What is Rosé Anyway? (Sip of the Week)

Posted on April 24, 2019April 30, 2019 by caitlin

Red wine comes from red grapes, white wine comes from white (green) grapes, Rosé wine comes from…pink grapes?

I don’t know about you, but I’ve never seen a pink grape in my life. So, what is it that makes Rosé the classic, mouthwatering color that it is? This week’s Sip of the Week is all about demystifying Rosé. ‘Tis the season for the refreshing pink beverage after all!

Glass of Rosé with flowers in the background. — Spring has sprung! And so has my craving for some crisp Rosé!

One quick side note:

Not all white wines are made from “white” grapes. I know I started the blog post off that way, but I did it because it sounded clever (and it’s probably what most people assume, anyway). I don’t want you to believe I actually think that’s the case. I know a little bit about wine after all.

Back to the point: ROSÉ!

Rosé can be made through a couple different methods.

Vertical photo of Rosé glass with flowers. — Next time you enjoy a Rosé, see if you can decipher the method by which it is made by reading the label or researching the winery. Keep reading for all the details!

One method for making Rosé is when red grapes are macerated with their skins for fermentation, but the juice is removed after only a short amount of time. The longer the juice and skins macerate together, the darker the wine becomes. If left long enough, it would become a true red wine.

With this method, winemakers have control over not only the flavor profile of the wine (based on what type of grape they choose for the Rosé in the first place), but also over the distinct color that the wine takes on over time. Minor fluctuations may take place from year to year, but grape skins from the same varietal will produce approximately the same hue each vintage.

P.S. Not all Rosé hues are created equal…

If you’re curious, pick up a few bottles of rosé on your next grocery trip, and pour it into glasses side-by-side. You’ll see all shades of peach, coral, pink, and sometimes even orange. My most recent glass of Rosé took on a peach-y color. The flavors will differ greatly, too, but the most common Rosé flavors are those of citrus, melon, and “bright” (ripe, and sometimes even under-ripe) fruits.

A second method for making Rosé is letting the grapes ferment without skins on to produce the majority of the wine. Essentially, the base for the Rosé is a white wine. During production, the winemaker then adds a small amount of red wine to the batch of white liquid until the flavor and hue match the desired effect. Only a small amount of red wine is needed to dye a white wine pink, so typically there is only 5% or less of the red wine in the blend.

Speaking of blends…

Rosés can be labeled as “blends”, meaning a variety of types of grapes are used to make the wine, or they can be labeled as a single varietal Rosé (for example, Rosé of Grenache, or Rosé of Pinot Noir). Different countries have different requirements regarding labeling, but in the United States a wine must contain at least 75% of the varietal in order to be labeled as a single varietal wine.

A good glass of Rosé can be enjoyed year-round, but there’s something about springtime that makes me want to pop it in the fridge to be chilled.

It just feels like it fits!

Glass of Rosé with reflection of flowers in the glass. — Don’t you agree that Rosé and fresh blooms just look great together?

My go-to Rosé is Beckmen Vineyards Rosé of Grenache, which is bright and complex in flavor, and perfect for nearly any occasion. If you happen to find it, it’s also a pretty affordable Rosé option for the quality you get in the bottle (hello, biodynamic, small-production winery!). I recently wrote about my visit to Beckmen Vineyards, click here to check it out.

So, what’s your take on Rosé? Did you know how it was made, or do you have a go-to bottle? Let me know in the comments below!

Cheers!

Sip (and Travel Tip) of the Week: Kern River Brewing’s Shuttle Bunny Double White IPA

Posted on April 17, 2019April 30, 2019 by caitlin

One of my favorite breweries is located way off the beaten path for many, tucked away in the mountains in Kernville, California. Despite its remote location, their quality beers have put Kern River Brewing Company on the map. And one of my favorite beers is the Shuttle Bunny Double White IPA.

A pint of Kern River Brewing beer on their outdoor patio. — Check out this pint of Kern River Brewing’s Shuttle Bunny Double White IPA, poured fresh at Kern River Brewing Company. This photo was taken during a visit out there last spring. This went down nicely on a warm day!

Kernville is an adventure-lover’s paradise.

The destination sports everything from camping and boating at Lake Isabella, to white water rafting along the Kern River. You can fill your days with hiking in the mountains or hiking to Kern River Brewing Company, whichever you prefer.

Caitlin and Oakley at the shore of Lake Isabella. — You can also fill your days running through the water with a goldendoodle!

Tucker and I have camped at Lake Isabella a few times and love the tranquility of the area.

During the winter and spring, the hillsides are filled with vibrant green grass and wildflowers, which make for stunning views wherever you look. Sadly, the many years of California drought took a toll on the lake’s water levels over the past several years, which have limited lake usage as a result. Recent rains in 2019 have helped the situation, but vistas overlooking the dry lakebed really tell the story of how nature has responded to the water shortage.

Caitlin overlooking Lake Isabella — This photo shows the dry lakebed in the distance. But the hills around it were beautiful and green on this visit!

