alphaiii

1. Blue Hen 2. Rain 3. Pearl 4. Belvedere 5. Kustkova

I just bought a bottle of Marie Brizzard Apry tonight for my dad for Father's Day. The store I got it from has had at least one bottle on the shelf all but maybe 2 times (that I've noticed) that I've been there since I moved to Baltimore last Aug. Since I've been there so many times, and it is almost always on the shelf, I assume they stock it regularly, in which case there must still be a US importer. That, or there is a decent stockpile in MD or at this particular store.

I recommend either a snifter or, better yet, a Riedel Overture tequila glass. Since I imagine you probably don't have the latter just lying around, I think a small snifter is your best bet.

Updated List, with tequila split into 2 categories, b/c it's hard to pick reposado vs. blanco/silver - it depends on the mood I'm in. REPOSADO TEQUILA 1. Casa Noble Reposado 2. El Tesoro Reposado 3. Don Julio Reposado or Cabo Wabo Reposado - it's a toss up BLANCO/SILVER TEQUILA 1. El Tesoro Platinum 2. Casa Noble Crystal 3. Herradura Silver VODKA 1. Pearl 2. Kutskova 3. Van Hoo BOURBON 1. Eagle Rare Single Barrel 10 Year 2. Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year 3. Michter's US1 Small Batch Unblended American Whiskey (technically not bourbon, and maybe a suprising choice, but a real nice change of pace when I want something light on oak that still has plenty of flavor) GIN 1. Tanqueray No. Ten 2. Beefeater 3. Broker's As you can see, my tastes change a little here and there. It's amazing how you recall something after trying it only once, and how much that opinion can change when you try it a few more times.

I think you have some good choices. I'm a fan of Belvedere and Tito's vodkas, and a big fan of El Tesoro Platinum. And while not my favorites, I think Knob Creek and Evan Williams Single Barrel are both quality bourbons. I keep eyeing up Sailor Jerry, but haven't bought it yet since I don't drink much rum. I don't have any in the cabinet now though so maybe I should pick up a bottle. I have yet to hear anyone say anything bad about it. That reminds me, maybe I should update my list sometime, since I've tried quite a few new drinks lately.

OK, I tried Dogfish Head Midas Touch Golden Elixir tonight. I am a big fan of some of Dogfish brews, especially the 60 Min IPA. So I figured this would probably be a good brew as well, and for $10 for 4 of them, I really hoped it would be. DAMN WAS I WRONG. This stuff is just awful. I don't even know how it can be considered an ale. I don't even know how to describe it other than plain terrible. So much for this pleasing an IPA drinker as the Dogfish website claims. What a waste of $10. I could've gotten a 6 pack of so many good brews for less than that price. I basically paid $10 to take 2 sips of one of the worst tasting liquids I've ever tried. OK, rant over. I'm just so irritated I wasted my money. So supposedly, according to the Dogfish site, this stuff ages well for up to a year. I guess I will leave it sit in the cabinet for a few months and then re-try it. If it's still this awful, I will have another swearing fit for good measure.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051116/ap_on_bi_ge/beer_battle I say...WHO CARES?....Neither beer has much taste.

Then you're not too far from one of the best microbrews in the country (IMO) - Kalamazoo Brewing Company (Bell's). I envy you. Since I've moved to MD I don't have access to Bell's microbrews anymore - they don't distribute here. Their Two-Hearted Ale may be the best IPA I've had. The Double Cream Stout, Pale Ale, and Kalamazoo Stout are also really good brews. I haven't had an opportunity to try some of the others, but I am guessing they are quality brews as well.

I was out to dinner at a nice Mexican restaurant tonight and had the opportunity to try Casa Noble Crystal (a silver) and Reposado - so of course I didn't pass it up, and I drank some tequila. All I can say is WOW!. I am so impressed with these tequilas. Incredibly smooth without sacrificing any flavor. I have to say I'm a little partial to reposados in general, and there is no exception here. But the silver is damn good too. If you enjoy good tequila and ever have a chance to try these - do so. You won't be disappointed. On a side note, I also tried Herradura Silver, which was suprisingly good (I wasn't overly impressed with the Herradura reposado). It's just as flavorful as the Casa Noble, but not as smooth. Knowing I can get the Herradura as low as $26 a bottle, it may become a new staple in my house. Unfortunately for me, pressures of grad school exams kept me from sampling alot of the others I saw sitting behind the bar....calling my name....

To be honest, I don't know. I've only lived here for a few months now. I actually think the South Side of Pittsburgh (especially along Carson St.) has more bars than Fell's Point, but I could be wrong on that. It may just seem that way because I haven't explored all of Fell's yet. Either way, there are definitely a lot of bars.

