Category Archives: drinking

Negroni

Posted on May 17, 2011 by

The classic Negroni has long been a favourite cocktail of mine.  The combination of gin, sweet vermouth and Campari is an exceptional year round drink, no matter what time of day. I love clarity, bitterness and dark brooding flavours in … Continue reading →

Posted in cocktails, drinking, Spiritous | Leave a comment

Shochu

Posted on January 5, 2011 by

Shochu. The geek-spirit of 2011. I recently stopped in at Ippuku for an early dinner in Berkeley. Taking respite in the subdued interior, away from the ruckus that is weekday evening traffic in the East Bay. Initially, our intention was … Continue reading →

Posted in bar food, drinking, Shochu, Spiritous | 2 Comments

Wine? Mull It.

Posted on November 24, 2010 by

Regard!  The following meditation was inspired by an inquiry as to which the best way is to make mulled wine and spurred on by the entirely too frosty conditions experienced so far this holiday season! I struggle to find a … Continue reading →

Posted in BYO, cocktails, drinking, Festive | Leave a comment

Four leaves of Clover?

Posted on September 16, 2010 by

After living in places other than Sydney for most of the last 5 years, I have come to appreciate how short the supply a good cup of coffee is across the world.  Since returning, I have been excited to imbibe … Continue reading →

Posted in Clover, Coffee, drinking, Sydney | Leave a comment

Sans soufre en Australie

Posted on September 5, 2010 by

Preservative free wine in the Australian market has historically been a last resort for drinkers avoiding allergens.  It’s insignificance made evident by the placement of cheap, pasteurised wines on a dusty bottom shelf at the back of the store.  These … Continue reading →

Posted in Australian Wine, drinking, Natural Wine | Leave a comment

Alpine Escape

Posted on August 18, 2010 by

Thredbo Valley Distillery is the only schnapps distillery on mainland Australia.  Schnapps you say?  Yes, schnapps.  Wildbrumby schnapps!  It’s no longer just for skiers at the Schuss Bar during ‘schnappy hour’! Wildbrumby schnapps is a premium range of Austrian-inspired Australian schnapps … Continue reading →

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ABMSB (Anything But Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc)

Posted on July 11, 2010 by

I’ve been thinking a lot about the state of sauvignon blanc consumption in Australia recently.  It is a widespread phenomenon that I cannot understand, however hard I try.  A little piece of me dies inside every time a customer responds … Continue reading →

Posted in ABMSB, Australian wine industry, BYO, drinking, France, White | Leave a comment

Once upon a Vat of Tyrrells

Posted on July 6, 2010 by

The story of a lesser known range of wines from the really big family owned and operated winery. Full disclosure: I’m a Tyrrell’s Wines tragic. I’ve grown up with a cellar full of old Hunter Valley semillon, chardonnay and shiraz … Continue reading →

Posted in Australian Wine, drinking, Hunter Valley | Leave a comment

Rosé Revolution

Posted on June 26, 2010 by

It begins with a 2009 Rosato di Nebbiolo made by Tom Shobbrook and Anton van Klopper. This wine is fresh and integrated, a rosé that smells of orange peel and fresh cinnamon.  It is lively on the palate, yet warm with … Continue reading →

Posted in Australian wine industry, drinking, Natural Wine, Pink | Leave a comment

The wine industry is dead! Long live the wine industry!

Posted on May 22, 2010 by

I can’t believe I didn’t read this earlier! A great article by Philip White (The Independent Weekly in early May) about the rotting carcass that is the Australian wine industry! Big companies don’t make bad wine it’s just that I’d prefer … Continue reading →

Posted in Australian wine industry, drinking | 1 Comment