Sip of the Week (Super Bowl Style): Rams vs. Patriots Cocktails!

Posted on by caitlin

In honor of this upcoming Super Bowl Sunday, I thought it would be fun to dedicate this Sip of the Week to two cocktails that represent the LA Rams and New England Patriots team origins. Just in time for those of you finishing up your viewing party menus, you can get your guests in the Super Bowl spirit by serving them the cocktail that represents the team they’re rooting for!

The moscow mule and black flip cocktails, representing the Super Bowl teams LA Rams and New England Patriots
These two cocktails couldn’t be more different from one another (perhaps similar to the Rams and Patriots?). Read below to find out what they are and why they were chosen to represent their teams!

For the LA Rams Fans: The Moscow Mule

It may seem strange for feature a drink named after Russia as the classic LA cocktail, but the significance of this drink alongside Rams team history makes it the perfect sip for the occasion.

A moscow mule surrounded with lime wedges
The Moscow Mule, minus the copper cup! You can’t see the drink’s beautiful colors inside the copper, so we served it in a more non-traditional way this time around.

The Moscow Mule was first developed in 1941 at the Cock n’ Bull British pub in Los Angeles. The drink caught on like wildfire and quickly became the iconic “copper mug” cocktail that patrons sought out nationwide. BUT, do you know what else happened in 1941? That’s the year the Rams football team was purchased by Dan Reeves, who determined that the team would move from Cleveland to Los Angeles (the first time).

Caitlin and three colleagues visiting the Rams practice facility.
Fun fact: I work (and live) at California Lutheran University, which is where the LA Rams practice! Here’s a throwback to when I got to tour the practice facility with some colleagues. The Rams are great neighbors to us, and we love that we can support them even in our own backyard!

Now, upon their second homecoming and first trip to the Super Bowl since the move, it’s time to cheer on the Rams with a cocktail that shares just about as much history as the team does. Serve a Moscow Mule to your Rams-loving fans for Superbowl LIII!

Ingredients

6 oz. ginger beer

2 oz. vodka

Juice of ½ of a lime

Lime slice for garnish

2-3 ice cubes

a birds eye view of the moscow mule
I recommend choosing a ginger beer with lots of spice to it. It makes the flavor of the lime pop, and makes the drink much more decadent.

Directions

Squeeze lime juice into glass and add ice. Pour vodka and ginger beer, and stir to combine. Garnish with a lime slice.

 

For the New England Patriots Fans: The Black Flip Cocktail

What comes to mind when you think of New England? Irish heritage? Dark beer? An obsession with rum that dates back to colonial times? Those staples, combined with New England’s devout sports following, make Super Bowl LIII a perfect occasion to concoct a Black Flip for the Patriots fans out there.

The black flip cocktail in a martini glass
This ultra elegant cocktail looks like chocolate and tastes like chocolate…but doesn’t have any chocolate it! Check out the recipe to see what makes the chocolatey flavors pop in the Black Flip.

The Black Flip traditionally combines chocolate stout beer, dark rum, simple syrup, and an egg to create a creamy, frothy, chocolate and caramel infused cocktail. Garnished with freshly grated nutmeg, the Black Flip’s rich flavors will warm you up in the wake of some cold New England weather!

Ingredients

2 parts chocolate stout (I used Stone’s Xocoveza, which was a great pairing. It is widely available throughout the US, so if you don’t have another chocolate stout in mind, make this your go-to!)

1.5 parts dark rum

½ part simple syrup

1 whole egg

A birds eye view of the black flip cocktail
The flecks of nutmeg on the top make a huge different to the taste of this drink. Don’t skimp on the garnish, it really does play a big part in the flavor!

Directions

Combine ingredients and swirl to decarbonate beer. Dry shake, and then add ice to shake again. Strain into a chilled glass. Garnish the top with grated nutmeg.

Note: If you like your cocktails a little sweeter, try substituting the dark rum with Malibu coconut rum. It tastes great with the stout and gives the drink a more dessert-like quality.

So, who are you rooting for this Super Bowl LIII Sunday?

A moscow mule and black flip cocktail
Rams on the left, or Pats on the right? Which Super Bowl sip would you choose??

We will be here in LA rooting for a Rams win (sorry, Pats fans) and sipping a Moscow Mule along the way. Whichever team you’re rooting for, cheers to them and whatever you’re sipping in support of them!

Looking for other “sips” related to game day? Check out my post here about the Dodgers’ Champagne Celebration!

Cheers!

Five Threads Brewing Company: Behind the Scenes with Head Brewer Tim Kazules

Posted on by caitlin

What do the words “Tom Foolery”, “Hey I’m Single”, and “Game Day Blonde” all have in common? Head Brewer Tim Kazules of Five Threads Brewing Company.

A “jack-of-all-trades” brewer, Tim has not only created, but has mastered dozens of beers for Five Threads Brewing Company. I had the privilege of tasting five of them alongside Tim this past week when I paid Five Threads a visit.

Tim Kazules standing in front of his menu board.
Tim Kazules, “Head Thread” (aka Head Brewer) for Five Threads Brewing Company in Westlake Village, CA.

I’ve been a fan of Five Threads since they first opened in 2015, and I’ve loved watching Tim diversify the menu and expand the tasting room in recent years. Getting a chance to dive in and learn what goes into the process behind the scenes this week was a treat! Tim walked me through both tasting notes and anecdotes behind the brews, and even talked future goals for the brewery.

 

Here’s what we tasted:

Game Day Blonde (Cream Ale, 22 IBU, 5.5% ABV):

This could be called the flagship beer for Five Threads. Finished with a little dry hopping with the Liberty Hop, this easy-drinking beer has a crisp finish with subtle notes of lavender. I see this beer as a “gateway” beer for non-craft lovers…send your Coors Light-drinking friends to Five Threads for a pint of this instead! It’s their number one seller in the tasting room.

