Wine

A recipient of five Double Gold awards in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2004, 2550, 2007, 2009, and 2012, the rich honey colored and highly fruity sweet scent of the Jameson 18 Years Old Limited Reserve Irish Whiskey deserves to be rightfully called one of the best Irish whiskies at a significantly friendlier price.

Aged for 18 years, remarkably longer than the usual length of aging for Irish spirits, the Midleton Distillery’s Jameson 18 Years is nonetheless a marvelously concocted spirit that can only speak volumes of the Irish penchant for triple distilling and the use of a variety of wooden casks to give the Limited Reserve a truly limited appeal. Its less smoky flavors make it very easy on both the nose and the palate especially for the uninitiated who would very much like to venture into the fanatically robust world of whiskey lovers, connoisseurs, and loyal followers.

Described as truly uncommon, you might not even be able to find this from your local alcohol delivery guy without prodding him relentlessly, the Jameson 18 Years is a prime example of how the Irish are able to achieve masterful creations from the distiller’s best and wonderfully aged malt and grain whiskies. Importing used American bourbon barrels and European wine and sherry oak barrels, the Master distillers of Midleton Distillery have successfully infused their creation with the unique character of these casks.

Jameson 18 YearAs bourbon barrels are made of American white oak, its exceptionally high levels of vanillins helps draw out the natural richness and velvety textures of the malt and grain whiskies that the Midleton company is known for. Using the European oak gives an interesting twist to an otherwise run-of-the-mill type of liquor.

The Jameson 18 Years Old Limited Reserve Irish Whiskey has been aptly described as an exceptionally balanced Irish whiskey. Considered the elder statesman of the Jameson’s, the L

When Duncan Taylor designed the Black Bull 30 Years Old Blended Scotch he envisioned nothing less than the best blend of the finest single grain and single malt whiskies ever to be distilled out of Speyside’s famed whisky distillers. The marriage was consummated in the 1970’s and aged in European sherry oak casks to bring about its richness and complex flavors for a premium blend this rare.

The flagship of the Taylor portfolio, the Black Bull has its earliest origins in 1864 Dundee and has slowly grown itself into a major world powerhouse when it comes to spirits and malt- and grain-based liquors.

Awarded in the 2013 International Spirits Challenge, the 2011 and 2012 World Whisky Awards, and the 2011 Scottish Field Whisky Challenge, the Black Bull 30 Years truly deserves to become bullish about its prestige of being one of the world’s finest blended Scotch whiskies of all time.

The Black Bull formula called for the perfect blend of 50 percent malt and 50 percent grain and to come up with a strong 100 proof grade. The distillery only produces whiskies in small batches in order to fully lock in the complex flavors and richness of fruity sweetness, chocolatey indulgence, and smoky oaky goodness in each bottle you will purchase from your favorite liquor store Los Angeles.

The Black Bull 30 Years has a very distinct full feel that even the nose can take a hint. There is a delightfully dense scent of freshly baked pastry with hints of ripe strawberries and blue berries that provide an awesome treat to the nose. The sensations get upbeat with the inclusion of strong aromas of Irish whipped cream that turn into titillating red licorice whips.

If you have been accustomed to the rich fruity sweetness of Scotch whiskies, the Black Bull 30 is strikingly different. The palate is surprisingly faint of cardamoms, raisins, figs, cloves, all spice, and cinnamon. In its place is the richness of strawberry pie. <

With a golden amber hue that is as deep as the crown of Scottish and English royalties, the Chivas Brothers Royal Salute 21 Years Old Blended Scotch is nothing less than the finest ever to come out of production. Made specifically as homage to Queen Elizabeth II’s June 1953 crowning, the truly limited edition 21 Year Old blended Scotch whiskey is nothing less than a celebration of the fame and prestige of the British monarchy.

The very first Wade porcelain Flagons that came out from the 2,500 limited production cases were beautifully and artfully embellished with the royal crest. These very rare and very fine blended Scotch whiskies were named after the ceremonial 21-gun salute that was given to royalties, and heads of states as well as other notable persons of great importance.

The unique expression in porcelain flagons is nothing less than a real celebration of the opulence and importance of the British Royal Family in modern consciousness. What makes the flagon so unique is that it is emblazoned with the image of Scottish national hero Robert the Bruce with the English-translated Gaellic phrase, ‘fidelity, stability since 1801’.

Building on their promise of remaining true to their roots, the Chivas Brothers have surely produced a masterpiece that can only be described as nothing less than one of the world’s best tasting and equally sensuous blended Scotch whisky.

While it may prove a bit daunting to be searching for one of these truly prized spirits, owing to the fact that there are just so few of them ever produced, checking on your favorite liquor store Beverly Hills might as well give you the much needed result that you are after. The nose is surprisingly full of sweet dried fruity aromas with the scent of butterscotch that is guaranteed to provide a blast of sensory experiences right down your nasal passages and to the back of the nose before beautifully mending with the throat. The complex notes o

Julian Van Winkle, Sr. were still alive today, he would really be pleased to see his creations getting the world’s attention and not only the spirits masters and liquor enthusiasts of the Kentucky and Tennessee back countries.

