6/20/2021 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

Ian Macleod, Islay Gold, 30 Years Old, Islay Single Malt, Batch 1, Bottled 2021, Casktype American Oak, Number of bottles 1200, Colored (*), 40.0%.
(*) It has too much a Sherry colour.
Chill-filtered ? (not indicated).
EAN: 5010852047479
Port Ellen is closed since 1983.
Ardbeg was temporally closed from 1983 to 1989, so just open in time for a 30 YO in 2021.
The others are:
Bowmore
Bunahabhain
Bruichladdich
Caol Ila
Lagavulin
and
Laphroaig.
For me it tastes like a Bunnahabhain or a Bruichladdich.

5/27/2021 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

Kopke, L.B.V. (Late Bottled Vintage), 2011, Porto, 20%.
Lot: L 15267 / 5 16 14 (= bottled 05/16/2014 ?)
EAN: 5601194709059
TN, 27-05-2021:
Just the last 1/3 glass out of an old open bottle (open from Feb. 2016 ?; but at least open for many years).
Some depot.
Still 100% okay !
Not too sweet, medium to full body, lots of nice tannins, well structured and with backbone. Enough complexity and length.
Lovely for a LBV.
Clearly from a top vintage.
A steal for € 15.
S=89 R=9(15) 5/27/2021 M=now-approx.2031

5/6/2021 - Homer Holland wrote:

Destileria Colombiana Limitada, Dictador, Orange, 100 Months Aged Rum, 40%.
EAN 7707284029279
TN:
Even after nearly 4,5 years in an open bottle, some alcohol burn.
Light to medium-low orange taste.
Not bad overall, but I will not buy a second bottle.
Also not cheap for what it offers.
S=79-80 R=6(28) 5/6/21

3/2/2021 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

Samaroli, By Coilltean Int. Co. Ltd., Orange Liquor, 40%.
C.G. SA 17100 Saintes France
Produce of France
Combining Cognac, Armagnac, and a very old brandy.
Aged in wood for 3 years.
Just 400 bottles have been produced.
This is No. 140
EAN: 5060417912940
Coilltean Int. Co. Ltd.
www.CoillteanSpirits.co.uk
(but I could not find it)

2/23/2021 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

Brouwerij Rodenbach (Palm NV-SA), Rodenbach, Vintage 2018 (Bottled 2020), Flanders Red Ale, Aged in Oak Foeders, Foeder No. 220, 7%.
Unblended Flanders Red-Brown Ale matured in oak caks for 2 years.
Rudi Ghequire, brewmaster.
BBE: 04/08/2025
EAN: 5410583803090
TN 05-02-2021 ca. 19DegC:
Good, but too much acids for me vs a light sweetness.
Only a little bit complex and rather short.
TN 09-02-2021 ca. 19DegC:
Now much softer, less harsh acids and somewhat more creamy, round and with a subtle soft mousse.
TN 13-02-2021 fairly cold ca. 12DegC:
To compensate for the acids I tried a 50/50 blend of this Rodenbach and Brand Dubbel Bock (BBE: mrt 21; so I guess at least 2 yo; Lot 9256528Y), which was a good blend (S=88).
Conclusion:
I llke it, but too much acidity for me.
S=87 R=7(10) 2/23/21 M=2021-2028 or maybe (much) more.

2/23/2021 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

S.S. Agricola Tommasi Viticoltori, Tommasi, Valpolicella, Ripasso, DOC Valpolicella Classico Superiore, Veneto, Italy, 2016, 13%.
Harvest Sep. 2016
By halfmoon
Aged in Oak Casks
OEnologist: Giancarlo Tommasi
Correct info ?:
70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella and 5% Corvinone.
15 mos. in very large Slavonian oak casks.
Is the same wine as on CT!:
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3478962
But the current one is the older one and with more TNs / ratings.
https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/tommasi-2016-valpolicella-classico-superiore-ripasso/
87/100
TN 16-02-2021 at ca. 15DegC:
Yummy, everything okay, slightly alcoholic and a light sweetness because of that, but okay for me.
Still very young.
TN 20-02-2021 at 15DegC or less:
Better now. More one piece, very fruity with sufficient bakbone from bitters and tannins.
€ 20 is max. price for me.
S=88 R=7.5(20) 2/23/21 M=2021-2026, maybe till 2030

2/22/2021 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

G.E. Massenez, Crème à la Fraise des Bois, 20%.
L5111712
EAN: 3265120015021
TN:
Good, nice wild strawberry taste.
Not very complex or with a great length, but good and with no faults.
Not too sweet.
S=87 R=8(13) 2/22/21 M=now-2030(+)

2/6/2021 - Homer Holland wrote:

Isle of Arran Distillers Ltd, Arran, Gold, Cream Liqueur, 17%.
BBE: 19/07/2020
EAN: 5060044480270
Launched in 2004.
Awards:
Silver winner and "Best in Class" at the IWSC 2005,
Named at the World Whisky Awards as "The World's Best Whisky Liqueur 2007"
TN 1/15/2021:
Fresh bottle vs this 3 YO bottle:
The last glasses out of this 3 YO bottle better, softer, milder, more complex, than the fresh 2020 bottle.
Because of a better production in the past or thru oxidation ?!
S=88 R=8(15) 2/6/2021 M=now+3-5yrs

12/12/2020 - Homer Holland Does not like this wine:

