Gazela 2008 Vinho Verde

9% abv, sogrape producer, varietals of loureira, arinto, azal branco

$5.99 at usq (w/30% discount = $4.19)

ok for a vinho verde. i'm not super into them, but this one has the right amount of carbonation. not much in the taste/scent department, but its really just a thirst quencher. suggested serving, 4oC!

postedit: just had it again, properly chilled. WOW. huge difference! sweet, perfect, delicious.

Samuel Adams Oktoberfest

@ lobstravaganza
5.7% abv

nice, its just the choice of flavourings (i swaer i can feel pumpkin in here) doesn't suit me. otherwise, fine balance

Sierra Nevada Anniversary Ale

fall seasonal
@ lobstravaganza
5.9% abv

its good -- nice hops/acidity/spice balance. not a super-heavy beer, not too light either. a good fall seasonal

Johnnie Walker Black Label

40% abv
@ lobstravaganza

quite nice. slightly sweet, well blended
definitely would buy again.

Unibroue Trois Pistoles Dark Ale

@ lobstravaganza @ malte's 9/27/08

9% abv

really quite nice -- thick, slightly sweet, malty, heavy.deserty bread?

Jameson Irish Whiskey

$15/1L at delhi dutyfree airport

best with an ice cube -- splash of water doesn't do much.

semi-artificial vanilla caramel scent, a little too sharp/alcoholic on the nose
but remarkably smooth going down. just the right hint of warm spices, spiciness, and vanilla
really well balanced and tasty... but it just smells so damn bad!!

McClelland Islay Single Malt Scotch

$18.99/750mL @ mvl or warehouse ($32.99/1.75L)

lovely vanilla spice tones
but the taste is missing something. or perhaps adds something; a bit funny in the back end, doesn't wrap together all very well. definitely still drinkable, but not the best adjusted

needs a splash of water to bring out aroma

Man Vintners 2007 Chenin Blanc

Man Vintners 2007 Chenin Blanc

fruity soft apple
not too sharp/acidic on the nose
lots of apple, melon, pretty decent. really tasty, but missing backbone. easy to drink, but nothing too muh else there

$8.99 USQ (w/30% discount = $6.29

white, wine, south africa, chenin blanc, Stellenbosch

Stag's Leap 2005 Merlot

Stag's Leap 2005 Merlot
w/pasta (vodka sauce, peppers, italian sausage) w/ann
~$25-40
13.9% -> wow. that's a big wine

orange ruby red in color
spicy merlot, berry
well balanced, goes down *very* easy
don't know if its worth the price, but its definitely quite delicious

Weingut Freiherr von Schleinitz Pinot Noir Rosé 2007

$14.99 minus 30% discount on USQ = $10.49
12.5% abv
http://www.unionsquarewines.com/r/products/weingut-freiherr-von-schleinitz-pinot-noir-rose-2007?id=wLJS7IYA
its really quite good -- tastes good, feels good, goes with most food. kind of "interesting" tasting too. not too much more notes unfortunately, a little congested in the nose

Codorniu Cava

11.5% abv
brut cava
its just bad. tasteless -- practically SALTY. slightly more palatable once much warmer than fridge temp, but still... nothing to write home about