• Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
Site Logo
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Services
    • Brand Development
    • Beverage consulting
    • Video Production
  • Contact
    • Wine Reviews
    • Wines

    Finca Abril | Alhambra Reserva Malbec 2018

    Today we are reviewing Finca Abril, Alhambra Reserva 2018, a fresh, fruity and bright Malbec from the Uco Valley, Mendoza region of Argentina. About the wine: Country of origin: Argentina Production…

    Read More

Instagram

Today’s cocktail is….. The Manhattan! 🥃 Th Today’s cocktail is….. The Manhattan! 🥃

The Manhattan is a classic cocktail that is believed to have originated in New York City in the late 1800s and that is traditionally made with rye whisky, sweet vermouth, and a dash of bitters.

The combination of sweet and spicy flavors from the vermouth and bitters, along with the smoothness of the whisky, create a perfectly balanced and delicious cocktail.

Over the years, bartenders have added their own twists to the Manhattan, experimenting with different types of whisky, bitters, and garnishes. Some even substitute the rye whisky for bourbon or add a cherry for an extra touch of sweetness.

Whether you're a whisky connoisseur or a cocktail aficionado, the Manhattan is a classic drink that is worth experiencing.

The Recipe: 
- 2 oz rye whiskey or bourbon
- 1 oz sweet vermouth 
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Maraschino cherry (for garnish)

Fill a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with ice. Add the rye whiskey or bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters. Stir the mixture with a bar spoon until it's well chilled (about 20-30 seconds). Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a twist of orange peel.

 #Manhattan #CocktailClassics #WhiskyLover #Cheers #Imbibe #SpiritedSomm #Potd #cocktails
🌿🍸 🐰 Happy Easter…and international Gin 🌿🍸 🐰 Happy Easter…and international Gin & Tonic Day! 🍸🌿 🐣
 
As one of the oldest and simplest cocktails to make, the Gin & Tonic is known around the world and is definitely a staple in many home bars! 
 
From the Gin you pick to the mixer you use, there is plenty of room for experimentation and it makes it one of the most surprising and fun-to-play-with cocktails! 
 
While my usual go-to is a 3:1 mix of The Botanist and London Essence (light, refreshing yet letting the Gin shine through) with a simple lime wheel as garnish, today I am going with a @ladistilleriecastan & Elderflower @fevertree_usa with cucumber & rosemary garnishes!
 
Definitely unique and it might very well become one of my new favorites versions! 
 
What’s your favorite go-to? 

 
 

#Easter #HappyEaster #Gin #GinAndTonicDay #Cocktail  #CraftCocktails #Cocktailoftheday #Imbibe #CocktailRecipe #instagood #cocktailsofinstagram #cheers #drinkup #cocktailtime
With an average price tag of $130, our Cognac of t With an average price tag of $130, our Cognac of the month is definitely not an everyday sip, but rather a pretty unique treat! 🥃

Paul Beau Hors d'Age - a Grande Champagne Cognac aged for 20-25 years - is a luxurious and complex spirit with a rich and beautiful amber color that shines through the glass.

On the nose, it offers intense aromas of dried fruit, spices, vanilla and wood, complemented by subtle floral notes. 

The palate is full-bodied and smooth, with flavors of caramel, toffee, and roasted nuts. Great balance of sweet and spice followed by a long and satisfying finish that lingers on the palate.

This Cognac is truly exceptional and ultimately provides an amazing value considering the quality and both the work and time that went into producing it! 

#Cognac #GrandeChampagne #Neat #PaulBeauCognac #CognacUSA #Imbibe
New York 🗽 you're amazing, but I can't help dre New York 🗽 you're amazing, but I can't help dreaming about escaping for a little while and wandering around the beautiful vineyards of Saint-Emilion again! 

The rolling hills, the vineyards, the small villages and of course the wine, it's like stepping into a postcard… 💭😌

#Bordeaux #Wine ##saintémilion #homecoming #spiritedsomm #somm #sommelier #sommlife #potd #imbibegram #thirsty #vines #drinkup #imbibe #landscape #spring
🍷 Today’s spotlight is on Domaine de la Charb 🍷 Today’s spotlight is on Domaine de la Charbonnière, a Rhône Valley wine producer (mostly known for its amazing Châteauneuf du Pape) that makes make some brilliant Vacqueyras. I recently got to try their 2020 vintage, and it was amazing! Here are my tasting notes: 

Domaine de la Charbonnière, Vacqueyras, 2020

Sight 👁 : Intense ruby color with purple reflections. The wine has a medium+ staining and medium tearing.

