 

As a someone who reviews items, there is no way I could make a recommendation of purchase.  Even if this vendor offered 10 for 1 pricing.  Hopefully, PayPal will see the evidence I present here, coupled with the rest of my claim, and simply refund my money based on this not being what was promised (size and condition), the bottle was damaged (and leaking) and not express shipped (10 Euro more expensive).  If not, then you can make your own summation of PayPal’s service in handling disputes…..but I know how I would feel.

Overall, Service with this asiansnakewine.com would not rate on a scale of 5.  Product Quality would also rate a zero, as I am unable to sample the product due to the poor condition upon arrival.  Express shipping was also a waste, therefore they made the trifecta….three Zeros.

Avoid this product like the plague.

Asian Snake Wine- The NON-Review

This should be the point in a review that I am all giddy from exposing people to something they have never had before.

This should be the point of the review with pictures and comments from everyone how impressed (or not) they are of a product.

This should be (in this case) the part where people are mugging with the bottle, because Asian Snake Wine is not something you find every day in the US.

It’s not.  Why?  Because I didn’t get my shipment.

You see, awhile back, I put a link on the Website (HERE) and eventually purchased a bottle.  My order was received (payment accepted and acknowledged) on the 20th of Dec.  The day I made the order, the website stated (at the very top in bold letters) that I would receive my shipment by Christmas if shipped express, they have since moved that offer to HERE. 

Here is the text of the Email I received on the 20th of Dec.-

If you want a second snake or scorpion bottle you can send 39e more and then get your 2 bottles within 5 days because they will also be sent by express mail with internet tracking number and insurance.

If you are interested you can pay 39 euros only on this page:
http://www.snake-wine-cobra.com/buy-snake-wine/order-one-more-snake-wine-or-scorpion-wine-bottle-for-39-euros-only.html

Also we want to tell you that your parcel might take few more days to arrive than usual as we have two days holiday here.

Please add our email asiansnakewine@gmail.com to your contacts list to receive all our future messages concerning your order.

Best regards,
http://www.asiansnakewine.com

As you can see, at the worste I should be expecting this is the 27th…and for 39 Euro more, I could have another bottle. 

To be fair, I opted out of the second bottle.

What followed is a series of Emails of me inquiring into the missing shipment. 

I won’t bore you with the details of the emails (finally, someone with worse spelling than me), but I will share some highlights-

• It took 9 days to get a tracking number out of this vendor (I doubt it is insured).
• There was a two day delay from receipt of payment before it was shipped (Granted they did warn of a Holiday, but later they also blame US Holidays….I say you cannot have both).
• It appears (from Email context) that express shipping is only how fast THEY take it to the Post Office, not how fast you receive it.
• “how can you consider us responsible for the delay when everybody knows that goods imported from abroad are subject to special customs clearance delay? Of course you can be lucky sometimes and some of your parcels might not be checked at all, but this is not the rule, and the rule is that even when you pay for Express delivery, it doesn't include customs clearance delay.”
• It’s all due to the “Worldwide Problem” of ordering at Christmas
• “Then, you must agree that anyone buying online during Christmas time knows in advance that he might not receive it as fast as possible, and this is a worldwide problem.”
• (anyone that knows us, knows that Debi and I do about 90% of our shopping online……no other package was missing our late, except this).
• That in December the US changed shipping regs and anything shipped over 1 pound cannot be sent via passenger aircraft into the US anymore.  This they state after – “searching online it could be a reason of this special delay.” (FYI, this went into effect as far back as October in Thailand, so this SHOULD be known to the vendor).

Throughout this process, I have been promised a bonus bottle cheaper (with no details how cheap), a “special offer” AFTER I received my item or a second bottle (the email states again “by Christmas”)  if I fork over a little more cash.

Since I don’t have the liquor to review, I guess I will base my review on dealing with the company….and in a word.  It sucked.  I would not recommend dealing with Asiansnakewine.com under any circumstances.  Communication was poor (and always prompted by me) and they have now gone quiet, not even responding to my last email of 4 days ago.  Considering ordering online is based on trust….I don’t care if they offered me 10 bottles for 10 euro, I wouldn’t give my card information to them again.  They do use Paypal, and my next course of action is to make a fraudulent claim….but still it’s a hassle for me.  Hopefully there is some recourse there, but in the meantime…I wanted to share this experience in case anyone else out there was considering a purchase.  This company (I can’t rate the product, since I haven’t gotten it) gets two BIG THUMBS DOWN.