Hollandia, Premium Quality Lager Beer, Imported, Brewed in Holland, 5.0%.
Ingr.: water, barley malt, maltose, hop extract (no yeast, haha).
Stamwortgehalte: 11,40
EAN: 8714800007207
Six-pack of tin-cans of 33 cl each.
Brewed and canned in Holland for:
H-West B.V.
P.O. Box 1638
3600 BP Maarssen
Holland
Brewed by:
Bavaria
Lieshout
Holland
Website
www.bavaria.nl
TN: several dates and over 6 cans:
It is not very bad, but I will never buy it again, and I will not recommend it.
Clearly a bad hops extracts taste, so lesser bitters.
A six-pack of tin-cans of 33 cl each is approx € 3.25, that is cheap, but (for approx. the same price) better buy a much better German cheap pilsener from f.i. the LIDL or ALDI.
This one running for an Avoid status.
S=73 R=5(0.54) 12/12/20

11/3/2020 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

Brouwerij Egmond, Sancti Adalberti, Miraculum Novum, Egmonds Blonde, Abdijbier, 5.7%.
Gebrouwen in licentie met de abdij van Egmond / Sint-Adelbertabdij, Egmond-Binnen, NLD onder Abt Gerard Mathijsen.
Water uit de bron op de Adelbertusakker in Egmond-Binnen.
Gebrouwen met bio Bleek mout en bio Carahell mout.
Enkelvoudig gehopt met Sorachi Ace hop.
Toevoeging van lindebloesem.
Stamwort gehalte: 13,1˚ Plato.
Bovengisting
Bitterheid: 25 EBU.
Biologisch bier
Ongefilterd en ongepasteuriseerd.
BBE: 17.11.20
EAN: 793573257369
Gebrouwen sinds 2013
Brouwerij Egmond bv
Egmond aan den Hoef
NLD
De Sancti Adalberti Egmondse Blonde omschrijft zich het best als een blond aromatisch abdijbier met een mooie bitterheid van de Sorachi-Ace hop en een licht alcohol gehalte.
Ideaal als digestief bier, daar de bitterheid de eetlust opwekt.
Toevoeging van lindebloesem zorgt voor een eigen karakter en een heerlijke geur.
De bieren zijn ongefilterd en ongepasteuriseerd en kennen een nagisting op fles.
Sancti Adalberti is biologisch bier dat is geënt met het water uit de bron op de Adelbertusakker in Egmond-Binnen waarvan wonderverhalen vertellen over de genezende werking.
Gebrouwen in licentie met de abdij van Egmond en geworteld in het verleden van de abdij.
Het is enige Nederlandse Benedictijner (vandaar de naam van het bier) abdijbier.
TN:
VERY NICE !
So S=95 in its class, S=90 for beers in general.
M=2019-2022, since I do not think it will improve.

9/29/2020 - Homer Holland Does not like this wine:

BBE 11/2017
L6327056T 15:53
It is clearly not a keeper.
Drink it fresh of within 2 or max. 3 years, since then it is going over it's top and loses its freshness and fruitiness.
TN, 21-05-2020:
This bottle is clearly over its top.
The fruit is gone.
Not bad or undrinkable, the after-taste is still the best with some fruit.
TN, 22-05-2020, next day:
Better (!), more fruit than yesterday.
So I had to give it 78/100, because just drinkable.
S=78 R=8(4.5) 9/29/20 M=now-within 2 years

9/29/2020 - Homer Holland wrote:

Could not find a BBE or Lot no.
But I bought it together with the other bottles, so:
(quote)
7/8/2018 - HOMER HOLLAND LIKES THIS WINE: 87 Points
My fifth bottle.
BBE 11/2017
L6327056T 15:54
(unquote)
TN, 29-09-2020:
And I change my mind.
It is not a keeper.
Drink it fresh of within 2 or max. 3 years, since then it is going over its top and loses it's freshness and fruitiness.
So I have to give it 80/100 as it is now.
S=80 R=8(4.5) 9/29/20 M=now-within 2 years

9/23/2020 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

Brouwerij de Molen, Sally & Swain, Bowmore Barrel Aged, 22.7 Deg Plato, EBC 209, EBU 100, BA Imperial Stout-ish, Unpasteurized, Drink at 10 DegC, 12%.
Ingr.: water, barley malts (pils, brown, crystal 100, caramel, chocolate, mild, roasted munchener), malts (wheat), flaked oats, bitter hops (apollo, zeus), top fermenting yeast (so, hurrah, no sugars !; I tasted it without knowing this !).
Bottled on / Lotto: 04-12-17
BBE: 04-12-27
EAN: 8717624420832
Stout Imperial / Double
TN, at 7.5 DegC:
Yummy, not too sweet at this temperature, balance, a bid of complexity and some length.
At higher temp.:
Still not too sweet, especially many good, mainly hop, bitters.
At 22 DegC:
Still not too sweet (for me), sweetness is well integrated, but at this temperature somewhat harsh bitters, but De Molen advises it to drink at 10 DegC (I tasted it without knowing this; I always taste blind).
S=88 R=8(5) 9/23/20 M=now-2025(+), but I do not think it will improve.

