Balvenie Single Malt Scotch "Whisky"

 

Last time I went out drinking Scotch, I was with an Englishman and the Scotches he wanted to drink reminded me of bogs and swamps. As a matter of fact, the more expensive they got the more they tasted of swamp.  

 

Balvenie Scotch is not like the Scotch whiskeys I drank at that time. Balvenie Scotch is pleasant, sweet and smooth.  The first thing we noticed at the wedding where we opened this bottle, was that Balvenie Scotch did not want any ice.

Balvenie smelled of spice and wood -- not peat and earth. It went down smooth and begged to be sipped.  The Scotch had a sweet and spicy taste with a hint of nut, that was really pleasing to drink.  If you like soda water or even don't like soda water, add a little to some Balvenie and WOW you will really understand how people can drink Scotch and soda.

Their website is TheBalvenie.com and if you love Whiskey, I highly recommend Balvenie 12-year old Double Wood Single Malt Scotch. It is truly an amazing Scotch Whiskey.

Madonna Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 2002, Carneros Region

Madonna Estate is in the Napa Valley, with a friendly-staffed tasting room. The color of this cab is a deep plum-red. They’re reportedly organically grown with southern exposure. The aromas are bright and herbal. It has a structured mouth feel with medium to light tannins. If you like cabernets that aren’t overly fruity, this is a good choice. It’s very well balanced with red fruits, spice, clay and wood. The finish isn’t as long as some cabs, but it’s pleasantly mellow.