My version:
1.5 oz. Tequila
.5 oz. fresh lime
.5 oz. Creme De Cassis
Pour each ingrediant over cracked ice, stir. Some recieps call for ginger ale to be added.
If you've ever had a "Shrub" drink, you will like this one.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Brown Anole Lizard
I figured it was time to put an animal on the Modern Hobbit and what better than the good ole' Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei). The Brown Anole is not native to the United States, but has become well established in South Florida. They more than likely migrated via cargo ships importing fruits and veggies from South America. This fellow (probably a female) and a thousand more like it was photographed in my backyard sunning itself on a broad leaf. The brown anole varies in coloration ranging from all browns, to creams, some have stripes, chevrons and triangles along the back. We often watch them clean up the yard of insects including ants, roaches and any other small insect that crosses their path. Harmless and fun to watch, we enjoy their bravado and welcome them.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Johnnie Walker Green
With the current Whiskey/Whisky binge I thought I'd break out my stash of Johnnie Walker Green. Sadly I'm getting close to the bottom and with a $50USD price tag, it may not get replaced. Not because it's not worth it, but there are so many to be tried. Tough life I tell you.
Anyway, JW Green is a vatted malt whisky consisting of a blend of around 15 individual malts, including Talisker (The only distillery on the Isle of Sky, and famous for a salty, high peat content), Cragganmore (a Speyside regional Scotch), Linkwood and Caol Ila(From Islay region with floral and peppery notes). All Johnnie Walker Scotch Whisky is produced in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland. Where it gets confusing is that most Johnnie Walker Scotch is a collection of Single blends from different distileries, its the joining of specific single malts that give each blended Scotch their distinctive flavors.
The taste is very pleasant with the characteristic peaty flavor you should expect from a Scotch Whisky. It is very smooth and has a caramel finish and a pleasant mouth burn. I always enjoy a few ice cubes as most Scotch comes alive with the ice melt. This bottle was a gift and was purchased in a Duty Free store, so the price paid was around $40 making it worthy of purchase. There are more pleasing Scotch whiskys in the $50 range in my humble opinion. It's good, and I'm very glad to have enjoyed drinking it.
Anyway, JW Green is a vatted malt whisky consisting of a blend of around 15 individual malts, including Talisker (The only distillery on the Isle of Sky, and famous for a salty, high peat content), Cragganmore (a Speyside regional Scotch), Linkwood and Caol Ila(From Islay region with floral and peppery notes). All Johnnie Walker Scotch Whisky is produced in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland. Where it gets confusing is that most Johnnie Walker Scotch is a collection of Single blends from different distileries, its the joining of specific single malts that give each blended Scotch their distinctive flavors.
The taste is very pleasant with the characteristic peaty flavor you should expect from a Scotch Whisky. It is very smooth and has a caramel finish and a pleasant mouth burn. I always enjoy a few ice cubes as most Scotch comes alive with the ice melt. This bottle was a gift and was purchased in a Duty Free store, so the price paid was around $40 making it worthy of purchase. There are more pleasing Scotch whiskys in the $50 range in my humble opinion. It's good, and I'm very glad to have enjoyed drinking it.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Irish Whiskey Flight
My loyal readers...(if there are any of you out there), it's time for another Flight of booze. A few months ago I did a tequila flight using the three common Patron versions. Interestingly, it is one of my most viewed blog entries. Well, with St. Patrick's day coming up next month I thought an Irish Whiskey flight was in order.
I'm no expert on Whiskey, but I enjoy them. I drink what I like and that's all I can do is tell you my opinion for what its worth.
The word whiskey is an ancient Gaelic term "uisce beatha", translated as "Water of life". I'm sold already. When refering to Irish Whiskey there is an "E" between the k and y. All other whiskies from any other region is spelled Whisky. With the exception of American Whiskeys, that must use at least one E in the name.
The three Irish Whiskeys in this flight are Kilbeggan, Tullamore Dew, and Powers Gold Label. These are all blended. Most Irish Whiskeys are distilled three times and aged in wooden casks for a period of not less than three years. The Kilbeggan is distilled twice as are all whiskeys distilled at Cooley Distillery.All three use unpeated malt (which makes them sweeter than Scotch Whisky). All cost less than $20USD per .750.
All were tasted using two ice cubes, allowing some water to be added due to ice melt. I usually enjoy tasting this way, as the flavors and aromas seem to come alive as ice melt it added.
Kilbeggan-Medium color, very pleasant aroma, had a nice oakey taste, became very mellow as the ice melted. IMO, it was the most well rounded of this group.
Powers Gold Label-This was the darkest of the three in color, but only slightly. There is a slight medicinal aroma, followed by oak. Of the three the Powers had the most punch of flavor. You just knew you were drinkng Whiskey with this one. It has the characteristic sweet flavor expected from whiskey.
Tullamore Dew- The coolest name by far. It was the most mellow of the three. Almost like drinking water with no bite or punch. Almost to a fault. We felt it had a flat finish. Just not a lot going on in terms of the classic whiskey taste. Don't get me wrong, it's good, but if you want flavor this is not the one for you. If you want to try your first Irish Whiskey, this may be a good starting point.