Nose 👃🏻 : The nose is intense and complex with aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry and dark cherry. There are also hints of violets, lavender and thyme. A subtle smoky note and a touch of oak from the aging completes the nose.

Palate 👄 : The palate is rich and full-bodied with ripe dark fruit flavors of blackberry, black cherry and plum. There are also some subtle notes of chocolate, spices and herbs. The tannins are firm, but well integrated, and the acidity is refreshing. The wine has a long, complex finish.

Conclusion: The 2020 Domaine de la Charbonnière is a rich and complex wine that offers a great expression of the Vacqueyras terroir. The wine is well-balanced with a great structure, and it will age gracefully for several years. It is a great choice for wine enthusiasts who enjoy full-bodied, rich and complex wines! 

#Rhone #Vacqueyras #RhoneValley #Wine #NewYork #Syrah #Grenache #Tasting #Somm #Sommelier #WineNotes #TastingNotes #FrenchWine #France
🌸 Spring has arrived, and what a better way to 🌸 Spring has arrived, and what a better way to celebrate it than with a refreshing homemade Collins-style cocktail! ☀️ 

Collins cocktails are similar to sours in that they contain a spirit, citrus, and sugar, but the addition of carbonated water gives them a longer and more refreshing taste, making it the perfect drink for spring!

This one is a personal take on the Tom Collins, and I find it absolutely perfect to celebrate the beginning of Spring. 

The Recipe: 
- 2 oz Gin (I used @ladistilleriecastan)
- 3/4 oz Thai Basil syrup (recipe below)
- 3/4 oz Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- Club Soda 
- Lemon peel & garden herbs for garnish (I used Thai Basil)

Combine all ingredients but the soda in a shaker and shake for 10-15 seconds. Strain into 10-ounce highball glass over a large ice cube. Top with soda and garnish with fresh garden herbs and a lemon peel.

To make Thai Basil syrup: Combine 2 cups of Thai basil with 1 cup granulated cane sugar and 1 cup water in a pot. Stir on light heat until sugar is fully dissolved. Place into an airtight container and refrigerate for about a week. 

Cheers to the season! 🌸🍹 

#CollinsStyle #RefreshingDrinks #Mixology #CheersToSpring #easter  #cocktail  #eastercocktail  #drink  #instadrink  #gin #gincocktail  #potd  #imbibe  #thirsty  #potd #spiritedsomm  #bar  #barlife  #spring  #springcocktail  #cocktails #flowers  #eastersay  #eggwhitecocktail  #brooklyn  #newyork #lemon
🍀🍺 Happy St Patrick’s Day 🍺🍀

There’s nothing quite like the creamy and smooth taste of Ireland's most famous beer to celebrate St. Patrick’s day, no matter where you are!

You’ll have to be patient before you get to indulge in it though, as it takes 119.5 Seconds to pour the perfect Guinness!

Trust me, it’s all worth it 😋

#StPatricksDay #SaintPatricks #StPatricks #Irish #Guinness #IrishBeer #StoutBeer #Cheers #DrinkUp #BeerLovers #Sommelier #SpiritedSomm
What’s better than a good old Malbec 🍷and a c What’s better than a good old Malbec 🍷and a cheese 🧀& charcuterie plate to celebrate #MalbecWorldDay ?

Well in my opinion… not much (especially in these times of home confinement 😷)! So tonight, we are treating ourselves with a good old pairing starring a nice 2018 Malbec from @bodegafincaabril, located in the Uco Valley in Mendoza, Argentina.

I picked up this bottle earlier today at my local wine store @brooklynwinot for $15 and honestly, it is definitely worth every penny! 
What have you been drinking today?

For this wine, here are my tasting notes:

Finca Abril, Alhambra Reserva Malbec 2018 | Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina 
Sight 👁 : Deep, dark purple color with a bright purple rim variation. Medium + staining with medium + tearing.

Nose 👃🏻 : Moderate intensity with a dominant nose of ripe blueberries and blackberries, followed by aromas of jammed black cherries. I also get a faint nose of green peppercorns and light notes of oak, but nothing crazy.

Palate 👄 :Bright, young and fruity at first, the palate definitely matches the nose. Dominant aromas of ripe raspberries, blueberries and cherries with light green and earthy notes in the back. Some notes of oak as well. Pretty well balanced with medium acidity, soft tannins and medium + alcohol. Lighter body with a medium finish.

