Burnett's vodka is a bottom shelf vodka that should stay right there on the floor--out of mind, out of sight. Sure, it's only $5.99 at Trader Joe's, so you might want to try it once just for the heck of it. But after that, just spend a couple extra dollars and try something else. You won't regret it. Although Burnett's doesn't deserve any more space on this blog, here's the little I could find about Burnett's distillery: It's bottled by Sir Robert Burnett's Co., in Bardstown, KY, but this is a little deceiving. Sir Robert Burnett is a subsidiary of Heaven Hill distilleries, founded immediately after the prohibition in 1935 by several investors, including Joseph Beam (cousin of the famed distiller Jim Beam). They own many of the most familiar bourbon labels, including Jim Beam, Elijah Craig, and Evan William, as well as numerous other liquor brands. Burnett's Vodka Nose: Clean and light, isopropyl Taste: Thin and bitter, with a long buttery finish. Recommendation: Would not buy again. Too harsh even for a mixed drink. Where (not) to buy: Trader Joe's- $5.99 -sources: http://heavenhill.com/our-history | Although Burnett's claims to be named after "Lord Mayor of London, Sir Robert Burnett," the actual existence of said mayor remains dubious. |
As if anyone needed proof that I'm not a beer and wine snob, when I first bought the New Belgium Portage Porter (try saying that ten times fast), I had forgotten what a porter was. I was expecting something more like a lager, or a pale ale. On taking my first sip, I was shocked by a caramelly darkness that swirled and lingered on my tongue for several minutes. As I began to recover my senses, the aftertaste was similar to what you might expect after finishing a thick chocolate and peanut butter shake. [[A porter is a nicely-hopped brown malt, developed in London in the 18th century.]] New Belgium is one of my favorite breweries, and they've never let me down. You may recognize the name from their go to beer, Flat Tire. I'm also a fan of their Ranger IPA and Accumulation White IPA, and Snapshot Wheat Beer. Surprisingly, this Colorado company is the third largest craft brewery in the U.S. The brewery was started in 1989 when the founder, Jeff Lebesch, took a bike trip across Belgium and came back with a suitcase full of recipes and a head full of ideas. Belgian beers are my favorite, and New Belgium makes Belgians with a crisp American twist that is irresistible. It all goes to show that you don't need to know what you are talking about to know what you like. (If you're looking for a job, apply here. Seriously. New Belgium is 100% employee owned, and the benefits are intended to keep you happy. How does 18 vacation days sound? And an all expense paid trip to Belgium on your 5 year work anniversary?) New Belgium Portage Porter: Aroma: Nutty, Caramel Taste: Chocolate, fresh roasted coffee. Price: $7.99 Fun Facts: 6% ABV, 187 calories, 38 IBU. Available: January 2015 Recommendation: Buy it before it's too late, and enjoy it ice cold. I don't drink New Belgiums every day, but they are never far from my refrigerator. If you still need convincing about how cool New Belgium is, watch this employee video:
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