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Well hello gentlemen! It's been a long summer, and while many beers, barbecues and bonfires were had, there was also a lot of writing for a whole new round of issues for the fall and winter. Since the weather is starting to (kind of ) cool down, and as you know am admittedly an autumn freak, I decided to start the new issues with something I always think is a great welcome to the colourful season ahead: Cocktails.
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There's just something about sitting outside on a cold autumn night, sipping on a warming little ditty you mixed up at your bar. Whether it be a glass of red, or a simple splash of spirts, or an intricate mix, there's an autumn drink for everyone. Below, i've listed my favourite classics, as well as a few new ones and some in betweens. Cheers!
Maybe it's just me (it probably is), but since i've switched my preference to red this summer, but i find white wines to be more "daytime" or "Summer" wines, and reds to be more night time, and autumn-ish. That being said, In preparation for the coming fall, i've sampled several red wines of all different varieties. Some very good, some pretty bad, and all an experience. I've learned a lot about wines this summer, and what i have discovered the most, is that ultimately wine is all about your personal taste. If you like it, then who cares how much it cost or where it's from.
That being said however, there is still something to be said for enjoying a great wine, and serving a great wine to your hopeful female company. Thus, after rigorous testing, I still will suggest picking up "The Good Life" Cabernet Merlot. I've given it glowing reviews in previous issues, and it still ranks high on my tastebuds. It's a big red wine with lingering flavour, and a little price tag. At only $12.95 a bottle, it's a total deal, and the hip retro 50s artwork will inspire conversation in an awkward silence emergency.
Not a Scotch guy? Neither was I, nor would I call myself a scotch guy at this point in my life. But that doesn't mean that i don't enjoy a glass every now and then. I've recently attended a mini seminar on spirits and have learned a significant amount about a type of alcohol i've always been a stranger to. This was the scotch that i started on, and it coincidentally happens to be highly recommended as a starter scotch in general. Not implying that it's not high quality or less flavourful than others, but that it's palate is mellow and is more tolerable to a beginner scotch drinker.
Pour an ounce into a glass and try it for yourself. It should be enjoyed at room temperature, and enjoyed neat, or wish a small splash of water to open up the flavours. Rocks, or mixing is not "acceptable", but if you're training at home, feel free to add some cubes, or a small splash of ginger to get yourself acquainted with the unfamiliar tastes.
There is a distinct autumn quality to this rum, both in its taste, and its outstanding design and marketing. It's definitely a conversation piece and a fantastic bottle that you will want to be seen. But above all that, it's a dark, hearty spiced rum that pairs perfectly with that 'it's not that cold out but my nose is kinda numb' feeling, after raking a pile of leaves, or putting up halloween decorations. The great thing about this rum though, is its versatility. It's fantastic neat, on the rocks or mixed with cola, but my favourite way to enjoy it is with hot apple cider and cinnamon. It's a perfect warming drink for a late afternoon chill, and nothing says you can't bring a flask along with you for unexpected apple cider encounters. It's smooth, spicy and a perfect addition to the fall. Once it gets a little colder heading into winter, switch it up with the super cinnamon and vanilla kick of Lamb's Black Sheep Spiced rum, for something festive. And hey, try them both with Egg Nog. You won't be disappointed.
This one is simple gentlemen. It's sweet, warm and syrupy. It mixes with just about anything you can think of. It's easy to drink, and ladies usually like it. It's a no brainer. Mix it how you please, but i suggest either neat at room temperature, or with a few rocks.
Want an added autumn kick? Disaronno also happens to pair perfectly with cherry tobacco. If you don't have a pipe, that's just fine, but if you do, try it...it's a fantastic match.
The Manhattan -
A classic for a reason, The Manhattan is an absolutely perfect autumn cocktail, and it's pretty idiot proof. All you need is rye, sweet vermouth, and angostura bitters. Traditionally, you would add ice and bitters to your glass, while adding 2 parts rye and 1 part vermouth to a shaker of ice. Shake, strain, garnish with a lemon twist and cherry. Done. It's a perfect combination of sweet and bitter, and is a perfectly classy drink. Experiment with changing the ingredients if you desire; swapping rye for bourbon (i prefer maker's mark but the new Jim Beam Red Stag bourbon will add a hit of black cherry to the drink), or use flavoured bitters instead of the traditional. (I use peach bitters occasionally to brighten it up a tad).
Finally, for those of you gents who are tried and true beer guys, I didn't forget about you! Below i have listed 2 superb autumn beers:
This beer is absolutely fantastic. While some may argue this as a summer beer, i really do prefer it as an autumn beer. It's crisp and refreshing, and full of hoppy goodness, as all IPAs should be. But what this one has that sets it apart is a very distinct grapefruit/citrus taste. It's unexpected, but very welcome. I am not talking about artificial, overpowering, sweet candy grapefruit taste. This has an almost bitter, real grapefruit note to it, which is all at once unsettling, but very intriguing. I'll admit that on first taste, i was a little thrown off, but after the first bottle, i realized that it really is as refreshing as the first sweater day of autumn. And it's the perfect bonfire companion...besides that cutie you've been eyeing all night.
This, is by far my favourite autumn beer thus far. I discovered it a couple of years ago, and bought it simply because of the label (i am a huge halloween fan). It's an absolutely fantastic brew, with notes of toffee and chocolate in it's rich dark hue. It's good chilled or at room temperature, and i prefer mine to be somewhere in between. it's definitely not a light beer, and it's got a lot more flavour than a lager, so if you're a coors light guy (which i really, really hope you're not), then this will take some getting used to. But hey, even if you have a bottle around for the sheer look of it, it will inspire conversation and imagination.
Well there you have it gents! Stock your bars with any or all of the above, and you'll be ready for the autumn ahead. Now grab a sweater, fix a drink, and go watch the leaves change.
Until next time,
SG
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