Conclusion:  Fresh, fruity and bright, this wine is a great entry level Malbec that definitely delivers value. It is easy drinking and super accessible at every level. I would definitely recommend! 
#Wine #Malbec #MalbecWorldDay #MalbecArgentino #MalbecDay #Mendoza #TastingNotes #WinePairing 
#Cheese #Charcuterie #Stayathome #NewYork #confinement
Conveniently falling on January 1st, #NationalBloo Conveniently falling on January 1st, #NationalBloodyMaryDay comes right in time for both those who celebrated the New Year more than they should have and those who want to start the new decade on a fresh & tasty note! 🍅🥕
.
Whether you have decided to start the year on a dry note or not, I feel like the Bloody Mary - or its non-alcoholic alternative -  is just the perfect go to drink as it provides both the taste of a great cocktail and the feeling of rejuvenation.

While I personally didn’t have Vodka in mine, I surely enjoyed the taste and array of small bites that came with it!

The Recipe:
.
* 2 oz Vodka (omit for a non-alcoholic version)
* 4 oz Tomato juice (I particularly love V8 Original)
* 1/4 oz Lemon Juice
* 2 dashes Tabasco sauce
* 2 tsp Horseradish
* 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
* Ground black pepper (One pinch)
* Celery salt (One pinch)
* Garlic powder (One pinch)
* Onion powder (One pinch)
* Black pepper (One pinch)
* Smoked paprika (One pinch) *If you have the time to make this in advance, try infusing the mixture with fresh basil leaves wrapped in cheese cloth the night before for an extra flare!

Instructions:

For the rim (if desired):
On a small plate, mix the black pepper, celery salt and smoked paprika together
Rub the lemon on the outer edge of a pint glass and roll it into the small plate until rim is fully coated with the spices

For the cocktail:
* Fill a collins glass or pint glass with ice and pour in the Vodka
* Stir in the tomato juice, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, smoked Paprika and Tabasco
* Garnish with a celery stalk, green olives skewer, lime wedge, pickle or any other topping you want (bacon, steamed shrimp, beef sliders,...) and Voila!

Whether you’re going for a classic or a virgin (do let me know in comments!), celebrate National Bloody Mary Day and enjoy the taste of a great drink to celebrate the new decade!

Cheers! 🍾🥂
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Recent Posts

  • Cocktail Recipe | Thai Basil Collins
  • DBR | Château Rieussec 2010
  • Seasonal infusions: Figs & Cognac
  • Grape Infographic: Chardonnay
  • Grape Infographic: Sauvignon Blanc

Categories

  • Cocktail Recipes
  • Cocktails
  • Grape 101
  • Grape Infographic
  • Grape Profiles
  • Infusions
  • Spirits
  • Wine Reviews
  • Wines
Today’s cocktail is….. The Manhattan! 🥃 Th Today’s cocktail is….. The Manhattan! 🥃

The Manhattan is a classic cocktail that is believed to have originated in New York City in the late 1800s and that is traditionally made with rye whisky, sweet vermouth, and a dash of bitters.

The combination of sweet and spicy flavors from the vermouth and bitters, along with the smoothness of the whisky, create a perfectly balanced and delicious cocktail.

Over the years, bartenders have added their own twists to the Manhattan, experimenting with different types of whisky, bitters, and garnishes. Some even substitute the rye whisky for bourbon or add a cherry for an extra touch of sweetness.

Whether you're a whisky connoisseur or a cocktail aficionado, the Manhattan is a classic drink that is worth experiencing.

The Recipe: 
- 2 oz rye whiskey or bourbon
- 1 oz sweet vermouth 
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Maraschino cherry (for garnish)

Fill a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with ice. Add the rye whiskey or bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters. Stir the mixture with a bar spoon until it's well chilled (about 20-30 seconds). Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a twist of orange peel.

 #Manhattan #CocktailClassics #WhiskyLover #Cheers #Imbibe #SpiritedSomm #Potd #cocktails
🌿🍸 🐰 Happy Easter…and international Gin 🌿🍸 🐰 Happy Easter…and international Gin & Tonic Day! 🍸🌿 🐣
 
As one of the oldest and simplest cocktails to make, the Gin & Tonic is known around the world and is definitely a staple in many home bars! 
 
From the Gin you pick to the mixer you use, there is plenty of room for experimentation and it makes it one of the most surprising and fun-to-play-with cocktails! 
 
While my usual go-to is a 3:1 mix of The Botanist and London Essence (light, refreshing yet letting the Gin shine through) with a simple lime wheel as garnish, today I am going with a @ladistilleriecastan & Elderflower @fevertree_usa with cucumber & rosemary garnishes!
 
