MGD (5 nostalgic toasts, 2 real toasts)

Ahh, Miller Genuine Draft...that cold filtered, fresh from the tap taste.  As in fresh from the water tap?  Yes, it's a bit watery and slightly tastes of beer, but it is pretty refreshing in sultry Arizona.  I'm in Arizona for Thanksgiving and I love being here with my grandparents because they have "Beer Time".  Sometime in the afternoon they announce "Beer Time!" and pull out a couple cans of MGD and, because a love of all alcohol runs in the family, I join in.  We sit around and gab with our MGDs in a nice air conditioned house while every other poor soul around us swelters in the heat without the blessings of Beer Time.

Yes, it tastes like flavored water, but everytime I pass a case of MGD in the store, I get a little misty for those times with my grandparents.  So, this holiday, I am thankful for Beer Time with my grandparents and MGD.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sam Adams Irish Red (4 toasts)

You know, I'm a dark beer kinda gal, but I can't eat my beer all the time.  Sometimes I have a hankering for a lighter dark beer.  That's where my Red Ales come to the rescue.  These dark red, malty, yet refreshing ales have partied with me for many years.  Sam Adams makes a good one.  It's malty and goes well with just about any food without being overpowering.  It is a little light flavored for my tastes, but you still get a good dose of caramel in there.  This is one of the beers in their Harvest Collection.  You get 12 beers of 6 varieties (all are really good...the other beers will be reviewed soon) for about $13 on sale at Lucky's.

I paired my glass with a veggie pizza from Mt. Mike's in San Jose.  What can I say?  Beer and pizza love each other and want to get married and have little bezza babies.

What Sam Adams had to say about the Irish Red:  "This rich and malty ale originated in Ireland in 1710.  It has a deep red color and distinctive caramel flavor from its pale and caramel malts.  The malt sweetness is balanced by the earthy notes of the East Kent Goldings hops.  Cheers!"

I concur.  Cheers!

Starbucks Salted Caramel Mocha (5 toasts)

I have to take a break from my regularly scheduled program to bring you this little piece of heaven.  I tried this masterpiece this morning and I actually considered forsaking all men and running away with it.  It was very persuasive.  For those of you who have a love affair with salt and fat, this is the holiday drink for you.  It's a regular mocha with a little caramel, lovingly topped with whipped cream, caramel, and sea salt.  I couldn't stop drinking it and I actually want one now, even though it's almost 9 pm.  I know salt with caramel and chocolate sounds gross, but it's actually the best combination.  EVER.  Seriously, go get one.

I'm going to try to make my own because I don't think I can afford to pay $3.50 everyday for a tall coffee (although calling this coffee is liking calling the Mona Lisa a little doodle).  I'll let you know how I do.


Cheers!

St. Somewhere Syrah (5 toasts)

2009 St. Somewhere Syrah by Castoro Cellars, Paso Robles
$10 at Trader Joes

This is an exclusive vintage made especially for the west coast Trader Joes and it is a surprising find for the price.  If you find some at your local TJs, pick up a case because it is available for a limited time.  You really can't beat the value of this wine, and with the holidays coming up, you'll need something cheap, but good, to take to all those parties.

This wine doesn't have much of a nose, but it has a great essence of dark fruit, such as blackberries.  There's a hint of tannins and a little acid on the back, but it doesn't linger on the palate.  It's very clean and doesn't interfere with food.  The problem is that most foods will overpower this wine, so it is best drunk on its own.

Cheers!