Now available in limited quantities at Fire Fly maple Ridge

Come on down and sample some wine from the island.  4pm-7pm

For sample today we have the ‘08 Wild Blackberry and the ‘08 Pinot Noir.

Now available in 12 pack bottles

Brewed to the original Carling Red Cap recipe, this true light tasting Canadian style ale has the same smooth sparkling taste that made this nostalgic brand so famous in the fifties and sixties.

Now Available:  Amrut Old Port Deluxe Rum

Distilled in Bangalore India by Amrut Distilleries using 100% Indian cane.  Indian cane has a unique flavour and is different than the Caribbean cane we are used to in Canada.

Expect a unique and exotic taste from this rum with oriental spiciness.

Eliana’s picks Stronachie 12yr old Highland #singlemalt

“Known as the Lost Distillery, Stronachie is currently a farm. It was originally started up in the 1890’s and was successful and reknowned until it’s total demolishment, only a few bottles remained…….

These bottles were found in an auction and were dated 1904. From these samples, they were able to re-create the blend, they succeeded.

The 12 yr old has subtle peat, peach tones, sweet spiced cake and a raisiny finish, absolutely delish!”

Brittny’s picks Mount Langi Billi Billi Shiraz 2005

“Having been to the winery, the view from the all glass tasting room is amazing. Very easy drinking with a bunch of mmmm…deliciousness. Perfect with turkey sausage and penne or by the ~bottle”

Brittny’s Picks Stag’s Hollow 2008 Viognier

“The best Viognier that I have tasted in a long time. The outstanding aroma of orange blossoms and tropical fruit continue onto the palate with a nice finish of honeysuckle. Very good by itself or with chicken”

‘07 Tinhorn Creek Oldfield Series Merlot

This one is near the top of my list for great red wines.  Its complex flavours really appeal to my palate.  Dark berry flavours with some tobacco and pepper spiciness and chocolate and vanilla to round it out.  I’d recommend it with a nice steak and baked potato.

I love the many great seasonal beers that you can only find at certain times of the year.  The big problem is the limited quantites availble.  There are some gems that are available all year and here are a couple of my favourites.

Steamwhistle Pilsner - This is a great pilsner brewed in the classic European method using only 4 ingreidients: water, malted barley, hops and yeast.

Phillips Slipstream Cream Ale - A lovely cream ale with great malts and a hint of maple syrup.  If you can find it on tap treat yourself to a pint.

Unibroue Maudite - A big, in your face strong ale brewed on lees.  There is no lack of flavour here with the malts adding a bit of sweetness.     

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 ounces Jameson Irish Whisky
• 3/4 ounce Noilly Prat sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 can Guinness

Preparation

• Add the whisky, vermouth, and bitters to an empty mixing glass, then add enough ice to fill the glass 2/3 of the way full. Stir for 20 seconds and then strain into a Martini glass.
• Pour Guinness into a cold glass large enough to hold the whole can plus a little extra (16-24 oz.). After pouring, wait about 90 seconds for the Guinness to settle. Carefully spoon all of the light brown foam from the top of the Guinness and place it gently on top of the drink, in the Martini glass.
• Optional: To make the shamrock, fill an atomizer or small spray bottle with Angostura bitters. Using either a stencil or a thick paper cut-out of a shamrock you made yourself, lightly place the sheet on top of the foam. Spray with the atomizer. Remove stencil sheet and serve.

I found this recipe on bonapetit.com and thought i was perfect for St. Patrick’s Day.  For a green shamrock try green food colouring.