9/23/2020 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

Tynt Meadow, English Trappist Ale, Strong Ale Brewed by the Monks of Mount Saint Bernard Abbey, Chranwood Forest, 7.4%, 33cl.
Ing.: Water, Barley Malt, Sugar, Hops, Yeast.
BBE: 18/03/21
Lot (?): TM / 0019
EAN: 5060598500004
Ale Strong Trappist
TN, 26-02-2020:
Good, yummy, fresh with a nice mousse.
TN, 21-09-2020:
Same, I like it very much.
Not complex, but very good and (of course) no faults.
S=88 R=7.5(3.5) 9/23/20 M=now-2023 (or longer)

9/21/2020 - Homer Holland wrote:

Brouwerij Emelisse, Imperial Russian Stout, Barrel Finished #3, Barrel Finished in Kilchoman Whisky, 11.0%.
Ingr.: Water, Malted Barley, Sugar, Hops, Yeast.
BBE: nothing
EAN: 8717853882210
Released in 2020.
TN, 05-09-2020:
At 7-8 DegC:
Good, balance, a bit complex and some length.
At 11 DegC:
Now already (much) too sweet for me.
So, if you like sweet beers (I do not):
S=87.
For me:
S=84 R=7.5(6) 9/21/20 M=now-2030(+?), but it will get even more sweet.

9/5/2020 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

Bodegas Olarra, Cerró Añón, Reserva, Tempranillo, Gracianco y Mazuelo, DO Calificada, Rioja, Spain, 2015, 14%.
Mix of grapes and purchased wine from Riojas Alta and Oriental,
Cuvée of Tempranillo with 20 % Gracianco and Mazuelo.
TM No. 196448
L9189
EAN 8411423031113
TN 30-09-2020, 01-09-2020 & 07-09-2020:
Good, only somewhat too high in acidity, but that will get lesser when older ?
Fruity, some tannins and backbone.
9/5/20

9/5/2020 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

Brouwerij Van Eecke, Kapittel, Watou, Winter, Abdijbier, 2019, 7.8%.
LOT19. 10. 02 (= 02-10-2019)
BBE 02/10/2021
EAN 5412896532049
9/5/20 M=2019 to at least 2021

8/24/2020 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

Choya, Original, Japanse Ume Fruit, 10%.
Produced in Germany using wine from the EU.
Aromatisiertes weinhaltiges Getränk.
EAN: 4905846134093
CHOYA Umeshu (Deutschland) GmbH / Choya Umeshu Co., Ltd. (Japan).
Intensives Aroma und süß-saure Harmonie.
Weinartig, mit einem feinen, fruchtigen Aroma der japanischen Ume Pflaume.
http://choya.com/germany/
Die Ume-Frucht ist KEINE Pflaume
Die Ume-Frucht (wissenschaftlicher Name: Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc.) wird oft mit der Pflaume verwechselt (wissenschaftlicher name: Prunus domestica L), die zu derselben Familie der Rosaceae Prunus gehört, aber sie haben sehr unterschiedliche Eigenschaften.
Die Ume enthält 4-5 % Säure im Vergleich zu 1-2 % Säure bei Pflaumen.
Wenn die Ume-Frucht reift, erhöht sich der Anteil der Zitronensäure im Vergleich zu anderen organischen Säuren.
Die Frucht und Haut der Ume enthalten Polyphenol und die Frucht enthält Aminosäuren.
Unsere Studien deuten darauf hin, dass γ-Aminobuttersäure aus der Glutaminesäure entstehen kann.
Die Frucht enthält Polyphenole.
Der Polyphenolgehalt erhöht sich mit der Reifung.
Die Frucht enthält organische Säuren wie Zitronensäure.
Die Ume-Frucht wird in Japan und China schon seit langem für medizinische Zwecke eingesetzt.
In Japan gibt es eine Tradition, die besagt, dass die Ume-Frucht gegen drei Arten von Giften wirkt:
Gift in Nahrung, Wasser und Blut.
TN:
Very nice, sweet, but with the appropriate acidity, and with a nice fruit taste.
S=88 R-8(7) 8/24/20 M=now, but maybe it can improve with ageing, since there are also aged versions.

8/17/2020 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

Brasserie d'Achouffe, Chouffe, Blanche, Bière Belge Blanche / Belgisch Witbier, 6.5%, 33cl.
Ingr.: water, barley malt, wheat malt, yeast, hops, coriander seeds, lemon (no sugars added).
Wheat Beer
IBU 17
BBE: 06 2021
Lot: L 214431606
EAN: 5410769800820
Attention: There is a 2020 edition with 6.6%Abv.
TN, 17-08-2020:
Very excellent wheat beer.
Everything is okay.
Balance, appropriate hoppyness, very slight sweetness (but no sugars in the ingredients), nice acidity, and with a good length.
It is not very complex, but who needs that in a refreshing wheat beer ?
I tried it from 4DegC to approx. 14DegC, and it tasted well all the way.
33cl (no 75cl bottles) costs in the NLD € 2 to 2.50, so a nice price too.
I gave it 91/100, but if you incorporate complexity, it should be 88-89/100.
S=91 R=8.5-8(2-2.5) 8/17/20 M=now, I think you should drink it fresh, I guess it is not for keeping.

8/8/2020 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

Belvoir Fruit Farms, Honey, Lemon & Ginger Cordial, 0.00%, 50cl.
Ingredients: pressed lemon juice (not from concentrate ?) 36%, sugar, water, blossom honey (9%), ginger extracts (0.5% ?).
Sugars 38.4 gr/100ml
Lot: 12:59 190 L1
BBE: JAN 2021
EAN: 5022019550203
Belvoir Fruit Farms Ltd,
Barkeston Lane,
Bottesford,
Leicestershire,
NG13 0DH,
UK.

