My Life On The Rocks

Damn! My favorite little neighborhood watering hole in Portland, Free House Bar on NE 13th & Fremont, appears to be out of business. The sign is gone, and there is paper over the windows announcing “Closed for Remodeling, Under New Management”. What a shame. I loved that place.

Next week I’m off to the Portugese island of Madeira to study Madeira wines. I should have some great new pieces when I get back. Until then, check my twitter or my new home over at www.WhiskedFoodie.com for my latest writing!

Knob Creek is one of my favorite bourbons, and the bourbon of choice among a lot of the chefs I know, and this year they are offering unique and stylish customized holiday labels for free. The one caveat is that today is the last day to submit them in time for the holidays. But what a great gift idea. I know I’d love to receive a bottle or two this year. Anyway, check out www.knobcreek.com/labels by the end of the day to create your own personalized Knob Creek Holiday Label for the perfect stocking stuffer.

The truth is, I’m not a huge vodka drinker. Sure, I can enjoy a really well made vodka, but most of them are just smoke and mirrors, trying to hide their flaws through tons and tons of filtration. Luckily, I do know a thing or two about spirits (even vodka) and I’m pretty good at seeing through the marketing hype to identify the best of the best and help you find the perfect bottle for the holidays this year. Without further ado, here are the 5 vodkas that deserve serious consideration for your holiday gift giving.

Absolut Vodka- Some things are just classics. Rich and creamy, this vodka is the perfect choice for a vodka martini, and yet versatile enough to mix well with whatever else you might throw at it. I always keep a bottle of Absolut on hand for Bloody Marys, vodka Martinis and Moscow Mules. Buy this for- your boss who drinks vodka martinis or your douchey friend who drinks overpriced vodka and doesn’t know any better.

Absolut Citron Vodka- I hate flavored vodkas. I really do. Except Absolut, the originator of the flavored vodka category with the first release of Citron. While all of Absolut’s flavors are clean and genuine (and don’t feature flavors like purple, marshmallow or cotton candy), Citron remains the best of the best. With a clean, citrus flavor, eminent mixability and a great price point, a bottle of Absolut Citron will be greeted with a smile this season. Buy this for- Your friend who drinks vodka sodas with a twist, anyone who appreciates Lemondrops and those that live in cold weather climates that would appreciate the bright flavor of Citron during the gray winter days.

Karlsson’s Gold Vodka- Most potato vodkas are so filtered that the base flavor is nonexistent. Not so with Karlsson’s. The flavor is mind-blowing and a must try for any serious vodka afficionado. Perhaps best consumed on the rocks, and maybe with a twist, this is a vodka to open people’s eyes to the possibilities of vodka. Buy this for- Your father in law who drinks vodka rocks, those who appreciate the finer things in life and that friend of yours who has horrid taste in everything. A person should have good taste in at least one thing and Karlsson’s Gold is a good place to start.

Dry Fly Washington Wheat Vodka- What Karlsson’s is to potato vodka, Dry Fly is to wheat. Made from grain grown just miles from the distillery, this Washington state vodka will convert even the most ardent vodka snob. Buy this for-  Doctors, lawyers, judges and politicians. Oh, and people you like too. This is pretty damn good craft vodka, not neutral grain spirit that was bought, cut, filtered and sold to consumers for an exorbitant amount of money, Dry Fly is one of the few “craft” distillers that actually make their vodka from scratch.

Alchemia Ginger Infused Polish Vodka- While the people at Galliano probably won’t be too happy when they see the Alchemia vodka bottle, this is an impressive Polish vodka with a great ginger bite. Try this one in a Moscow Mule or mixed with apple cider for an outstanding drink. Alchemia makes chocolate and  wild cherry versions too (untasted, although I am eager to), which may warrant a look. Buy this for- Your fashion obsessed friend who will appreciate the design of both the bottle and the vodka inside. Or your friend who works in finance and sucks down vodka sodas like he’s the second coming of Bernie Madoff. Ginger settles the stomach and in this market, buy him a few extra bottles. He might need them soon.