A great stop in Kernville, which is the small town where the brewery and other local businesses are situated, is the Kern Valley Museum. Now, I’m not one for reading every historical sign when I frequent museums, but the depictions of history showcased at this small-but-mighty museum make it one of my favorite museum experiences to date. From Native American artifacts to gold-mining tools, it’s difficult to describe the amount of history that this small California location holds. Oh yeah, in case you don’t know, the gold rush is what first put Kernville on the map!

While there’s not much gold metal left in the ground these days, there’s a liquid-form of gold being churned out at Kern River Brewing Company. Without further ado, let’s talk sips!

Can of Shuttle Bunny IPA poured into a glass. — My most recent pour of Kern River Brewing beer, this time out of a can (but still excellent!).

The Shuttle Bunny Double White IPA is a go-to of mine when I visit Kern River Brewing Company. I think this brewery excels in creating well-balanced, hop-forward brews, and the Shuttle Bunny is no exception. The name is also pretty catchy, too.

Speaking of name, all of Kern River Brewing’s beers are named in honor of a Kern Valley site, experience, or tradition.

For example, the can River Buddy Pale Ale shows a hop in an inner-tube floating down the Kern River! But if you’re like me, you may be wondering what the heck a shuttle bunny is… fear not! The Shuttle Bunny beer can explains that a shuttle bunny is a term for someone who transports adventurers, like bikers, boaters, or river floaters, to the starting point of their activity, and then picks them up again at the end (preferably with cold beer in tow). Shuttle bunnies are essential for some good Kern River rafting!

Can of shuttle bunny ipa. — The can’s shuttle bunny is an actual bunny, so that’s pretty cool.

The Shuttle Bunny Double White IPA is packed with fruit-forward flavors, and balanced with a strong hop profile. It’s a well-rounded beer suitable for any IPA lover that likes their hops served with hints of citrus and tropical fruit. The Shuttle Bunny was brewed as Kern River Brewing’s 8^th Anniversary beer, and is a great drink choice on tap, in a growler fill, or even from the can. Every time I sip it I’m reminded of just how stellar of a beer the Shuttle Bunny is!

Glass of Shuttle Bunny Double White IPA from Kern River Brewing Company. — The Shuttle Bunny Double White IPA is also slightly cloudy when poured into a glass, and has a citrus-y and fruity fragrance from the first drop!

Now, I can’t write about Kern River Brewing Company without talking about their most pure form of gold for at least a moment: the Citra Double IPA.

This beer is in such high demand that it can only be consumed and purchased at the brewery. It’s made once every year (around spring time) and it’s sold like hotcakes from the second it’s released. I’ve been lucky enough to have a few pints of Citra in my time, and, in my opinion, it’s worth a drive to Kernville just for that.

Caitlin, Tucker, and a group of friends at Kern River Brewing Company. — Many of us made a stop at Kern River Brewing Company during a camping trip last spring. We need to start planning our camping trips in the area around Citra season!

Flavor-wise, the Citra is a dry-hopped beer with lots of citrus and fruit flavors. It runs at 8% ABV, and took home a gold medal in the Imperial IPA category at the Great American Beer Festival in 2011. I wasn’t kidding when I said this is Kern River Brewing Company’s most pure form of gold! Maybe I’ll be lucky enough to snatch one up this season before it’s tapped out…

So, my travel tip for this week is to make a visit to Kernville, California for some epic sips from Kern River Brewing Company. P.S. The brewery is known for having some GREAT food, too!

Oakley sitting at the edge of Lake Isabella. — Oakley also suggests visiting Kernville and Lake Isabella. It’s one of his favorite places! #campingwithdogs

Have you ever tried a Kern River beer? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below!

Sip of the Week: The Five07’s “Craft” Coffee Pour Over

Posted on April 3, 2019April 30, 2019 by caitlin

This week’s Sip of the Week goes out to a beverage that I enjoy each and every morning. A sip that is often the first thing on my mind after my alarm rudely wakes me up at 5:15 AM. A drink that is a prerequisite to any good day (or just any day, period). By now you MUST know that I’m talking about coffee!

A cup of coffee with a mason jar of coffee next to it, taken at Five07 coffee shop — I’m convinced that we need to invent smell-a-vision and taste-a-vision for photos like these. Or, would it be taste-a-tography…? In any case, this pour over is heads above your average cup of joe.

Now, similar to beer and wine, not all coffee is created equal.

(I’m sure we can all relate to the experience of taking a sip of what you expect to be rich, earthy coffee, only to get a mouthful of burnt bean water, right?) In recent years “craft” coffee has been on the rise. Rightfully so! Small roasteries with uniquely sourced coffee beans are slowly, but surely, making their way into little coffee shops, and elevating the average coffee-drinker’s palate while they’re at it.

I am lucky enough to have one of those local coffee shops, The Five07, in my own backyard in Thousand Oaks, California.

A woman ordering a coffee at the Five07 coffee bar. — The Five07’s menu is ever-so-humbly displayed on rolls of butcher paper, which perfectly represents the casual vibe of the coffee shop. No frills, no fuss, just great coffee!