8/8/2020 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

Belvoir Fruit Farms Ltd, Organic Lemonade, gently bubbling with real lemon juice, 00%, 75cl.
Ingr.: Carbonated spring water, organic sugar, fresh organic lemon infusion, organic lemon juice (not from concentrate) 6%, citric acid.
sugars 07.8 gr/100ml
Bio: GB-ORG-04.
Lot: 09:48 021 L2
BBE: JUL 2020
EAN: 5022019170111
Belvoir Fruit Farms Ltd,
Barkeston Lane,
Bottesford,
Leicestershire,
NG13 0DH,
UK.
TN, 06-08-2020:
Lovely stuff with the right mousse.

8/6/2020 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

Timmermans & Guinness, Lambic & Stout, West Indies Porter, Guinnes Special Export & Timmermans Oude Kriek, 6%, 37.5cl.
IBU: 37
EBC: 75
Vintage: not stated
BBE: 22/08/21 (so vintage 2019 ?)
EAN: 5411516003532
Blend of 3 beers brewed by Guinness (Ireland) and by Timmermans (Belgium).
Guinness & Timmermans created this amazing blend of 3 unique beers:
- Guinness West Indies Porter (1801),
- Guinness Special Export (first brewed in 1944 exclusively for John Martin) and
- Timmermans Oude Kriek (the world’s oldest lambic brewery).
Fermentation: Mixed
Developed by the master brewers Willem van Herreweghen and Peter Simpson.
Blended & bottled in Belgium by Anthony Martin, see:
https://anthonymartin.be/en/
TN, July 2020:
Yes, nice, not so sour with the Guinness.
But a strange combination.
And a disaster with food.
Cs&TN like 8/6/20

6/25/2020 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

Sacha & Melvyn Crommar / SARL Kystin, Kystin, Cuvée XVII, Cidre arômatisé aux châtaignes, Cidre Bretagne, 4%.
No Lot.nr
No BBE
EAN: 3683080014937
http://www.kystin.net/cuvee-xvii.ws
Après sept longues années d'expérimentation, une macération de la Châtaigne, crue, concassée, pendant de longs mois dans le jus sera finalement retenue pour nouer pomme et châtaigne: La Cuvée XVII est née !
Pourquoi XVII ?
Il représente pour certains la belle étoile, tandis que pour d'autres, il symbolise la cruauté.
Mais ici, la véritable est raison est plus simple : sont nécessaires dans la "recette originelle" pas moins de 16 variétés de pommes auxquelles vient s'ajouter le 17ème élément "Châtaigne" pour concocter cet élixir d'exception.
Plus qu'un Cidre, la Cuvée XVII se traite comme un grand vin pétillant aux subtils parfums de Châtaignes.
TN, 20-06-2020 @ 10+ DegC:
After 2.5 years in the bottle still 100%, which is very nice for a cider / cidre.
Good, fresh with the appropriate sweetness, somewhat simple and short, but good.
TN, 24-06-2020 @ ca. 16 DegC:
It offers you more at a higher temperature (and after some air ?).
Now very good stuff, with the right and nice sweetness, which is integrated very well, enough and nice acidity, little bit complex and with a suitable length.
Lovely food 'wine'.
I was in doubt between 89 and 90/100, but it misses some complexity to give it a 90/100 or more.
S=89 R=7(12) 6/25/20 M=2017-2022(+?)

6/23/2020 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

Belvoir Fruit Farms Ltd, Organic, Ginger Beer, 00%.
Ingr.: Carbonated spring water, organic sugar, organic lemon juice (from concentrate), organic fresh root ginger infusion 2%, ginger extracts, citric acid, capsicum extract.
sugars 11.0 gr/100ml
Bio: GB-ORG-04.
Lot: 13:46 028 L1
BBE: JUL 2021
750ml
EAN: 5022019160112
Belvoir Fruit Farms Ltd,
Barkeston Lane,
Bottesford,
Leicestershire,
NG13 0DH,
UK.
TN:
It is NOT a Ginger BEER, which is brewed (fermented) and contains alcohol (although nowadays as less as 0.5%Abv), BUT a Ginger ALE, which is just carbonated water that's been flavoured with ginger and contains no alcohol.
But it is lovely stuff.
The perfect mousse / bubbles, the perfect freshness and the hotness of real fresh ginger, but I think, also from the capsicum, which is just too much sharpness / hotness for me.
For €3.09 with a nice price for organic stuff.
S=88 R=8(3) 6/18/20

6/21/2020 - Homer Holland Does not like this wine:

Compagnie de Guyenne, Distilleries de Matha négotians (but on the bottle cap "Mise en bouteille dans nos chais"), Moullon, Grande Champagne Brute, 1e Cru de Cognac, AC Cognac Grande Champagne, 41,6%.
No indication of grapes used.
L17 313 (= 2017 ?)
EAN: 3257150126419
Compagnie de Guyenne is the owner of a.o. Meukow and Brugerolle Cognac.
No indication of what a kind of Cognac it is (VS, VSOP or XO).
They say the cognac is at least 8 yo, so it can be classified as an XO Cognac, but others say it is on AVERAGE 8 yo, and it tastes more like that, so young.
Moullon is a small distillery, which is using only very old barrels for ageing, hence the very light color.
They do not add colouring or sugars, which is a good thing and that you can also see and taste.
TN:
Very light colour, very, very light gold, but nearly clear as water.
Also a very light body and it does not have much taste too, apart from a very light fruity sweetness (pear-like) and sharpness of the alcohol, the latter is clearly a fault.
So, not a favourite of mine.
I was in doubt between 78 or 79/100.
S=79 R=6(27) 6/21/20

