Following Philippe

Living up to the hype (or not)

Sometimes things live up to the hype and turn out to be extraordinary experiences. This was true in the case of the Cathedral Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon 2002, which had been recommended earlier this year. Shortly after the recommendation, I picked up two bottles and stuck them in my basement.

I finally opened up one of the bottles earlier this week, and wow, was I ever impressed. With a dark burgundy colour and a nice, full-bodied flavour, the wine was a pleasure to experience. The oaky aroma hooked me, and the taste pulled me in. If you ever get a chance to give it a try, do so.

Unfortunately, a beer I tried last night didn't live up to the hype. Beer geeks had suggested the Scotch Irishing Brewing Black Irish Plain Porter was a winner, but I had a difference of opinion when I cracked one last. It looked good; I'll give it that. It smelled good, too -- with a nice, chocolately smell. It tasted like it had been burnt, though. I think I detected some licorice flavour, too. Ugh.

To be fair, I have a few more bottles of the Black Irish, so I'll be giving it another shot very soon. I can only hope my first tasting was just a fluke.

And this evening, I'll be snapping a bottle cap off of my first homebrew beer, which I've dubbed Talbot's Half-Assed Irish Stout. If it doesn't make me blind, I'll post the results sometime this weekend.

posted by Chris @ 2:48 PM