A new premium-quality potato vodka infused with a savory bacon flavor. Distilled from Idaho potatoes and possessing a perfect hint of peppery bacon flavor. $30. More info at Bakon Vodka.
Libation
5
Mar 10
TY KU White Sake
Handmade using traditional Japanese brewing techniques and the finest ingredients — pristine water sourced from the Oirase River in Northern Japan, Yamada Nishiki rice, handmade koji, and proprietary yeast strains is a high-end, Daiginjo-rated sake that’s sure to liven up your next sushi dinner. Brewing of the White stuff is overseen by legendary sakemaster Yoishio Koizumi. More info at TryTYKU. ($150)
15
Feb 10
Sake
Depending on the brewing methods and the level of rice milling, the Tokutei Meishoshu classification categorizes different kinds of sake.
Honjozo
Rice must be polished for at least 30%. Distillate alcohol is added at the end of the fermentation process. The addition of alcohol has been done by brewers for ages, to decrease the costs of production and make a lighter taste and a stronger perfume. The Honjozo style is dry and soft at the same time. It is a good candidate for warm sake.
Junmai
This is a pure rice wine, without any alcohol added. Rice must be milled for at least 30%. Junmai refers to pure sake in the sense that nothing is added after the process. It has a rich body and is a little bit more acidic than other sakes. Junmai is to be drank chilled or warm, depending on your own taste.
Genshu
Genshu refers to sake without any adjunction of water. Adjunction of water is done to control the degree of alcohol and the final taste of the sake. In the case of Genshu, magic operates only by the fermentation of rice, underlining the high level of knowledge of Toji for production of great sakes.
Ginjo
Rice is polished at least 40%. Without alcohol added, it is called Junmai-Ginjo. The higher degree of rice milling requires special brewing conditions: a lower fermentation temperature and special yeasts must be added. Ginjo is more complex to access than other sakes. It has a light taste, slightly perfumed and very complex. One may drink Ginjo chilled or at room temperature.
Daiginjo
At least 50% of rice milling is necessary (might reach 75% for some sakes). Alcohol can be added (Daiginjo) or not (Junmai-Daiginjo). Daiginjo means Great Ginjo. It is brewed with special attention, in the complete respect of purest traditions. He is the favourite product of Kura and considered as best sake in Japan. As well as for a great wine, its price can often reach very high levels. Daiginjo has a light and fruity taste. It is to be served chilled or at room temperature. However, it is necessary to be connoisseur to appreciate a Daiginjo to its real value.
Namazake
This special denomination can be combined with all the sake kinds described previously. It means that the sake has not been pasteurised. There is something fresh and alive in this type of sake. It may be drank quickly, and must be kept in a cold room to avoid reactivating the enzymes that could trigger again the fermentation process.
Information originally found at Midorinoshima.
8
Feb 10
Leather Vessels from Hardwick Leather Goods
Pure medieval awesomeness. Pocket flask only $35! The 2 Qt (pictured above) is only $110! In love. Find ‘em at Hardwick Leather Goods.
8
Jan 10
Graf-Lantz The Quiver
Next time you’re heading out to the park, an early spring shore visit or just relaxing in the comfort of her patio use the Quiver to bring along a bottle of wine. Working just like a koozie the Quiver will keep you bottle chilled in it’s 5mm thick merion felt and vegetable tanned leather strap and details. The belts will tighten down to fit any size bottle (no boxed wine here) and will store completely flat. $130 from Fitzsu.
8
Jan 10
Johnnie Walker Blue Label King George V Edition Whisky
Renowned distillers John Walker & Sons have unveiled their latest, ultra-deluxe whisky blend, the Blue Label King George V Edition – named for the King who awarded the company a Royal Warrant to supply his Household with Scotch. This handcrafted blend is made using original, historical techniques, and only whiskies from distilleries operating during King George’s reign have been selected, including a rare whisky from the now-defunct Port Ellen distillery. As with the famed Blue Label blend, the King George V Edition’s unique flavor contains a delicate balance of peatiness, smoke, and lighter aromatic fruit flavors from a variety of oak casks. Lucky Asian connoisseurs will be the first to sample this exquisite blend – available through selected outlets on a strict allocation basis only – which comes in a silk-lined presentation box, making it perfect as an extra-special gift. $400.
8
Jan 10
Johnnie Walker Black Label 100
It just so happens that Johnnie Walker Black Label is turning 100 this year, and that is certainly cause for celebration. Since its launch in 1909, the Black Label has become a name synonymous with quality and refinement; it’s an iconic brand, to say the least. To commemorate the centennial, Johnnie Walker is breaking out his pimp stick and taking his game to a whole new level. At present, the brand is offering an opulent all black, limited-edition, gold-embossed, 100th anniversary square bottle just for the occasion. You can get one too for a very reasonable $50. Check with your local purveyor of finer spirits for availability. More info at Johnnie’s Website.
8
Jan 10
Cognac/Brandy Warmer & Glass
Ah, brandy, the drink of connoisseurs. It is only right and proper that such a warming, medicinal, aromatic liqueur should be enjoyed in the most upstanding of environments. In times of yore, the temperature of the hand was used to warm the glass, releasing the brandy fumes that give the drink its added excellence. Now, all you need is this silver plated brandy warmer, which comes complete with its own top quality brandy glass! Simply light the provided tealight and place it in the glass cradle under in the frame, then place your brandy glass over the top to heat it appropriately. $15 at DrinkStuff.