Showing posts with label beer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beer. Show all posts

Monday, November 20, 2017

While I hit the #MediaPreview for The @NYBG Holiday Train Show today I leave you with Photo Highlights of the last awesome event! #NYBG

This is NOT a Compensated or Sponsored Post. It is an Event Recap.


Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017 Photo Collage

Today I am heading to one my favorite New York City landmarks, The New York Botanical Garden for the annual Holiday Train Show, (my coverage of last year's Holiday Train Show, can be found HERE) so I thought I would leave you guys with Photo Highlights from the last great event I attended.

I already knew I loved NY Botanical Garden for Wine Tastings and Garden-to-Table Dinners, but this Fall I got the chance to attend Blues, Brews and Botany a fun Cider and Beer tasting and loved how it combined the science behind brewing with great music and a super fun tasting experience.

Here are my photo highlights of Blues, Brews and Botany at New York Botanical Garden:

Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017 Signage
Above: Map/Event Signage for Blues, Brews & Botany at New York Botanical Garden

Urban Glass Glass Blowing Demonstration at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: Demonstration by Urban Glass at New York Botanical Garden

Angry Orchard Booth at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: After the Glass Blowing Demo I hit the tasting area and first stop was Angry Orchard, one of their offerings was their new Easy Apple, a refreshing and easy-to-drink hard cider. Alcohol By Volume: 4.2% (This includes Culinary Apples: Braeburn, Fuji, Granny Smith and Gala Apples, French Bittersweet Apples: Dabinett, Harry Master Jersey, Frequin Rouge, Bisquet) and yes folks this offering is Gluten Free! :)

Magners Booth at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: The Magners Team offered up Woodchuck Amber Hard Cider and Irish Cider Original.

Magners Woodchuck Amber Ale Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: They didn't have it with them for this tasting but they also have a Pear Cider I would love to try! And this young lady wins it for most contagious smile!

Captain Lawrence Brewery Company at  Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: Captain Lawrence Brewery Company
https://www.captainlawrencebrewing.com/beer-list/
Captain Lawrence Brewery Company at  Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: Captain Lawrence Brewery Company for my pumpkin spice lovers they have a seasonal Autumn Blaze Pumpkin Ale

Coney Island Brewing Company Mermaid Pilsner and Freaktoberfest at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017























Above: Coney Island Brewing Company brought along two fun offerings: Mermaid Pilsner - a light-bodied, crisp-drinking, nicely hopped lager. A heavy-handed addition of rye malt adds a mild spiciness, which is then balanced by a light, fruity, floral hop aroma. Alcohol By Volume: 5.2%

Coney Island Brewing Company Mermaid Pilsner and Freaktoberfest at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: Coney Island Brewing Company also brought along Freaktoberfest Big Ol' Pumpkin Ale. Brewed with Espresso beans, it is a copper hued, pumpkin and espresso ale with hints of allspice and cinnamon. And it packed a little more punch with an Alcohol By Volume of 6.2%

Dos Equis and Newcastle Brown Ale at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: Left: Dos Equis (I don't know why Dos Equis went and retired The Most Interesting Man in the World, I am still not digging the replacement guy!) and Right: Newcastle Brown Ale

Ithaca Beer Apricot Wheat and CascaZilla Red India Pale Ale at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: Left: Ithaca Beer Apricot Wheat offered a combination of wheat and barley with a hint of Apricot to give this beer a pleasant note, fruity finish a lighter taste. (Suggested Food Pairings Summer Salads, Pork Dishes, Fruity Desserts, Cheese Pairings: Soft Goat Milk's Cheese like Chevre) with an Alcohol by Volume of 5.0%. Right: CascaZilla Red India Pale Ale- the name is a play on both the name of a gorge in Ithaca called Cascadilla and the monster amounts of Cascade Hops while dry-hopping during the brewing process. The Distinctive Red Color comes from a subtle addition of Black Malt. (Food Pairings: Spicy Stews or barbecued meat, Cheese Pairings: Danish Blue or Gruyere) Alcohol By Volume: 6.5%

