I’m a big fan of whiskey.  Maker’s Mark is my go-to when I’m out at a bar.  But luckily I live in Denver, and many of my favorite watering holes carry Stranahan’s.  For those unfamiliar, Stranahan’s is the first Colorado whiskey distillery.  They produce in very small batches, and it’s damn good. A little history (quote from Stranahan’s): “Full-bodied as the fire that bore it, this whiskey...

Some may know Lompoc, California for its federal prison, or its air force base.  But real wino’s know Lompoc as California’s “wine ghetto.”  The concept all started in Santa Barbara back in 1998 when Rick and Diana Longoria decided to make wine full time.  They rented a 5,400 square foot building at Sobhani Industrial Park in Lompoc, which was previously used as a carpet warehouse.  This is how the Wine Ghetto...

We’re getting close to spring, and warmer weather means time for more white wine again.  I’ve always been a fan of Las Brisas, a Spanish white wine produced by Bodegas Naia.  The current 2008 vintage continues to please.  This blend of Verdejo, Viura, and Sauvignon Blanc delivers a fine balance of fruit, minerality and acidity.  The peachy, grapefruit nose follows through on the palate, with a nice herbaceous, citrusy...

Ben Glaetzer has come up with a wonderful wine from Australia called Stickleback Red.  It’s an eclectic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Dolcetto and Lagrein (the latter two grapes are native to Italy, and aren’t planted widely in Australia).  Stickleback is named after the small Australian fish. The grapes are from Southern Australia; 90% Langhorn Creek and 10% Limestone Coast.  This tasty blend is full bodied, showing...

Sparkling Shiraz, you say?  Yes.  They’ve been around for years, but have yet to gain widespread popularity.  Usually the good ones are too expensive to appeal to the curious customer.  No way in hell I would gamble my money on an expensive sparkling Shiraz.  But luckily, working in the wine industry has it’s perks . The 2006 MollyDooker “GooseBumps” sparkling Shiraz is one unique wine!  It’s a full...

In my never ending search for wonderful wine, I’ve always been disappointed with Colorado’s juice.  Some Colorado wines are simply way too expensive for what’s in the bottle, while others are varietally incorrect (don’t have the flavor/aroma profiles that specific grapes should). Ben Parsons changed that when he started The Infinite Monkey Theorem winery last year.  Located on 5th and Santa Fe Drive, in the Santa...

Turkey Day is only a couple days away now.  I’ve had TONS of customers asking me what pairs best with turkey.  So let’s get to it.  There are some classic pairings, and some more modern pairings.  But ultimately, the best match depends upon how you prepare your turkey. I prefer to brine the turkey for two days in a Riesling brine, and then roast the bird.  I have been cooking the family turkey for years, and this is my...