The Five07 opened a little over a year ago and has been such a welcomed addition to our community. They feature unique roasts each week, and make some killer espresso drinks, too. I love heading over there to try a pour over of their featured roast, and my recent trip introduced me to The Boy & The Bear Coffee Roastery.

Before jumping into the coffee itself, I thought I would take a minute to explain the difference between drip coffee and pour over coffee. I didn’t fully understand the difference until recently, and I wish I had known the details of the pour over sooner!

In short, a pour over means your coffee is being made slowly and in small batches.

Therefore, there is more control over the temperature of the water used for brewing, as well as the strength of the coffee. As a result, you will be able to extract the nuanced flavors of a particular coffee roast during the brewing process. Drip coffee makers, on the other hand, have a harder time stabilizing the temperatures during brewing, which can lead to burnt coffee or simply bland coffee. And there’s nothing worse than that.

Now, back to my Five07 pour over!

The tasting notes described for The Boy & The Bear Columbia roast that I tried included pink bourbon, roses, and caramel, with a round body profile. My first thought was “what the heck is pink bourbon?!” Turns out it is a rare kind of coffee bean. So, all you lushes out there thinking that your coffee was about to taste like it got hit with a splash of bourbon, keep dreaming.

Chalkboard describing the Roast of the Week. — Check out the chalkboard by the door of The Five07 for a peek at the Roast of the Week. That’s usually my go-to drink since there’s always something new to try.

What I did taste in this pour over was more caramel and chocolate flavors. It sounds funny to pick out these subtle flavors, but this pour over was undoubtedly more flavorful than any drip coffee I’ve had recently.

My recommended pairing? Order the Honey Lavender Toast.

Spread with a thin layer of goat cheese, drizzled with honey, and garnished with a sprinkle of dried lavender, this simple but decadent toast is a perfect accompaniment to any good cup of coffee. The Five07 Avocado Toast is a close second.

Honey Lavendar Toast and a pour over coffee at The Five07. — This might be the most satisfying little breakfast ever created. Totally simple, and completely delicious. Just like everything else at The Five07.

I love how The Five07 serves the extra coffee in a sealed mason jar while you enjoy your first cup…it keeps the coffee piping hot while you leisurely sip and enjoy the rustic, homey environment of the coffee shop.

If you find yourself in Thousand Oaks (which is roughly halfway between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara), make a stop at The Five07.

They’re open late seven days a week and host lots of events for their clientele, like open mic nights, live music, coffee tastings, and more. Big tables, board games, and bean bag chairs make The Five07 an ideal hangout with friends or family. You can’t go wrong with anything on their menu, and the smiling faces of the baristas are sure to make you feel right at home.

I think I’ve just convinced myself that I need to make a stop at The Five07 today…

For more coffee-related sips, click here and here! Cheers!

Sip of the Week: The Notorious BBG (Blood Orange, Bourbon, & Ginger)

Posted on March 27, 2019April 30, 2019 by caitlin

I stumbled upon the most beautiful blood oranges during my grocery trip over the weekend, and immediately knew that a blood orange cocktail was calling my name. Not only do blood oranges make for the most beautifully colored cocktails, but the vibrant flavor of the fruit also makes them an ideal accompaniment to nearly any boozy indulgence.

Picture of two Notorious BBG cocktails with blood orange, bourbon, and ginger — Sneak peak at the finished product! Scroll down for the full recipe.

I had a hunch that I wanted to pair the blood orange with bourbon, and decided to spice up the drink with some homemade Honey Ginger Simple Syrup. Introducing: The Notorious BBG (Blood Orange, Bourbon, and Ginger). You just can’t go wrong with playing off of the bourbon’s sweet and spicy flavors! A splash of lemon juice lifts the spice of this blood orange and bourbon cocktail up and balances the sweet blood orange juice, making it a perfect springtime sip.

Close up of the cocktail and garnishes. — This beautiful cocktail is sure to catch attention with your guests!

Here’s what you’ll need to make this blood orange, bourbon, and ginger infused cocktail:

Honey Ginger Simple Syrup (makes 4-5 servings worth of simple syrup)

½ cup honey (quality matters here, I suggest using pure, local honey if you can find it!)

1 cup water

2 inch knob of ginger, peeled and thinly sliced

The Notorious BBG cocktail with flowers in the background. — The ginger goes a long way in elevating the flavor profile of this cocktail. If you aren’t a big ginger fan, just cut back on the amount that you add to your simple syrup. If you love ginger like I do, add as much as you’d like! And check out my other ginger-y cocktail here!

The Notorious BBG Cocktail (makes 2)

4 ounces bourbon

1/3 cup fresh squeezed blood orange juice (approximately 2 blood oranges juiced)

1 ounce fresh squeezed lemon juice (approximately 1 small lemon)

2 ounces homemade Honey Ginger Simple Syrup

Candied ginger and blood orange slices (for garnish)

Directions for Making The Notorious BBG Cocktail

First, make the simple syrup. Heat the water and honey over medium heat until simmering. Add sliced ginger and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until liquid has evaporated by half and the syrup has a strong ginger flavor. Remove from heat and let cool.

