I thought I would post on the different spirits I’ve tried lately.  Please keep in mind that I am far from a professional taster, and since I do not have the cash to purchase the more high end liquors, I find myself checking the bargain bin quite often.  However, there are some very decent offerings at the lower price points, and since I have tried most of them, throwing my own opinion (and vocabulary) up on the blogs couldn’t hurt.  After having to switch from my old store to a new one, (thanks to the owner being a general asshole which apparently isn’t new according to others I’ve spoken with), I have had to make some changes in the brands I usually drink.  As I try new things, I will post them up here, take them or leave them

Vodka – Sobeiski

Sobieski

For vodka’s of any price point, this is my all time favorite.  Very smooth and not any nasty after-taste as you usually find in the cheaper “gut-rot” liquors.  Highly recommended, and for it’s price point for 750ml you won’t find better, or even several steps higher.  The company offers on their website to try theirs against any brand of any price, and I have to agree.  Highly recommended. 10/10 (Avg $10 for 750ml)

Vodka – Pinnacle

This vodka advertises that it’s distilled with spring water from the Champagne region of France.  Compared to Sobeiski this has more of a harsh taste, but it’s by far not a bad vodka.  For mixed drinks of any kind, this will work just fine, especially if you would like a little more bite from whatever particular drink you are making.  For it’s price point, it’s not a bad pick, but if your spending more for 750ml, I would save the cash and just get the Sobeiski above. 7/10 (Avg $15 for 750ml)

Wine – Jacob’s Creek – Merlot (Vintage 2006)

This is one of hundreds of cheap wine brands, but as far as this price range goes, this wine falls flat.  Rather awful taste, and the after-taste is something you just want to wash out with water or something.  Compared to some of the other lower shelf brands (Sutter Home, Beringer, etc.), this wine was one I would not purchase again.  Not recommended on any budget.  2/10 (Avg $7 for standard bottle)

Wine – Crane Lake – Merlot (Vintage 2007)

This wine comes in an unremarkable bottle, with a rather plane looking lable, devoid of graphics or advertising other than it’s type and year.  However, being one of the cheapest wines I have sampled, this is also one of the best brands for it’s price point.  The Merlot is competitive against other wines three times more expensive, but has a very pleasant flavor.  For a cheap wine to cook with, or to just sip with a meal for those like me on a tight budget, this is recommended.  7/10 (Avg $6 – standard bottle)

Wine – Crane Lake – Pinot Noir (Vintage 2006)

Like the Merlot mentioned in the previous review, this is an excellent wine for it’s price point.  Like any Pinot Noir it’s a bit sweeter and a bit more dry than a Merlot, but still a very nice red, recommended.  7/10 (Avg $6 – standard bottle)

Wine – Beringer – Pinot Noir (Vintage 2008)

This wine is in the same price range as the Crane Lake but a couple more dollars on average.  Like all Beringer’s I have tried, their wines tend to lean more on the sweet side than others, but they are by far not bad.  I prefer the more bitter brands myself, but I have met several others (mostly women) that prefer the sweeter wines.  If you are looking for a sweeter red wine, especially for someone who usually prefers white wines, you can’t steer wrong with Beringer. 7/10 (Avg $8 – standard bottle)

Wine – Woodbridge – Merlot (Vintage 2006)

Woodbridge is a california based wine company, and I find their wines to be the exact middle road between the Crane Lake which has a bit more bite, and the Beringer’s which are more sweet.  Of all the under $10 avg bottle wines, Woodbridge is probably one of my favorites.  Recommended 8/10 (Avg $8 – standard bottle)