A flight of beer with head brewer Tim in the background
If you’re not sure what to try when you first visit Five Threads, try a variety of styles of beer. Tim does a fantastic job with each type, you really can’t go wrong.
Hey I’m Single (Belgian Single, 20 IBU, 6.2% ABV):

This beer has flavors of stone fruit and warm spices with every sip. It’s surprisingly complex in flavor, yet remains sip-able and light due to its low IBU. The effervescence and flavor of this beer make your mouth sing all the way through!

 

Tomfoolery (Hazy IPA, 32 IBU, 6.8% ABV):

Always evolving with each new brew session, this IPA features a core of Citra and Mosaic hops that is balanced with a variety of new hops in each batch. The best part of this beer (aside from the exceptional taste) is the story behind the name: with approximately 13 “regulars” named Tom, Tim felt it necessary to name a beer in their collective honor. The can even features six “Tom” caricatures modeled after a few of the regulars! This is another Five Threads best-seller.

A can of beer with Tom logos on it
A peak at the Tomfoolery can, complete with 6 “Tom” caricatures!
Cherenkov Stout (Russian Imperial Stout, 42 IBU, 12.3% ABV):

I called this beer a nightcap, but Tim called it a “night starter”! No matter when you enjoy it, this bourbon barrel-aged stout showcases complex, rich chocolate and vanilla flavors in each sip. This “RIS” was brewed in honor of Tim’s former life in biomedical engineering and the colleagues he worked with on the “RIS” project. The name “Cherenkov” also ties into this history. (Ever heard of Cherenkov radiation? Me neither ‘til I talked to Tim!)

 

Coconut Porter (Robust Porter, 45 IBU, 7.2% ABV…In case you missed it, this was my January 23rd Sip of the Week!):

I can only describe the Coconut Porter as a beer of oxymorons: full-bodied yet light, earthy yet fruity, grounded yet fragrant, complex in flavor yet completely unified. Perfectly balanced in flavor with earthy oak and subtle hops, this Porter comes into its own after sitting on cocoa nibs and coconut for a full week during the brewing process. The Coconut Porter has become a staple on the menu and is often requested by customers.

A flight of 5 beers
Gotta love a good flight of beer. These five were outstanding! From left to right: Game Day Blonde, Hey I’m Single, Tomfoolery, Cherenkov Stout, Coconut Porter.

I asked Tim to describe the environment that is Five Threads, and he called it “The Third Place”.

If you’ve never heard this expression, it refers to a location away from home and work (the first two places) that allows people to come together in community with one another. In this case, it’s over a pint. Five Threads Brewing Company is warm, inviting, cozy, and classy casual in all they do. It’s truly a “third place” for so many locals and visitors passing through.

Locals enjoying the Five Threads tasting room
If any of you are named Tom, will you please raise your hand?

In terms of the beer, Tim strives to ensure that there is always something for every customer on the menu board. With approximately 12 beers on tap at any given time, you’ll find the menu divided into sections based on the type of brew. Five Shades of Blonde, the Dark & Delicious Series, the Hops Lovers Series, and the Five Pence Series currently populate the board. Tim is working to build more collections of beers, like the California Heritage Series, which currently includes the Sequoia Stout. A true testament to Tim’s talent as a brewer is that each of the Five Threads beers taste very different from one another, even when they live within the same series. You won’t find a series of overly-hopped IPAs running the menu board here.

menu board at the brewery
The current menu board at Five Threads Brewing Company. There’s likely to be something new each time you visit, and new threads are created for Happy Hour, too!

Wondering how Tim creates his new beers?

A pint of dark beer
Pictured here is a pint of the Coconut Porter, which is a recipe based off of Tim’s Pantry Porter staple.

His inspiration comes from both his customers as well as through recipe research and development. And sometimes things just fall into place, like it did with his Pantry Porter. His first batch of Pantry Porter used just about every type of malt, hop, and yeast he could find in his pantry. It was an absolute success and is now a staple beer on the menu (as well as a primary thread for many of Tim’s dark beer creations).

 

Oh yeah, you’re probably wondering what the heck a “thread” is, huh?

a five threads logo
You’ll find this visual of the “five threads” on the Five Threads Brewing Company website.

This beer term comes from the 1700’s and refers to the process of blending two or more beers together. English pub-goers used to order their pints by the thread (“I’ll have two threads of ale and three threads of strong beer”). When naming his brewery, Tim took the term “thread” in both a literal and figurative sense. Five Threads refers to the blending of the five ingredients in beer: water, malt, hops, yeast, and YOU (representing both the brewer’s creativity and the beer lovers who enjoy the finished product). In practice, Tim (the “Head Thread”) regularly blends his beers by the thread and uses threads of his staple beers as bases for his new creations, too.

 

I’m a firm believer that good people attract good people, and that is exactly what Tim has done as he has built Five Threads Brewing Company.

Caitlin in the brewery with a beer.
Enjoying a beer on this awesome hanging bench swing in the tasting room. Cozy, inviting, and definitely a “third place” for me.

You’ll always find friendly faces behind the bar and in the tasting room, and his loyal customer base speaks not only to the quality of beer that Tim creates, but also to who he is as a person. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment that I got to learn from Tim, and I feel fortunate to have such an amazing entrepreneur in my community. I look forward to seeing and supporting the continued growth and success that I know Five Threads Brewing Company will find in its future!

 

If you want to pay a visit to Five Threads Brewing Company (which you should, obviously), here’s what you can expect:

  • Five Threads will be hosting a Speed Dating event on February 4, 2019 (just in time for Valentine’s Day!). This event was created after Tim witnessed many couples meeting for the first time over beers at Five Threads. Now the brewery is hoping to serve as matchmaker to many more!
  • The re-release of “Jessica”, the Five Threads Triple Red IPA will be back just in time for Valentine’s Day. Consider your date night plans made!
  • Sláintefest will take place on March 16, 2019 in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. You’ll want to stop by for some of Tim’s delicious dark beers on that day!
  • Comedy Night happens on every third Thursday of the month, and awesome comedians make their rounds through Five Threads for the event. Stop by for some good laughs and to try the new beers on the menu.
  • Trivia Night takes place every Tuesday, and (themed) Karaoke Night happens each Wednesday. If you’re a karaoke fan, stop by next week for “Emo Karaoke Night”, where you get to sing very sad songs about feelings all night long. I personally think this might be the most hilarious night of all!
  • Or you can stop by on a non-event night and still have a good time with great beer. Board games and good conversation await you in the tasting room!
Five Threads Brewing Company is located at 31133 Via Colinas Ste. 109 in Westlake Village, California. The tasting room is just a block off the 101 freeway and makes a perfect stop for the daily commuter of the weekend road warrior!
Flight of beer on table
Counting down the days ’til I can grab another one of these Five Threads flights! Maybe I’ll stock up on some Game Day Blonde for the upcoming Super Bowl game day!