Keegan Ales Mother's Milk and  Old Capital Golden Ale at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: Keegan Ales brought along Mother's Milk - Dark and Creamy Milk Stout with aromas of chocolate, roasted barley and oatmeal. The use of Lactose (Milk Sugar) in the brew gives it a sweet taste and silky mouth feel. Just so you know the NY Times declared 'Mother's Milk' one of the "Top Ten Stouts in North America" ABV: 5% Food Pairing: Hearty/Szechaun Dishes, Steaks, Smoked Meats, Barbecue, Oaxacan Mole. Cheese Pairing: Buttery, Well-Aged Cheddar. Dessert: Chocolate Expresso Cake, Cream Puffs, Profiteroles


Keegan Ales Mother's Milk and  Old Capital Golden Ale at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: Keegan Ale also brought along Old Capital - Golden ale with a light straw color and bright white head that lingers meets notes of citrus and pine from the use of cascade hops with a light sweetness from a simple yet strong malt bill. Named for Kingston's rich historical heritage it has an Alcohol by Volume of 4%. Dinner Pairing: Chicken, Salads, Salmon, Bratwurst. Cheese: Monterey Jack. Dessert: Apricot or Mandarin Cake, Lemon Custard Tart




Paul Joseph's Blues Project at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: Paul Joseph's Blues Project provided the music and I have a quite a few shots where you can see folks dancing that are near the tent, but I wanted to use the clearest shot of just the band for my post.

Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Wheat Ale at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: Isn't the Tap Pull on the Blue Moon Pumpkin Ale EVERYTHING? I can't take the cuteness! Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Wheat Ale is a deep amber colored ale with a twist of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, allspice and an ABV of 5.7%. Pairs well with Beef Dishes and Seasonal Soups!

Leinenkugel's Oktoberfest at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: Leinenkugel's Oktoberfest kept to the seasonsal theme! This one was malty and sweet with a vibrant copper pour and ABV: 5.10% Pairs with brats, spaetzels, pork chops, soft pretzels, spiced apple cake for dessert.







































Above: New Belgium Brewing Fat Tire Ale is clear, amber and bright with white lacing, sweet biscuit and caramel malts and subtle notes of fresh fennel and green apple, there is a carbonation and light sweetness on the palate. ABV: 5.2%. Food Pairings: Chicken, Flank Steak, Beer Cheese Soup

Newburgh Brewing Company at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: Newburgh Brewing Company

Paulaner's Hefe-Weizen Natural Wheat and Oktoberfest Marzen at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: Paulaner's Hefe-Weizen Natural Wheat is unfiltered, at first mouthful you might detect a hint of banana aroma and fine palates will perceive trace mango and pineapple and a balance between sweet and bitter. This one was refreshing and also served up with a great smile! This was the beer on the right, the pull on the left might be a bit harder to see it is for Oktoberfest Marzen (The Marzen names comes from "March Beer" because it was historically brewed in March to be at peak flavor for Oktoberfest celebration).


Saranac's 1888 Octoberfest at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: Saranac's 1888 Octoberfest has a 5.4% ABV and won Gold at the Brussels Beer Challenge for the German Style Marzen Category in 2014.

Southampton Publick House Double White at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: Southampton Publick House Double White is a "Double Strength" or "Double Gravity" version of a classic Belgian-style white ale. White Ales (or Witbiers) have a light color and cloudy appearance, they are unfiltered wheat based brews with a unique citrus character from the use of orange peel and ground coriander seed in the brewing process. ABV: 6.6%

Two Roads Brewing Company Workers Comp Farmhouse Ale at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: Two Roads Brewing Company Workers Comp Farmhouse Ale - with a an array of tropical fruit, spice flavors and aromatics brewed with a variety of harvest grains including barley, wheat, oats and rye. It is intensely fruity (passion fruit, pineapple, mango, lychee) and slightly spicy (clove and white pepper). ABV: 4.8%

Two Roads Brewing Company Honeyspot Road IPA at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017, beer, craft beer
Above: Two Roads Brewing Company Honeyspot Road IPA is unfiltered and uses wheat as the dominant malt backbone resulting in a slightly cloudy, pale IPA with a softer mouth feel that accentuates the citrusy Pacific Northwest Hop character and comes in with 6% ABV.

