Wednesday, Nov. 04, 2009

Spirits breakdown

LIQUOR

Crystal Head Vodka

Canada, 80 proof $49 750ml

The legend goes like this: Thousands of years ago, 13 crystal heads scattered around the Earth were greater and more powerful than anything we have the ability to manufacture today. Their workmanship is perfect. They contain no tool marks and have been cut against the natural axis of the crystals. Some say they are artifacts from the lost civilization of Atlantis, and some say they date back to the Mayans. Whatever you believe, this is a terrific vodka that makes for a great tasting experience. Each sip is clean and leaves no burn, with subtle hints of creaminess and minerality. It's very good vodka that exhibits its quality in each sip, in addition to making a terrific display for the bar with the crystal skull.

BEER

Brooklyn Brewery

Post Road Pumpkin Ale

New York, $8 6 pack

This beer provides a nice balance of spice and pumpkin notes with maltiness, allowing each flavor to shine on its own. The aromas are terrific with allspice and fresh pumpkin notes, almost that smell when you are pulling the seeds out before you carve a pumpkin. The flavors are perfect, not overpowering, with a perfect blend of hops and bitterness. This beer is a terrific seasonal that would go great with holiday meals or on its own.

WINE

2008 Alamos Torrontes

Argentina, $13

This is a grape that has been getting more recognition in the past 10 years, and it is the basis of one of the main white wines from Argentina. The aromatics are terrific with layers of jasmine, honeysuckle and fresh cantaloupe exploding as soon as the wine hits the glass. The flavors have a subtle sweetness and loads of fruit notes. By sweetness I do not mean a sugar sweetness but a fresh fruit sweetness. It was like having a fruit cocktail with melon, peaches and apricots in each sip and a clean crisp finish. We enjoyed this wine with spicy Asian cuisine, and the spice was tamed by the fruit notes.