6/18/2020 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

Belvoir Fruit Farms Ltd, Organic, Elderflower, Pressé, 00%.
Ingr.: Carbonated spring water, organic sugar, organic (English) elderflowers, fresh organic lemons, real pressed organic lemon juice (not from concentrate), citric acid.
sugars 10.0 gr/100ml
Bio: GB-ORG-04.
Lot: 07:53 022 L1
BBE: JUL 2021
750ml
EAN: 5022019150113
Belvoir Fruit Farms Ltd,
Barkeston Lane,
Bottesford,
Leicestershire,
NG13 0DH,
UK.
TN:
Very lovely stuff !
The perfect mousse / bubbles, the perfect freshness, the perfect subtle taste.
And for €3.09 with a nice price for organic stuff.
S=88 R=8(3) 6/18/20

6/18/2020 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

Belvoir Fruit Farms Ltd, Organic, Elderflower Cordial, 00%.
Ingr.: Water, organic sugar, fresh organic elderflowers 8%, fresh organic lemons, real pressed organic lemon juice (not from concentrate), citric acid.
sugars 05.3 gr/100ml
Bio: GB-ORG-04.
Lot: ?????????
BBE: ??? 2021
EAN: 5022019150205
Belvoir Fruit Farms Ltd,
Barkeston Lane,
Bottesford,
Leicestershire,
NG13 0DH,
UK.
TN:
Very lovely stuff !
S=89 R=7(6) 6/18/20

6/17/2020 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

R&A Bailey & Co. (Diageo), Baileys, Chocolat Luxe, Irish Cream Liqueur with 6% Real Belgian Chocolate, 15.7%.
Lot: LT069NE003 24107
BBE: 09 2018 (but on 17-06-2020 a long-time open bottle was still 100% okay)
50cl
EAN: 5011013999064
TN:
Very nice stuff with a very good (Belgian) pure chocolate taste, but unfortunately it has a little alcohol burn.
The sweetness and creaminess are appropriate.
A bit expensive for € 17 / 50cl.
S=88 R=6.5(17) 6/17/20 M=now+4-5yrs

6/11/2020 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

van Wees / vW, The Ultimate Whisky Company, Saint & Peat, Heavily Peated, Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Distillery Bunnahabhain, From Refill Hogsheads, Bottled 2019, Dark Blue Label, 55.0%.
I guess it is like all vW / Ultimate bottlings: Uncolored and Non-chillfiltered.
EAN: 8719689209230
It is the Second Edition for "Sinterklaas", a Dutch children feast in December each year.
And it is the same whisky as the 2020 Peaty Single Malt Bevrijdingswhisky for the 75th Anniversary of the Dutch liberation from the Nazis.
TN:
Lovely peated and smoky whisky.
Clean, no faults and everything in balance, even at 55%. Needs no water.
Not very complex or with a great length, but a very nice easy drinker for weekdays.
A steal for only € 38 / 70cl.
S=87 R=8.5(38) 6/11/20

5/30/2020 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

TN, 26-05-2020 @ 14DegC (the right temperature, but you can drink it cooler or warmer):
Very lovely beer.
Very nice acidity and sweetness in a perfect balance, although it leans towards the sweetness. It does not taste sour, like a regular sour beer, but you can taste, that it is made of it.
Fresh, fruity and a little bit complex and with a reasonable length.
You can not really taste wood, but you can more 'feel' that it is aged in large wooden vats, which gives it also some bitterness, wholeness and backbone.
An easy drinker. You can drink as a refresher (in the sun) or with food.
I really love it !
It is in the NL about € 1.90 for 33cl, and for that price, I find it a steal !
S=90 R=9(1.85) 26-05-20 M=now-2025, but I think no need to keep; I doubt or it will get better.

5/17/2020 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

AZ. Vitivinicola di Bosio Oscar - La Bruciata, Oscar Bosio, In Valdivilla, Grappa di Moscato Invecchiata, Distillata in Alambicco Discontinuo, La Bruciata, 42%.
COD ACC IT00ATA00020X
L.736519
EAN: none.
Made under the Moscato d’Asti DOCG, Piedmont, Italy status.
https://www.la-bruciata.com/grappa/?lang=en
Our Grappa
Two typical products of Piedmont
Grappa di Moscato
Made with our Moscato marc, this is one of the most representative Piedmontese digestives, which, after ageing in oak casks, becomes balanced and elegant, with an evident aroma of Moscato.
TN:
I was in doubt between 89 or 90/100, since so good, and that for a nice price.
Warning: after approx. 2 to 3 months at room temperature an on average half filled bottle will lose a substantial lot of fruitiness. So, if you want to keep an open bottle for a while, store it in a cool cellar or in the fridge and/or spray some inert gas in the open bottle.
S=89-90 R=8(18) 5/17/20

5/12/2020 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

NONINO Distillatori, il Prosecco di NONINO, da Vinacce Fresche (from Fresh Pomace), Riserva, in Barriques e Piccole Botti (in Barriques and Small Casks), 41%.
Single varietal grappa, the Monovitigno® Nonino.
MATERIA PRIMA: Fresh pomace of Glera grapes for Prosecco, from dedicated production zones.
DISTILLAZIONE ARTIGIANALE: Discontinuous with head and tail cutting, in copper steam stills.
INVECCHIAMENTO NATURALE: 24 months in barriques and small casks.
GRADAZIONE: 41% vol.
0% color additives.
Lot: I could not find a lot.no. (or a vintage)
EAN: 8002092013892
German botteling.
100% Distillata con metodo artigianale.
Batch method with head and tail removal, in particular and exclusive copper steam stills renewed by Benito Nonino.

