Roastmaster's Reserve: Panama Maunier

From the Caribou Coffee website:

"This estate coffee is grown on the beautiful slopes of the Barú volcano facing the precious Boquete valley in western Panama. Sunny days and cool nights produce spectacular coffees alive with sweetness and floral nuance. The farm’s namesake is its founder Monsieur Gilbert Maunier (Môn-yay) de La Espriella from whom the farm was purchased by the current owner in the late 80s. Maunier was a flower specialist whose passion was his farm."

Okay, so there's that. "Roastmaster's Reserve" is the brand Caribou uses to imply "it may not be here tomorrow, so grab it now, ya lemmings." I try to be suspicious of all types of corporate jumbo, but I'll set that aside for now. I had a cup of this while getting ready for work this morning, and I wound up staying at home rather than bolting out the door. Essentially, this a good lighter roast, and sweet. I don't usually go for "light" or "sweet", but again, I'll make the exception here. I don't know how long this will be on the shelf, but fortunately you can grab a bag of the beans for now at the local Caribou.

Schlafly Saison Ale

So, Saison goes pretty well with my tuna and salmon sushi. Saison seems to me to be a nice light summer-y beer. The label says "This fruity, complex Belgian-style ale is amber in color, medium-bodied, and offers a distinct tart character contributed by the Belgian yeast." Not a bad description. This one isn't, by any means, a favourite, but it adds a bit of variety to the beverage lineup. So, yes, try it. Might be nice with a slice of orange or lemon?

Mad dogs and Englishmen

At least that's what it says on the label. I've just a little bit of it left in my Delirium glass. As in my favourite everyday beer glass -- the one with the pink elephants. But i digress. This wine just isn't for me. It's a mix of Monastrell (50%), Cabernet (30%), and Shiraz (20%). My main impression is that it's exceedingly dry. Maybe i have a bottle that's just off since all the flavours seem, well, "old", or somehow past their peak. I think i'm going to have to go to the Wine and Cheese Shop in Clayton and get some wine advice. I'm really wanting something spicy.

So, the summary is that this one falls on the "don't try it (again)" list for me.

Salvator

So, last night i went to Riddles in the Loop (St. Louis, for those who don't know) and had another Salvator. It's a doppelbock brewed by Paulaner. And oh is it delicious. Pouring, it's a sort of mahogany color with little head. My main impressions are that the beer is rich, easy to drink, sweet, malty, and with a slightly bitter (or perhaps metallic) finish. I'm not sure of the alcohol content, but there's enough in one to notice by the end. Oh, and this was the 0.5 litre size. It is a little heavy... Sometimes i think i might just opt for a couple of these and skip my meal. :-P

Beer Hunter

I just learned that Michael Jackson has passed. There's a site which provides more details and states that "at 9:00 pm EST on Sunday, September 30, beer drinkers across the continent will raise a glass to the memory of the man who did more than anyone to further the cause of good beer, the one and only Beer Hunter, Michael Jackson." Certainly this glass should contain something Belgian, no?