Absolut Citron-

Fruitcake is one of those things that gets a bad rap. Creepy candied fruits in colors not found in nature definitely don’t help the reputation of fruitcake, but a good fruitcake can be a relatively easy thing to make for the holidays and a pleasant surprise for those not experienced with the pleasures of fruitcake. The keys to good fruitcake are pretty simple, good quality fruits and nuts, and good quality liquor. While some fruitcake recipes call for a combination of liquors, from cognac to whiskey to liqueurs, I prefer to use a good quality rum like Brugal anejo so that the flavors don’t become muddied. Be warned, this recipe will make the best fruitcake you’ve ever had, but you’ll probably need to pick up at least 2 bottles of Brugal anejo in order to make these fruitcakes. Maybe just pick up 3 and enjoy the third bottle with some Brugal anejo rum fruitcake at Christmas dinner this year. The key is to feed the fruitcakes rum every 2 to 3 days to keep them moist and help let the flavors get to know each other.

Brugal Anejo Rum Fruitcake Recipe

yields 2 fruitcakes

Ingredients

• 2 c Brugal anejo rum plus additional for feeding the fruitcakes
• 2 c currants
• 2 c raisins
• 1 c dried cherries
• 1 c dried blueberries
• 1 c dried cranberries
• 1 c dried apricots, chopped
• zest of 2 lemons
• zest of 2 oranges
• approximately 1/2 bag, Ginger Chimes (ginger chews), chopped
• 2 c brown sugar
• 2 1/2 sticks butter
• 2 c good apple cider
• 1 tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp ground allspice
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 4 eggs
• 3 1/2 c flour
• 3 tsp salt
• 1 c toasted pecans

Directions

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
• In a large bowl, combine all fruits, ginger chimes, zests and Brugal rum and stir to combine. Cover and let stand overnight.
• Add fruit and liquid mixture to a medium saucepan. Add brown sugar, apple cider and spices. Bring to a boil stirring frequently and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Remove from heat and let come to room temperature.
• Combine all dry ingredients.
• Stir dry ingredients into fruit mixture quicklywith a wooden spoon.
• Fold in eggs one at a time until incorporated.
• Fold in pecans.
• Spread batter evenly between two greased or nonstick 10 in loaf pans.
• Bake for approximately 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let cool on a baking rack before removing fruitcakes.
• Every 2-3 days, feed the fruitcake with additional Brugal anejo rum (approximately 2 oz per cake) by brushing the cake with rum to allow the rum to be absorbed.

I don’t usually find new liqueurs terribly interesting, but the new Kahlua Cinnamon Spice is a great addition to anyone’s liquor cabinet. Reminiscent of my favorite coffee drink in Mexico, Cafe de Olla, Kahlua Cinnamon Spice takes the classic Kahlua coffee base and adds cinnamon, cloves and brown sugar to create a spirit that is literally Christmas in a glass. In fact, it inspired me so much that I created this delicious eggnog recipe to showcase just how versatile Kahlua Cinnamon Spice truly can be. This recipe yields eight 4oz portions, but feel free to double or triple the recipe for your holiday parties this year. Trust me, you’ve got to try this one.

Kahlua Cinnamon Spice Holiday Eggnog

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 6 oz  granulated sugar
• 1 tsp freshly-grated nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp allspice
• 1/8 tsp clove
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 oz Martell VSOP cognac
• 2 oz Kahlua Cinnamon Spice liqueur
• 4 oz Jameson Irish whiskey
• 12 oz whole milk
• 8 oz heavy cream

Preparation:

1. In a mixer fitted with a whip attachment or a blender, blend the eggs for 1 minute.
2. Add sugar and spices and blend for an additional 30 seconds to incorporate.
3. Slowly add the cognac, Kahlua and Jameson, blend another 30 seconds.
4. Add the milk and cream and blend 1 minute more. Cover and refrigerate.

This recipe is better made a day ahead to allow the flavors to combine.

To serve, portion 4 oz of eggnog in a  teacup, grate fresh nutmeg or cinnamon over the top (optional) and serve.

Those of you that know me well know I have two great loves. Wine and spirits. I’m always amazed at the differences between the two worlds. With spirits, I love the camaraderie, the openness and the approachability of people. Go to BourbonFest or visit the Jameson or Midleton distilleries in Ireland and you’ll see what I’m talking about. The wine world is different though. I love winemakers, I love wine and I love the whole learning process. Unfortunately, about 1 in every 8 people I meet in the world of wine is a complete dickhead. I’ve never understood the snobbery surrounding wine, and to be quite frank, the best thing about wine for me is being able to share that experience with others. So its one of my missions in life to make wine far more accessible to people and reduce the stress and tension around something as simple as fermented grape juice. Of course, my other mission in the world of wine is to torture wine snobs as much as I can. Sorry, it may not sound like a noble mission, but goddamnit its mine.