Cheers.

E-

I never thought I would see this happen in Mass.

Finally, a state woke up.  I’ve written about Sin Taxes before (HERE and HERE), but I never thought I would be writing because someone woke up……and I really never thought it would be in Tax-a-chusetts.  But I have been proven wrong.

I particularly love the woman (who doesn’t drink that often) who voted to repeal, yet is now having second thoughts wondering who is going to pay for all the social programs.  In other words, it’s ok to bend others over to fund social programs…as long as it’s not me.

Congrats to Mass. on taking a step away from socialism…..and enjoy the booze

Cheers

New Year’s Day marked the end of the sales tax on beer, wine and alcohol in Massachusetts.

For some Central Massachusetts imbibers, it was not the money that bothered them, but the principle of the sales tax on alcoholic beverages, which ended yesterday.
“It was a double tax,” said Ron Mason of Rutland. He and his wife, Angie Mason, voted in the November election to repeal the 6.25 percent sales tax that was imposed by the state a year ago. Mrs. Mason said she liked the idea of buying wine and not being charged an extra tax. Since alcohol imported into the state is subject to an excise tax under state law, the additional 6.25 percent was perceived as a double tax.
“Another good reason for us is her son is a salesman for booze. His commission started going down because sales went down,” added Mr. Mason.
New Year’s Day marked the end of the sales tax on beer, wine and alcohol in Massachusetts. The Legislature increased the sales tax from 5 percent to 6.25 percent in July 2009, and eliminated the exemption for alcohol sold in liquor stores.
“I love it,” said Danielle Davis of Worcester. She stopped by East Side Discount Liquor on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester yesterday afternoon to purchase some Newcastle beer, and was happy not to have to pay the sales tax.
Sandy Yesket and Miguel Diaz were on duty as cashiers at the liquor store Friday and yesterday. Ms. Yesket, a cashier at the store for 15 years, said some customers on Friday wanted to put liquor on hold until Sunday.
“There’s no sales tax today, is there?” Ms. Yesket said she was frequently asked yesterday. She said she was happy to assure them the sales tax was history.
Ms. Yesket voted to repeal the sales tax, but Mr. Diaz voted not to.
“I don’t really buy a lot of liquor, but I voted because of the principle,” Ms. Yesket said. “But now I’m a little worried; I wonder where the money is going to come from (to pay for state-funded programs).”
Mr. Diaz said he voted against removing the tax because he was worried about the state losing necessary social programs. State legislators have estimated that the 6.25 percent sales tax generated about $100 million in revenue for the state. He said customers have been asking about the repeal since the election.
“Everyone was coming in and wondering when — and if — it was going to happen,” Mr. Diaz said. “The big complaint was that it was a double tax.”
The Massachusetts Package Stores Association urged voters prior to the election to vote to repeal the sales tax. Frank Anzalotti, executive director of the association, said liquor retailers are celebrating because many Massachusetts residents traveled out of state to purchase liquor to avoid paying the tax.
“Package store owners across the state are indebted to their customers and to the voters of Massachusetts for their support of the repeal of the double tax on alcohol,” Mr. Anzalotti said in a news release.
Michael P. Astukewicz, assistant manager at Yankee Spirits in Sturbridge, said he hopes the tax repeal will bring back the store’s Connecticut customers. The store was busier Sunday afternoon than expected.
“Liquor stores near New Hampshire suffered the most,” Mr. Astukewicz said. “But we definitely did lose business to Connecticut.”
Repeal of the sales tax at liquor stores does not affect the sale of alcohol at restaurants.

Read more: http://www.telegram.com/article/20110102/NEWS/101020470/1101/local#ixzz19tcMwwr7

A few gift ideas from Smokes and Booze

Here at Smokes and Booze we try to be a public service vs a public nuisance (emphasis on the word TRY).  So, here are a few things I saw on the net that you might still be able to get for under the tree this year.  I get NO kickbacks from any of these, so feel free to ridicule them as much as you want.