Last night I took a trip to Duclaw Brewery (Fell's Point in Baltimore) for their Barleywine release. First, I had the old standby, Bad Moon Porter. I really enjoy this brew. Then I tried the seasonal Barleywine, called Devil's Milk. At 11.5% this stuff is potent, but if is fruity (I swear I taste raspberry) and hoppy. It's not real bitter like an IPA, but has that fresh hops taste. Overall I think it's a damn good brew. I better be careful around this one. Before ending the night I also tried the Twisted Kilt, which is a Scotch Ale. I was not a fan of this one at all. Way too sweet for my liking. If any of you live in or near Baltimore, I'd suggest taking a trip to one of the Duclaw restaurants sometime. Now is a good time of year because they still have the Mad Bishop Oktoberfest on tap and the Devil's Milk was just released so it should be around for a bit before they run out. As for the staple brews, the Bad Moon Porter and Venon Pale Ale (they should just call it an IPA) are both really good brews.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I'll make the dressing with the marinade ingredients. jack, good point on the cheese. I didn't really think of that. No need to add more cheese flavors to the meal. As for the steak, I love strip steaks but I know she's a fan of filet, so I'm gonna stick with that. I'll skip on the marinade for that and go for one of the compound butters listed here. I've never done a compound butter before. Anything I need to keep in mind when preparing it so I don't mess it up? I'll probably opt for one of the simpler ones. I appreciate the recipe Ling, but that might be a bit much for me, especially if you think the recipe is "fussy."

The plan is to cook a meal for the little lady. Now I am by no means a chef, but I think I can handle cooking a decent meal. Seared Yellow-Fin Tuna over Baby Spinach and Arugula Leaves Garlic Cheddar Mashed Red Potatoes (skin on) Grilled Asparagus Filet Mignon And to drink: Pinot Noir, 2002 Waterstone (recommended by the staff at The Wine Source in Baltimore) I am planning to marinate the Tuna in the following (I actually found this here somewhere in this forum): Extra Virgin Olive Oil Minced Garlic Soy Sauce Coarse Black Pepper Fresh Lime Juice I need a suggestion for a dressing to put on the tuna/greens. I was thinking a Vinaigrette: Red Wine and Olive Oil, Raspberry Walnut, or Balsalmic. Not really sure which would fit best. Also, what would you marinate the Filet in? I have some of the store mixes, the Grill Mates stuff. I like the Montreal Steak kind, but for some reason a package mix doesn't seem to to do all this effort justice. If it were just for me, I'd just use the package stuff, but that's because I'm not picky. Filet is good just about any way you do it, unless of course you burn the hell out of it. Another idea was to scratch the marinate altogether and brush the filet with olive oil and grill it, then melt some gorgonzola cheese over it (if I can find it at my store). Any suggestions for the kitchen novice will be appreciated.

LOL. The only reason I ask was because I've read posts by some users at another forum and the general thought (although not everyone thought this) was that the Old Rip Van Winkle 15 was better than the new Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 15 bottling. Apparantly, ORVW came from a different distillery than that of the PVW.

Did you try the new bottling - the Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year Old - or the Old Rip Van Winkle 15 Year Old version?

I've had Bushmills and Jameson and I wasnt a huge fan. Maybe I should give Irish Whiskey another shot and try the Redbreast. As for your question Alchemist, I live in Baltimore. I have been to one bar that has a reasonable whiskey selection - Brewer's Art - but I don't recall seeing most of what I listed.

Here's a list of whiskies I'd like to try. There are obviously others I'd like to try, but would never spend the money for. Since there are few bars I know of with good bourbon/rye selections, I'd most likely have to buy by the bottle. Bourbons: W.L. Weller 19 Year Old (if I can ever find it, and depending on price) Eagle Rare Single Barrel 17 Year Old Van Winkle Family Reserve 15 Year Old Elijah Craig Single Barrel 18 Year Old Michter's Unblended American Whiskey (ok technically not bourbon) Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Rye: A.H. Hirsch Selection 13 Year Old Van Winkle Family Reserve 13 Year Old Michter's US-1 Straight Rye To give you an idea of my tastes, Eagle Rare Single Barrel 10 Year Old is easily my favorite bourbon so far. I like the Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old alot too though. If cost wasn't considered, it'd be my 2nd favorite. Others I like are Buffalo Trace, Knob Creek, Evan Williams Single Barrel, and Elijah Craig 12 Year Old. I've never had rye before, but I'd definitely like to try it. So what would you recommend from my list, or maybe something I should have included, keeping in my that cost is a limiting factor for me? The Hirsch, Weller, and Eagle Rare 17 are kind of out of my price range, but I can splurge ever once in a long while.