Once your syrup is cooled, you can put together your cocktail!

Deep red color of the Notorious BBG cocktail and its garnishes. — Tip: if you’re concerned about your cocktail being watered down by ice cubes, opt for one giant cube (pictured here), OR, freeze some cubes of candied ginger and throw those in your cocktail to keep it chilled!

Juice approximately 2 blood oranges (1/3 cup worth of juice), and combine the with lemon juice, bourbon, and simple syrup. Mix well. For best results, chill in the freezer before serving. This really allows the flavors of the fruit, bourbon and honey ginger syrup to become one before it hits your glass. Pour the cocktail over ice and garnish with a blood orange slice and candied ginger.

Last, but not least, sip and enjoy The Notorious BBG!

This cocktail brings a punch of flavors in every sip, making it sweet, spicy, earthy, and refreshing. Better yet, it can be made for a single serving (or two), or can easily be made in bulk for your next big gathering. Pass the pitcher, please!

Caitlin holding a Notorious BBG cocktail over a bunch of flowers. — I don’t think this cocktail could be any more beautiful! Best served alongside beautiful flowers and sunny weather. Cheers!

Why not celebrate this beautiful springtime weather with The Notorious BBG this weekend? Send this recipe to a friend who you would sip this cocktail with!

Cheers, friends!

If you enjoyed this post, or want to save the recipe, please share on social media!

Glass of Beckmen Syrah held up to the pond and oak trees on the Beckmen Vineyards lot.

Sip of the Week: Beckmen Vineyards Syrah

Posted on March 20, 2019April 30, 2019 by caitlin

Spring has sprung, and I have photos from my visit to Beckmen Vineyards to prove it!

I traveled to the central coast of California for by best friend’s wedding last weekend, and when our route home took us through Los Olivos, I knew we had to stop for some wine at Beckmen.

A view of oak trees and the pond within the Beckmen Vineyards property. — Just look at that beautiful view! If you look closely, you can see the little Beckmen vines dotting the hillsides.

I first visited Beckmen Vineyards in 2017 with my family.

We stumbled off-the-beaten-wine-country-path that weekend, and arrived at Beckmen Vineyards for a tour of the property and in-depth wine tasting. I was immediately impressed not only by the caliber of wine, but by the biodynamic practices that Beckmen employs. This family-owned and operated winery is a trendsetter in sustainability, having farmed their vineyard according to biodynamic principles since 2009.

Tucker and Megan in the Beckmen barrel room. — Here’s a throwback to that trip in 2017! Tucker (my hubby) on the left, listening intently to our guide. Megan (my sis) on the right intently tasting her delicious Beckmen Vineyards wine. This was during the barrel room part of the tour. Photo taken by Brian Moore (my dad).

You may remember the term “biodynamic” from my previous posts featuring Troon Vineyard.

They, too, are a biodynamic winery located in Southern Oregon. I’m convinced that when wine is made the way it should be—without herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, or nitrogen-based fertilizer—the character of the wine stands heads above the rest. I also appreciate transparency in food and drink industries, and biodynamic vineyards like Beckmen and Troon provide just that.

Two bottles of Troon Vineyard wine. — In case you missed it, these were the two (outstanding) bottles of Troon wine that I got to try. Click here and here to read the posts and learn more!

Some standouts from my last trip to Beckmen Vineyards were the Grenache Rosé, the Block Eight Grenache, and the Clone Syrah (which was poured for us from a Coravin, and was the first time I saw that awesome gadget put to work!). Many people talk about having an “ah-ha” moment with wine, and my first tasting experience at Beckmen was one of those for me.

I’ve been a fan of Beckmen and have purchased their bottles ever since that first visit.

I was thrilled to make a spontaneous trip back to the winery last weekend as we drove through the Santa Ynez Valley AVA. The hardest part of that afternoon was decided which bottle to enjoy!!

We settled on the 2016 Purisima Mountain Vineyard Syrah from Ballard Canyon. On first sip, it was rich, peppery, and full-bodied, and paired well with our sandwiches from Los Olivos Grocery (10/10 recommend stopping there next time you’re in the area!).

A bottle of Beckmen Vineyards Syrah alongside a glass of the Syrah. — This Syrah is produced from the Ballard Canyon lot of Syrah grapes in the Santa Ynez Valley. Ballard Canyon stands alone as it’s own AVA within the Santa Ynez region. I’ve yet to have a Ballard Canyon AVA that has not been impressive. (P.S. “AVA” stands for American Viticultural Area, which basically means a designated area where wine grapes are grown.)

Here’s a little more about the flavor profile of the 2016 PMV Syrah:

Look: Deep ruby color

Smell: Complex smell of both fruits and pepper, smells became more blended as the wine opened up.

Taste: Bold, medium-tannins, taste of pepper mixed with the tannin hit the palate upon first sip, but as the wine opens, more nuanced flavors of dark fruit and subtle herbs appear. This is a big wine that would pair well with BBQ and red meat, and can stand up to some stronger food flavors.