Cheers-

 

First we have the Christmas Drinking gloves.  I’m not overly fond of the fingerless look…but they are festive.

At $5.99 each, not a BAD stocking stuffer…but you could get mini-bottles and enjoy it more

 

 

Next on our Christmas S&B List this year, we have the Book Flask.  While cumbersome and not very tote friendly, they definitely make up for it by having the inscription of “Cogito Sumere Potum Alterum” (Latin for “I think I’ll have another drink”) on the spine.  $19.95 seems a little steep (especially since there is no booze included), so I think there are better products on the market.

I personally prefer the hidden bottle of Pyrat Rum in the book promo that was done a few years ago.  We got one and I still laugh at the look….it actually has the “Feel” of a book and would probably fool 25% of views as opposed to the 2% on the Book Flask.

Now I really like this one, not because it has a great name (The WineRack ) or involves boobs (Who Like Boobies?  Charlie Waffles) …but it really is ingenious.  Capable of holding a bottle of wine or a 5th of liquor, not only can you smuggle in booze….but you can have a fuller figure.  Win Win.  Although a little pricey at $29.95 (and currently out of stock), I still think this is a great idea….unless you are trying to get through TSA, who’s gonna pat you there when going through Security?

Honestly though…if you are looking for that something special for the boozer in your life, you can’t go wrong with anything from the Guinness Store.  I’ve bought from them in the past (Including during mine and Debi’s first Christmas) and customer service was excellent.

Happy Thanksgiving from S&B

I want to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving.  This is the first year I am not doing a turkey ( remember THIS and THIS?), but instead….I am doing Duck.

It should be interesting, as this is my first attempt…..what can go wrong?

Supreme Cut Duck Breast in Grand Marnier

Serves 4

Prep: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Oven Preheat: 350 degrees

Supreme Cut Duck Breast

• 4 Supreme Cut Duck Breasts
• Grand Marnier Sauce
• 1 Cup Orange Juice
• 1 Teaspoon Orange Zest
• ¼ Cup Sugar
• 1 Ounce Gran Marnier
• 1 Tablespoon Corn Starch

Season duck breast with your salt and pepper.
Cover wing bone with foil.
Bake in oven at 350 degrees for ½ hour.
Brush Duckling breast with Gran Marnier Sauce and continue baking until done. Internal Temperature should be 140 to 150 degrees.

Gran Marnier Sauce
Heat orange juice, orange zest, and sugar. Bring to boil on medium heat. Add Gran Marnier. Turn down to simmer. Thicken with corn starch. Mix with wire wisk until smooth.

Serving
Serve with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Fresh Asparagus

I am varying the recipe by doing a whole duck vs just the breasts.  Should be interesting.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without the WKRP TURKEY DROP.  Enjoy and have a great Holiday Season.

 

 

WKRP Turkey Drop - Watch more Videos at Vodpod.

The Doolittle Raid

I recently saw the below video and it brought me back to my youth.  You see, my father was a big airplane buff.  He grew up during WWII and as a child, he would watch the airplanes training and then flying off to war.  He grew up loving (and instilling in me a love for) history, and I don’t think there was an Air show within 200 miles of us in Indiana we ever missed.  At least once a year, we would go over to the Wright Patterson Air force Museum to see what they added….and this story in particular brings back further memories.

Anyone who even remotely pays attention to US History in High School knows of this raid (if not, read HERE), but what started me searching was seeing those 17 B-25s on the tarmac.  I wanted to know how that compared to the actual raid itself.

 

 

The video is of the recent 68th Reunion of the Doolittle Raiders and consisted of 17 B-25’s, and to my surprise….this was actually one MORE than participated in the raid itself (15 designated and one added at the last minute).  That is just amazing.

I’m sure many of you are wondering why this is on a blog called Smokes and Booze?  I retort….it’s my blog and WHY NOT?

But there is an additional part to the story.