When we do the next flight, we will try some of the single malt whiskeys.
I'm no expert on Whiskey, but I enjoy them. I drink what I like and that's all I can do is tell you my opinion for what its worth.
The word whiskey is an ancient Gaelic term "uisce beatha", translated as "Water of life". I'm sold already. When refering to Irish Whiskey there is an "E" between the k and y. All other whiskies from any other region is spelled Whisky. With the exception of American Whiskeys, that must use at least one E in the name.
The three Irish Whiskeys in this flight are Kilbeggan, Tullamore Dew, and Powers Gold Label. These are all blended. Most Irish Whiskeys are distilled three times and aged in wooden casks for a period of not less than three years. The Kilbeggan is distilled twice as are all whiskeys distilled at Cooley Distillery.All three use unpeated malt (which makes them sweeter than Scotch Whisky). All cost less than $20USD per .750.
All were tasted using two ice cubes, allowing some water to be added due to ice melt. I usually enjoy tasting this way, as the flavors and aromas seem to come alive as ice melt it added.
Kilbeggan-Medium color, very pleasant aroma, had a nice oakey taste, became very mellow as the ice melted. IMO, it was the most well rounded of this group.
Powers Gold Label-This was the darkest of the three in color, but only slightly. There is a slight medicinal aroma, followed by oak. Of the three the Powers had the most punch of flavor. You just knew you were drinkng Whiskey with this one. It has the characteristic sweet flavor expected from whiskey.
Tullamore Dew- The coolest name by far. It was the most mellow of the three. Almost like drinking water with no bite or punch. Almost to a fault. We felt it had a flat finish. Just not a lot going on in terms of the classic whiskey taste. Don't get me wrong, it's good, but if you want flavor this is not the one for you. If you want to try your first Irish Whiskey, this may be a good starting point.
When we do the next flight, we will try some of the single malt whiskeys.
Monday, February 11, 2008
The Gulf-Mirage M-6
I believe this is the Gulf-Mirage M-6 that raced in 1973. This was one of John Wyers cars in the famous Gulf sponsored livery. JWA raced Ford GT-40's, Porsche 917 and the Mirages using this famous color scheme during the late 1960's and early 70's.
The M-6 was introduced in the eary 70's and were powered by a V8 Ford/Cosworth engin setup that produced 445 horsepower. They raced in the Group 5 Sports Car class (IMSA) and made its first appearance in the 1972 12 Hours of Sebring. Previous versions of the Mirage dated back to the M1 model in 1967. There are only 5 or 6 left today.
The M-6 was introduced in the eary 70's and were powered by a V8 Ford/Cosworth engin setup that produced 445 horsepower. They raced in the Group 5 Sports Car class (IMSA) and made its first appearance in the 1972 12 Hours of Sebring. Previous versions of the Mirage dated back to the M1 model in 1967. There are only 5 or 6 left today.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
FIA GT Championship Sebring Octoberfest 1997
Wow, this is fun digging through old race pics. Here we have the McLaren F1 GTR #020R-BMW V12 powered machine that raced for the first and only time in the US during the Octoberfest FIA GT Championship on October 18, 1997. The race was a 3 hour enduro.
This event was historical as it was the first time many of the FIA GT cars raced in the US.
This team was sponsored by Gulf Team Davidoff (GB) . This car was driven by Pierre-Henri Raphanel (F)/Jean-Marc Gounon (F), and finished 5th (2 laps behind the winner). I remember this race well because it rained the entire time. It was still great seeing these awesome machines zipping by, shooting up their rooster tails.
I'll keep posting pics of this event to show off some of the other great cars that participated.
Cheers.
This event was historical as it was the first time many of the FIA GT cars raced in the US.
This team was sponsored by Gulf Team Davidoff (GB) . This car was driven by Pierre-Henri Raphanel (F)/Jean-Marc Gounon (F), and finished 5th (2 laps behind the winner). I remember this race well because it rained the entire time. It was still great seeing these awesome machines zipping by, shooting up their rooster tails.
I'll keep posting pics of this event to show off some of the other great cars that participated.
Cheers.
Monday, January 28, 2008
12 Hours of Sebring 1979 Porsche 935
This past weekend I was at the 46th running of the 24 Hours of Daytona. Great race as usual and its the kickoff to the 2008 racing season. Now, I'm in race mode much to the Chagrin of the wife. I was digging through some old photos and stumbled on this beauty. This is from the 1979 12 Hours of Sebring and shows the second place overall car of Brian Redman, Paul Miller, and Charles Mendez. The car has just come off of turn 17 and is on the front straight.
Redman was attempting a repeat victory in a Porsche 935 and some slight mechanical problems allowed Bob Akin to take the 1979 victory.
Porsche has long been a dominate marquee in auto racing, and is still the most winning manufacturer at Sebring with 17 overall victories. The 935 was a dominate model in the late 70's and early 80's during the great IMSA days. This photo is a great example of the aerodynamic body work they were experimenting with.
