Tripel Karmeliet

The new winter release is out at the LCBO and is chock full of great beers, and great big beers.  Check out this flavorful Belgian Tripel, made with the addition of wheat, super smooth and creamy.

330 mL bottle. Pours a golden orange color, very hazy with a thick white fluffy head. Lovely aroma of apricot, yeast and sweet spices. Taste is slightly sweet, with a lightly hopped finish, very smooth. Medium bodied with lots of carbonation, a long and clean finish. Really enjoyed this one, a great beer at a great price.

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Sideral 2007

Sideral by Altair Vineyard and Winery in Chile, from the D.O. Rapel Valley, known mostly for Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere, this is a blend of the aforementioned grapes, as well as Syrah and Cabernet Franc.  It is a second wine to Altair's self titled first wine, which I know I have had before, and remember as being distinctly smoky and tarry tasting.  Pouring a garnet red, with long legs, the aroma hold a bouquet of oak, cherry, vanilla and a touch of smokiness.  It's smooth and full on the palate, the tannin well mellowed with a bit of youthful acidity still left, it carries the 14.8% ABV very well.  Concealing flavors of ripe red berries, liquorice and a definite roasted meat character, the finish is long and rich. Great value to be found here as it's now on sale at the LCBO for $22, ready to go with rich meats like brisket or smoked sausages.

Compass Box "Great King St" Artist's Blend

Having tried a few premium blended malts from the Compass Box I was enticed to try this new blend that targets a more economical price point.  A solid blended malt for under $50, a price tag any Scotch drinker can appreciate.  Pours a light straw color with a fine body. A nice nose of sweet spices, nutmeg, clove, roasted apples and banana, with a finite alcohol bite. On the palate it's smooth, silky and warming, there's a touch of sweetness and a lightly smoky finish with definite notes of grain. Performs quite well on it's own, but it's a shoe in as an elegant mixer for soda.