 

In honor of the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo, the citizens of Tucson, Arizona presented a set of 80 sterling goblets to the Raiders following WW II. In turn, they were presented to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs by General Doolittle on behalf of the surviving members of the Raiders for safekeeping and display between reunions.  On 19 April 2006, the memorabilia were transferred to the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

The silver goblets themselves are housed in a special glass-enclosed trophy case.  Each of the goblets has the Airman’s name printed twice, one right side up and the other is upside down, this allows a the names to be read even if the goblet is symbolically turned down at the death of one of the team.  Currently there are only 8 surviving men from the raid. 

The case also contains a bottle of 1896 Hennessy Brandy (the date selected to represent the year of Jimmy Doolittle’s Birth) to be used by the last two remaining Raiders at the last reunion to toast their departed comrades.

These men went through “IT” together….and what a beautiful tribute as they slowly fly off into the sunset.

I know this would have made a great Memorial Day post, but then again….perhaps it isn’t right to only remember our Veterans a few times a year.  I think we should be thinking of them every time we see the flag, hug our children….or in the case of Doolittle’s Raiders, when a plane passes overhead.  These men are true heroes….and I pray that that bottle of brandy stays unopened for many more years.

Raise a glass tonight and think about how 16 Aircraft changed the world, I know I will.

Cheers.

A bad idea no matter what

Ok, I love drinking games and challenges.  They are some of those things that bring groups together and make just an average night in the pub or house party a bit more enjoyable.

From me drinking a Guinness in 5 Seconds (I still say I made it) to the 100 Beers in 100 Hours…..they are all good fun.

BUT, there seems to be an upward trend where amateur hour comes into play……most notably, the 21 shots on your 21st Birthday.

Not only is this stupid (21 x $4 at least = $84 for something you won’t remember), but it can be deadly……as in THIS Case.

While I don’t want to be anyone’s mother and nag……please drink responsibly, especially if you are new (less than 3 years) to drinking.

If you want to do drinking games, stick to Quarters or Beer Pong.

Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey

Yes, you read that right….Cinnamon Whiskey.

Alby was up in Michigan and picked up a bottle of Fireball for me (see, everyone knows I will try anything), so we cracked it open a few nights ago.

First, you gotta love a drink that’s website plays “Fire related” rock music in the background .  Kinda caught me off guard and was fun to jam to some music while checking it out.

 Anyway, the Bottle Presentation is really good.  I particularly like the eye catching Logo, the nice blend of yellows and red on the labeling and honey color of whiskey.

Opening and pouring reveals no whiskey hint to the nose what-so-ever, there is nothing by cinnamon.

The whiskey itself was tried three different ways -

Neat- Sipping wise, I thought initially the cinnamon was overwhelming, but really enjoyed the flavor.  After a few minutes though, you did get the whiskey finish…a very nice aftertaste and smooth burn.

Watered- Did nothing for the drink.  It diluted the flavor of the cinnamon (and that’s the gimmick right?) and totally eliminated the whisky aftertaste.

On Ice- Probably my favorite.  The pairing of the ice and cinnamon created a complex contradiction in your front palette and emphasized the whiskey at the end.  I wouldn’t overdo the ice, because eventually this will melt and you are stuck with the watered version that was a complete waste.

Overall, I would rate this one a B+ as a novelty drink (keep it around for one of those “Check this out” drinks with guests) but only a solid C for general consumption.  If it is a “Whiskey Tasting” night, I think Women would enjoy this more than men, especially with it’s lesser 66% alcohol content….but that is just my opinion.  I know Alby really liked it….so he can post his own comments below.

To be fair, we didn’t try any mixed drinks or cocktails with this one….so maybe next time.

Fireball could however fill the niche for those wanting a little more palatable flavors in their whiskey, a gateway whiskey so to speak, so I do not totally write this one off. 

Meet Laura Hall

Who is Laura Hall you ask?  Laura Hall is the 20 year old woman from the UK who has recently become the first person banned from every Pub in the UK and Wales.  That’s right, EVERY PUB.

This outrageous ruling also bans her from “buying alcohol at any other establishment or shop, carrying it in an unsealed container or drinking it in a public place.”

You gotta be kidding me. 

Her crime?

She was convicted of a series of public order offences, and had blew off similar bans from local pubs and clubs her home town of Bromsgrove, Worcestershire.

Now, I have been to the UK several times, and I really enjoy it…..and I have seen some out of control drunks there too, so either this woman is off the reservation or she is being made example of.  Either way, talk about infringing on someone’s rights. 

