Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009

Tastings: Weekly wine, beer and spirits reviews

- Kishmir India Pale Ale, Highland Brewing Co., Asheville, N.C., 5.6 percent alcohol, $7 six pack

What a beautiful hazy apricot color and sweet malt aroma this beer has as you pour it into the glass. The flavors blend together and are not overpowering. Flavors of caramel and orange peel with layers of hops and malt flow together. The bitterness was in check with the smooth body. This beer would work well with Asian dishes or subtle grilled menus.

- 2008 Big House Red, California $12

This wine is a blend of varietals, such as Syrah, Grenache, Tannat, Mourvedre, Sangiovesse and Barbera. The flavors are big and powerful, yet harmonious and well structured.

A great nose full of dark ripe berries with a hint of spice leads into a full body emphasizing the dark fruit with hints of oak. The finish is lush and soft. It has subtle and balanced hints of the different grapes.

This wine is a chameleon; it pairs well with a variety of entrees. We enjoyed it with roasted pork loin in a light jerk sauce. The Caribbean flavors brought out different elements of the wine. This wine could also be enjoyed with a variety of medium flavored cheeses. Your menu options are endless because the flavors in this wine give you lots of latitude.

- Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka, South Carolina, 70 Proof, $20 750 ml

This is a great product made in South Carolina with tea grown on the coast. When mixed with water according to the recipe on the back, it tastes just as good as my mom's sweet tea. You can barely taste the vodka, and when you add a slice of lemon, you've got yourself some true-tasting Southern sweet tea with a big kick. Keep in mind is that this vodka is easy-drinking and can sneak up on you, so drink in moderation.

NOTE: FOR A LIST OF UPCOMING WINES TO BE REVIEWED, E-MAIL ADVANCE@WINETALK.ORG.

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