Ratings:

94 Points: Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wine

93 Points: Jeb Dunnuck

93 Points: Vinous

92 Points: Wine Enthusiast

Retail price: $32/bottle

I think my favorite part of Beckmen Vineyard is how tucked away it is in the Los Olivos hills.

You truly feel as though you’re in the middle of nowhere when you enjoy a glass of wine on Beckmen’s patio or in one of their gazebos on the pond. It’s also so refreshing to find a family-owned and operated winery truly dedicated to the craft of winemaking in the bustle of big brands along wine country highways. It’s worth winding down a couple of dirt roads to find your way to Beckmen Vineyards next time you find yourself in the Santa Ynez Valley!

What’s your favorite winery in the Santa Ynez Valley AVA (or nearby area)? Let me know in the comments below!

If you enjoyed this article, please share on social media!

Sip of the Week: Will You Accept This Rosé…Cocktail?

Posted on March 13, 2019April 30, 2019 by caitlin

This week’s Sip of the Week was created in honor of the finale of The Bachelor, which aired both Monday AND Tuesday night this week! Such a momentous occasion couldn’t do with just a regular old beer or glass of wine, don’t you agree? I decided to instead throw together a simple Rosé Cocktail for the occasion involving my secret weapon: homemade rosé simple syrup!

The rosé simple syrup gives a splash of color to this cocktail.

You may remember that I created the rosé simple syrup last spring when I collaborated with The Glorious Grape for her “May Rosé” cocktail series. My contribution was my Rosé Mojito, which is a perfect way to celebrate the beauty of cocktails and wine. You can read The Glorious Grape’s full post here, or find my Rosé Mojito recipe here!

Sneak peak of what you could be enjoying if you make my Rosé Mojito!

I’ve kept some of my rosé simple syrup on hand since creating it last May, and thought that I’d reintroduce it to the blog while we all watch The Bachelor ask the woman of his dreams, “Will you accept this rose?”. As far as I’m concerned, I’ll always say yes to that question if you replace the “rose” with rosé.

You’ll need some rosé simple syrup to make this Rosé Cocktail, so here’s the recipe for how to do it:

In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of your favorite sparkling Rosé with ½ cup granulated sugar. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture comes to a rolling boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and allow the syrup to simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until it has reduced by about half. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool fully before mixing your mojito. You’ll be left with a rich, citrusy simple syrup to spruce up a cocktail of your choosing!

Here are the rest of your ingredients for your Rosé Cocktail:

(makes 2 servings)

Two champagne glasses with a cocktail inside. — These cocktails look fabulous in fancy champagne glasses, but you could always serve it over ice, too!

3 oz. vodka

12 oz. sparkling water of choice (either plain, or you could add in a flavored La Croix if you want a bit more flavor)

A splash of Rose’s Sweetened Lime Juice

Rosé simple syrup to taste, but approximately 1 teaspoon per drink

Citrus zest for garnish

Directions:

Combine chilled vodka and sparkling water in a glass. Add in the lime juice and rosé simple syrup. Gently mix (the syrups will naturally sink to the bottom). Garnish with some citrus zest and enjoy!

Birds eye view of the cocktails — This cocktail is so simple, there’s no excuse NOT to make it. Your homemade rosé simple syrup can be made in advance, so you can throw it together at any time.

What stands out in this cocktail is the subtle flavors of the rosé simple syrup, which comes directly from the bottle of rosé you use for the simple syrup recipe. Choose wisely! I’m sure you’ve heard that you should never use cheap, bad wine for cooking. This is a perfect example of why!

Bottle of wine with other ingredients for a mojito. — La Burgondie Rosé Brut from France lined up with my Rosé Mojito ingredients. This inexpensive bottle is a great pick for your simple syrup. I picked up my bottle from Trader Joe’s.

I liked this $10.00 bottle (La Burgondie Rosé Brut from France) that I picked up from the store—it had a really nice fruity aroma, but was buttery and smooth to drink. I had a little leftover after making my mojitos, and I really enjoyed just drinking it by the glass! The simple syrup was vibrant and bright in flavor with a hint of citrus after this Rosé reduced down.

Close up view of the glasses with the cocktails. — This Rosé Cocktail looks like a million bucks!

This Rosé Cocktail a super simple way to spruce up your go-to vodka soda cocktail. I typically prefer cocktails that aren’t too sweet, so this is right up my alley. If you wanted something a little sweeter, try adding more simple syrup or replacing some (or all) of the sparkling water with 7-Up. Or, you could even add a splash of sparkling rosé!

Close up of the cocktails — Bookmark this recipe for your next spring event, or for your next reality TV binge!

So even though The Bachelor is over for now, you can still sip on this Rosé Cocktail as Spring blooms, and, better yet, as The Bachelorette premiers in May! I’m sure it will be the most dramatic season in Bachelor and Bachelorette history…looking at you, Chris Harrison.

Cheers!

Sip of the Week: Pinot Noir (In a Can)!

Posted on March 6, 2019April 30, 2019 by caitlin

I don’t speak French, but I have learned to translate one very important sentence: “I would like a glass of your house red wine, please!”

