Autumn Cocktail Classics

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Yesterday afternoon, I attended an Autumn Cocktail Classics tasting at Union Square Wines & Spirits.

For the review, please click here.

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Here's the first part of the tasting menu ...

Attachments:

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... and the 2nd part of the tasting menu ...

Attachments:

[Merlot Joe]

Looks interesting. Is there a charge for the tasting and how many of the spirits can you taste?

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This one was free (as are most of them) and you don't even have to make a reservation. They hold their tastings in the afternoon from 2-5 and you can taste as many as you want -- but of course, because they are offering a 15% discount on everything on the tasting menu (for that day only), they're of course hoping you'll buy some of the stuff being offered at the tasting on that day.

[Chicago Jake]

I don't know if this counts as an Autumn Cocktail, but I find it fits the zeitgeist of the season of turning leaves and dropping temperatures quite nicely: Cruzan Black Strap Rum.

A nice, rich, molasses-based rum with lots of flavor and a full 80-proof kick! Warms the cockles of the heart after a tough afternoon of raking leaves or winterizing the car (not that I'd ever bother doing any of those things). Also, to warm the heart of a cheap bastard like myself, it only costs $9.99 for a fifth (that's 750 ml to you young whippersnappers).

Extra added benefit: It kind of makes you feel like a pirate, swashbuckling, treasure-hunting, and wenching on the high seas!

www.internetwines.com/rws28978.html

[Merlot Joe]

We did a rum tasting in Tahiti in 1999. They started at 40 proof all the way up to 180 proof.

I chickened out at 110 proof. Just the smell of the 180 proof curled my toes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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I'm not that much of a rum drinker, but at that price I may have to give it a try.

[Ardbeg... innit]

I like Black Strap rums. Unlike most rums I consider them on a par with single malts and worthy of drinking straight up or on ice rather than just a mixer.