Here we are, the post you have been waiting for….December Wine Picks!

But there’s a twist…I’m doing just one wine, and a couple of bourbons that we’ve been enjoying lately.

Firstly, congratulations on making it to the 12th level of 2020….

Really what else is there to say..

Let’s jump right into the reviews:

Wine: Root:1 Cabernet

Pricing: Have seen from $9 to $12, but if you get it at a restaurant, as we did when we first tried it, it’s a 2x markup.

This is my new favorite table wine; actually hoping to get a case ASAP; can’t beat the price for the flavor! At the restaurant we first had it at, we paired it with pizza & caesar salad…by the way…..definitely recommend the pizza place. It is in the middle of nowhere but GOOD! https://www.ranchopizzeria.com/

This wine is really smooth and sipp-able on its own without food; but we have enjoyed it with a dinner we made: lasagna with arugula & parmesan salad as well as our go to lazy dinner: tagliatelle, ground beef, arrabbiata sauce. Seems to be a good choice for Italian-ish cuisine.

BY THE WAY: Rao’s arrabbiata sauce is my favorite of all store bought pasta sauces. Try it, you will not regret it!

I also enjoyed a glass on my own while watching hockey a couple of weeks ago (go Bolts!!) and it was really pleasant. Not too heavy. I prefer to keep it chilled. I forgot to mention it’s a twist off, so easy to have a glass or two, put the top back on, and stick it in the fridge for the next night!

Bourbon one of two: Weller 12 year

What I like most about this bourbon is how smooth it is on the front and….

……how spicy it is on the back! I do like a bourbon with a good kick to it at the end.

It is a beautiful gold/amber color in the glass; Here’s what Buffalo Trace has to say about their Weller 12 year Bourbon:

“Aromas of lanolin, almond, creamed corn and toasty vanilla. The mid-palate flavor is heavily wheated, layered and moderately sweet. Long, oaky, and intensely smooth finish.”

I’m going to be honest here, I picked up on the vanilla taste in there, disagree with the intensely smooth finish but do agree with the “oaky” bit. Can be found for $50, although can be difficult to find.

Bourbon two of two: Heaven Hill

This Heaven Hill is really enjoyable…definitely BIG on oak-y flavor. As far as pricing goes, looking online I’ve seen prices from $40-$60 ish, so same-same as the Weller.

And it’s a good value for the quality.

As I’m writing this, I’m trying to decide which I like better between the two. Heaven Hill has some nice spice to it, but it’s not overdone. While it’s spicy-ness is distinct…it also has this bit of sweetness to it, it’s a good combination.

So, both spicy, but pretty different flavors. At this point in my bourbon experience, I’m not actually great at describing flavors etc., so, how they are different….they just…are? Which is not very helpful.

But what I can tell you is that I liked both and I recommend them 🙂