Luke Ma [blog.lukema.net]

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Posted by:
Luke

Vodkas etc.

Posted at 11:50 PM on
April 10, 2005

Things rattling around in the back of my head. Not that I'll forget but maybe my preferences will change over time.

Chopin Vodka - Sweet, warm, and ultra smooth. A polish potato vodka that tickles the tongue (oh how poetic am I) but doesn't sting at all going down. Great for shots, wasted on mixers. ~$26 at Trader Joe's.
Black Sea Vodka - Bottle looks like Belvedere/Chopin design. Maybe from similar parent company? Grain vodka bottle in Estonia. A bit less smooth than the Chopin but still decent for shots. Also on the sweeter side compared to the Russians. The sweetness reminds me light hints of caramel/vanilla. ~$14 at Trader Joe's.
Patron Orange Tequila - Think a decent tequila (perhaps not full Patron level), make it really sweet, and hints of orange. Basic flavored Tequila, though the "Citronage" on its label might lead you to think otherwise. Oddly enough though, it doesn't actually say Tequila anywhere (I just assume it's Tequila-ish since it's Patron and it's 80 proof). Surprisingly versatile though. OK for shots. Also good for a booze hound's version of a mini melon ball (equal parts midori and orange tequila in a shooter). ~$15 at Trader Joe's.
Grey Goose - Don't think I really need to talk about this one. Clearer and sharper than the Black sea but not as neutral as Stolichnaya. ~$22 on sale at Rite Aid.
Stolichnaya - Stoli. Quintessential Russian. I find it most useful to tone down sweet drinks or when I want something strong and neutral. Don't like shots of it too much. Great for mixers though. 1.75L for $24 on sale at Albertson's
Amaretto di Saronno - An old favorite. Still like it a lot as a dessert drink after dinner. Just found out it is merely almond flavored, not made with almonds. It is in fact made with apricot stones. ~$17 at Albertson's.
Villa Massa Limoncello Cream - Very nice. Sweey and lemony, to be expected, but still retaining the bite of alcohol. Easy (if expensive) after dinner entertainment. Sure to please. 375mL for ~$10 at Trader Joe's.
Glass Mountain Quarry (2000) - $3 Merlot from TJ's, where else. Very sweet, practically devoid of tannins. Easy to drink. If you like a bit more bite to your merlot, just open it and then leave it corked for a couple of weeks.
Glenmorangie 12 Year Port Wood Finish - Mmmmm. Scotch... Caramel, toasty, though I don't exactly know what "Port Wood" is supposed to smell like. Like it much. ~$30 at Trader Joe's.
Glenfiddich 12 year - More Scotch. In my opinion not up to Glenmorangie's level and tasted surprisingly similar to the Lismore. Glenfiddich is ~$22 at Trader Joe's and Lismore is ~$15. For that price I'd go with the Lismore.

Recommendations anyone?

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