Definitely unique and it might very well become one of my new favorites versions! 
 
What’s your favorite go-to? 

 
 

#Easter #HappyEaster #Gin #GinAndTonicDay #Cocktail  #CraftCocktails #Cocktailoftheday #Imbibe #CocktailRecipe #instagood #cocktailsofinstagram #cheers #drinkup #cocktailtime
With an average price tag of $130, our Cognac of t With an average price tag of $130, our Cognac of the month is definitely not an everyday sip, but rather a pretty unique treat! 🥃

Paul Beau Hors d'Age - a Grande Champagne Cognac aged for 20-25 years - is a luxurious and complex spirit with a rich and beautiful amber color that shines through the glass.

On the nose, it offers intense aromas of dried fruit, spices, vanilla and wood, complemented by subtle floral notes. 

The palate is full-bodied and smooth, with flavors of caramel, toffee, and roasted nuts. Great balance of sweet and spice followed by a long and satisfying finish that lingers on the palate.

This Cognac is truly exceptional and ultimately provides an amazing value considering the quality and both the work and time that went into producing it! 

#Cognac #GrandeChampagne #Neat #PaulBeauCognac #CognacUSA #Imbibe
New York 🗽 you're amazing, but I can't help dre New York 🗽 you're amazing, but I can't help dreaming about escaping for a little while and wandering around the beautiful vineyards of Saint-Emilion again! 

The rolling hills, the vineyards, the small villages and of course the wine, it's like stepping into a postcard… 💭😌

#Bordeaux #Wine ##saintémilion #homecoming #spiritedsomm #somm #sommelier #sommlife #potd #imbibegram #thirsty #vines #drinkup #imbibe #landscape #spring
🍷 Today’s spotlight is on Domaine de la Charb 🍷 Today’s spotlight is on Domaine de la Charbonnière, a Rhône Valley wine producer (mostly known for its amazing Châteauneuf du Pape) that makes make some brilliant Vacqueyras. I recently got to try their 2020 vintage, and it was amazing! Here are my tasting notes: 

Domaine de la Charbonnière, Vacqueyras, 2020

Sight 👁 : Intense ruby color with purple reflections. The wine has a medium+ staining and medium tearing.

Nose 👃🏻 : The nose is intense and complex with aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry and dark cherry. There are also hints of violets, lavender and thyme. A subtle smoky note and a touch of oak from the aging completes the nose.

Palate 👄 : The palate is rich and full-bodied with ripe dark fruit flavors of blackberry, black cherry and plum. There are also some subtle notes of chocolate, spices and herbs. The tannins are firm, but well integrated, and the acidity is refreshing. The wine has a long, complex finish.

Conclusion: The 2020 Domaine de la Charbonnière is a rich and complex wine that offers a great expression of the Vacqueyras terroir. The wine is well-balanced with a great structure, and it will age gracefully for several years. It is a great choice for wine enthusiasts who enjoy full-bodied, rich and complex wines! 

#Rhone #Vacqueyras #RhoneValley #Wine #NewYork #Syrah #Grenache #Tasting #Somm #Sommelier #WineNotes #TastingNotes #FrenchWine #France
🌸 Spring has arrived, and what a better way to 🌸 Spring has arrived, and what a better way to celebrate it than with a refreshing homemade Collins-style cocktail! ☀️ 

Collins cocktails are similar to sours in that they contain a spirit, citrus, and sugar, but the addition of carbonated water gives them a longer and more refreshing taste, making it the perfect drink for spring!

This one is a personal take on the Tom Collins, and I find it absolutely perfect to celebrate the beginning of Spring. 

The Recipe: 
- 2 oz Gin (I used @ladistilleriecastan)
- 3/4 oz Thai Basil syrup (recipe below)
- 3/4 oz Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- Club Soda 
- Lemon peel & garden herbs for garnish (I used Thai Basil)

Combine all ingredients but the soda in a shaker and shake for 10-15 seconds. Strain into 10-ounce highball glass over a large ice cube. Top with soda and garnish with fresh garden herbs and a lemon peel.

To make Thai Basil syrup: Combine 2 cups of Thai basil with 1 cup granulated cane sugar and 1 cup water in a pot. Stir on light heat until sugar is fully dissolved. Place into an airtight container and refrigerate for about a week. 

