Stoller 2007 Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, OR

At August 29, 2010
By megan
In Alcoholic Beverages, I would buy it again, Oregon, wine
0

Every time I take my first sip of a glass of Oregon Pinot Noir, I decide then and there that Oregon pinots are the best wines. Period.

That is exactly what happened upon my first sip of Stoller’s 2007 estate grown pinot noir. My taste buds understood exactly what the label said about being “an extremely approachable” wine.

Two thumbs up to 2007 Stoller. I highly recommend it.

The Cocktail Element

At August 19, 2010
By megan
In Alcoholic Beverages, favorites, The Cocktail Element
0

Have you been to SALT the Bistroyet? It is undoubtedly one of the best farm to table restaurants in Boulder and deserving of a visit. If you’ve been there before, it is time to go back. Not just because we’re in the midst of peak growing season and practically everything on the menu comes from a local source, though that may be reason enough for most.

It is time to go to SALT to experience “The Cocktail Element.”

What is The Cocktail Element you ask?

It is your customized drink menu for you to “Mix + Match = Make Merry.” The Element’s instruction-guide-like menu describes this “Personalized Flavor Formula” as “designed for you by the SALT Cellar Bar Chemists!”

It goes on to instruct you on how to mix + match your drinks. “This is a unique opportunity for you to wandangle the elements of your own cocktail. Choose from six classic cocktail styles + six spirit bases + a smorgasbord of delicious, complimentary, natural flavors. Be the architect of your own entertainment. Select. Sip. Smile.”

And smile you will…

Just flip over the laminated menu card and get your writing utensil in your hand…

On the left you have your base spirits. What do you prefer? Tequila, Bourbon, Scotch, Vodka, Gin, or Rum? Next, decide on a flavor. How do you feel about cilantro? Or, chipotle, tamarind, ginger, vanilla bean, cherry, cardamom and honey, lavender, blackberry, or pineapple? These are some interesting flavors, and if you’re not sure which one you might prefer with your base spirit, just ask your waiter or waitress. The crew at SALT has extensively taste-tested The Cocktail Element and would be more than happy to offer advice.

The column on the right is where I think you need to concentrate the most. What type of drink do you want? Something lively, crisp, and intense like a SOUR? Or something a little lighter, like a COLLINS. Perhaps you like the pomegranate color and taste of a DAISY. Maybe it is time to try a SLING, RICKEY, or FIZZ. All of the different drink styles are described on the menu card.

I’ve had 4 or 5 different combos (not in one sitting) and really enjoy the Bourbon + Cardamom and Honey + Sour myself.

The Cocktail Element is a really unique approach to cocktail menus and SALT is, as far as I know, the only restaurant in town (maybe anywhere?) offering such a hands-on, design it yourself, cocktail experience. It’s time to head to downtown Boulder for Social Hour and design a few. Just grab a marker and circle some stuff on the card. See what comes back from the bar, and let me know what you think.

Cheers!