Don’t bother pronouncing the names of the different imported liquor you’re going to come across in this piece. Just consume the info, and if you’re lucky someday, consume these drinks too. Here goes…
Brouwerij De Dolle Oerbier Reserva (Beer)
The recurring misconception is that Germany is the beer capital of the world. That may be true when it comes to popularity, but when it comes to quality – nothing beats Belgium. Belgium has been the center of all things beer, since monks in that area brewed beer for the first time in the world under the name of Trappist Brewery. Now that we’re in 2017, we have finally found a beautifully crafted beer that marries tradition and taste.
Rated one of the highest quality beers online and by many beer experts, this beer (whose name is unpronounceable) can be called BDDOR and ordered in select stores only. Catch it online if you’re lucky. It’s got an ABV of around 13% (Kingfisher is 4%), and it’s got a distinctive smokey taste that lends something unique to its overall taste, and it isn’t too bitter either.
Craigellachie Single Malt (Whiskey)
On from the beer to something a bit more sophisticated – whiskey. The UK take their whiskey pretty seriously, and this next bottle is one of Europe’s finest. At 46% ABV, it’s not available throughout the year and has won many industry awards, let alone being a part of a dozen best quality v/s price debates.
A Scottish style whiskey at 23 years old, this one tastes great even to those who aren’t whiskey drinkers. It operates in the distillery from Scotland through Dewar’s & Sons and was built in 1891. Only about 2% of the output of that iconic distillery still makes this single malt, adding to its mystique in flavor and texture. Experts recommend that you add a little bit of water to this one, nose it a little bit (which means take small sniffs of it) and then add ice or whatever you prefer.
2005 Chateau D’yquem Sauternes (Wine)
Nappa Valley (USA) has all the best wine lists covered, but we wanted to go a bit more European for our list of chosen five. We found Bordeaux in France, which almost started making wine in the mid-1st century. Talk about heritage! The area has gone through many wars, conquests, battles and eras, and yet is regarded as the numero uno region for European wines unanimously.
Expecting something older? 2005 has been one of the best years for wine in this last century, having some great tasting wines that have a unique flavor and history to it. The sensation that this beauty offers to the taste pallet has a rich flavor. How much? It’s around $500 and only available some months a year.
Nemiroff Lex Ultra (Vodka)
Russia right? Wrong. It’s Ukriane in EU. Ukraine’s Nemiroff has been awarded the best vodka of the year by multiple authorities in the world.
At €35.95 a bottle, Nemiroff Lex Ultra Vodka is quite within reach. We’ve ordered ours online, what are you waiting for? It’s got a pomegranate-citric taste and it blends well with mixers. Best part is that it’s not snooty vodka, it’s actually taste-centric. Seems like the market for Vodka is heavily cornered by the cocktail demand. But they’ve got some peppery vodkas, some honey dew vodka, and more.
Torres 15 (Brandy)
No one can beat India and the US in this, but Spain comes close to it. This drink is synonymous with the middle ages in Spain, when it was consumed by all sorts of common-folk who needed a quick fix in dire times. Later Cognac, and more refined brandy was introduced to the world, rendering Spain as one of the most innovative manufactures at that time.
With an ABV of around 40%, it’s a mid-strong brandy that must be consumed as is – i.e. without any additives or mixers. It’s a Solera style brandy, which means that it’s been mixed through the ages, thereby maintaining its legacy with newer flavours and tones – another Spanish innovation. Priced at about 25 euros, it’s a good balance between taste and price for a good night out. Remember, expensive isn’t the same as quality in the brandy community.
