From Russia, With Love

Russian Stouts have been around a long time, and though the name implies one thing, they were originally created in England, not Russia. Similar to a Porter (which were brewed first), these were beers hopped up to make them supercharged. Favored by the Russian Imperial family for decades, they fell out of favor, but thankfully, came back in style in the early 1900s. The Narragansett Russian Stout is a burly brew, immensely creamy with dark rich mocha and malt notes, with a nutty bitterness. Coming in at 60 IBU, it’s surprisingly less bitter than you might imagine, but make no mistake, it is nonetheless hefty and not for those with timid palates though the bitterness doesn’t linger and therefore it’s easier to have this with a wider range of foods. Narragansett started brewing back in 1890 and it’s tough to find this beer outside of East Coast states, but if you do, add this beer to your drinking routine.

NARRAGANSETT
ORIGIN: Westport, Massachusetts

PRICE: $5.99 / 22 oz

ALCOHOL: 8.5%

BOOZEHOUNDZ SCORE:  89 POINTS

The Gin Game

Most people I know don’t drink gin, and if they do, they might not be aware that the primary ingredient, in true gin, is juniper berries, which are actually great on lamb and duck breast. Anyhow, new gins arriving on the market aren’t widely publicized. So when Bloom Gin, a traditional London dry version, hit the market from G&J Greenall, who have been making spirits for two and half centuries in England, you should seriously think about it. And then there is the matter of Joanne Moore, their master distiller who makes this gin. Not many women ascend to the ranks of this position (sadly). But regardless of this anomaly, this gin is quite good. It might be unfair to say this gin has a more feminine quality than other gins; soft, slow, seductive, but it’s actually true. The light viscosity gives way to a sweetness at first, then a mild, pleasant burn which turns into a warm sweater, coating the back palette and warming you up – perfect for cold winter nights. The minimal addition of other botanicals (chamomile, honeysuckle) aid this gin, making it a cut above what’s already on store shelves. As a sipper, this is terrific, as a blender, it will raise the quality of your cocktail.

(http://www.bloomgin.com/)

$29/750 ML – 40% Alc.

BOOZEHOUNDZ RATING:  89 POINTS