shellylh

That is what I figured. Haven't seen Beer Wars yet.

There are a lot of states with ridiculous beer laws. For example, in Texas Brewpubs are not allowed to distribute at ALL. So you can either distribute or have a Brewpub but not both... stupid. "Brewpubs are not allowed to distribute (self or otherwise) in Texas. Shipping breweries can self-distribute if they manufacture less than 75,000 bbls of beer per year. You need a manufacturer's license in Texas to make "beer" defined as less than 4% ABW. You need a brewer's permit to make "ale" defined as more than 4% ABW. The 75,000 bbls is calculated as total "beer" and "ale"." Funny but this law seems to be so anti small business...strange coming from a small business loving red state.

That recipe looks better than what I made (which I didn't end up finishing). Decided that I needed another bottle of non-Islay scotch so I picked up a bottle of Glenmorangie 10yr... having a wee dram right now. I prefer the Islay scotches but it is good to have a bit of variety.

*Anvil* Next up: Daisy (bourbon) I had a heck of a time finding a recipe for a "Daisy" containing the ingredients that Anvil lists (bourbon, yellow chartreuse, lemon, lime). I found some recipes with similar ingredients and made some adjustments. The drink (at least how I made it) isn't bad, just isn't that good in my opinion, oh well. 2 oz Wild Turkey Rare Breed (barrel proof) bourbon 1/2 oz green Chartreuse 1/4 oz lime juice 1/4 oz lemon juice Just check the list and I still have 32 to go.

Good stuff Marc and Al. Yes, I also like Manhattan variations! Also, Jim that looks fantastic! *Anvil* Milk Punch I like, so did my hubby so this is a keeper. Didn't have whole milk so I use 3/4 2% milk and 1/4 half and half instead. 1 oz Camus VSOP Cognac 1/2 oz Gosling Black Seal Rum 2 tsp Agave nectar (sub for simple syrup) 1/4 tsp vanilla extract 3 oz 2% milk 1 oz half and half sprinkle with ground nutmeg on top

That is a lot of ..... ummm..... foam. Note to self: don't get the urge to make homemade gomme.

That is too bad. Seems to always be on sale at the local place here. Perhaps I should pick up a few bottles before they raise they price. By the way Marc, let me know if you want me to pick something up for you. Don't know if you are in Houston much but it shouldn't be too hard to ship something your way if you cannot pick it up.

*Anvil* East India Cocktail Seems that there are two variations (one with raspberry syrup and one with pineapple gomme/syrup... the Anvil list calls for pineapple gomme). I didn't have any pineapple syrup/gomme so I made one with raspberry syrup and one with pineapple juice (but doubled the amount of juice). Both good but I prefer the one with raspberry syrup - that is just how I roll. 3/2 oz Cerbois VSOP Armagnac 1/4 oz Monin Raspberry syrup (drink 1) or 1/2 oz pineapple juice (drink2) 1 dash Angostura bitters 1/2 tsp Senor Curacao 1/2 tsp Luxardo Maraschino liqueur

Hard to find in Houston except in Fall. Probably quite difficult to get in Austin. I actually like the Vintage Bourbon 17yr much better, it is easier to find here, and it is around the same price point.

That is scary, welcome back Joe!

Yuck.

So what is the word on the Russell's Reserve? Hehe, I am imagining you with three flask at the T-Ball game, one for each drink.

Coming right up. Time for me to battle the Wray and Nephew. Following Marc's advice, I decided to use it in a Knickerbocker. I think it was a good decision. This rum sure does have kick and a distinctive flavor but it works really well here. Knickerbocker 2 oz Wray & Nephew overproof rum 1/2 oz Senor Curacao 1/2 oz Monin Raspberry Syrup 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice 1 orange slice

Mmmmmm, red beans and rice.

I read the title.

Haven't tried it but since it is made by Wild Turkey, it is probably good. Yeah, no good Al. What do you want faxed?

Yeah, that looks like a good starter W&N.

Here's what Specs downtown currently has. http://www.specsonline.com/cgi-bin/search?keyword=bourbon&Category=Entire+Store|...|All+Items Depending on your definition of "good," I would go with Parker's 27yr (ok... maybe not for mixing at $188 but sure is damn tasty) Parker's Golden Anniversary (haven't tried and probably not so good for mixing at $142) Ok... now I will be serious. I have been mixing with Vintage Bourbon 17yr and I really like it. It lists for $63 but it usually on sale for around $50. For slightly cheaper, you could go with Wild Turkey Rare Breed (barrel proof) or Eagle Rare 10yr. Oooh, I see that they have Thomas Handy and William Larue Weller Bourbon in right now... gotta pick me up another bottle of each. I can pick you up some if you want Marc (if they don't have them where you are). And, you should get a bottle of WLW!

Hehe

Eagle Rare 17yr - goes down smooth

Toasted Head Cabernet - pretty good for the low price

Al, so sorry to hear about all the bad luck and especially about your mother. I am sending you a triple dose of positive thoughts. Hope your mom gets better soon.

*Anvil* Next up: Dulchin My first Pisco drink. Kinda reminds me a bit of a margarita except sweeter and not as good. [i think I need to start scaling back on the Apricot brandy/liqueur in drinks.] Despite all its shortcomings, it disappeared very quickly. 2 oz Cesar Pisco 1 oz R&W Apricot Liqueur 1 oz Lime Juice 2 tsp Grand Marnier 1 tsp Grenadine Cheers to Al! Happy Birthday cocktail buddy!

*Anvil* Before dinner - a very small Opera cocktail I didn't think that I would like this one but it was surprisingly good. 2/3 oz Blue Coat gin 1/6 oz Luxardo Maraschino 1/6 oz Dubonnet Squeeze a orange peel on top (added after picture was taken)

Nice smoke ring!