Sebago Bourbon Barrel Aged Lake Trout Stout

This is a rather interesting product; it’s a beer I’ve tried before but has now gone through an evolution. I enjoy their original Lake Trout Stout however; Sebago Brewing Company has experimented with a small batch of Woodford Reserve Bourbon barrels and this is a homerun. I sure hope they make this a standard in their lineup because…

The appearance of this brew is obviously a stout, opaque with a creamy head. After pouring this delicious beer, I start to use my other sense’s, the head has fantastic hints of barley, chocolate and vanilla, not too sharp but with a ‘rounded bourbon-esque’ power. Once the beer enters your mouth the specialty malts assert themselves, the special cask ageing shows its effect with an overtone of chocolate, coffee, and undertone of vanilla. The cask aging then plays through showing great hint’s of Bourbon.

I haven’t hesitated to give this an A (excellent) due to the symmetry and collaboration of the barrel aging with the stout. Anybody who enjoys a good stout will be enchanted by this. So grab it if you see it, you won’t regret it.

Santa Carolina Reserva Sauvignon Blanc '09

With the warm and humid weather it was time for a light crisp wine. After a quick vote from who knew wine, sauvignon blanc beat pinot grigio. Picking the label was left completely to me though. I'm a fan of Chilean cabernets, so I decided to explore the opposite end of the grape spectrum. Santa Carolina's Reserva is up.

As I soon found the green hue in the wine might've been real. The nose displayed a mineral note with the expected citrus fruit such as grapefruit. After a sip lime took the scene for the rest of the experience. The dry crisp parallels lime-juice, but it's not overly puckering somehow. In an long aftertaste the grapefruit tone comes back a little.

This sauvignon blanc is exactly what's needed on a muggy day. Based on its taste I think it would go excellent with a caesar salad too. I don't have a preference for sauvignon blanc but this one is getting a B (good) for its balance in strong but easily bearable citrus dry.

Twinings Prince of Wales

It's tea time and I'm introducing my first Twinings product, the Prince of Wales. Twinings is an older company than any other tea company I've reviewed, but I've noticed that the loose options of some of there teas are a newer choice. Twinings is catching on to the popularity of the whole leaf, lets see if they have a competitive product:

The tin claims it's "a smooth and mild taste with a well-rounded character". The nose has a calm robustness somewhat like a breakfast tea, but once in the mouth the container proves its point. It reminds me of some Darjeeling tea but with a bigger body and more placid palate. There's a light aftertaste as well that's just a faint note of the Chinese black tea.

Prince of Wales is appropriately named because this tea would fit perfectly in a tea party. It goes well with cream and sugar if desired and it's taste parallel's the amiable setting. I'm leaving it with a C (decent) because it doesn't have higher levels of taste.

Otter Creek Copper Ale

Has anyone noticed my geography with breweries? Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine are my microbrewery states. Today I’m expanding my horizons to Vermont with Otter Creek’s flagship Copper Ale. Let’s see how the last state of New England compares to the rest:

Before tasting I’d swear this would be an IPA. It pours a crisp and hoppy head while showing a color only slightly darker than a real IPA. Taking a drink is when you’re brought to the malts and yeast though. Hops is still very noticeable in the way of a classic IPA, not the newer bluntly crisp ones. When buying don’t forget that malts are a big part of the palate.

This is a versatile beer with its use of malts and hops. I’m giving it a B (good) and think it would be a great alternative to the light summer ales. Don’t think that Vermont is inferior to other states though, I know Otter Creak has some excellent brews.

Saranac Ginger Beer

Ginger beer is a largely unappreciated drink. Little does the general population know that this classic concoction is a key to many cocktails, settles your stomach and makes ginger ale taste weak. I’ve reviewed a few others before, but today Saranac’s drink is on the line. Before opening the bottle I must note the price of a six pack is the same as a four pack of other ginger beers, a better deal.

I have a theory on why Saranac can sell cheaper though; they aren’t as intense as others. I’m not saying this ginger beer should be labeled a ginger ale though, it’s just easier to drink. There’s still the tingle on your tongue and the ginger snap aftertaste. This difference in consistency can be seen as well, it’s not a little opaque like other ginger beers I’ve had.

Saranac’s Ginger Beer has proven to be the best choice for making concoctions, but I’m reviewing the product alone. I give it a good solid B (good) and I know others would prefer this one over others due to its ease. If you haven’t had ginger beer before, this is a good one to start with.

Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream

St Patrick’s day is coming up (also my birthday)! So I think it’s time I get on top of some Irish choices, don’t you? Many simply refer Irish cream to Bailey’s, but little do they know there are much cheaper alternatives that I find acceptable. If you have the budget to spend $25 on a bottle of the name brand, fine. If you’re like me and want to explore while saving some money, here’s Saint Brendan’s.

Like a glass of milk, there is no smell or aroma to Saint Brendan’s. So straight to the palate. I might prefer this over Bailey’s due to a composure with more distinctive elements that aren’t a prime flavor like Bailey’s caramel or mint. Caramel is a big part of the palate though, and it works great with the dairy cream that’s heavier than Bailey’s. It’s not as smooth however, but I don’t think it’s such a bad thing: The nip at the aftertaste almost works as a counterpart to the heavy cream, so you don’t feel like your throat has a layer of mucus.

So I approve and give it a B (good). I’ll make sure that some will be left for the 18th so I can put some in my coffee for a creamer. Here’s a good robust cocktail to enjoy the 17th with and keep you up for the night, Irish Coffee:
• 2 oz Irish Whiskey
• 2 oz Irish Cream
• Strong black coffee
• Sugar to taste
Layer the cream on top of the spiked coffee on the back of a spoon. To do it right you must keep the tip on the edge of the glass and top of the liquid. Don’t stir and sip it through the cream.

The Maté Factor Green Tea Ginseng

The Maté Factor has created a product with three super-duper healthy factors; green tea, maté and ginseng. You’re not a health nut if you don’t see the benefits of this. I don’t drink this just for my health though, I enjoy it. So if you’re interested read on and find out why I do.

Green maté is the prime trait in the smell and taste, “planty-green”. The green tea comes out through the body and aftertaste though; it gives it a bolder body and a vegetable quality. I’m guessing that the tea used is a sencha due to those attributes. I’m not sure that ginseng has a taste, but I can feel the effect.

With only a taste perspective The Maté Factor’s Green Tea Ginseng is a B (good). I would like to note the convenience of it though: You don’t need to steep maté in hot water, you can steep it cold. When I lack time in the morning, I put two bags in a thermos with a touch of honey and I have a nice boost when I need it.