Tasty Libation Thread!!!

[RonClinton]

I agree, it is a set of lighter wines (and dups), which holds little appeal for me, if they, in fact, were to change their shipping moratorium for WA.

[Martin]

Actually, never mind, I see this posted at the website:

This product can only be shipped to Alaska, California, Florida, Idaho, Louisiana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington DC, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

...which leaves me out.

Ah well. Maybe just as well...unlike your spirits box, it looks like they only offer four different offerings in that box.

I did not know they were not licensed to ship alcohol products into Washington. I also was unaware that there were duplicates in the box. I know I have tried a cab truffle in one of their shops but the set does not have one. It does make sense since cab grapes are knot grown in the Willamette valley. When I try them I will need to just go to a shop and pick the ones I want to try. I am much more interested in the bolder wines which do not come from the WIllamette valley. If they offered a Walla Walla or Rogue valley set that would be right up my alley.

[RonClinton]

Actually, never mind, I see this posted at the website:

This product can only be shipped to Alaska, California, Florida, Idaho, Louisiana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington DC, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

...which leaves me out.

Ah well. Maybe just as well...unlike your spirits box, it looks like they only offer four different offerings in that box.

[Martin]

For what it’s worth, I’ve tried beer truffles several times before — including some rather fancy ones from Theo’s Chocolates in Fremont — and with a rare exception or two, I find I don’t really care for them. Beer/ale simply doesn’t pair with chocolate in the same agreeable manner as spirits and wine do.

If you ever do that Willamette Valley Winery Collection, let me know and I’ll pick up a box as well and we can compare tasting notes.

The beer truffles do not really appeal to me. I believe they are much smaller and that does appeal to me. I will let you know when I am planning on the wine tasting.

[RonClinton]

For what it’s worth, I’ve tried beer truffles several times before — including some rather fancy ones from Theo’s Chocolates in Fremont — and with a rare exception or two, I find I don’t really care for them. Beer/ale simply doesn’t pair with chocolate in the same agreeable manner as spirits and wine do.

If you ever do that Willamette Valley Winery Collection, let me know and I’ll pick up a box as well and we can compare tasting notes.

[Martin]

Never heard of a marionberry. Learn something new everyday.

That is a valid point. I am not sure how accessible Marionberries are outside the Northwest. If I remember correctly it is a blackberry hybrid with multiple types of Blackberry and raspberry plants used to produce it. It was developed long ago at, I believe Oregon State University, and is named for the county most of them were grown. It is basically a large blackberry with a sweeter taste and a hint of raspberry. They have a relatively short season but I buy them whenever they are available fresh.

[Ben Staad]

Never heard of a marionberry. Learn something new everyday.

[Martin]

The marionberrry would’ve been my chosen favorite even before tasting any of them...good to hear my instincts would’ve been proven correct.

That one was fantastic!

The last one was my least favorite. The Glacier Limoncello had a strong alcohol flavor and a very distinct alcohol burn. Unfortunately the alcohol completely overpowers the lemon leaving just a hint of flavor. Only a 1 Star. At some point I am going to do this with either the Northwest Brewers Collection or the Willamette Valley Winery Collection. I have tried a couple of the wine truffes and they are very good. I have not yet tried any of the Brewers truffles. Neither of those have the artistry of the Distillers truffles.

[RonClinton]

The marionberrry would’ve been my chosen favorite even before tasting any of them...good to hear my instincts would’ve been proven correct.

[Martin]

The Rose City Marionberry Vodka truffle is absolute perfection. First off if I did not know it had alcohol I would never have guessed that it contained any. Frist taste is an incredibly accurate marionberry flavor the the creamy chocolate comes into play. The only hint of alcohol is a very gentle warming in your mouth. There is no alcohol burn at all. Absolute 5 star!

Rose City Marionberry Vodka.JPG

I will finish with the Glacier Limoncello.

[Ben Staad]

Yum. Sounds good.

[Martin]

So I have had three more of the Moonstruck distillers truffles that have had not been interested in trying for a while. Decided to knock those out this week. First up was the Bull Run Distillers Temperance Bourbon.
I have never tried Bull Run before but will try it if I get a chance based on this one. Bourbon is my drink of choice and that is a good thing with this one. It is very Bourbon forward but not in a bad way. The first thing you taste is Bourbon and then the smooth chocolate settles in. The Bourbon flavor is strong but over powering and it never reaches the point of alcohol burn. Have to admit that I may like this one better than the Dead Guy Whiskey truffle. Easy 5 of 5 stars.

Next up will be Rose City Marionberry Vodka.
Bull Run Temperance Bourbon.JPG

[TacomaDiver]

Weird now it shows in stock at the Denver location for $40 ... may have to check the place I usually go to. Maybe I looked at the wrong price...

[TacomaDiver]

I can justify $50... but spirits are not eligible for shipping to Colorado. Damn.

Ninkasi has some really good stouts. If you like malty you should try their Sleigh’r. Definitely not hoppy.

[Martin]

Since I'm now in Colorado, I don't see as many Oregon beers as I once did. As far as Oregon goes, I think Ninkasi is still my favorite of the bunch, but we have so many new Colorado beers to try that I rarely get any of the stuff I used to. In fact, I totally missed out on having any of Ninkasi's Sleigh'r this winter. For shame!

Craft spirits are always going to be higher than the mass produced stuff, so Rogue being pricier isn't a surprise. What is a surprise is seeing that a 750ml bottle of Dead Guy whiskey being $75 and higher.

$75 is a dramatic markup. Total Wine and More near me has it for $49.99. I have seen it for a little less at some other retailers. I mention this one because they may ship to Colorado if you are interested. Rogue Dead Guy Whiskey | Total Wine & More

I have tried two Ninkasi beers. They were so hop heavy it tasted like I was eating hops. I am not a big beer guy and these were not pleasant for me. No clue about their other offerings.