Cheers to the season! 🌸🍹 

#CollinsStyle #RefreshingDrinks #Mixology #CheersToSpring #easter  #cocktail  #eastercocktail  #drink  #instadrink  #gin #gincocktail  #potd  #imbibe  #thirsty  #potd #spiritedsomm  #bar  #barlife  #spring  #springcocktail  #cocktails #flowers  #eastersay  #eggwhitecocktail  #brooklyn  #newyork #lemon
🍀🍺 Happy St Patrick’s Day 🍺🍀

There’s nothing quite like the creamy and smooth taste of Ireland's most famous beer to celebrate St. Patrick’s day, no matter where you are!

You’ll have to be patient before you get to indulge in it though, as it takes 119.5 Seconds to pour the perfect Guinness!

Trust me, it’s all worth it 😋

#StPatricksDay #SaintPatricks #StPatricks #Irish #Guinness #IrishBeer #StoutBeer #Cheers #DrinkUp #BeerLovers #Sommelier #SpiritedSomm
What’s better than a good old Malbec 🍷and a c What’s better than a good old Malbec 🍷and a cheese 🧀& charcuterie plate to celebrate #MalbecWorldDay ?

Well in my opinion… not much (especially in these times of home confinement 😷)! So tonight, we are treating ourselves with a good old pairing starring a nice 2018 Malbec from @bodegafincaabril, located in the Uco Valley in Mendoza, Argentina.

I picked up this bottle earlier today at my local wine store @brooklynwinot for $15 and honestly, it is definitely worth every penny! 
What have you been drinking today?

For this wine, here are my tasting notes:

Finca Abril, Alhambra Reserva Malbec 2018 | Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina 
Sight 👁 : Deep, dark purple color with a bright purple rim variation. Medium + staining with medium + tearing.

Nose 👃🏻 : Moderate intensity with a dominant nose of ripe blueberries and blackberries, followed by aromas of jammed black cherries. I also get a faint nose of green peppercorns and light notes of oak, but nothing crazy.

Palate 👄 :Bright, young and fruity at first, the palate definitely matches the nose. Dominant aromas of ripe raspberries, blueberries and cherries with light green and earthy notes in the back. Some notes of oak as well. Pretty well balanced with medium acidity, soft tannins and medium + alcohol. Lighter body with a medium finish.

Conclusion:  Fresh, fruity and bright, this wine is a great entry level Malbec that definitely delivers value. It is easy drinking and super accessible at every level. I would definitely recommend! 
#Wine #Malbec #MalbecWorldDay #MalbecArgentino #MalbecDay #Mendoza #TastingNotes #WinePairing 
#Cheese #Charcuterie #Stayathome #NewYork #confinement
Conveniently falling on January 1st, #NationalBloo Conveniently falling on January 1st, #NationalBloodyMaryDay comes right in time for both those who celebrated the New Year more than they should have and those who want to start the new decade on a fresh & tasty note! 🍅🥕
.
Whether you have decided to start the year on a dry note or not, I feel like the Bloody Mary - or its non-alcoholic alternative -  is just the perfect go to drink as it provides both the taste of a great cocktail and the feeling of rejuvenation.

While I personally didn’t have Vodka in mine, I surely enjoyed the taste and array of small bites that came with it!

The Recipe:
.
* 2 oz Vodka (omit for a non-alcoholic version)
* 4 oz Tomato juice (I particularly love V8 Original)
* 1/4 oz Lemon Juice
* 2 dashes Tabasco sauce
* 2 tsp Horseradish
* 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
* Ground black pepper (One pinch)
* Celery salt (One pinch)
* Garlic powder (One pinch)
* Onion powder (One pinch)
* Black pepper (One pinch)
* Smoked paprika (One pinch) *If you have the time to make this in advance, try infusing the mixture with fresh basil leaves wrapped in cheese cloth the night before for an extra flare!

Instructions:

For the rim (if desired):
On a small plate, mix the black pepper, celery salt and smoked paprika together
Rub the lemon on the outer edge of a pint glass and roll it into the small plate until rim is fully coated with the spices

For the cocktail:
* Fill a collins glass or pint glass with ice and pour in the Vodka
* Stir in the tomato juice, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, smoked Paprika and Tabasco
* Garnish with a celery stalk, green olives skewer, lime wedge, pickle or any other topping you want (bacon, steamed shrimp, beef sliders,...) and Voila!

Whether you’re going for a classic or a virgin (do let me know in comments!), celebrate National Bloody Mary Day and enjoy the taste of a great drink to celebrate the new decade!

Cheers! 🍾🥂
Load More... Follow on Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn

Copyright The Spirited Somm© 2018