I love making and drinking a good, home made Bloody Mary in the summer. This summer, I’ll be adding cracked pepper vodka.

I cracked some pepper and put it in a bottle of Vodka.

I tipped the bottle upside down a few times. Then I let it sit… maybe for too long… I think it was a few weeks. Every few days I tipped it upside down to move the pepper. Finally, I strained out the pepper and poured the vodka back into its bottle.

The final product was really peppery. I’ll see how it tastes in drinks and let you know.

I came across this Malbec Tempranillo blend for a good price at our enormous local Liquor Mart, so I thought I’d give it a try.

Turned out to be pretty good.

Having special ties to Oregon, I am fond of many Oregon and Northwest products. Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir is one of them. Pinot Noir is a very difficult grape to grow, and it turns out the climate in Oregon is ideal for this grape. I am in the midst of a Pinot frenzy, which involves tasting a different Pinot Noir whenever I have the chance. This 2007 was enjoyable, to say the least.

I enjoyed this Spanish wine- Terrai Macabeo. You’ll hardly go wrong with Spanish wines, and this bottle, which is very reasonably priced, is light, crisp, and quite enjoyable.

I’ve recently become a fan of Periquita, a Portuguese red wine.