Cheers to you, Tim, and the success of Five Threads Brewing Company! I look forward to many more threads of beer in the future.

Sip of the Week: Five Threads Brewing Company’s Coconut Porter

Posted on by caitlin

I’m visiting a local favorite for my Sip of the Week this week: Five Threads Brewing Company in Westlake Village, California.

Located just off the 101 freeway halfway between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, Five Threads is a perfect beer stop for the busy commuter or the weekend road warrior!

Caitlin sitting on a bench swing inside the tasting room.
Five Threads Brewing Company features an atmosphere that’s comfortable, cozy, and welcoming to all. They also have these awesome swings for you to enjoy your beer on, so that’s a plus.

I had the privilege of chatting with owner and head brewer Tim Kazules during my recent visit to Five Threads, and learned all about his philosophy behind the brewing process and tasting room experience. I’ll be publishing a full post about my conversation with Tim later this week…consider this Sip of the Week your sneak peek!

 

After tasting through a selection of Tim’s brews, I knew I needed to feature the Five Threads Coconut Porter as my Sip of the Week.

Perfectly balanced in flavor with earthy oak and subtle hops, this Porter comes into its own after sitting on cocoa nibs and coconut for a full week during the brewing process. The result is a beer that warms you from the inside out, while leaving you with the refreshing sweetness of coconut on the nose and tongue.

A glass of beer on a table
A pint of the Coconut Porter in the Five Threads anniversary glass.

Five Threads’ Coconut Porter is the best Porter I’ve tried in recent memory. It fits the bill on a chilly winter night or on warm summer evening. My first reaction to trying it was “Wow!”, because it is just that good. I can only describe the Coconut Porter as a beer of oxymorons: full-bodied yet light, earthy yet fruity, grounded yet fragrant, complex in flavor yet completely unified. You’ll want to order a second glass before you’ve even finished the first.

 

No room for improvement in this brew, Tim. You nailed this recipe!

Tim Kazules standing in front of his tasting room menu
“Head Thread” Tim Kazules, both the “brains” and the artist of the operation. Tim not only owns Five Threads Brewing Company, but he serves as head brewer and visionary, too.

Tim shared with me that the Coconut Porter is one of the most well-received beers in the tasting room. Built upon the Five Threads Pantry Porter recipe (which has particular sentiment for Tim…more on that to come in my next blog post!), the Coconut Porter has become a staple on the menu and is often requested by customers. A hop-lover myself, the Coconut Porter may well be my gateway beer to dark brews…I know I’ll have a hard time bypassing this sip on my next visit to Five Threads!

 

For those who love the details:

Style: Robust Porter

ABV: 7.2%

IBU: 45

Next time you find yourself passing through Westlake Village, stop in for a pint of Coconut Porter. It’s sure to please (as are all the other beers on the board!). You can find Five Threads Brewing Company at: 31133 Via Colinas Ste. 109 Westlake Village, CA 91362

Caitlin posing outside of the brewery.
This is the tasting room and brewery. If you see it, stop. I guarantee there are excellent beers inside.

Check back here on January 25, 2019 for my full writeup on my visit to Five Threads including my interview with “Head Thread” Tim Kazules and tasting notes on many of his beers!

Cheers!

Four people around a table cheers-ing beers.

Craft Beer Around the World

Posted on by caitlin

The craft beer movement in the United States is unlike any other.

Microbreweries seem to be popping up everywhere, and no matter where you go there’s a crowd indulging in the hop-centric beverage. Craft breweries have become an iconic symbol of living the American dream as thousands of families and homebrewers take the leap toward establishing their brand.

Four people around a table cheers-ing beers.
Throwing it wayyyy back for this picture, but I thought it was a perfect way to showcase how these craft brewery environments have a way of bringing family and friends (and kids, and dogs) together. Photo cred: Brian Moore Photography. Cheers!

This American trend doesn’t seem to be reciprocated in other parts of the world, however.

At least not yet, or not to the same extent. Germany, for example, is still known for the beer produced in centuries-old breweries (ever heard of the Big Six in Munich?). Several Belgian beer styles have monastic roots, and Guinness remains the powerhouse in Ireland. Why don’t small microbreweries have the same traction internationally that they do here in the US? Is it simply that these historic, traditional, big-name breweries continue to overshadow any effort made by up-and-coming little guys?

Two cans and two classes of light colored beer.
The Birra Moretti is one of only a few Italian beers available throughout the wine-dominated country of Italy. There was no sign of craft brewing when we were there! (But please inform me if that has changed!!)

I have often wondered this as I travel through parts of Europe, stumbling on very few craft breweries in my track. Even if I was looking for a craft beer on tap at a pub, I seldom saw one. I decided to do some digging to see if I could find an answer.

Caitlin sitting with a beer with a mountain scape in the background.
Beers with a view in Werfen, Austria. I remember only having a choice of a couple beers at this restaurant. Where are the craft beers at?!

Turns out craft beer is a steadily growing industry worldwide, with the US (unsurprisingly) still dominating the playing field.

Several countries in the UK and Europe are jumping on the bandwagon, and a few other countries such as Canada, Japan, and Brazil and following suit, too. With that said, the divide between the microbrewery revolution in the states and the deeply rooted beer traditions elsewhere in the world still hold true.

The outside graffitied wall of Storm Brewing in Vancouver, Canada.
During our road trip through Canada, we stumbled upon the funkiest brewery in the middle-of-nowhere Vancouver, a sign that craft brewing is alive and well with our neighbors to the north!
Growlers of beer with the brewery in the background.
The slogan for Storm Brewing in Vancouver is “So Sketchy, But Great Beer!”. It was adopted following a Yelp review from a customer that summarized the establishment in those words.