The Pappy Van Winkle 15 Years Old Kentucky Bourbon has truly cemented the long-standing tradition of the finest bourbons ever to come out of Kentucky that the name Van Winkle itself is already synonymous to the world’s best and finest bourbons. The Pappy Van Winkle 15 was beautifully crafted in line with the family’s long tradition of famed wheated recipe. It bespeaks of the smoothest flavors from the oak barrels that aged the spirit for 15 years, untouched and unhurried. Only the greatest minds with the most endearing passion for producing the world’s best can ever come up with a rare gem as marvelous as the Pappy Van Winkle 15 Years Old Kentucky Bourbon.

The nose is distinctfully oaky with faint scents of nuts and leather. This is followed by a nice sweet vanilla scent that creates waves of pleasure to the senses. There is a hint of apples and fresh green twigs, reminiscent of the old golden days of Kentucky. The subtle aromas of caramel and spice can really transform your senses into a superbly extraordinary sensual experience. The entire experience is just unbelievable. The marriage and harmony of all these scents are particularly pronounced and remarkably well-blended. There is tobacco spice as well as a hint of blueberry sweetness and the sweet gummy goodness of a little bubblegum.

The taste is full bodied, quite a mouthful, actually. Despite the sweetness on the nose, swirling it on the palate tames the overpowering sweetness to produce a surprisingly dry yet smooth complexity perhaps because of the tannins that simply override the sweetness of the barrel and all that corn. Nonetheless the palate should be sweet enough to make you forget who you are with.

The Pappy Van Win

Once seen as a nonchalant option for many a bar patron, gin is now the new-old it-item being found as the main liquor in drinks from punch to martini across the nation. Always a refreshing choice, particularly paired with tonic and a fresh wedge of lemon, gin is now regaining popularity, much thanks to the many small boutique distilleries that have popped up, giving us more options for pairing the dazzling flavors within.

Quality gin is refreshing at any time of year. It awakens your palate with a bright and crisp tingle and quite often, has flavors with hints of citrus and juniper. This is why the traditional gin and tonic garnished with lemon is so sublime. Gin has a wonderful bold, yet delicate flavor that isn’t overbearing like whiskey. While whiskey is indeed a wonderful liquor, its flavor can be a bit domineering. Conversely, vodka has little flavor, making the mixer much of what you taste.

This is why we’re seeing a resurgence in the choice of gin drinks. The millennial generation is focused on the fusion of flavors and gin marries so well with other tastes, taking that delicate essence to a completely new and brilliant level. Every gin has a different aroma as well, depending on how it is distilled. It can be much like wine in its complexity. Try gin from a small-batch distillery and the experience could be completely different than that of the major brands, like Tanqueray or Bombay Sapphire.

Gin can be separated into two categories. One consists of classic tastes that are strong and earthy. You’ll note juniper and a powerful pine flavor in these. These bold gins are represented well in Tanqueray and Beefeater, to name a few. They are iconic, traditional and time-tested. The other style of gin brings a more floral finish. You’ll find it in Bombay Sapphire as well as Hendrick’s.

Which is best? It depends on your own palate for which one you’ll find most desirable. Both styles blend beautifully with tonic

Pairing wine and beer with food will always be timeless. But lately, a new trend is emerging among the culinary community – pairing cocktails with meals. With the upcoming holidays, it can be an incredibly fresh way to spice up the menu at your next gathering. Of course, while experimenting with flavors is all part of the fun, both with cooking and with mixing alcoholic beverages, you probably should avoid tastes that clash. Here’s a handy guide for making your holiday meal with cocktails much merrier!

1. Mixer match In cocktails, the flavor comes mostly from the mixers, not the liquor within. Be sure to keep that in mind when you're pairing your food. The mixers in the cocktail should pair well with key ingredients in the food. A lemon drop or a margarita would be a lovely accompaniment to fresh seafood, like mussels, clams or even raw oysters because of the delightful lemon essence found in those cocktails.

2. Complimenting high alcohol content Your favorite stars from the bar like martinis, margaritas and cosmopolitans have high alcohol content. You’ll need to pair drinks like these with foods that can soften the taste of the alcohol. Try serving a creamy smoked fish dip. Anything fried will go beautifully as well. If you’re going for drinks with cognac or scotch in them, try cheese to bring a sublime softening to those spirits.

3. Simplify Dishes with complex flavors need only a simple cocktail to accentuate them. If you’re making a dish with a robust taste, you’ll need a distinct and easy cocktail. A stunning rack of lamb or holiday beef roast goes wonderfully with a classic gin and tonic, or even a Manhattan.

4. Condiments not complements It’s all about balance. When you cook, you add seasonings to make the flavors meld together. Adding salt and pepper to meat brings out the fullness. We do this with wines, but with liquor, most people seem stuck for what to do. It’s all about balance, so if you’re serving fish, the soft fl

Having friends, family, or colleagues over for a holiday party? The way you stock your bar can make or break the occasion. Here are a few easy tips to make sure every one of your guests has a great time with the perfect drink in hand:

Begin with the basics – you can be ready for almost any cocktail request if you have vodka, rum, gin, whiskey, and tequila on hand.