Anyway, on to the good stuff. Later this month, Wine Riot is happening in Brooklyn and its exactly what the wine world needs. A dose of reality and approachability designed to let people enjoy wine in a cool environment. And, its 250 wines! On to the press release! Wish I could be there but I’ve got prior commitments. Still, I’d love to hear how this event goes and Portland definintely could use a Wine Riot. Just remember, don’t be a dickhead about wine and have fun at this event people.

Second Glass Starts Wine Riot in NYC!Brooklyn, Get Ready to Riot!

After three years of selling out events in Boston, Wine Riot is rolling into NYC at the Skylight One Hanson in Brooklyn on September 23rd and 24th to bring the most unpretentious wine event to the young people of New York. Second Glass’s Wine Riot is not your parents wine tasting event! Wine Riot offerings will include: One Price. Limitless Drinks: The ticket price includes unlimited samplings of the 250 different wines at the event. Second Glass Mobile App: This app allows you to mark the wines with “Like it” or “Love it” on your phone so you’ll actually remember what you drank the morning after.Photo Booth: After a couple hours of cruising the wine booths, the idea of putting on a silly hat and posing for the camera with your friends will sound brilliant. Wine Riot Intelligence Unit: Keep an eye out for the people in the bright green t-shirts marked “Wine Expert” and ask them any and all questions about the wine(s) you’re drinking.

 Food Pairings: What’s wine tasting without pairings? Munch on Luke’s Lobster (for a few extra bucks), Cabot Cheese, Taza Chocolate and more.  We have you covered in the education department as well, with free, 20-minute Crash Course Wine Seminars. Get the inside scoop straight from the winemaker, Gloria Ferrer, who’s flying in just for the New York Riot! By the end of the Riot, you will walk out with a new list of favorite wines all stored on your phone and perhaps a new neck tattoo! We don’t think your parents can say that about their trip to Napa.  Ticket Information: Prices for Wine Riot are only $50 – $60! For tickets visit: http://secondglass.com/wineriot/new-york-2011/. 

 About Second Glass
 Second Glass helps people discover new wines, remember what they drink and share that info with their friends. We bring wineries and wine drinkers together through technology and in-person events across the nation. Second Glass develops online and mobile tools for both wine consumers and wine producers. We host Wine Riot, a huge, innovative and interactive wine event in five cities across the US. Second Glass makes wine easier to understand and even more fun to enjoy, all with the goal of getting people to drink more wine. Visit secondglass.com to see what it’s all about.

The Jupiter Hotel in Portland is again hosting the finest food and spirits festival in Portland, Indulge, to benefit p:ear. This will be the 3rd year of the event, and its on Thursday, 9/22/11 from 5:30-9 (or whenever you personally decide to call it a night. Somehow, I seem to think I’ll end up at Rum Club after this event).

If you aren’t familiar with p:ear, well, long story short, that group is amazing in what they do for homeless youth in the community. Check out this link for more info.

Check out the new additions to this years Indulge lineup!

• Food Cart Land: The Jupiter’s DreamBOX will be transformed into Food Cart Land with five local food carts.
• Wine on the Patio: The firepit and patio will showcase over six wineries and delicious desserts to pair with your sips.
• The Photo Lounge: Commemorate the meal with a unique photo booth capturing those spontaneous photos and sending attendees away with an instantaneous souvenir.
• Indulge Overnight Package: Sip and savor into the wee hours without worry! Stay overnight at the Jupiter Hotel with the special Indulge Overnight Package- a 25% discount on any room at the Jupiter. Crash in a Metro, Lobu, or Deuce room, or claim the DreamSUITE as an exclusive after-party site. To learn more about the special package, visit http://ow.ly/5NU34 , and find yourself just a few steps from your bed when the party wraps up.

• Expanded Seating: The driveway will be open for attendees to mingle, socialize and rest between indulging.