When The Beer Connoisseur asked their international correspondents to nominate the world’s best beer cities, American cities topped the list. There’s no doubt that the dense populations of microbreweries scattered throughout the nation attracts beer geeks from around the world. Some European cities did make the “Best Beer Cities” list, too. Commentary indicated that they did so because of both their historic roots in brewing, and the blending of new beer brewers into the culture. You can check out the article here.

I think something that sets American craft beer apart from other beers of the world is the variety of beers, along with the infusion of unique ingredients, that US microbreweries produce.

No longer is it simply the barley, hops, water, and yeast that contribute to the flavor profile of a beer! The fact that one small brewery will feature citrus IPAs, chocolate porters, barrel-aged ambers, and dry-hopped lagers, all made on the premises within which you are consuming it, is very unlike what breweries in other parts of the world offer. American beer culture welcomes this creativity!

A glass of beer on a table with farmhouse tools on the wall in the background.
I recently tried a BBA DIPA, or, in other words, a Bourbon Barrel-Aged Double India Pale Ale. It was from Gunwhale Ales, and it was featured as one of my “Sips of the Week”! Check out my post about it here. Can’t get more American in beer style than that!

Stylistically, many other countries focus on only a few styles of beer and capitalize on those (Belgium being an exception to this rule).

Sticking to brewing traditions is not a bad thing at all, especially when you consider the reputations that stand behind words like “Hacker-Pschorr” or “Sapporo”. Countries that have become known for particular styles or brands of beer capitalize on it through exports. These beers are appreciated world-wide for what they offer as a result.

Hand holding a bottle of beer with a happy person in the background.
Speaking of Hacker-Pschorr, this photo was snapped with a bottle of the iconic lager during our beer tour in Munich, Germany. You can read more about it in my post here!

While some American craft breweries are venturing into an international space (see: Stone Brewing’s new location in Berlin), the term “American beer” (unfortunately) still refers to brands like Budweiser and Coors.

The craft beer revolution in the US is too vast and far too diverse to summarize into just one style. I think the benefit of this beer diversity is that American consumers can always find a beer style they enjoy, and beer consumers in the US tend to be much more open-minded about the beer they drink, compared to their more traditional counterparts!

A lineup of four small beer glasses.
I love that I can grab a flight at a local California brewery, in this case Institution Ales in Camarillo, that has such a diverse lineup of brews to try. Could this be the American dream??

At the end of the day, it’s likely the combination of economic, social, and cultural factors that influence the success of microbreweries throughout the world. America has showcased what is needed for the industry to thrive, and with any luck, other countries will follow suit. I hope the same sense of community seen in American craft breweries can be found worldwide in the future.

Sip of the Week: The Classic Negroni Cocktail

Posted on by caitlin

It’s been a rainy week in Southern California, and that got me in the mood for a soothing cocktail this week. Not overly sweet or citrusy, the Negroni was calling my name.

The best part of the Negroni is how simple it is to make. In two minutes flat, you’ll have yourself an earthy, herbaceous cocktail perfect for sipping on a rainy winter night.

A negroni cocktail with glassware in the background.
The vibrant Negroni…a beautiful drink to serve to guests or to enjoy on your own. You can garnish it with herbs and fruit of your choice, although orange slices or orange zest are most common.

The Negroni ingredients:

Equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet red vermouth. And an orange for garnish. That’s it!

 

How to make a Negroni:

In a chilled glass, combine equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet red vermouth. Mix to combine and add one large oversized ice cube (too many small ice cubes will dilute the cocktail faster). Garnish with an orange slice and serve. Sip immediately!

 

Negroni’s flavor:

While the vermouth brings a touch of sweetness to the mix, you’ll be left with herbal flavors from the Campari and vermouth on your tongue as you take each sip. This may sound strange for a cocktail, but I find it to be a very comforting sensation that warms you up from the inside out. Serve a Negroni to a sipper with a mature palate, or one that prefers their drinks with more savory characteristics.

A glass with a red Negroni cocktail garnished with an orange slice.
A close up of the Negroni cocktail, orange slice and all.

Fun facts!

As I mentioned, the Campari is a characteristically herbal aperitif due to the infusion of fruits and herbs during the distillation process. Rumor has it that only one single person—the Campari factory director—knows what combination of herbs goes into making Campari! If you’re looking for other ways to incorporate Campari into your cocktails, check out my post about the Italian Spritz cocktail here!

Vermouth is a type of fortified wine, and comes in two versions: sweet or dry. Each have different uses for cocktails. Sweet vermouth is attributed to Italian tradition, and dry vermouth is said to be of French origin (despite the fact that it is often made elsewhere). The name “vermouth”, however, is derived from the German word “Wermut”, meaning “wormwood”. I guess you could call this aperitif an international one!

 

Tried the Negroni? Let me know what you think in the comments below! Happy sipping!

Sip of the Week: Gunwhale Ales’ Bourbon Barrel-Aged Double IPA

Posted on by caitlin

It’s Wednesday once again, which means its time for another Sip of the Week!

I’ve been away at a conference this week for work, but still found time for a quick visit to a local brewery to feature a new sip. I first visited Gunwhale Ales in Costa Mesa, California with my family over the holiday break and was thoroughly impressed with each beer I tried. Given that my conference location was only a few miles away, I knew I needed to make another trip back to revisit the most unique beer I had tried at Gunwhale: Green Room, the Bourbon Barrel-Aged Double IPA!

A glass of beer on a table with farmhouse tools on the wall in the background.
The BBA DIPA! It’s all about acronyms on the taproom’s menu board. Deciphering the meaning of these letters will prove to be rewarding with the final pour!

Sure, many breweries feature IPAs and barrel-aged beer, but have you ever tried a barrel-aged IPA?

Until my visit to Gunwhale, I had not.

A photo of a window with barrels in the background.
A peek into the barrel room, which I’m sure is where the Green Room is perfected!