5/9/2020 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

Lagavulin, 9 Years Old, Game of Thrones, House Lannister, Bottled 2018 (First Batch), Casktype 100% Ex-Bourbon Casks, 46%.
Colored
Bottle code: L8xxxCM0xx (= Wb; Clear glass bottle, I could not find a lot no. or so)
EAN: 5000267173771
I wrote at:
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3157467
5/9/2020 - I LIKE THIS WINE: (Edit)
For only the first batch from 2018 see:
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3192637
"Limited Edition" is not stated on the bottle and you can hardly call it a limited edition, since this batch was HUGHE, and Diageo even came with a second edition in 2019, while the first edition was not sold out.
Hmmm, talking about commerce, since the hype they unjustified created in 2018 (the USA release) and early 2019 (the Europe and the rest of the world release).
And the price was and still is too high for what it has to offer.
But since approx. a half year there are offerings for much lower prices.
I feel mislead by Diageo (and not only me, also the trade).

5/9/2020 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

For only the first batch from 2018 see:
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3192637
"Limited Edition" is not stated on the bottle and you can hardly call it a limited edition, since this batch was HUGHE, and Diageo even came with a second edition in 2019, while the first edition was not sold out.
Hmmm, talking about commerce, since the hype they unjustified created in 2018 (the USA release) and early 2019 (the Europe and the rest of the world release).
And the price was and still is too high for what it has to offer.
But since approx. a half year there are offerings for much lower prices.
I feel mislead by Diageo (and not only me, also the trade).

5/9/2020 - Homer Holland wrote:

Pearl Aqua, AMZTERDAMIT, WHISKY DISTILLED 0.0 DRINK, DRINK AND DRIVE, 0.00%, 25cl.
Ingr.: Whisky Distilled and distracted from Alcohol, Cane Sugar etc..
Sugars 3.4 gr/100ml
Lot: 1251 10:59
BBE: 11 10 2019
EAN: 6009673430187
Company:
United Drink and Innovation Corp.,
The Netherlands,
Produced by:
Pearl Aqua,
South Africa (SA).
TN:
Not bad, you can taste the cane sugar and a bit of whisky, but too sweet for me and way too expensive.
S=81 R=5(2.5) 1/5/20 M=now

5/9/2020 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

Brasserie St. Feuillien, Saison, Dry Hopping, Non Filtré / Unfiltered, Belgian Farmhouse Ale, 06.5%, 75cl.
Ingr.: barley malt and liquorice !
L 8935 13:24
BBE: 23/06/2020
EAN: 5412138317519
https://untappd.com/b/brasserie-st-feuillien-saison/10580
Brasserie St-Feuillien
Farmhouse Ale - Saison
6.5% ABV
28 IBU
St-Feuillien’ Saison is what the Belgians call a beer of the terroir, a traditional farmhouse ale with all the rich savour of the fertile land of southern Belgium.
Saison, a warm golden blonde ale, is a top-fermented classique.
Thanks to secondary fermentation in the bottle, Saison has an unmistakable flavour full of rich nuances and a slight tang.
Saison, the latest in a long line of top-quality St-Feuillien beers, is a “hoppy”, unfiltered beer that is so emblematic of the rich Belgian tradition.

5/9/2020 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

MONIN, Le Sirop de MONIN, Citron Vert / Lime, Sirop de Citron Vert, Lime Syrup, Sirop - Pur Sucre, 00%.
Ingr.: from concentrated lime and lemon juice; total fruit juice 20%, including 12% lime juice and with natural lime and lemon flavouring etc..
Sugars 61.2 gr/100ml
L 3118 3 8 3
9 0:35 18:22
BBE 08 2020
EAN 3052910056407
TN:
I like it, but too expensive.
I do add some extra fresh and/or juice from concentrated lime and/or lemon.

5/8/2020 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

Belvoir Fruit Farms, Honey, Lemon & Ginger Cordial, 0.00%.
Sugars 48 gr/100ml
EAN: 5022019550203
Lot: 12:58 190 L1
BBE: JAN 2021

5/8/2020 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

Belvoir Fruit Farms, Organic, Lemon & Mint, Cordial, 0.00%.
Sugars 03.9 gr/100ml
EAN: 5022019190201
Lot: 07:25 135 L1
BBE: NOV 2020

5/4/2020 - Homer Holland wrote:

MDCV sarl, UP, Ultimate, Provence, Vin Rosé / Rose Wine, AOP Côtes de Provence, 2018, 12.5%.
Indicative blend: Grenache Noir, Cinsault and Rolle.
EAN: 3760033596679
Goes under the names Ultimate and (One) Urban and 'Urban Provence' (UP).
Ultimate and UP (bottled by MDCV sarl) being the newer editions and (One) Urban (bottled by Château de Berne) being the older (pre 2018 ?) vintages ?
1 (750ml) purchased from d12.
TN, 25-04-20 at 15ºC:
Clean, no faults, nice acidity, but a bid watery, not much fruit.
Better somewhat warmer, than more taste.
TN, 29-04-20 at 15ºC:
Better now, more taste, but still flat and lacks character.
TN, 30-04-20 at 14ºC:
The same, but a little bid more in balance, and a little bid more fruit and has a slight sweetness now.
€ 18 ?! No way, too expensive for what it has (not) to offer.
TN, 04-05-20:
The same, too expensive and lacks fruit and character.
S=83 R=6(18) 5/4/20 M=2019-2020

5/5/2020 - Homer Holland Does not like this wine:

Second bottle tasted like of the top.

