whisky and wine

my Black Label ran dry on me just days before Christmas and not wanting to die from thirst, i went to 1st choice liquor store, recommended by a friend, to do my alcohol shopping. after much choosing, debating with myself and conquering all the dilemmas, i managed to buy the following few.


first, i decided to switch from Scotch to an Irish, not because the all the other Scotch were not good or didn't catch my attention. but long ago when i was in Singapore, i heard and read about Tullamore Dew, and have vowed to try it. i couldn't find it in DFS at the airport and it was not sold at the few supermarts that had liquors. but when i came to Brisbane, they sell it just off the shelf at all good liquor stores, like they were selling bottled water! how can i not love to stay in such a country?

ok, enough talk. let's go straight to some history and introduction.

Tullamore Dew was first distilled in 1829 in the small town of Tullamore in County Offaly in the heart of Ireland. Irish whiskies are typically fragrant, with a roundness of body. Unlike Scotch, the malted barley used in Ireland is dried over coal fires rather than with peat smoke, maintaining the natural flavour of the barley as one of the defining characteristics of Irish whiskey.

to cut short all the technical terms and jargon, it simply means that there is a difference in all the whiskies around the world due to the source of ingredients and the process they distill their whisky.


Tullamore Dew is the original blend known the world over for its smooth and gentle flavour. now, for the experience with our senses.

Colour: Pale amber with an orange tinge.

Nose: A mild blend of spicy, lemony and malty notes with charred wood undertones.

Body: Soft, buttery, rounded.

Palate: Warming, sweetish spices, pleasant maltiness with toasted wood hints.

Finish: Smooth and gentle, the complex flavours lingering.

when i tried it, it was really... smooth, with the buttery taste. the malt surrounds your tongue and you really taste the wood notes and spice after a while. very different from Black Label, very unique. and to prove that it is a really, really good whisky, surely it has won a few awards like the following:

2008		Double Gold Medal: World Spirits Competition
2007		Gold Medal: International Spirits Challenge
2006		Gold Medal: World Spirits Competition
2006		Gold Medal: International Spirits Challenge
2005		Trophy: International Spirits Challenge
2003		Gold Medal: International Spirits Challenge

next up, is this red from Maison Champy, France.



the reason i bought this, is because i wanted to act high class and can tell people that i have tasted wine from France, that's all. this is simply Bourgogne Pinot Noir, vintage 2007.

also, pinot noir because wines from this grape contains the highest amount of antioxidants. more than any other red wine by all other grapes.



and finally, i'm sure everyone is familiar with the popular Jacob's Creek, homegrown Australian brand.



i bought this because it was too cheap, about Aud$6+. but surprisingly, it was very very nice. i didn't buy the bottle empty. it is so nice and easy to drink, that i'm into the second bottle already.



because it was nice, and it was my first time trying a Jacob's Creek, i went onto their website for a look. was i surprised when i saw that this very bottle of classic shiraz, is the winner of 43 gold, silver and bronze awards of many competitions all over the world in 2004-06.

i think they're being humble. 43 awards couldn't have fitted the bottle.