Since then, I’ve been perplexed as to why more breweries aren’t jumping on this bandwagon! The flavor profile in this beer is completely unique: sweet-smelling, oaky, hoppy, earthy, and overall very well-rounded. The bourbon definitely comes through, but by no means overpowers the Double IPA. Instead, the flavors of the barrel perfectly compliment the subtleties of this West Coast-style brew. Each sip leaves you feeling cool and refreshed yet warm and toasty all at the same time. It’s magic!

 

A little more about Gunwhale Ales:

A hide with Gunwhale's logo with Caitlin standing next to it.
I love the motto “preserve the wild” since it also relates to so many of our outdoor adventures camping and visiting national parks. It you also partake in using these parks and public lands, be sure you’re setting a good example by keeping it wild.

Gunwhale walks the line between traditional European farmhouse style ales and bold West Coast styles that California is known for. They’ve created a new market along this line that they call “coastal ales”. You can expect their beers to be hop-forward and yeast-driven, creating flavors that are robust and unique, yet balanced and nuanced. Their head brewer, Kevin Hammons, built his experience through homebrewing and several roles at The Bruery in Placentia (another local brewery specializing in barrel-aged and experimental beers).

Other Honorable Mentions

While the Bourbon Barrel-Aged Double IPA is my personal favorite, I can’t post without recognizing some of the other excellent beers I tried at Gunwhale.

Two people filling pints of beer at a bar with a menu board in the background.
Beer-tenders at work serving their customers. The menu board in the background gives you an idea of the wide variety of beers Gunwhale offers!
  • The Swallowtail Double IPA is a citrusy, full-bodied double IPA that is surprisingly smooth considering its high ABV (9.1%!). While it has citrus flavors, they aren’t overpowering. Instead, they are balanced by some earthy notes like pine. IPA-lovers will obsess over this one.
  • The Bait Ball Unfiltered IPA is one of Gunwhale’s flagship beers. It’s hop-forward nature and crisp finish leaves you wanting more. You can expect tropical, passionfruit flavors on the backbone of the Citra and Simcoe hops.
  • For those who prefer the Farmhouse style, Bang Straw Table Beer is an easy, drinkable, beer with a slight tang and earthy flavor. It is surprisingly nuanced for a seemingly simple brew. There’s no wonder it’s another flagship beer for Gunwhale!
  • For those who are loving the Brut IPA trend (like me! Check out my previous blog post all about the Brut IPA trend), you’ll enjoy the Pinkies High Brut IPA. Characteristically crisp and dry, this beer allows subtle hop flavors to shine. You’ll enjoy the layered flavors of an IPA while feeling like your beer is light and refreshing.

If you want to visit:

An arial view of the taproom with people throughout.
A bit of a bird’s eye view of the taproom. See those people on the right-hand side with the pizza box? Those are Sips N Tips’ number one fans (aka my parents, who also have an appreciation for good beer and accompany me on these crazy adventures every so often).

Check out Gunwhale’s tasting room in Costa Mesa next time you find yourself in the area. Their taproom perfectly compliments their Coastal Ale style, showcasing little hints of farmhouse tools and the seafarer’s gadgets. It’s a laidback atmosphere where you can bring your dog or your own food. The bartenders are friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable and will assist you in loading up on some crowlers to go (trust me, you’ll want lots of them).

 

So there you have it, the January 8th edition of Sip of the Week! Thanks Gunwhale Ales for such a delicious, unique sip to add to my list. I can’t wait to visit again!

 

Have a sip that you think I should feature next? Let me know in the comments below!

Cheers!

Sip of the Week: Troon Vineyard 2016 Estate Tannat (+ Happy New Year!)

Posted on by caitlin
Happy New Year, friends! I hope you rang in 2019 with a good bottle of bubbly or two!

With New Year’s Resolutions on the mind, I’m always a little nostalgic as I reminisce on goals from past years and think of new ones. This entire blog was a New Year’s Resolution just a couple of years ago! My goal was to find a creative way to showcase my love for all things food, drink and travel. And here we are!

While I have some personal goals for the year to come, I wanted to create a blog-specific resolution as well. So, I’ve decided to create a weekly post called “Sip of the Week”. Each Wednesday I will publish a blog post featuring some sort of new sip. It may be wine, beer, a cocktail, or other distilled beverage. My goal is to showcase lesser-known brands, local breweries, wineries, or distilleries, and new cocktail recipes for all of you readers!

What better way to start than with this bottle of Troon Vineyard 2016 Estate Tannat?!
Close up of glass of Troon Vineyard Tannat.
The first Sip of the Week! January 2, 2019 edition.

Our New Year’s Day dinner called for a special sip to accompany it, so I decanted this bottle of Tannat for the occasion. You may remember my post about Troon’s 2016 Cuvée Pyrénées, which was an outstanding bottle of wine. While this Tannat was very different than Cuvée Pyrénées, it was subtly balanced, surprisingly smooth, and pure quality in a bottle.

If you decide to try the Troon 2016 Tannat for yourself, here’s what you can expect:
Bottle of Troon Vineyard Tannat next to stemless glass.
The Tannat features a beautiful dark garnet color.

This Tannat featured herbal, earthy flavor profiles, with an aroma filled with spices and fruit. This wine was all about subtleties…It took an evening of smelling and tasting the wine to really pinpoint some of its more nuanced flavors.

Tannats are characteristically tannic wines (meaning dry and astringent to taste…you can feel tannins on your teeth and tongue after sipping a tannic wine). Troon’s 2016 Tannat had a smooth mouthfeel on the finish to help balance the tannins. Decanting the wine for an hour helped to soften some of the tannins in the wine, too.

Troon’s 2016 Tannat is aged 18 months in mature oak, has 14% ABV (leading to some beautiful “legs” in the wineglass) and retails for $40.00 per bottle. For those interested in the finer details of the wine: TA 5.77, 3.59 pH, 210 cases produced.

Beyond the Bottle
Bottle of Troon Vineyard Tannat next to glass.
The next stop for this bottle? The decanter!