As you likely know, the house wine is almost never disappointing in Europe. When I saw this can of House Wine sitting on the shelf at Total Wine a few weeks back, I chuckled at the witty name and knew I had to give it a try.

Caitlin holding a can of House Wine Pinot Noir — Unassuming in nature, but eye-catching as ever, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to give this wine a try.

I’ve had my eye on the canned wine business for a while now, and I’ve tried a few brands of wine in a can. Some were surprisingly good, others were a total disappointment. (Click here and here to read my posts about those experiments!) In both cases I was left hoping that one day there would be a canned red wine that stood up to the quality of some canned whites and rosés (I’ve always found those to be the more enjoyable canned wines). The canned reds I’ve tried until now were mostly Red Blends and all featured overly-fruity and jammy flavors without much nuance. They were too sweet, and couldn’t compare to some bottles I could buy for the same price (or less!).

Can of wine, glass of wine, and book in the background. — Keep reading to find out why my Wine Folly book is flipped to the “Chile” page!

Needless to say, when I picked up this can of House Wine, I was not only struck by the name but also by the fact that it was a single varietal, Pinot Noir, in a can. Pinot Noir of all varietals! Those who have already geeked out watching Somm 3 (which I highly recommend) will understand when I say that Pinot Noir is widely regarded as one of the most finicky grapes out there.

Can of wine, glass of wine, and book about wine in the background. — Pinot Noir only accounts for a small portion of the most common varieties of Chilean wine.

This particular Pinot Noir reigns from Valle Central, Chile, and is distributed by Original House Wine in Walla Walla, Washington. I flipped open my Wine Folly book to learn more about Pinot Noir production in Chile and learned that it is far from the most common varietal associated with Chilean wine production. Original House Wine winemaker Hal Landvoigt prides himself on creating unpretentious wines for the American market through his experience sourcing grapes from around the world. It seems like this can of House Wine Pinot Noir is meant to do just that.

In my mind, this canned wine experiment was either going to re-write the script for canned reds, or be an utter disaster.

Caitlin holding a glass of pinot noir from a can — This Pinot Noir showcases a deep ruby color. Keep reading to learn my take on the flavor profile…

Here it goes!

I crack open the can. Somehow, I’m still surprised when there’s no carbonation behind that aluminum lid. I naturally expect a cold, crisp beer, not a dark, red wine!

House Wine Pinot Noir with can and glass. — If wine could talk, it would tell you it was opening up during this picture!

I pour a splash into my glass. Upon first smell, there’s nothing special about it. I swirl, smell again, and take a sip. I’m pleased to find it is more flavorful than I expected, so I pour a full glass and proceed to conduct my photo shoot. This gives the wine about 20-minutes to open up.

As I sipped on the House Wine Pinot Noir while cooking dinner, I was pleasantly surprised by the flavors that emerged. There was definitely a hint of spice to it, and was fairly rich for a Pinot Noir. It didn’t have jammy or ripe-fruit flavors at all (that’s an automatic win in the canned wine world for me!). The aroma improved over time, too, and developed scents of herbs and spices as it opened up.

Caitlin holding a glass of canned Pinot Noir in front of the Wine Folly book. — Overall, this was my favorite canned red wine that I’ve tried thus far. I’m excited to try more canned wine from House Wine.

If someone poured me a glass of the House Wine Pinot Noir and told me it came from a bottle, I never would have second-guessed them. While this may not be your special occasion wine (and, to be fair, I don’t think it is intended to be that), this will easily make any wine lover happy as a casual weeknight sip.

The benefits of canned wine are many, such as portability, portion control, and not having to worry about finishing an entire bottle in a limited amount of time. To find a canned wine worthy of taking on outdoor adventures or sipping mid-week makes the idea of wine in a can even more appealing!

Can of house wine with a glass of pinot noir in the background. — The back of the can includes tasting notes and details about the wine’s origins. A perfect snapshot of what to expect!

The Details:

ABV: 12.5%

100% Pinot Noir

$4.99/can at Total Wine

Well, there you have it, another edition of Sip of the Week! What do you want to see next week? More wine? Beer? Cocktails? Coffee? Let me know in the comments below!

Sip of the Week: Enegren Brewing Company’s Baltic Maple Porter

Posted on February 27, 2019April 30, 2019 by caitlin

For this week’s Sip of the Week, I’m taking you to another one of my favorite local breweries: Enegren Brewing Company.

Located in Moorpark, California, Enegren specializes in German-inspired beers with an emphasis on lager-styles. But this Sip of the Week departs from those light, crisp, refreshing lagers and transports you to a world of dark and toasty, complete with a hint of sweet maple syrup. Introducing: the Baltic Maple Porter!

Can of Enegren Baltic Maple Porter — Enegren’s slogan reads: “For the Glory and Power of Beer”. I can get on board with that!

Enegren Brewing Company was the first brewery I visited when I moved to Ventura County five years ago.