If anyone has stories on this please comment.
I will be posting more vintage photos as I get them scanned.
Redman was attempting a repeat victory in a Porsche 935 and some slight mechanical problems allowed Bob Akin to take the 1979 victory.
Porsche has long been a dominate marquee in auto racing, and is still the most winning manufacturer at Sebring with 17 overall victories. The 935 was a dominate model in the late 70's and early 80's during the great IMSA days. This photo is a great example of the aerodynamic body work they were experimenting with.
If anyone has stories on this please comment.
I will be posting more vintage photos as I get them scanned.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
The Boilermaker
The Boilermaker traditionally is a shot of whiskey, tequila or vodka and a glass of beer. There are many ways to drink the boilermaker. Drinking the shot of liquor and chased by the beer. Pouring the liquor into the glass or the Depth Charge, dropping the shot into the glass of beer causing the carbonation to fizz at a quick rate forcing a quick consumption. Normally I would associate this type of drinking behavior to the college kid or serious bar fly. However, a shot of amaretto gently dropped into a nice quality beer makes for a fine afternoon drink. The 'college' version of this is called a Flaming Dr. Pepper in which the young drunk tops his beer with 151 proof rum and lights it with his trusty zippo. So, give it try and enjoy.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Tiger Milk
Living in South Florida does not allow us the opportunity to enjoy a hot adult beverage very often. Our temps dropped today to a balmy 39F and it was time to try out something warm and yummy.
This recipe comes from Jeff Berrys Sippin Safari must have book. http://www.amazon.com/Beachbum-Berrys-Sippin-Safari-Cocktail/dp/B000TSI2O4
This recipe is a double and contains a batter that you must make.
3 oz. Virgin Island rum- Cruzan dark works great.
2 Tablespoons of Tiger Cream*
6 whole cloves
2 strips of orange peel
8 oz. almost boiling water
Add the rum, cloves, Tiger cream, orange peel and slowly pour the hot water in the mug. I liked using a straw so you are not constantly getting the cloves in your mouth.
*Tiger Cream
This makes a large batch of cream and will last a few weeks in a tupperwear container.
1 stick of soft butter (4oz.)
16 oz. Clover Honey
15 oz. Lopez Coconut Cream
Cream all this gooey mess together and you have one tasty sticky mess.
This recipe comes from Jeff Berrys Sippin Safari must have book. http://www.amazon.com/Beachbum-Berrys-Sippin-Safari-Cocktail/dp/B000TSI2O4
This recipe is a double and contains a batter that you must make.
3 oz. Virgin Island rum- Cruzan dark works great.
2 Tablespoons of Tiger Cream*
6 whole cloves
2 strips of orange peel
8 oz. almost boiling water
Add the rum, cloves, Tiger cream, orange peel and slowly pour the hot water in the mug. I liked using a straw so you are not constantly getting the cloves in your mouth.
*Tiger Cream
This makes a large batch of cream and will last a few weeks in a tupperwear container.
1 stick of soft butter (4oz.)
16 oz. Clover Honey
15 oz. Lopez Coconut Cream
Cream all this gooey mess together and you have one tasty sticky mess.
Honolulu Cocktail
Greetings and Happy New Year. Lets start out with this tasty little number. I know little about the history of the drink so if you know, share it... dig?
3/4 oz. Gin
3/4 oz. Benedictine
3/4 oz. Maraschino*
Stir with ice, strain and serve in a cocktail glass.
Our initial reaction to the drink was complex flavors, but just too sweet. We added a dash or two of bitters and this balanced out the drink for us. We are not sweet drink fans, so if you like em toned down use the bitters. It made for a great aperitif, so one should do you well.
*Maraschino is a clear, relatively dry liqueur made from Marasca cherries, including the crushed pits which give it a subtle bitter almond flavor. The cherries are processed and distilled much like brandy, and later combined with a pure cane syrup before it is aged and filtered.
There are several distillers of this liqueur, but one of the foremost brands are produced by the Italian company Luxardo.
Maraschino liqueur should not be confused with the juice from Maraschino cherries or other cherry liqueurs, that are both much sweeter.
3/4 oz. Gin
3/4 oz. Benedictine
3/4 oz. Maraschino*
Stir with ice, strain and serve in a cocktail glass.
Our initial reaction to the drink was complex flavors, but just too sweet. We added a dash or two of bitters and this balanced out the drink for us. We are not sweet drink fans, so if you like em toned down use the bitters. It made for a great aperitif, so one should do you well.
*Maraschino is a clear, relatively dry liqueur made from Marasca cherries, including the crushed pits which give it a subtle bitter almond flavor. The cherries are processed and distilled much like brandy, and later combined with a pure cane syrup before it is aged and filtered.
There are several distillers of this liqueur, but one of the foremost brands are produced by the Italian company Luxardo.
Maraschino liqueur should not be confused with the juice from Maraschino cherries or other cherry liqueurs, that are both much sweeter.
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