The Cabo Wabo brand takes a lot of bashing, but I am a huge fan of the reposado and its still my first choice. I should note that, while I praised Chinaco reposado earlier in this thread, its less and less appealing the last few times I've drank it. I have no idea why I thought it was so good when I first tried it, but that sure changed. My top 3 reposados are still Cabo, El Tesoro and Don Julio. I've never had your 2nd choice, or seen it anywhere for that matter. If I see it somewhere I'll have to try it. I'm also getting into blancos. El Tesoro Platinum is incredible tequila, and Don Eduardo impressed me alot too. Can't wait to try the Casa Noble Crystal!

Isn't Torres Gran Orange a cognac/brandy based liqueur like GranGala and Grand Marnier?

I thought that might be the case. Cointreau is so damn expensive though, and I can't find Marie B. triple sec where I live now. I thought making an orange liqueur might be a decent alternative, but I may have to pass on that idea.

Well I may need to reevaluate this idea a little since if I just add simple syrup after the infusion it will cut the proof down.

I'd like to make some orange liqueur to use in margaritas. I was planning to follow the Katie's "recipe" used to make Orangecello, but using both sweet and bitter oranges. I plan to use Seville oranges for bitterness, if I can find them. As for sweet oranges, I could use suggestions. My favorite for eating are Minneola Tangelos. What other types would work well - Blood, Naval, Clemetine, Dancy Tangerine? Naval and Tangelos are easiest for me to find, at least right now - I gather that Blood oranges, Clementines, and tangerines aren't in season right now. So what have you had the most success with?

I figured I'd update the list. VODKA 1. Pearl 2. Kutskova 3. Turi The Kutskova is very smooth, and a great value (at least where I live). It's more neutral than Pearl or Turi, but sometimes the less "flavorful" vodka is a nice change. I like the higher viscosity of Kutskova over Turi. I still have yet to try a vodka that I think makes a better martini than Pearl. TEQUILA 1. El Tesoro Platinum (I'm really liking this unaged tequila - great texture and taste) 2. Cabo Wabo Reposado 3. El Tesoro Reposado The more I drink the Chinaco Reposado the less I like it. It seems too dry or something. It doesn't have the nice texture and smoothness of El Tesoro tequilas, or the sweetness to accompany the pepper like Cabo has. Another tequila I've that has been growing on me is Don Julio Reposado. On the other hand, Corazon reposado, like Chinaco reposado, is becoming less and less enjoyable to me. BOURBON 1. Eagle Rare Single Barrel 10 Yr 2. Elijah Craig 12 Yr 3. Evan Williams Single Barrel Van Winkle Family Reserve and Buffalo Trace are still near the top, but value wise, Elijah 12 and Evan SB are hard to beat. Eagle Rare is still my favorite though, for taste and value. Its so nice to find quality bourbons I like all under $17 (considering the sales). GIN 1. Bombay Original 2. Broker's 3. Beefeater Tanq. Ten still my favorite straight up, but in a Gin & Tonic, I am growing more fond of the more assertive juniper flavor. Ten is just a little covered up, and it seems like a waste of money to drown it in tonic. On the other hand, traditional Tanqueray still does not taste good to me. For some reason, I just don't like it. I bumped the Bombay over the Broker's because it seems a little less bitter to me. Both are good though, and it really comes down to a matter of cost. I have managed to find multiple types and brands I really enjoy all under $20 (excluding tequila, which is expensive, not way to get around it). Who says all the good stuff has to cost alot?

Only 3 or 4?? There is no way I could limit myself to that. I would say you have to try these: El Tesoro Platinum Casa Noble Crystal Casa Noble Reposado El Tesoro Anejo No I have not tried any of the Casa Noble line yet, but they have such an outstanding reputatio that I couldn't imagine passing them up. I didn't recommend the Casa Noble Anejo because I think the El Tesoro is really a must try. As for the El Tesoro tequilas I mentioned, they are, IMO, the best of their respective categories out of all the tequilas I've tried. My new favorite reposado is Chinaco, and I'd recommend that over any other reposados I've tried. BTW, I am extremely jealous.

Herradura silver has been my favorite for years. I was toying with switching to some other brand, due to the price increases. However, I've read they are a responsible company and believe I will continue to support them. Mexican owned, bottled, and farmed. Sauza Hornitos used to be a favorite; but, I don't like the new packaging of the Sauza brands or billboard advertising campaigns I see for them here in San Francisco. They just changed hands in a massive transaction between several international conglomerates, and I think are now owned by Pernod Ricard. My next liquor purchase is going to be Herradura's 92 proof blanco. Wheee! -Erik ← I don't like Hornitos much, and I would take 1800 Silver over it any day. So far, I'm unimpressed with everything I've tried from the Sauza line. The 3G Reposado is OK, but there are many better reposados in that price range. The Herradura Silver is very reasonably priced in Montgomery County Maryland (where I'll be moving near in less than a month) when on sale - 25.99. At that price I think I may just have to try it.