Drinking With Democrats

 

It’s Week 2 of the political conventions, which makes this the perfect time to take a look at the Democrats and their imbibing commanders-in-chief.

“Drinking with Democrats” author Mark Will-Weber has concocted a read that’s funny and refreshing, giving you insight into those Democratic Party Animals and their choice of liberal libations.

While not all presidents fit easily into the Democratic ranks, thanks to parties that are now defunct, Will-Weber does an excellent job aligning those who were known as Democratic Republicans (Not a typo.) into the party base while providing liberal pours of politically incorrect history on the  Dems, behind-the-scenes at the White House.

You’ll discover interesting Democratic POTUS drinking facts like:

Thomas Jefferson

Which Democratic presidents utilized liquor to buy votes?

What president could always be counted on to retell his squirrel whiskey tale?

Who was the founding father of wine?

What POTUS enjoyed beers in Ireland and impressed the natives with his ability to drink Irish beer?

Who had a fondness for Bourbon? (Lots of Bourbon.)

And what Commander-in-Chief preferred beer to any other beverage?

Mark Will-Weber

Mark Will-Weber, a seasoned journalist and magazine editor, offers an amusing, tongue-in-cheek look at past Democratic presidents and their drinking habits including favorite beverages, drink recipes and bar tips poured out with a twist of humorous antidotes. 

So pour your favorite libation, turn on the tube and tipple along with the Democrats as you peruse this book. You might find you’re mighty impressed with that drink!

~ Joy

Drinking With Republicans

 

Ah, the political conventions are upon us. In view of this election year (and whichever party you’re supporting), a drink (or three) may be necessary to get through these next couple of weeks.

The GOP is currently holding the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, so this could be the perfect time to take a break from all the “He said, She said” and just settle down with a libation and an amazingly fun read that deals with past presidents, their intake, and their outtakes, on alcohol. 

Mark Will Weber

Drinking With Republicans, by Mark Will-Weber, provides great historical insights into the Grand Old Party's presidents and their libations of choice. Will-Weber, a seasoned journalist and magazine editor, offers an amusing, tongue-in-cheek look at past Republican presidents and their drinking habits including favorite beverages, drink recipes and bar tips poured out with a twist of humorous antidotes.You'll discover entertaining Republican POTUS drinking facts like:

What president was the father of modern Bourbon Whiskey?

What president violated Prohibition?

Which POTUS enjoyed drinking with his staff?

Which presidents lubricated foreign affair proceedings with a few drinks?

And what Commander-in-Chiefs switched out the expensive liquor for run-of-the-mill once the party got started? (Yes, there's more than one.)

And what about those presidents who don't fit easily into the Republican or Democratic ranks, thanks to parties that are now defunct? (George Washington, John Adams, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor and Milford Filmore, to be precise.) Will-Weber does an excellent job aligning those Whigs, Independents and Federalists into the Republican party base, all the while providing politically incorrect history on these conservatives and their behind-the-scenes incidents at the White House.

The national political conventions happen only once every four years, so go ahead, mix up your favorite drink, grab the television remote (you political diehards), and settle down to reading Drinking With Republicans while watching the GOP Convention. You may decide to have another drink and just leave the sound down … This book is entertaining enough!

(Fair play: Next week, it’s the Democrats turn at the bar.)

~ Joy

Feline Wines

Just when I think things can’t get any weirder – they do. This week, Apollo Peak Wine made news with its cat wines. Under the caption “Why Drink Alone?” this “feline snack wine is designed to entice even the most picky cats.”

MosCATo

Denver-based Apollo Peak reports that the wine is non-alcoholic, (Animal-lover hope so!) and made from a blend of water, beets (for coloring), and catnip - all grown on the Colorado farm where the wine is created. The company began making cat wine in November 2015 to create a niche for wine-loving cats, and their owners.

Pinot Meow

Apollo Peaks currently offers two types of cat wines – Pinot Meow and MosCATo. And yes dog lovers, do not despair. There is also a dog wine in the works.

Walter CronKat

I don’t know about you, but even though I love wine, my cat has never expressed an interest it in. Zilch. Nada. None. So, do we really need a wine for cats? Or dogs?  I’m thinking – no. Cute idea for a gag gift, or for that special cat-lady in our lives, but my Walter CronKat will just have to make due with water and an occasional splash of milk. Some things are best left alone – and wine is one.

~ Joy

Four Sensational Summer Sippers

Summer is almost here! Time to break out those light wines that go so well in hot weather. Here are four suggestions to keep it light this summer.

Muscat Grapes

Moscato

The “Moscato moment “is here to stay! This perky wine is crafted from Muscat Blanc grapes of the Muscat family, and has been used in winemaking for centuries. Despite the fact that over 200 varieties of Muscat grapes exist, only a few are used in wine production.

Moscato has a sweet, honeyed aroma similar to Gewurztraminer, and is usually crafted in a sweeter, light-bodied style making it one of the perfect wines for summer.

Serve a chilled Moscato with spicy Asian food to complement its flavor profile of citrus and white stone fruits.