Add a few versatile mixers – pair those liquors with cola, lemon lime soda, sweet-and-sour, or orange juice and you will be ready to make the basics.

Include holiday favorites – eggnog and hot chocolate can be used to make wonderful holiday drinks, especially as the party winds down.

Don’t forget beer and wine – some guests might want to slow down, or prefer to stick to their favorite beers and wines, so have a small selection of each on hand.

Give designated drivers a treat – let guests know that skipping the alcohol doesn’t have to mean missing out on the fun. With a blunder and a few extra ingredients, you can make virgin drinks that are almost as good as their more festive counterparts.

It’s easy to throw a great holiday party when you mix together good friends and tasty drinks. Visit Beverly Hills Liquor and Wine today for the best advice and selection anywhere in Southern California.

You are looking for some whisky and the guy at the store says what type of Scotch do you like. You have no idea as you are just starting your journey. Today we are going briefly look at a few bottles to try as you start your journey.

I can tell you right now that if your first experience with Scotch is trying a 16-year-old Laphroaig straight up, you’ll probably never want to try Scotch again. When you’re selecting your first glass whether it be purchasing a bottle or trying it at the pub, choosing a Scotch will make or break your desire to continue drinking Scotch very quickly. Scotch a spirit you guzzle for the fun of it like you did tequila on spring break. For one, it’s just too expensive and second it’s not intended for that. Do you really think that the crafter spent years perfecting a whisky so you could down it like jello shots? Of course not.

When you’re selecting your first dram of Scotch, my advice is to stick with a gentler spirit. The first glass I ever had was a Cutty Sark, and it was pretty tough to swallow. I was a senior in college and saw a deal where I could get free glasses with a bottle of Scotch. So I made the purchase. Now, Cutty Sark is not a bad Scotch by any means, but as someone who was drinking mostly Captain and Cokes in college and drinking Guinness this was a nightmare. Fortunately, I did enjoy aspects of it, and that’s what brought me back for a second try.

If you’ve never drank whisky before without using a mixer there are two bottles I highly recommend starting out with. The first is Auchentoshan as it contains no peat. The second is Dalwhinnie as it too is a very smooth and light spirit. In fact Dalwhinnie’s tagline is “The Gentle Spirit”.

By making one of these your first introduction it should act as a warm hug rather than a noose around your neck. The burn you’ll experience will be very minimal and the aromas and flavor profile should excite you. While most bartenders will probably suggest

Holiday Spirit Comes Alive with Holiday Spirits

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, filled with fun get-togethers and heaps of celebrations. If you’re planning on hosting a party of your own, make it even merrier with these delicious and memorable holiday beverages that will make your holidays boozy and bright.

Rudolph-tini You’ll need: 2 oz. vodka 1 oz. hazelnut liqueur (like Frangelico) 1 oz. coconut rum 1 oz. half-and-half cream 2 cinnamon sticks (about 4 inches each) 1 maraschino cherry

Make it: Pour the vodka, hazelnut liqueur, rum, and half-and-half into a cocktail shaker over ice. Cover and shake until the outside of the shaker has frosted. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with the cinnamon sticks to look like antlers, and add the cherry on the rim to look like a nose.

With the holiday season approaching, cocktails can be a great drink to share with friends and family. You don’t need to be a certified bartender to make tasty and fun drinks to share, rather it is just a matter of having the ingredients. There is a wide variety of different cocktails- fruity and strong to make, suitable for any event. Mixing cocktails doesn’t have to be overly expensive or time consuming. The best part? Most drinks only need two ingredients!

1. The Paloma: this drink can be made with any kind of tequila, mixed with grapefruit juice for a tangy taste. Just mix 1-2 shots with your choice of tequila, and swirl with the grapefruit juice.
2. The Whiskey Ginger: this drink can be made with any kind of whiskey, mixed with ginger ale soda for a bit of a stronger taste. Add a hint of lemon to bring out the ginger ale’s flavoring. Mix 1-2 shots with your choice of whiskey, and add to the ginger ale.
3. The Gimlet: this drink can be made with any kind of gin, mixed with a sweetened form of lime juice for a delightfully tart lime flavor. Mix roughly two parts gin with one part of the sweetened lime juice. Top with a lime wedge.
4. The Greyhound: this drink can be made with any kind of vodka, mixed with fresh grapefruit juice. Mix 1-2 shots of your type of vodka with the grapefruit juice, and top the rim with salt if desired.
5. Seven and Seven: this drink is perfect after a long day at work. It is refreshing, made with 1-2 shots of Seagram’s Whiskey mixed with 7 up for a crisp and clean taste.
6. Gin and Tonic: this drink is a classic- simple to make, and easy to please. Add 1-2 shots of gin and mix with tonic water, preferably Canada Dry. Top off with a lemon or lime.
7. The Cuba Libre: this drink pleases almost everyone. Just add 1-2 shots of rum, and top with a classic Coke. Add lime for that extra kick.
8. The Screwdriver: this drink is a classic, especially to have to start off your morning