At that time their tasting room was tucked away in a shoebox-sized corner of an industrial park. I knew they were onto something good when, every time I visited, the place was packed to the brim. Fast-forward to early 2015, Enegren moved into their new beer hall just a few doors down from their old location. For anyone who has visited Bavaria, you’ll immediately recognize the long picnic-style table that adorns the middle of the tasting room, as well as hints of the traditional blue and white Bavarian checkered flag (formally referred to as lozenges, I believe). Between the friendly faces behind the bar and live music throughout the week, Enegren has created a family atmosphere that echoes that of a true German beer hall.

(P.S. Check out my post about tips for traveling to Germany here!)

Tucker and Oakley in the Enegren beer hall. — We’ve spent many happy evenings at Enegren over the past several years. Oakley is a regular, too!

You may notice on the can of Baltic Maple Porter that it is labeled as a lager beer. If that caught you by surprise, you’re not alone!

Many beer drinkers assume that lagers come in one form (the light, easy-to-drink on a summer day kind), when in reality the term “lager” refers to the process by which the beer is made.

Here’s a quick lesson:

There are two types of beer: lagers and ales. The main difference between these two styles is the type of yeast that is used in the brewing process.

The yeast used in ales is a top-fermenting yeast that ferments at warmer temperatures, leading to more robust, bold flavors in the end product. Some of the most common types of ales are IPAs (India Pale Ales), Pale Ales, Ambers, and Stouts.

An infographic of the ale vs. lager fermentation process. — A visual of the ale vs. lager fermentation process. Image credit of popsci.com.

Lagers, on the other hand, work with a bottom-fermenting yeast that ferments at significantly cooler temperatures. The fermentation process takes longer as a result, but the beer is considered more stable at these temperatures and maintains more subtle, crisp flavors as a result. Lagers are often considered more difficult to make since mistakes in the brewing process are more difficult to cover up with other flavors (i.e. hops, malt, etc.). Additionally, the brewing process is extended when lagering, which means the brewer must have the resources to allow for a lengthier brewing process. Some members of the lager family are bocks, pilsners, and dunkels.

If you want to read about the most epic lager I ever drank, click here!

All of this to say: Enegren’s Baltic Maple Porter is a lagered beer, meaning the fermentation took place at cooler temperatures, over a greater period of time. Better yet, this beer was lagered on sugar-maple wood spirals, giving it an additional layer of complexity in its flavor.

Caitlin holding a glass of Enegren Baltic Maple Porter — This dark beer is loaded with flavor in each sip. As a side note, I’m really ready for the summer months to come back. I’m missing the natural light in the evenings!

With each sip of this Baltic Maple Porter, you’ll taste a perfect balance of sweet maple and smoky flavors. This beer is only lightly carbonated (and claims to be naturally carbonated with the maple syrup!), making it an easy sipper. In my opinion, this sweet and roast-y porter is better than dessert and makes for a perfect nightcap.

A glass of Enegren Baltic Maple Porter held up to the light. — When held up to the light, this Baltic Maple Porter showcases a maple syrup-like color. The maple is also echoed through the flavor and aroma, too.

The Details:

ABV: 9.1%

IBU: 50

Malt: German Pilsner, German Munich Dark, CaraMunich III, Beech Smoked Malt, Carafa Special II, Roasted Barley, Chateau Chocolate

Hops: Herkules, Willamette

And yes, it is made with real maple syrup!

Enegren recommends you serve this sip in a tulip glass or a stein. However you sip it, be sure to take in the aroma and flavor with every sip. This beer is a stand out and should not be missed!

Happy sipping!

Sip of the Week (Coffee Style): The Health Nut!

Posted on February 13, 2019April 30, 2019 by caitlin

My favorite sip this week wasn’t a pint of beer, a glass of wine, or even a cocktail (believe it or not). It was, in fact, something called “The Health Nut”, a coffee concoction that I will forever try to replicate at home because it was just that good.

If you read my post last week, you may remember I was traveling to Jacksonville, Florida for a business trip.

And while I enjoyed the food and drink I found in Jacksonville (thanks to those who recommended spots!), I wouldn’t necessarily add Jacksonville to my list of vacation destinations in the future. That said, if there is one reason to go back to the city, it’s for The Health Nut.

The skyline of Jacksonville at sunset. — The Jacksonville skyline at sunset. See that giant building on the right? That’s the Bank of America building, the tallest building in Jacksonville and home to the Urban Grind coffee shop.

Tucked away at the bottom of the Bank of America building in Downtown Jacksonville, the Urban Grind coffee shop is serving up delicious coffee drinks that are unique to their storefront.

They have fancy latte flavorings that I had never thought to combine with coffee before (hello, coconut and lavender), and pastries that are way more tempting than they should be. But The Health Nut called my name when I saw it’s delicious list of ingredients on the blackboard.

A blackboard filled with text and illustrations for coffee drinks. — This is the Urban Grind menu, colorful and fun and filled with unique drinks. Can you find The Health Nut in there?

Here’s what’s in it:

2 shots of espresso

1 banana

Almond butter

An unknown quantity of pumps of Ghirardelli dark chocolate (but it can’t be much, ‘cus the drink isn’t super chocolatey)

Protein powder

This drink hit the spot after early morning workouts at the hotel, and served as a great meal each morning. Better yet, as I enjoyed the taste of The Health Nut, the caffeine also helped wake me up and get me ready for the day! The consistency is similar to a Starbucks Frappuccino, making it feel substantial and filling as you enjoy it.

