Ok, so maybe I should be back to martinis by now, but saw this Winterfest beer at Trader Joe’s and had to try it. I love dark beer and this is a true double bock. Very good indeed. Dark and fairly bitter, but surprisingly not too heavy. I had one with a cheeseburger for lunch and it went down so nicely. I should have bought a case.

While visiting Costco in Indianapolis today, I got the bright idea to check out their vodka prices, with the thought that I’d bring home a bottle or two. The good news is, top shelf vodka and gin are pretty darn cheap at Costco. The bads news is that they only sell 1.75l bottles. And they’re not the basic jug handle bottles either. The Grey Goose bottle was a good 16 inches tall. Much too big to tuck in the corner of the freezer. The shortest bottle was the Ketel One. I was sorely tempted. Just over $32 for 1.75l is really a good price. But as I have mentioned recently, I’d rather start buying more varieties in smaller bottles so I can easily keep them in the freezer. Either that, or I need to buy a dedicated freezer just for vodka.

Hmm. Now there’s  an idea.

Sorry I haven’t posted in a while. I’ve been finishing the vodkas I had and also opting for Yellowtail Merlot on some weekends. I think henceforth I’ll buy pint bottles if they’re available so I can try more brands without filling up my freezer and cupboards.

A couple of months ago we were in Schaumburg outside Chicago and we stopped in at the Weber Grill for dinner. We had endured a grueling ride out from Lakeshore Drive and I really wanted a good drink before dinner. We had a few minutes to wait for a table, so we slid into the bar and I ordered a very dry Stoli martini with lemon peel. It was perfection. Just what I needed. I complimented the bartender and he said the secret is to keep all the ingredients, and the glassware, ice cold. I don’t have enough space in my freezer for glassware, so before I start mixing a martini I fill the glass with crushed ice. Just before I pour the drink, I dump the ice. This usually serves to get the glass quite cold. I do store my vodka in the freezer, so I end up with a pretty frosty drink. Makes all the difference.

By the way, the steaks at Weber Grill are incredible. Treat yourself to a visit sometime.

I decided to take the weekend off and revert to an old favorite, Yellow Tail Merlot. I’ve tried pricier wines, but I always come back to Yellow Tail. I just like it best. After being a German white wine snob for decades, I stumbled upon Merlot, and specifically, Yellow Tail Merlot, and have never looked back. I still enjoy a good spätlese from time to time, but Merlot is my preferred drink when I opt for the grape.

Nothing starts out a nice dinner better than a perfectly prepared martini. Personally I prefer vodka over gin, but I’ll try to give equal time to both here. I’ll be writing up my impressions of various brands of vodka or gin, garnishes, recipes, and hardware. And from time to time I may also pontificate on whatever subject springs to mind. So shake yourself up a chilled one and enjoy. Comment as you wish or just browse around.

And remember, in all things moderation is the key.