BLUE TALES

The BLUE TALE

For starters

There is an information overload on wine and wine drinking. Especially when it is considered rather chic to twirl a broad-brimmed stem glass with a beauteous red (white or pink) liquid swirling inside. Wine manufacturers, producers, drinkers, and writers alike manage to give insight on every conceivable aspect of the drink, knowing little about how repetitive have they gotten! For eons, wine specialists were caught in a competitive rigmarole discounting on their profits. There seemed little scope for change till the year 2016. The year marked a new chapter in the history of wine production where a bunch of 6 Spanish entrepreneurs came together to change the game of the wine industry. Do note, these six magnates know nothing about wine.

Smitten! And HOW?

The twenty-something youngsters were smitten by the works of W. Chan Kim, a Korean writer, who in his book, “Blue Ocean Strategy” explains business and competition. According to Chan the ocean represents the environment for business goers who thrive and strive in a competitive air. He goes on to explaining how the big fish chase the small fish making the sea a potential battlefield, smeared with streaks of red (representing blood and toil). But things can change over a period of time when there is scope for innovation and change, which is absent or infrequent. Change is the name of the game. Change, infinity, and movement are represented by the color blue.

The Loyalists

The manufacturers of blue wine sure took a leap of faith when they launched in Spain in 2016. While the neon blue liquid garnered the expected criticism from experienced vintners, they also opened doors to a new target audience, comprising of a hotbed of potential new drinkers. The pre alcoholic drinkers can safely sip on this naturally produced wine that is all inclusive of organic non-caloric sweeteners.

Technical matters

Team GIK teamed with the chemical engineers of the University of Basque Country in order to obtain this perfect blend. The undisclosed grape blend actually comprises of red and white wine complete with 11.5 % of the alcoholic content. The grapes used in the production of blue wine are sourced from the vineyards at La Rioja, Zaragoza, Leon, and Castilla-La Mancha. The rich Cobalt blue is naturally procured from a pigment named anthocyanin (found in grape skin) and a dye name indigotine a dye that is extracted from plants. The wine variant can easily fall into the dessert wine category owing to its natural sweetness. It pairs wonderfully with guacamole, sushi, and nachos.

The launch and furthermore ….

After a successful opening in Spain, GIK launched in 25 countries in Europe. The manufactures are gradually going global, and have recently launched in the United States of America in the fall of 2017. A 750 ml bottle is reasonably priced at $11. Depending on the sales, the

manufactures plan on visiting several other wine-drinking pockets around the globe.

The significant last few… and so forth!

According to the producers, Blue wine is not JUST blue wine, but it stirs a revolution in any industry encouraging innovation and expanding their client base. 

The Whiskey Volume

A detailed account of the different types of Whisky 

My very first encounter with whiskey began with a friend at a plush Mumbai bar.

I remember sitting there, awe-struck, as the bartender poured the opulent golden liquid into my tumbler. The glass was topped off with exactly three luminous cubes of ice. Swirls of whiskey emanated, amalgamating beautifully with melting ice cubes. I couldn’t contain the bewitching sight and eagerly raised the glass to my lips. As the very first sip went down my gullet; a sense of calm reined over me.

Soon after, whiskey became my poison. I incessantly found myself skimming through bar menus looking for that particular variation that would alleviate my senses.

On looking further I found that whiskey categorised differently according to the production technique.

Trivia

The term whiskey (meaning ‘Water of Life’) was coined from Gaelic, a branch of Celtic spoken language that was used in the Highlands of Scotland. Christian missionaries introduced the art of whiskey production. However, some historians argue that the farmers of Scotland had already perfected the art in order to use their surplus produce of barley.

The earliest mention of the drink was made in the late 1400’s century in a book titles ‘Scotch Whiskey’ by J Marshall.

§  Single malts are the ‘thought provoking’ variation of whiskey. The variety has been applauded for its rich historical leaning, complexity and character. It has been a personal favorite among many world leaders, thinkers, writers and artists. 

·      Traditionally single malts are typically produced in Scotland (also known as Scotch) and Ireland (even to this day).

·      The production process involves simple ingredients such as malted barley (A typical Scottish Single malt uses only barley), water and yeast.

·      The blend was distilled in column stills; the use of which was banned in 2009.) Today the produce is distilled at least twice (maximum three times) in copper pot stills that are available in numerous shapes and sizes.

·      Single Malts are products of a single distillery.

·      Owing to augmenting demands, recently the single malts are produced without an age statement.

According to the International Best Whiskey Award Panel 2016, the best Single Malt (gold category) was awarded to Glenmorangie Signet. Paul John Single Malts has recently bagged the award for the Best Indian Single Malt at the Icons of Whiskey (World Whiskey brand Ambassador 2017).