I often refer to the UK as a Nanny State, but this time they take the cake.

The Daily Mail Article can be found HERE.

It’s Tax Day

Just though you would like to know how your tax dollars are being spent.

• U.S. Embassy in Germany- spent $555 in December on gratuities that included 15 bottles of Jim Beam bourbon and three dozen coffee mugs.
• U.S. Embassy in Belgium paid more than $5,000 by opting for "red and white wine for Christmas gratuities,"
• The U.S. Consulate in St. Petersburg spent $7,160 on alcoholic beverages for "gratuities for local contacts,"
• U.S. Embassy in Greece last year spent more than $20,000 for "representational liquors for Christmas gratuities."
• US Embassy in India in September of 2008 spent $7,554 for a "supply of alcoholic beverages for gratuities."
• U.S. Embassy in Slovenia last year for "Gratuities: Whiskey Jack Daniel's." – Grand total $3,814
• U.S. Mission to the United Nations in New York bought 106 bottles of Schramsberg Blanc de Blanc wine at $27.99 per bottle for official events.
• And finally…..$41.98, also by the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, for "purchase of two one-liter bottles of Jose Cuervo Clasico Silver Tequila for official events at the U.S. representative's residence."

In total, since 2004, records show alcohol purchases at the State Department a little more than $1 million.  At $200K a year (average), that would have employed matched the average income for an American Home for 4 Families a year.

Happy Tax Day everyone.

Interesting Vid on Cocktail ingredients

 

Thanks to Rex for forwarding over this video. In it, the bartender discusses the legalities of using Raw Egg in drinks and customer infused liquors and bitters.

Personally, I have more faith in a bartender than most cooks in a kitchen….I watch Kitchen Nightmares ;)

Enjoy and post your thoughts below.

The Booze Test

 

Another stolen from Randy’s twitter over at Mysideofthebar. 

This is actually pretty good….two questions actually had me guessing.

Give it a try and post your results in the comments section below.

THE BOOZE TEST

100%ALCOHOLIC

Created by OnePlusYou - Free Online Dating

Watchdog or Booze Whiner…You Decide

I recently ran across an article published by the Marlin Institute (alcohol industry “Watchdog”), in which they point out that the following states have not raised beer taxes in 50 years (or More) : Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

This article goes on to point out that

“This is graphic proof that Big Alcohol lobbying efforts are extremely effective at preventing sound public policy and balanced state budgets,” said Michael Scippa, advocacy director at Marin Institute. “Their well-funded influence peddling is especially effective when coupled with generous campaign contributions.”

Come on people.  This isn’t a watchdog group, but more likely a group promoting temperance. 

Perhaps Beer Taxes haven’t been raised in these states due to the will of the people.  States that think Sin Tax is evil.

Just because there have been no raise of taxes, that doesnt mean the EVIL Beer and Liquor lobby is running the show. 

I’m not an alcohol or tobacco lobby, and I know I totally disagree with any laws that punish me for being a consumer, and that is exactly what this type of legislation accomplishes.  In fact, I am proud that MO is in the 30-40 year range.

A quick review of their WEBSITE show’s their true agenda…..total banning of alchohol.

Programs

• Stop Alcopops – Banning of drinks such as Mikes Hard Lemonade, because it *GASP* is causing children to drink.  What a bunch of shit. 
• Stop Alcoholic Energy Drinks – Hey, I hated JOOZE too, but I shouldn’t be able to dictate a ban.
• Out of Home Advertising - Marin Institute's Charge for Harm campaign aims to hold Big Alcohol accountable for the tremendous harm its products cause. 

Groups like this and MADD strive to impress their moral good upon the people under the auspices of “It’s for the Children”.  Give me a break.  Our son has been around alcohol his entire life, and he is an intelligent child that realizes it is his choice.  We don’t offer, he knows he has to be 21 to drink and when he get’s there….he will make an educated decision. 

Do we really need groups like this in society?  How much is the operating budget of the Marlin Institute?  I bet if you took all these groups and cut their funding, it would have a better impact in the communities.

I guess this is why homebrewing is up…..to keep other peoples morals and taxation aspirations out of my home.