Perhaps my favorite part of Troon wines is how they are produced: biodynamically, sustainably, and without additives. Tasting Troon’s 2016 Tannat tells a story of the Applegate Valley: higher altitudes, granite soil, a mild Southern Oregon climate, and a flavor profile crafted in the vineyard and preserved in the fermenter. Once again, Troon has created a natural wine of pure quality!

If I were to have another bottle of 2016 Estate Tannat, I would consider aging it for a few years before opening. My guess is that the subtleties of the wine’s flavors and aromas would gain some confidence in the cellar and provide a more complex flavor profile a few years down the line. I may just have to find a way to get my hands on another bottle! And a cellar, for that matter.

So, there you have it: the first edition of Sips N Tips 2019 Sip of the Week!

If you’re interested in learning more about Troon, click here to check out their website, or follow them on Facebook or Instagram.

Have a sip you think I should feature for a future Sip of the Week? Let me know in the comments below!

See you next Wednesday for another Sip of the Week!

 

Disclaimer: Troon Vineyard provided this bottle of 2016 Tannat in exchange for an honest review of the product. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A bottle of wine, two steaks, and potatoes.

Troon Vineyard 2016 Cuvée Pyrénées: Putting Southern Oregon’s Wine Country on the Map

Posted on by caitlin

If my only gift under the Christmas tree this year is a box of Troon Vineyard wine, I will be one happy camper. Or, sipper.

Two bottles of red wine from Troon Vineyard.
Troon Vineyard 2016 Cuvée Pyrénées and 2016 Tannat.

I recently received two bottles of Troon wine from the vineyard for sampling: 2016 Cuvée Pyrénées (63% Tannat, 39% Malbec), and 2016 Tannat. Our pre-Christmas Christmas dinner seemed like the perfect opportunity to open the bottle of Cuvée Pyrénées. I paired it with bone in ribeye steak with garlic compound butter and French-style fondant potatoes with fresh herbs. 

A bottle of wine, two steaks, and potatoes.
A snapshot of our holiday meal!
 
That beautiful bottle of 2016 Cuvée Pyrénées did not disappoint!
Bottle of wine in a decanter with a glass and the empty bottle.
The Troon Cuvée Pyrénées decanted and ready to sip!
If you’re not familiar with Troon Vineyard, you should be.

Situated in the Applegate Valley in Southern Oregon, Troon prides itself on sustainable, organic, biodynamic winegrowing and a minimalistic approach to the winemaking process that showcases the natural terroir of the Applegate Valley. The latitude of the Applegate Valley mimics that of the Madiran region in France, making it an ideal spot for growing vines native to that region. In fact, the French grape Tannat is often blended with other varieties of Bordeaux grapes when grown in Madiran. That is one reason Troon chose to name this Tannat/Malbec blend “Cuvée Pyrénées”, as it resembles a traditional Madiran approach to winemaking.

The cool climate of the Applegate Valley creates grapes with a bright, acid-driven quality to them.

My first sip of the Cuvée Pyrénées confirmed this, as those light-bodied, tart, steely flavors filled my mouth. The aroma of the wine further emphasized these qualities. However, after a couple of hours in the decanter, the wine began to evolve, showcasing more subtle flavors and aromas. Flavors of fresh black pepper hit the nose and the palate, as the wine seemed to build a more robust, full-bodied personality in each sip. It truly was an experience tasting the evolution of this wine over the course of an evening.

Close up photo of a steak.
A close up of the bone-in ribeye with compound butter.

As the wine grew in complexity, the food pairing experience was also enhanced. The bite of garlic in the compound butter and freshly cracked pepper on the steak complimented the acid-driven, slightly peppery wine. The buttery potatoes with fresh thyme helped enhance the subtler flavors within the wine, showcasing herbal qualities in each sip.

A cast iron pan with potatoes and herbs.
French “fondant potatoes”, so simple yet so decadent!
The magic of wine is that each bottle tells the story of its roots (literally).

Growing the same style of grape, or even a clone of a vine in a different region or in different soil will significantly alter the flavor of the finished product. Nuances in the fermentation process may also change the wine’s profile. I love that Troon’s winemaking process has no room for acid or sugar corrections to the wine during the fermentation process, meaning what you sip is an authentic representation of the plant, the fruit, and the region where it came from. It also means that the wine is just that: wine. No artificial ingredients, added sugar, or other chemical preservatives. As a result, this bottle of 2016 Cuvée Pyrénées showcases the Applegate Valley terroir in its truest sense.

Steaks with wine in the background.
I wish you a beautiful meal and fine wine this holiday season!
The Details:

2016 Troon Vineyard Estate Cuvée Pyrénées, Kubli Bench, Applegate Valley

63% Tannat, 39% Malbec co-ferment

18 months in mature oak

13.5% ABV

TA 6.81

3.42 pH

267 cases produced

$60 per bottle

National Wine Review: 93 Points

Sean Ludford’s BevX: 5 Stars/98 Points

Thinking of gifting wine or wine accessories to someone special this holiday? Check out my gift guide for the wine lover in your life here!

5 Holiday Gifts for the Wine Lover in Your Life (& Stocking Stuffers, too!)

Posted on by caitlin

If you’re still struggling to come up with some holiday gift ideas for your wine-loving friends or family, look no further! I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite gift ideas for the wino in your life. I’ve even listed some stocking stuffers at the end to help you round out your holiday buying spree!

Note: This post contains some affiliate links, which means I may make a small percentage of the sale when you purchase through these links. All proceeds go right back to Sips N Tips. Thanks for your support!

Without further ado, here are my top picks for wine-related gifts:

 

  1. For the Art Enthusiast

Modern stripes of different kinds of wine on a canvas.
“Wine Legs” by Elysia Myers. A beautiful, modern way to appreciate wine varietals!

Elysia Myers Wine Art is not only one of my favorite Instagram accounts, but is also my top suggestion for a thoughtful, wine-focused gift this holiday season. Elysia specializes in painting with wine, and the masterpieces she creates are stunning! You’ll be surprised to see the countless shades of red, white, and rosé that Elysia features in her work, each of which give the paintings a unique, natural feel. Elysia has designs for both the modern art lover and for those who prefer more a more literal take on the subject. You can find Elysia’s online shop here. This gift is guaranteed to please any wine or art enthusiast on your list!