Pinot Grigio Grapes

Pinot Grigio

This “grey” grape has a huge following, especially during the summer months. Pinot Grigio can be crafted in three different styles: dry with a focus on mineral flavors, dry with a nod to fruitiness, and as a late harvest sweet dessert wine.

Dry – Minerally

This type of Pinto Gris is aged in stainless steel tanks, which lets those more chalky, stone flavors shine through. Fresh and crisp, it goes wonderfully well with mussels and sushi.

Dry – Fruity

This style capitalizes on the flavors of melon, white stone fruits and apples, creating a very fruit-forward wine. Serve chilled with a light buttery or white-sauced pasta dish and seafood.

Sweet – Fruity

This style is prevalent in France and is crafted as a sweet dessert wine with a flavor profile of citrus and honey; an enjoyable late harvest wine for the approaching autumn.

Rosé

This wine has never garnered much respect, thanks to those gallon jugs that were popular back in the 1960s and ‘70s. But today things seem to be changing.

Rosé wines are not made from a specific grape(s). Instead, most are a blend of several grapes with the winemaker deciding what style to craft.  Rosé is usually made in a dry style, and as a semi-sweet. The color of the wine will also vary depending on the types of grapes blended and how long the wine was aged on the skins.

Definitely a wine to enjoy soon after purchasing. Rosé is very approachable and fun for picnics and casual dining during the warmer months ahead.

Gamay Noir

Gamay Noir

If you’re a die-hard red wine lover, those summer whites are just not going to cut it. But a Gamay wine will keep you “in the red” with a flavor profile of fresh berries and tart cherries with a floral nose. Gamay is best known as the grape used to craft Beaujolais. Take a bottle to the next BBQ and watch the reactions.

Summer's almost here - what are you drinking during the hot weather months?

~ Joy

Great Wines at an Affordable Price - Josh Cellars Wine Review

Joseph Carr

It all began in 2005 when sommelier Joseph Carr decided to start his own winery focusing on California wines crafted from small growers from Napa Valley, California’s North Coast and Carneros. Carr’s dream was to create sophisticated small-batch wines.

Josh Carr

Then in 2007, Carr began working with Tom Larson whose grandfather owned the land where the winery is now located. The two men worked together to create a second label: Josh Cellars.

Named in honor of Carr’s father, Josh, the juice was again sourced from several California winegrowing regions to craft well-balanced wines that are approachable and budget-friendly.

Chardonnay 2014 Vintage

The 2014 Chardonnay was a delight! The aroma of fresh melons and tropical fruits comprised the nose while the flavors of luscious peaches, melons and crisp apples tantalized the mouth; smooth vanilla notes rounded out the wine.

The Chard grapes came from Mendocino and Monterey counties, and winemaker Wayne Donaldson fermented the juice in oak before cold stabilizing it. The wine was then transferred to 30% new French oak and stirred on the lees. Excellent served with grilled pork. (Retails for under $15.)

Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Vintage

A perfect summer sipper! Notes of honey locust on the nose with hints of peaches and apricots. The tangy flavors of pineapple, melon and apples dance on the tongue with a twist of lime on the finish. Pairs wonderfully with chicken and olives.

This Sauv Blanc was crafted from grapes grown in the Napa, Sonoma, Lake and Mendocino regions. The grapes were pressed, and allowed to cold settle for 24 hours before cold stabilization to retain the aromas.

 

The 2014 vintage was awarded 92 points at the Los Angeles International Wine Competition in 2015. (Retails for under $15.)

2015 Wine Brand of the Year

Josh Cellars also produces a bold Cabernet and a brooding Merlot that I have tried and love, plus a Pinot Noir and Legacy Red I have yet to try. Josh Cellars is producing outstanding, well-balanced wines for a great price. Pour a glass and see what you  think. 

Cheers!

~ Joy

How Much Is A Standard Wine Pour?

Have you ever wondered why when you order a glass of wine in a restaurant or bar, the amount of the serving can vary?

There is no set legal-sized pour in the U.S., but a standard pour of wine is considered to be five to six ounces. (An establishment that offers five-ounce pours gets an extra glass out of each bottle.)

And, no, it doesn’t matter if the wine is a red or a white. The difference between the two pours is about two tablespoons. Many restaurants list the size of their pours on the wine menu. If it is not shown, ask.

Five-ounces is also the standard pour for a glass of Champagne. A glass of Sherry or Port is a smaller three to four-ounce pour because it is a fortified wine with a higher alcohol content. (Regular wine has an alcohol content of 11-14% while fortified wines are 15-20%.)

Dessert wines in the U.S. usually come in around 2-3 ounces since they are sold in smaller bottles. (The 375mL size dessert bottle vs. the 750mL standard bottle.)

Using the correct size and type of wine glass will make the serving size appear more in proportion.

In countries using the metric system, the standard serving size for a glass of wine is 100 ml (3.38 U.S. ounces.) But a pour of Champagne is 150mL, about the same serving size as ours. And Ports and Sherries are 60 mL while we pour an ounce or two more per serving.

Why the difference? U.S. wine pours vary somewhat because we are one of only three countries in the world that doesn’t use the metric system. (The other two are Burma and Liberia.) While that may present a problem with size and trade issues, it appears to be great for the wine drinker. Cheers!

~ Joy