§  Grain Whiskey is produced using a part of malted barley in combination with another grain like wheat, corn, rye, and corn (or a combination of two or more blends). Grain whiskey lacks the drama of a single malt. Initially corn was used in the production of grain whiskey, as it was cost effective.

Producers have moved to wheat owing to the higher utilization properties that the crop has to offer. Grain whiskey production originated in Scotland but is also produced in the United States, Japan, India, and other nations.

§  The Single Grain whiskey is staging a triumphant comeback. The production of this variant is often done in a single distillery. The grain doesn’t necessarily have to be malted. Single grain garners the requisite clout as it finds its way in the blended form. Some of the well-known single grain blends include Chivas Regal and Johnny Walker.  One can also procure super aged single grains at equitable rates, and are probably just as good.

Fuji Gotemba from Japanproduces the best in Single grain variety

§  Blended Whiskey comprises a unique blend two or more grain types. This variation is most readily available. Character to blended whiskey is rendered by the ratio of the blend. For known brands the ratio doesn’t change. Best appeal most to the taste buds when they have a higher content of malt.

Johnnie Walker (Green Label 15 years) was awarded the Best Blended Whiskey at the International Whiskey Competition 2016. 

§  Bourbon whiskey

·      Bourbon whiskey is produced in the United States (roots in Kentucky) and is aged in new American Oak barrels that are charred to perfection. Newer barrels help the liquid to age uniformly and catalyses the aging process.

·      Bourbons are aged for a minimum of four years or more.

·      Typically Bourbon should comprise of a minimum of 51% corn.

·      The whisky should comprise of at least a little over 80% of alcohol content. The bourbon is characterised by it hue. A darker bourbon is always denser in character, and consists of higher alcohol content.

·      There is no artificial/natural colouring involved in the process. 

The Best Bourbon Whiskey was awarded to the Chattanooga Whiskey 1816 cask at the International Whiskey competition 2016. 

§  Tennessee Whiskey’s

·      Tennessee whiskey has all the properties of a Bourbon whiskey. It is even produced in a manner identical to that of a bourbon whiskey. In the final stages of production the liquid is filtered over a maple charcoal filter that adds to the sweetness of the liquid.

Jack Daniel’s is the most sought after Tennessee Whiskey.

§  Canadian Whiskey

·      Rye is the key ingredient of Canadian Whiskey.

·       This variant is generally more flavourful as it comprises of a unique blend of grains.

·      They are also known as Rye Whiskey.

The best Canadian Whiskey was awarded to Frosty Creek Barrel Select at the International Whiskey Competition 2016.

As we wind up with this tip on whiskey I would urge readers to key down their experiences, and give insight some of the flavours you have tried to make this blog more insightful and interactive.

I have sourced information from my experience and also from the following sites. I  would like to credit the writers of these blogs and websites to help me make this piece more intelligible and read worthy. 

1.     www.smithsonian.com

2.     www.readheadoakbarrels.com

3.     www.thewhiskeywash.com (acclaimed as the best whiskey blog at the International Whiskey Competition 2016)

4.     www.worldwhiskiesawards.com

5.     www.whiskey.com

TO NEW BEGINNINGS (ALE HOUSE TALES)

About a year ago, I found myself complaining to my best friend about, 'how life seemed to shut down  without even offering a fair chance!' Very obviously, I was going through a bad phase of writer's block and everything I wrote found its way into the trash can.

As I sat sipping my fine bourbon laced with Asian ingredients, I decided to start on my own! Slowly but surely the hazy picture of becoming my own boss started to cement.

After talking about it with a few more people I dove head first into research. Within days I found myself furiously penning my ideas.

It didn't take long to realise that the possibilities were endless (as always) and decided to invest my efforts, by taking baby steps.

Assuming the role of a boss earlier on, promptly taught me the value of hard work and made me appreciate every little step like a rung on a ladder, helping me to the top.

Friends and family advised me to keep from the tenacious claws of negativity, which is what pushed me to key this blog! I hereby tag all my support system as my way of thanking them. As I researched further I realized I cannot drink like a fish! However, I have developed palate that helps me differentiate a good drink from bad one.

In a nutshell, I present to you drinking trends from the world over! Fascinating liquors, bar reviews, insights on different cocktails, mocktails and everything concerning alcohol!

Writing about alcohol simply means I am promoting good liquor! However, in no way do I want it to sound like I am promoting binge drinking. Drinking is injurious to health unless it's consumed in permissible limits. Underage drinking does severe harm to ones liver. Drinking and driving is a criminal offense, and I sincerely advise and urge my readers to steer away from the driving seat on consumption of alcohol. For those who cherish alcohol the way I do, Cheers to them!

As you keenly await my next blog, keep me posted on what you'd like to know.

Cheers
Heer Kothari