Wine splatters making up the shape of the state of California.
Another one of Elysia’s recent works. This one was particularly special to me because Elysia conducted a silent auction on this piece, and proceeds were donated to those affected by the California wildfires in November.

 

  1. For the Big Spender

The wine gadget of all wine gadgets, the Coravin!
The wine gadget of all wine gadgets, the Coravin!

You may have heard of the Coravin Wine Preservation System, which is the latest technology to take the wine tasting world by storm. In short, the Coravin allows for wine drinkers to simply taste a sip from a bottle of wine without compromising the entire bottle. How? A small needle-like device pierces the cork, allowing for small quantities of wine to be poured at a time. Upon removing the needle, the cork reseals to keep your wine preserved.

Here's a little visual of how the device pours the wine.
Here’s a little visual of how the device pours the wine.

If you have a family member or friend who is an avid wine taster, consider splurging on the Coravin Wine Preservation System for them. They will love getting to experience a single wine at different stages of the aging process, or entertaining their guests with a personalized tasting experience!

 

  1. For the Entertainer

Decanting wine allows the wine to "open" before it is served. It is basically a beautiful way to aerate and display your wine!
Decanting wine allows the wine to “open” before it is served. It is basically a beautiful way to aerate and display your wine!

There’s no better centerpiece for a dining table than a beautiful decanter filled with ruby red wine! Consider purchasing one for your friend or family member who loves to entertain. While prices range greatly depending on the quality of crystal used, it’s easy to pick up a decent decanter for under $50.00. Like this one! But don’t stop at the decanter alone…those things can be a pain to clean and store, so grab a couple accessories to make your wino’s life that much easier! This decanter cleaning set will solve all your problems after finishing your bottle of red, and this inexpensive drying stand will keep your decanter clean while it is stored away!

These flexible wands make it easy to clean your decanter, and the stainless steel beads will wipe up all the stains in hard-to-reach places.
These flexible wands make it easy to clean your decanter, and the stainless steel beads will wipe up all the stains in hard-to-reach places.
Store your decanter upside down when not in use to prevent dust from building up inside.
Store your decanter upside down when not in use to prevent dust from building up inside.


  1. For the Mad Scientist

This all-in-one set gives you all the tools you need to make wine. Plus, you get access to a customer service hotline in case you need to troubleshoot a problem!
This all-in-one set gives you all the tools you need to make wine. Plus, you get access to a customer service hotline in case you need to troubleshoot a problem!

If experimentation is more up their alley, consider buying your resident wino a Home Wine Making Kit like this one. While they will need to supply their own grapes or concentrate, this all-in-one kit provides you all the other essentials to make your own wine. Will it be as great as your favorite bottle? Maybe, maybe not. But your friend or family member will surely be able to better appreciate all things wine-making after the DIY experience!

 

  1. For the Trend Setter

These edgy glasses are sure to be showstoppers!
These edgy glasses are sure to be showstoppers!

Today’s household style is all about clean, modern lines. So, why not echo that style in your wine glass? If you’ve got someone in your life who loves to keep up with the trends, gift them with these modern wine glasses. Their eye-catching shape is sure to stand out and impress a crowd! Better yet, they look great with red, white, rosé or sparkling wine inside.

 

Bonus: Stocking Stuffers for Wine Lovers!

These inexpensive items will surely make any wine-lover happy when they pull them out of their stocking!

    • This Champagne Sealer is a game-changer. Now, you can sip on a bottle of your favorite bubbly over the course of a few days! I bought one of these sealers a couple years ago and love it. It’s easy to use and a “must-have” for anyone who enjoys a glass of sparkling wine!
Champagne stopper with button at the top
Pop on, pop off, pop some bubbly!

  • Forget those old-fashioned wine charms, these beautiful Swarovski Crystal Magnetic Wine Glass Charms are the newest way to keep track of your sip this holiday season. They work on both stemless and stemmed wine glasses, which make them much more versatile than your typical wine charms. You could even put them on a beer glass!
What an elegant way to set your glass apart from the rest!
What an elegant way to set your glass apart from the rest!

  • No more negotiating where to place your glass of wine during your next bubble bath. This SipCaddy Portable Cupholder is just what you need to accessorize for the occasion! I recently accessorized my bathtub with this gadget. A variety of colors let you choose whether to have it blend in or stand out!
The coolest little caddy for your "shower wine".
The coolest little caddy for your “shower wine”.

    • These fun socks send a not-so-subtle message about your wine habit. You can even pick up a matching pair for the beer-lover in your life! Side note: I personally have yet to find success by wearing these socks, but I will continue trying.
  2. "If you can read this, bring me a glass of wine!" AKA my favorite socks ever.
    “If you can read this, bring me a glass of wine!” AKA my favorite socks ever.

    • If your wine-lover also loves the outdoors, buy them some Silicone Wine Glasses for sipping on the go! Perfect for camping, by the pool, at the beach, or on a boat. No need to worry about any breakage. Plus, they’re easy to clean and store.
Set of 4 Silicone Wine Glasses, perfect for the outdoors!
Set of 4 Silicone Wine Glasses, perfect for the outdoors!

Picking up any of these wine-related gifts? Do you know of other gifts I should add to my list? Let me know in the comments below!

 

Happy Holidays!

 

Goldendoodle dog wearing a turkey drumstick headband.

How to Host Your First Thanksgiving: 7 Tips for Success

Posted on by caitlin

This time last year, I agreed to host Thanksgiving dinner (for the first time) for our very large family. Think 30+ people. How hard could it be? Just make a giant turkey, some side dishes, and call it a day, right? Needless to say, I learned some lessons along the way!

Outside of my Sips N Tips life, I work on a college campus and actually live in a residence hall on campus. (Oh, the stories I could share!) We have a little apartment that we call home, and it’s attached to a big lounge space that students occupy for study sessions and programs throughout the academic year. Part of the reason hosting Thanksgiving seemed like such a great idea was because of the huge amount of space we could use in the residence hall. It was the perfect place for 30 plus people to spread out, play games, watch football, and enjoy each other’s company.