And of course, here are the restaurants and distilleries making this event the food and drink event of the year;

Laurelhurst Market – Beaker & Flask

Genoa – Accanto 
Olympic Provisions – Screen Door 
Broder – Doug Fir

Spints - Tabla

Cheese Bar – Bakery Bar

Sizzle Pie – Lardo

Shut Up and Eat – Hot Pink Taco

Whiffies – Tamale Boy

Deco Distilling- House Spirits

New Deal Distillery – Oregon Spirit Distillers

Stone Barn Brandyworks

Burnside Brewing – Ninkasi

Double Mountain Brewery
Lucky Labrador
Dumas Station – Durant

Carabella – K Vintners

Charles Smith Wines – Charles & Charles

Water Avenue Coffee – Voss

Last but not least, the presenting sponsor is Fred Meyer. Its good to see a big company step up to the plate in these tough economic times and contribute to the community. Plenty of companies are closing their checkbooks right now so its admirable to see Fred Meyer continuing to commit to bettering our local community. Now if they’d either bring back the plastic bags or upgrade their totally shitty paper ones I’d be over the moon.

You can buy tickets here and there are even early bird tickets left if you buy within the next 48 hours. Either way, the tickets are fairly priced and this is sure to be a great event. Hope to see you there!

As if we didn’t know this already. Anyway, a verbatim press release from the fine folks at the Distilled Spirits Council of the US.

A new study by the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirms that moderate alcohol consumption is one of four healthy lifestyle behaviors that help people live longer.  According to the CDC, the four lifestyle behaviors were: having never smoked, eating a healthy diet, getting regular physical activity, and moderate alcohol consumption.  Each was “significantly associated with a reduced risk of mortality.” The CDC researchers concluded that these low-risk lifestyle behaviors, “exert a powerful and beneficial effect on mortality.”   Additionally, the CDC press release about the study stated:  “This study adds to the mounting evidence of the substantial gain in life associated with healthy behaviors, and underscores the need for the clinical and public health communities to work together to promote greater adoption of these behaviors.”     The CDC study, “Low Risk Lifestyle Behaviors and All-Cause Mortality: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III Mortality Study,” was published recently online in the American Journal of Public Health.  Researchers analyzed data from 16,958 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III Mortality Study from 1988 to 2006. The researchers found that each lifestyle behavior was significant in reducing mortality, and found that the greatest benefit was when moderate alcohol consumption was included with the other three lifestyle behaviors. The researchers stated, “using a sample of the U.S. population, we showed that 4 low-risk behaviors exerted a powerful protective effect on mortality and several cause-specific categories of mortality.”  They cited a number of studies reporting potential health benefits associated with moderate alcohol consumption including reduced all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.  The researchers also cited “the well-documented harm caused by excessive alcohol use.”  The study authors pointed to the recommendations of the Federal 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which defines moderate drinking as consuming up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.  The Guidelines define a standard drink as 1.5 fluid ounces of 80-proof (40% alcohol) distilled spirits, 5 fluid ounces of wine (12% alcohol), or 12 fluid ounces of regular beer (5% alcohol).  Each of these standard drinks contains 0.6 fluid ounces of alcohol.  The Distilled Spirits Council does not recommend that people drink alcohol for potential health benefits and have always encouraged those adults who choose to drink to do so responsibly and in moderation.  Even drinking in moderation may pose health risks to some people and some individuals should not drink at all.

So many of you know I’m as much of a wine guy as I am a spirits guy. One of the great challenges with wine is how to preserve an opened bottle of wine for consumption later. I’ve tried sprays and pumps and other weird little tricks, but I have to say that I’ve never been terribly happy with the results. Well, not until now. I received a sample of the Wine Doctor Intelli-Stopper expecting it to be just another poor way to preserve wine. Imagine my delight when I found a product that actually works and works well. Here is the thing. It is essentially the same thing as most pump systems, except that someone has cleverly created a gauge on the plug that shows just how well the seal is working. The result? Well, first, you make sure you pump enough air out of the wine to begin (a bigger problem than most people imagine) and second, the gauge tells you when you need to repump. Even better, the plug actually holds well. I’ve got a bottle holding at 10 days + that hasn’t given any indication of needing to be repumped. I’ll taste it once I see the red seep into the gauge and report back my findings. In the meantime, I honestly have to highly recommend this product for both wine professionals as well as just those who enjoy wine. Its a great product and well worth the price tag.