I did not mean to go to the tasting at Valley Wine and Liquor in Herkimer, NY on Friday (yesterday). However, I was taking a walk for my mental and physical health, remembered I was short on cash so stopped by the ATM, realized the ATM was right across the street from the liquid store (OK, that is why I chose that ATM), and decided to stop in.
He was a cool guy.
They were sampling Cutwater canned cocktails. I am not a huge cocktail drinker myself, but I thought it was worth a taste. I said they would be good for parties, especially outdoor parties in the summer. I’m sure many people would like to sip out of a can poolside. I guess that is looking a few months ahead. Eddie, the young man pouring, said they would also be good for bars. I agreed, noting how bartenders maybe be too busy to make fancy drinks, and two bartenders may make the same drink differently.
There were three martinis: Espresso, Chocolate Espresso, and Lemon Drop. Oh, were they yummy! And dangerous! The Lemon Drop tasted just like lemonade, and I could see myself sucking down the Chocolate Espresso as if it was chocolate milk (my recovery beverage after a work-out). Personally, I prefer my booze to taste like booze, and I sip it slowly. Still, to have one at a party…
I also liked the Lime Margarita. It was as good as any blender Margarita I have had. The Spicy Bloody Mary was also good. I actually liked it better than the ones I make myself, because it was not too thick, which is the effect the tomato juice sometimes has (you may suggest I add more vodka, but I will refrain from doing so).
Last was the Long Island Iced Tea. Of course I told the story of how that was one of the first cocktails I ever had, at JJ’s in Rome, NY, age 18 (which was the drinking age at the time). It tasted just like iced tea, and I got into a little bit of trouble that way. I never had an iced tea that tasted as good since, even in Long Island. This one tasted just like iced tea. I was not really surprised, after the Lemon Drop Martini that tasted like lemonade.
I had a nice time sampling, and made tasting notes. I will keep Cutwater in mind if I have any parties this summer. I will inquire of my guests what they might like. I personally will probably stick with wine. Well, maybe one Cutwater can. But not of each!