The day….the liquor died

Today is one of those dark days in American history. 

On this day, Jan 29 1919, the 18th Amendment was enacted.

Through groups such the Prohibition Policy and the Women’s Christian Temperance Union (to name a few), and posters such as the one below, several states began going “dry” leading up to the 65th Congress of 1917.  It was there that  the dries outnumbered the wets by 140 to 64 in the Democratic party and 138 to 62 among Republicans, paving the way for an amendment to be ratified by 36 of the 48 states.

So began 14 years of misery, corruption and crime that (IMO) mar the historical landscape of the United States as much as other travesties.

In fact, many of our social problems have been attributed to the Prohibition era.

Mafia groups originally limited their activities to gambling and theft until  the “Roaring 20’s”, when organized bootlegging manifested in response to the effect of Prohibition.

A profitable, often violent, black market for alcohol flourished. Powerful gangs corrupted law enforcement agencies, leading to racketeering. Stronger liquor surged in popularity because its potency made it more profitable to smuggle.

This also brought about what we now today know as NASCAR in the late 30’s, when out of work “Moonshine Runners” migrated to the Daytona Beach.

It further had an impact on breweries, when only 1/2 of the pre-Prohibition Breweries reopened upon ratification of the 21st Amendment.

When will the government learn you cannot invade so deeply into people private lives and try to enforce their values and morals upon them?

It continues today with the “War on Drugs”, a monumental failure that encourages crime, abuse, corruption and strain on federal/state coffers.  Sound familiar?

So, tonight and lift a pint for the poor souls who had to live through this hell.  Luckily, it was repealed and we could go back to being the drunkards we are.

 

PS – as a side note.  I did learn that Laphroig was one of the few scotches that was allowed to be imported.  Due to it’s high peat content, it was thought unpalatable and was prescribed for medicinal purposes.

Put Rumple Minze on the Christmas Tree

As you may know, I have been struggling with bad cold the last week.  I’ve done bourbon, hot toddies and beer to ease the scratching in my throat.   Yes the drink was strictly for medicinal purposes :P.

While walking through my local Mosier’s, I spotted something that looked like fun.  Rumple Minze.

Rumple Minze started at an early age for me…….probably around 7 or 8.  Not with me drinking it, but instead seeing the add in issues of my Dad’s Playboys.  You might recall it, the armored woman on a polar bear.

The Taste Beyond Bold.

As I moved into my teenage years, and started gaming, that image solidified for me what a woman warrior should look like…..on a polar bear.

I didn’t learn what it tasted like until I was at Ft. Devens.  You remember those heady years where you really start to investigate drinking.  I was at a party for our graduating class and we had someone over 21 go into the Class 6 Store.  I wanted Cpt. Morgan’s Spiced Rum (another marketing gem that set my expectations of Pirates) and my friend wanted  “Peppermint Schnapps”.   At the party I tried it, and was immediately hooked on it’s sticky sweetness….the candy cane flavor.   I was still to novice in the ways of hard drinking to realize the advantage of no hangover in the morning too.

Flash forward to me in Germany a few months later.  By then, I was an accomplished drinker……versed in the ways of beer and bourbon.  While I wasn’t an expert on quality, I definitely knew quantity.

In a bar in Germany, I decided to order a Schnapps….I thought, what the hell….I had had it before. 

Let’s just say, German Schnapps is not the candied liquor that Americans drink.  Instead it is gasoline with a little bit of flavor (if you ever had Rocktopus…..you would see colors shimmering on top, just like gasoline in a puddle). 

So, I was now officially OFF the schnapps bandwagon.

Now here we are, 20 years later and nostalgic memories of D&D Erotica, Military Service and a crappy sore throat collide at a rural grocery store in MO.

So how was it?  Nirvana. 

Next year, I am going to find miniature bottles of this to replace the candy canes on the Christmas tree.  They would be more than an adequate substitute.

The smooth taste covers the fact that this is 100 Proof liquor and alcohol has a great soothing effect. 

The peppermint isn't overwhelming and the only way I can describe it is “Candy in a Bottle”.

I wouldn't drink it every day, but it worth the $18 I paid……especially since (as I noted earlier) there was no hangover the next like I normally get from the sweet liquors.