The Discriminating Wino

            Augustiner-Bräu München Maximator Starkbier (Munich) They may have nearly conquered the world twice and produced, with the exception of Nietzsche, the dullest philosophers outside of Merry England; but the Germans know how to make beer. Augustiner’s regular Munich beer is also very good, crisp and refreshing; but I needed something w/ a little more punch. Such a fine spring breeze coming through the window this goes right to my head.             Dark, with a sourness approaching Trappist (or lambic) but not, on the other hand like a Berliner or gose, nor overly hoppy yet delightfully bitter just the same. A unique, full-bodied, heavy yet surprisingly refreshing and all-too-easy to drink brew. One of Deutschland’s finest exports.             Casina di Cornia Chianti Classico 2016 (Organic)  ...

                        M’m…Tröegs mix-packs are back! An annual event I have come to anticipate over the past several years, this is one of the few domestic craft breweries that I endorse whole-heartedly (not professionally mind you; but if they wanna give me some free beer or even tee-shirts, my praise still couldn’t be any more profusive) as I am definitely European, and specifically German in my beer taste but now, although I am a little disappointed at the make-up compared to previous years (as I will describe shortly) let me tell you about the four beers (three bottles each) that you will get for about the same price those other craft beer guys will charge you for four cans.             Variety is the spice (er, hops) of life!             Perpetual IPA ...

             Dry. Robust flavor. Not a hint of bitterness. One can taste the grapes bursting in the mouth; even if they were pressed nearly two decades ago. Delectable with veal and salad.

            All is well from the moment you remove the quality cork which mutually transfers scent with the rich, full-bodied wine. One deliberates before taking that first sip: this is going to be an experience.             Lately I’ve been trying a different wine (or 2) every time I go to the store, to see what is out there and learn. This one was so good when I tried it a couple weeks ago that I wanted more. The taste is so well-rounded; nothing is over-pronounced. Contrary to lesser reds, the bitterness is tasted first; on swallowing, the palate delights in warm fruitiness. Overall it is deliciously dry throughout. You could take one heavenly sip and be satisfied; or get drink on the whole bottle without troubling your stomach or ruining your tastebuds.              Around $23. Worth every penny. Highly recommended. ...

            The Discriminating Wino began as a Facebook page a decade ago, originally dedicated to recommending decent wines in the $10-$15 range, more or less. The focus was expanded to include liquor as well; I do not recall if I ever reviewed beers. Anyhow that was when I was young and working at a retail store, trying to support a family of five on a single income barely above the state minimum-wage, and that was all I could afford to frivolously toss my pennies at, specially as still being a dumb kid at heart and not yet a man I still preferred pot to alcohol as my recreative of choice. I had very poor taste in wine, preferring reds of course which I still do but at that price you have to as cheap white wine is terrible (with a few exceptions; you can get a decent Riesling within fifteen bucks) and my earliest knowledge of wine, as a teenager was getting drunk off my parents’ cheap white table wines and so I always avoided t...