Back and well boozed

Posted by TraderTiki on December 19th, 2007 — Posted in Gin, Places, rye

I’m back home from my trip to California.  That was far, far too little time to spend with so many places I didn’t get to visit.  But don’t worry, I tried to bring back as much booze in my bloodstream and baggage as I possibly could.

Tuesday night was spent at Bourbon and Branch with some family who live in town.  The decor is gorgeous, the drinks are fantastic, and really any place that starts off with an appetizer drink gets a thumbs up from me.  We kicked off the evening with the starter, which was something with Sparkling Wine, Benedictine, and a touch of Kirschwasser.  But I already knew the first two things I would be ordering.  First up was the Black Manhattan, with Vya Vermouth and house-made coffee bitters.  It was smooth and calmly sweet, like a good Manhattan should be.  I’m going to have to start off a batch of Coffee Bitters myself, as they were quite nice.  Alongside that concoction, I had a bit of the Rittenhouse 21 yr Rye, which was absolutely astonishing.  I can honestly say my palate just isn’t experienced enough yet to fully appreciate it, but the aging was just right, and the characteristics of the Rye really stood out.

I was soon convinced, after some excited discussion about their own barrel of Buffalo Trace, to try their Harvest Manhattan, which used their own Bourbon infused with Apples and spices, and a raisin and spice infused Vya Sweet Vermouth.  This drink was, as I had to drunkenly describe, eminently quaffable.  So smooth and delicious, with the apple, bourbon and raisin all coming out so nicely, I could’ve filled a Collins glass and downed it, it was just so satisfying.  The night ended, as we were redirected to the Library, with a Last Word.  Can’t go wrong with that one, and they made mine just right.  The place was class to the nines, and I can’t wait to go back and sit at the bar.

Another exciting stop while in CA, and outside of the confines of a liquor controlled state, was at John Walker and Co.  I was recommended the place by Martin, and I was not disappointed… well, there was no Creme de Violette, but I can forgive.  Great thanks to Lance for letting my know that the TSA has a limit on alcohol you can bring back (5 Liters, nothing over 140 proof… so about 6 bottles).  So, knowing I could only bring back so much I had to choose wisely.  I think I did well, but I can’t stop thinking about what I had to leave behind.

That’s BlueCoat Gin, Genevieve, Laird’s Bonded Straight Apple Brandy, Vya Sweet Vermouth, and two bottles of Batavia Arrack.  I will be one poor but happy mixing fool this holiday!

I still haven’t told of my adventures to the Island of Alameda, but I think that deserves its own time and place.