5/5/2020 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

Brouwerij De Halve Maan, Straffe Hendrik, Brugs Tripel Bier, Wild, 2017, 9%.
19° plato
hoge gisting
EBC 15
EBU 35
THT 17-02-2022 (MINIMALE HOUDBAARHEID 5 jaar)
EAN: 5425017241164
Straffe Hendrik Wild wordt maar éénmaal per jaar gebotteld.
Het is een wilde variant van de bekende Straffe Hendrik Tripel.
Dit traditionele bier wordt hergist met 'Brettanomyces' gist, wat zorgt voor aparte fruitige aroma's die harmoniëren met het rijke gebruik van aromatische hopvariëteiten.
De wilde gisten geven het bier een langere natuurlijke houdbaarheid en smaakevolutie over de jaren heen.
Het bier heeft een langere rijping op fles nodig voordat het vrijgegeven kan worden.
Pas na drie maanden in de kelders is de hergisting van de wilde gisten voltooid en het jonge bier drinkbaar.
Het bier blijft evenwel evolueren in de jaren erna.
De bittere hoparoma's worden zachter, terwijl de wilde gisten verder werken en fruitige en bloemige aroma's vormen.

4/29/2020 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

Belvoir Fruit Farms Ltd, Organic Elderflower & Rose Cordial, 0.00%.
Ingr.: Water, organic sugar, fresh organic elderflowers 5%, fresh organic lemons, pressed organic lemon juice, citric acid, organic elderberry juice from concentrate, rose extract.
sugars 46 gr/100ml
Bio: GB-ORG-04.
EAN: 5022019140206
Lot: 20:05 249 L1
BBE: MAR 2020
Belvoir Fruit Farms Ltd,
Barkeston Lane,
Bottesford,
Leicestershire,
NG13 0DH,
UK.

4/29/2020 - Homer Holland Does not like this wine:

La Viña, 3 in ONE, Garnacha Tintorera, Shiraz & Tempranillo, 2017, Valencia, Spain, 14%.
EAN: 8412276371043
18020 No. 662120 ES8
Lot: L-822218
2020-04-16 - 15-17 DegC:
goed, lichte body, voldoende fruit, meer tannines, ietsje te hoog in de zuren & tannines combi.
simpel, maar goed, wel iets meer op de tannines en zuren, dan op het fruit, maar wel voldoende.
2020-04-22 - ca. 18 DegC:
nu veel beter, redelijk goede balans, wel meer leunend op de tannines, dan op het fruit, plus heel licht bijtend, maar verder wel de goede hoeveelheid zuren, dus frisheid.
nee, toch te hoog in de bijtende zuren (bij licht zoete saus).
2020-04-28 = op
nu beter, maar nog steeds te hoog in de zuren en te weinig fruit.
Todays consumer price € 11.
S=72 R=5(11) 28-04-2020 M=now-2025 (maybe it will improve a bid)

4/12/2020 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

Amstel Brouwerij B.V., Amstel, Bier, Bright, Taste The Caribbean, 5%.
275 ml transparent bottle.
Ingr.: a.o. sugar (tja).
BBE: AUG - 20
Lot: 921a528R0643
EAN: 8712000026165
Original made in and only for The Dutch Caribbean (Curaçao, Aruba of Bonaire).
Introduction in 2003 in the NL was no success, so it was withdrawn from the Dutch market.
Since 2013 thru a specialist company supply to Dutch shops, but that has ended in januari 2020, since Heineken stopped producing it in the NL.
https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amstel_Bright (edited)
Amstel Bright is een Nederlandse / Caribische pils.
Het bier wordt gebrouwen door Heineken.
Het is een blond bier met een alcoholpercentage van 5%.
Van 1960 tot 2006 werd het bier gebrouwen in de Antilliaanse brouwerij op Curaçao. De fabriek ging failliet in 2006 en de productie werd overgenomen door Heineken in Nederland.
In 2010 werd de brouwerij op Curaçao gesloopt.
Rond 2003 werd het bier op de Nederlandse markt gebracht, maar het was geen succes. Het bier was daarom niet meer verkrijgbaar in Nederland en wordt enkel voor de Nederlandse Antillen gebrouwen.
Vanaf medio 2013 was het bier weer verkrijgbaar in Nederland.
Het bier wordt net zoals Corona geserveerd in een doorschijnende fles, met een stukje limoen in de flessenhals.
https://amstel-bright.nl/
UPDATE 9 april 2020:
Sinds januari van dit jaar hebben wij helaas al geen Amstel Bright meer op voorraad.
De reden hiervoor is de productiestop van Heineken in Nederland.
Heineken heeft onlangs besloten definitief de verkoop van Amstel Bright aan de retail te stoppen.
Hierdoor is het voor ons op dit moment onmogelijk Amstel Bright aan u te verkopen.
Over het algemeen kun je Amstel Bright kopen op Curaçao, Aruba of Bonaire.
https://www.biernet.nl/bier/merken/amstel-bright
https://www.ratebeer.com/beer/amstel-bright/10524/
TN 02-04-2020:
Nice hot (tropical) whether pilsener with the therefore suitable acidity, and also good with food (S=85).
But not a high quality beer to enjoy on its own as beer (S=80).
S=82 R=6(1.5) 02-04-20 M=now

