^18 Euros for the Merlot. The Cabernet Sauvignon is around 25 Euros when available, the Cover Drive Merlot is a bit heavy for my liking. I wopping 15% too.

A rather nice Bordeaux last night: Chateau Bel-Air, La Chappelle, 2010 vintage. 13.50 and well worth it.

Started-off on the tried and tested favourite of Tony Blair whilst in number 10: a large Canadian Club 12 year old with plenty of ice and then to the wine. And it works a treat. I can recommend this method when you're a bit bored of beer, don't want to hit the whisky and are not a particular wine connoisseur.

It's the Delft beer festival this arvo, but its a serious wash out with heavy rain. Too heavy rain for bike riding too. Better put the kettle on then!

Last edited by One For Bop (2012-08-26 03:07:22)

I use to really like that Banana Bread beer from Wells. Not sickly at all.

Seem to be moving in a wine direction lately, which may not be a good move, as there's too much crap out there that you can buy only to find it's not to your taste, unless you stick with what you know, but then the spirit of adventure is lost. 

Had half a bottle of an Aussie Semillon last night over dinner, a 2008 vintage from Tim Adams grown in the Claire Valley wherever that is in South Australia. It's unusual to be able to source a good Semillon in the Netherlands as its not to the Dutch taste. I like a good semillon as its generally that robust you can sip and savour a couple of glasses or half a bottle and that's satisfying enough.

Gauloise blond Belgian refermented beer (6.3%) from a Chimay glass.

On special offer at Lidl.

Looks like Tesco used to sell it in bigger bottles  http://www.bottledbeer.co.uk/

du Bocq
La Gauloise Blonde

ABV 6.3% • Vol 750 ml • bottle • Belgium • Mid-price • Flavour 7.5 • Bottle Conditioned
Other beers from du Bocq
Other beers from Belgium

Having won the 'best import' award in the Tesco beer challenge, this Belgian bottle-conditioned ale was picked up in a branch of the well-known UK supermarket chain. According to the label, the name derives from the female Gauls who harvested the barley to brew beer in Roman times.
It pours a bright, light blond colour, with a fine-bubbled head that sinks quite rapidly, leaving a thin coating. A fairly thick layer of yeast was visible at the bottom of the bottle with a few lumps floating above it - although it was easy to pour clear to begin with, the dregs were inevitably cloudy (and somewhat chewy). Nose is lightly fruity and spicy, wtih notes of lemon, lime, vanilla, coriander and cloves underlain by a herbal hint of hops. On the tongue it is immediately sparkly and lively. Light, zesty citrus fruit and spice notes are again very apparent, with the addition of banana and bubblegum. (Several of these flavours imply a wheat component to this beer, though there is no mention of this on the label or the website.) The lemon notes are particularly highlighted by a slight citrus sourness around the sides of the tongue, although this is balanced somewhat by a touch of sweetish, almost honeyish pale malt. Despite the initial liveliness, the beer is fairly smooth on the palate, with the alcohol content remaining well hidden other than the hint of sweetness and a gentle alcohol heaviness towards the finish. This leads into an aftertaste of vanilla, honey and zesty lemon, with just a hint of coriander.
A quality blond ale, subtle, refreshing and perilously moreish.

Last edited by Kingston1an (2012-09-05 10:33:16)

Thatcher's Gold Somerset cider 4.8%

Get some of that old Rosie, and block out some days on the diary.

Sambrook's beers from the brewery in Battersea. A splendid afternoon drinking their ales on site and being guided through the brewing process. There was a barbecue in the September sunshine and a band playing from the back of a brewery truck.

Wandle is one of my regular session beers. Good to see a young British company established in Battersea.
http://www.sambrooksbrewery.co.uk/

Sad to see that Prices Patent Candles no longer operates from their premises in nearby York Road. I remember going round there during the late 70s/80s when it was still going. They did well during the three day week days of the Heath government with tales of spivs turning up at the front door  and offering to buy stock.

Then on to The Sultan in South Wimbledon who were having a beerfest. Not many ales on, but we met friends and caught up the football scores. Sultan is a Hopback pub. Hopback would be a good model for Sambrooks to follow.  http://www.hopback.co.uk/about-us.html

Then home to watch Match of the Day and admire Lawrenson's shirt.

ooh nasty hep, hope you're back on track!