A long table decorated with flowers, candles, and other Thanksgiving decorations.
The beautiful, yet casual, table scape put together by my mother-in-law, including fresh flowers from Downtown LA! Little place cards allowed everyone to choose their seats early on so there was no fussing once dinner was ready. Photo taken by my photographer father Brian Moore, follow his photography here!

As we now prepare to host for a second time (yes, last year was so successful that people actually wanted to come back!), I thought I’d share some tips on how you can be a great Thanksgiving host, no matter what size of group you’ll be inviting over. Keeping these things in mind will help keep you sane throughout the day and make sure you actually enjoy the holiday with your family and friends.

 

  1. Start with Mimosas

A little sparkling wine with some spiced apple cider is a perfect way to start the holiday. I call it my Thanksgiving Mimosa, and I’ve made it a tradition. Ease the nerves and get into the holiday spirit before you dedicate your day to the kitchen. Pair it with a sweet treat for breakfast, put on the Thanksgiving Day Parade or some good music, and make sure you sip alongside some good company. It’s a foolproof way to put you in a good mood before the chaos ensues!

A glass of champagne and a glass of apple cider surrounded by fall decor
Mimosas can be so much more exciting than OJ and champagne. This spiced cider can be found at Trader Joe’s. It’s a great juice to have on hand for Thanksgiving for kids or others who don’t drink. Try serving it warm with dessert! What’s your perfect ratio of juice to wine in your mimosa? That’s mine up there!

  1. Lists, lists, and more lists!

Of course, you’ll be sure to make your grocery lists and get shopping done before Thanksgiving morning. Go a step further than grocery lists and write out a day-by-day list leading up to Thanksgiving morning. On each day, write down a few simple tasks that you can chip away at to alleviate some of the bird-en (HA! Get it?) on the big day. Things like washing your produce, seasoning your turkey, or even making your pumpkin pie filling ahead of time can be huge time-savers, and will allow you to enjoy more of Thanksgiving Day with friends and family instead of your kitchen utensils.

 

  1. Make it a potluck.

It takes a lot of food to feed 30 people, especially on Thanksgiving Day. So, encourage your guests to contribute their favorite Thanksgiving dishes to your party! It’s a great way to honor individual family recipes and traditions. Create a sign-up sheet in advance of the big day to make sure that the appropriate number of appetizers, side dishes, desserts, and drinks are provided. That will prevent ten pumpkin pies and zero mashed potatoes from showing up the day-of. Bonus tip: put out some little food labels and markers so your guests can indicate what their dish is called and who made it. You’ll hear people appreciating each other’s great cooking throughout the meal!

Small food labels surrounded by fall decor
How cute (and easy!) are these little labels? A sturdy toothpick hot glued to some nice paper is all you need. Mix it up with fun colors or markers!

  1. Say “yes” when others offer to help…to a point.

Thanksgiving is all about the food, which means it is the one holiday where people are generally aware that it takes days of kitchen preparation to feed the masses. It also means that you will find guests wandering into your kitchen throughout the day asking how they can help you! The more organized you are, the better you will be able to delegate out tasks. Take advantage of the help if you need it. With that said, don’t be afraid to ask people to get out of your kitchen, too. Sometimes the chef just needs some space and time to think to get the job done! Redirect your guests to some games, football, or other family members instead. Better yet, put them on drink refill service for everyone!

Four people gathered around a table with Thanksgiving food.
My wonderful family helping set up the buffet table. This was a huge help while I stayed in the kitchen! Notice those little labels in the dishes, too! Photo thanks to Brian Moore Photography.
Man throwing a bean bag during a game of cornhole
Other guests passed the time playing cornhole outside! 

  1. Don’t try to do it all.

Hosting Thanksgiving doesn’t mean it’s your time to show off all the awesome recipes you are capable of making. There’s no time for that on a day like Thanksgiving. Pick a few things that you definitely want to contribute (obviously, you should plan to make the main dish if you’re the host) and call it a day. I speak from experience on this one: doing too much just ruins your ability to enjoy the holiday! Instead, find little munchie appetizers like seasoned nuts or a cheese board to contribute. These don’t require much additional cooking (if any), but will still please your crowd.

A line of people filling their plates at a buffet table.
It was so fun to try every family’s favorite recipe on Thanksgiving Day. Our plates were very full! Photo thanks (once again) to Brian Moore Photography.

  1. Collect and share recipes.

Chances are you and your guests will be trying new, delicious dishes throughout the holiday. Sharing each other’s recipes after the big day will be a nice little “souvenir” that your guests can take home and use to recreate the dish! Plan on doing this ahead of time by asking your guests to bring a few copies of their recipe. Or, start an email chain after the holiday where everyone can share their recipes, tips, and techniques digitally. If you really want to go over the top, collect everyone’s recipes in advance and design a recipe card collection for each family to take home after the night is over. A true host never forgets a party favor, right? This one is perfect!

 

  1. Stop and smell the turkey.

Even for the most organized host, the day will be a whirlwind. Make sure to stop every now and then, engage with your guests, admire your efforts, and soak in the experience. You’ll only be a first-time host once! Make sure to take pictures throughout the day, too. I was so busy last year that I don’t have a single picture from Thanksgiving, despite days of preparation and lots of help from family members. After the fact I had to collect a few photos from other guests! (Thanks, Brian Moore Photography!) As hard as it may seem, make it a point to stop and smell the roses…uhhh, I mean turkey.

Goldendoodle dog wearing a turkey drumstick headband.
This is the one photo I took last Thanksgiving. It’s a rare species called a “Turkeydoodle” that appears once every Thanksgiving Day, and only for a few moments before it reverts back to a regular Goldendoodle by ditching it’s drumsticks. Can’t wait for it to reappear this year!

Tips 1 and 6 are my personal favorites, what about yours? What other tips can you share for first-time Thanksgiving hosts? Let me know in the comments below, and share this post with your friends and family, too!

Happy feasting!