Caitlin holding a cup with The Health Nut inside, with the Urban Grind coffee shop in the backgroun. — The Health Nut in all its glory! Urban Grind is filled with lots of coffee-related trinkets, and it’s obvious that they love coffee as much as I do (makes sense I guess!).

The flavors of The Health Nut’s ingredients blend together to create an entirely new flavor experience (sort of like “third taste” in wine pairing…sorry, had to geek out there for a second), making it one of the best coffee drinks I’ve ever had. It’s sweet from the chocolate and banana, yet bitter from the coffee. Rich and smooth from the almond butter, but cool and refreshing from its smoothie-like consistency. I’m not kidding when I say I’ll be trying to replicate this drink at home soon! Recipe to come, perhaps?

If you find yourself in Jacksonville, a visit to Urban Grind is a stop that cannot be missed.

And if The Health Nut doesn’t quite sound like your thing, try one of their other fabulous coffee or tea drinks. During an afternoon run to Urban Grind, a drip coffee with a splash of hazelnut hit the spot. I really don’t think you can go wrong with anything on their menu!

What’s your favorite way to enjoy your morning coffee? Do you have a drink like The Health Nut that you would recommend? Let me know in the comments below!

Sip of the Week: DAOU Vineyards 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon

Posted on February 6, 2019April 30, 2019 by caitlin

This Sip of the Week comes to you from 39,003 feet elevation as I fly from California to Florida for a conference. And while I’m stuck in the air for a day, I’ll be wishing I had a glass of 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon from DAOU Vineyards to sip on.

A glass and a bottle of Cab from DAOU. — The bottle, and a glass, of the DAOU Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s dark in color and rich in flavor.

We received this bottle of DAOU 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon as a gift from some family over the holidays, and a rainy February evening seemed like the perfect time to open it.

I had never had a DAOU wine before, but had always heard good things about it. I was excited to give this bottle a try and learn more about the vineyard in the process.

Looking at the label of the bottle through the glass. — The color of this wine reminds me of ripe fruit, and the flavor does, too!

Located in Paso Robles, California, DAOU touts its vineyard as providing the ideal conditions for growing Bordeaux grape varieties, most notably Cabernet Sauvignon.

DAOU Mountain, the home of 115 acres of DAOU grapes, features vines grown in calcareous clay soil (similar to Bordeaux’s Right Bank), and fruit perfected by the Pacific microclimate. The result is wine that is perfectly balanced in acidity, features ripe fruit flavor, and showcases herbaceous terroir. Additionally, DAOU has received a Sustainability in Practice (SIP) certification, meaning each precious grape is harvested in a mindful, earth-friendly fashion. (You may remember how much I appreciate wineries who have sustainable practices…check out my posts here and here about Troon Vineyards in Oregon, another sustainable and biodynamic vineyard!)

The label of the wine with a glass in the background. — The label depicts the DAOU Mountain vineyard with it’s image…making me want to go visit even more!

DAOU is a family-owned vineyard, with the Dauo brothers serving as visionaries and operators for the enterprise.

With roots in Lebenon and an upbringing in France, their wine showcases family history as well as winemaking styles from across the globe. Their passion for wine has flourished into a Paso Robles namesake throughout their journey, and their high-end wines are recognized by enthusiasts and pros alike.

Pouring the DAOU Cabernet Sauvignon into a glass. — Action shot! The wine being poured into the glass where it belongs. (After decanting, of course.)

Now, to the taste!

Immediately after opening this bottle of DAOU 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, aromas of herbs and spices were apparent. Upon first sip, the wine was smooth, but not yet open and full-bodied. I learned that this bottle needs a couple hours in a decanter to really come into its own.

After opening up, the DAOU Cab showcases balanced flavors of ripe fruit and subtle herbs. It is a smooth wine with very soft tannins, meaning it is easy to drink and leaves little bitterness on the tongue. This wine pairs well with rich, hearty foods (in my case, with my Instant Pot Beef Stew!).

A small pour of wine next to the glass. — Tasting this wine is truly an experience…the flavor changes the longer the wine is open. For an educational wine experience, taste throughout the decanting period to understand how air can influence the wine’s taste and body.

It’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed a good Cab Sauv, so it was nice to revisit the varietal with this bottle from DAOU.

Cabernet Sauvignons tend to take over the marketplace these days (ever see the two full aisles of Cab in Total Wine?!), and identifying a decent bottle can be like trying to find a needle in a haystack. It’s nice to find a reputable vineyard like DAOU to point you in the right direction just as you’re feeling lost in a sea of bottles!

Caitlin holding the DAOU bottle next to a glass of the Cabernet Sauvignon. — Don’t pass up the opportunity to try this wine if you see it!

My recommendation: give DAOU a try if you haven’t already. I will be paying them a visit in Paso Robles before long!

Have you tried a wine from DAOU Vineyards? Let me know in the comments below!