4/12/2020 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

Henkell, Trocken, Feiner Sekt, Dry Sec, 11.5%.
Lot:
L19010 (= 2019 ?)
17:54A
EAN: 4003310011625
Henkell & Co. Sektkellerei KG
Wiesbaden, DE.
TN 17-03-2020:
Too short in the fridge (sorry, wanted to eat and drink it with the food), so fairly warm, but he can have it, which is a good sign.
Simple, but simply good. QPR=8 at € 8.
Balance, nice dry, good, but slightly rough mousse.
Especially the bitters are nice, it has not so much a fruit taste.
TN 21-03-2020:
Yes, good (certainly for its low price).
TN 30-03-2020:
Opens with a loud plop.
The mousse is still there.
Again good overall, simple, but no faults, and with just the right amount of nice bitters, some fruit, good acidity and even with a back-bone, and yes, not complex, but has a sufficient length for the price and does its job overall very well at this very low price.
I suspect that people who do rate this wine low, do not incorporate its very low price and/or are a bid snobish.
And I think there is a change that it will improve with 2 to 3 years of cellaring.
S=86 R=8(8) 30-03-20 M=now-2023

4/12/2020 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

Freixenet, Ice Rosé, Cuvée Especial, Metodo Tradicional, Semi Seco, Cava, Spain, 12%.
EAN: 8410036806521
Drink over ice and - if you want - with some fresh (red) fruit in it.
TN 18-03-2020 (not over ice):
Very well made.
No faults.
Good balance, however just a little bid too sweet for me.
Nice but a too subtle red fruit taste.
But overall (of course) very simple.
The standard dry Freixenet is better.
See:
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=64036
Freixenet, Cordón Negro, Metodo Tradicional, Gran Selección, Brut, Cava, Catalonia, Spain, 11.5%.
For me R=87 only for the mousse, no faults and being a real brut, but R=82 to 83 for the overall.
TN 04-04-2020 (not over ice):
Still 100% okay.
No mousse, but still lightly pétillant.
Maybe a bid richer, more body now, so better after 2 weeks stored at room temperature.
TN 05-04-2020 (not over ice):
The same.
R=85 and QPR=8 if you like the semi dry sweetness, otherwise resp. 83 and 7.
S=83 R=7.5(10) 05-04-20 M=2020-2023

3/29/2020 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

Hatherwood, Sirup, Blackcurrant, Made in Austria, 1.0L.
Ingr.: 50% Blackcurrant juice from concentrate.
Sugars 58.1 gr/100ml
EAN: 20018856
HS: 000020018856
Clear plastic bottle.
Produced in Austria for:
Lidl Nederland GmbH,
Huizen,
NLD.
And
Lidl & Cia.,
Sintra
Portugal.
TN, 2020-03-29:
Very nice stuff !
Real good blackcurrant taste.
Like a very good crème de cassis.
S=90 R=8.5(2) 03/29/20

3/26/2020 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

Siebrand BV, Glühwein, 8.5%.
EAN: 8710102333334
Geproduceerd en gebotteld door:
Siebrand BV
Kampen
NL
www.siebrand.nl
https://www.siebrandwebshop.nl/a-44620633/wijnen/gluhwein/
Productomschrijving:
Gearomatiseerde drank o.b.v. wijn.
Allergiewaarschuwing:
Bevat Zwaveldioxide/Sulfieten.
Glühwein is de passende drank bij het seizoen.
Het verwarmt u van binnen als het buiten koud is.
Deze kruidige zoete rode wijn is bereid volgens een oud-Hollands familierecept.
Bereidingsmethode:
Glühwein hoeft u alleen maar op te warmen.
Niet laten koken want dan gaat veel smaak en geur verloren.
TN:
It's a flavored wine, aromatized wine, or mulled wine.
Nice stuff. No faults. You can even drink it cold or at roomtemperature, but it is meant for drinking hot (inside or outside in the winter).
But to be honest, I use it for cooking, which works really very well.
For cooking S=90-91.
For drinking hot or cold S=87-88.
I paid € 3.50, which is too much, it usually sells for only € 1.99 to 2.79 a litre !
S=88 R=8(2.5) 26-03-20 M=2019-2025 (it will last longer, but will degrade than)

3/24/2020 - Homer Holland Likes this wine:

Uiltje Brewing Company B.V. / Het Uiltje, Meneer de Uil, Glen Garioch, Barrel Aged Imperial Stout, 12.2%.
Ingr.: Water, Malted Barley, Malted Rye, Oats, Hops and Yeast.
Batch: #Y18B071
BBE 25/05/2023
00002312
EAN: 8719325257199
Uiltje Brewing Company B.V.
Haarlem, NLD
Some beers beg the question: Who’s your daddy?
Well, here at Uiltje, Meneer de Uil is our daddy.
Our oldest and finest imperial stout, Mister Owl is aged slowly in whisky barrel hailing from the Scottish Highland.
An exquisite example of how a barrel aged beer is supposed to be.
TN, 22-03-2020:
Good, balance, not so sweet.
I like this one very much !
I guess it can age for 15 (or more ?) years.
S=91 R=8.5(7) 3/22/20 M=2020-2035