Mug hidden in the tree at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017, beer, craft beer, beer tasting, beer tasting events new york city
Above: My cute little mini beer mug climbed up a tree to take a rest!

Mini Mug and Ticket at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017, beer, craft beer, beer tasting, beer tasting events new york city
Above: Ticket and Mini Beer Mug!

My Take:

This was my first time attending a beer tasting at NYBG. From conversations with other attendees I hear the tasting mug was bigger at the last one, the mini size of the mug was not totally popular, especially with the bigger, beefier man hands, but in all fairness there was a bit of ground to cover tasting wise and no limits on samples that I could tell so I guess it would make sense to make the mugs smaller, a cute memento addition to your bar!

I liked the live music, wide array of samples to choose from and that there were snack vendors close by too and the botany behind the brewing was fun to experience as well. Perk on the uniqueness of the venue and thankfully it was a beautiful day as well which allowed for guests to be able to spread out and really enjoy the surroundings in addition to the tastings. Good amount of room, my only warning is that women not wear heels because you are on grass which isn't very high heel friendly.

This lined up with the Dale Chihuly Exhibition that was still there so tasters could also enjoy some great photo opps with the sculptural installations as dramatic backdrops while they were there!

Spill Butterflies: What is your favorite craft brew or cider? Which of these would you most like to try?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post, however tickets were provided for Editorial Consieration.  This is an event recap. This was NOT an Editor only event, it was open to the public. The event was sponsored, this review is NOT. All opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway & Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Things that lure this butterfly out of her cocoon: Technology, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Spirits (Sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Bourbon, Craft Brews), Foodie Fun - really I'm such a *simple girl*.

Monday, February 13, 2017

#ValentinesDay Gift Buying Guide presented by @Ascending1 and @Corkcicle #wine #whiskey #beer

Disclosure: 2017 Valentine's Day Gift Buying Guide presented by Ascending Butterfly sponsored by Corkcicle. Products were provided for Editorial Consideration.


This gift guide is all about the 'perfect spirits' and has a little 'something-something' for both him or her!

The Corkcicle One, Wine Aerator, Wine Pourer, Wine Chiller
The Corkcicle One

Let's start with the Oenophile in your life who by now has an Electronic Wine Opener, Corkscrew and Foil Cutter at their disposal right? But how about an aerator that also keeps that wine bottle cool? The Corkcicle One (this is an amazon affiliate link) has a built-in aerator that enhances the aromatic profile of any wine, coupled with an easy pour spout that makes serving your favorite wine a breeze, and the unique freezing gel maintains chilled whites for up to an hour without the need for an ice bucket and can cool down room temp reds in 15 minutes.

Corkcicle One, White Wine Pourer, Aerator, Wine Chiller
Prior to this one I owned the Soiree In Bottle Wine Aerator, (this is an amazon affiliate link) and don't get me wrong, I absolutely loved it, but someone dropped it and broke it and shortly after while hunting for a replacement, I met the Corkcicle team at a tradeshow where I got to see the Corkcicle One in action and the ability to chill down a room temp red or keep a chilled white wine cool for almost an hour without the need for an ice bucket is what swayed me to make the switch and I have never looked back. It's the accessory in your wine arsenal that you had no idea you needed and once you have it just can't live without it!

Corkcicle One, cool room temperature Red Wine in 15 minutes, Pourer, Aerator, Wine Chiller
You can keep the party going without the need for tons of ice, ice buckets, and honestly I would recommend getting a few, if you have ever hosted a dinner party where pretty much everyone wanted something different, having a few of these on hand is a life saver! I can't remember the last time I drank wine without the use of an aerator.

Corkcicle Whiskey Wedge
Is your sweetie more of a 'hard spirits' lover? Would a bourbon or Whiskey be more up their alley? Then no worries Corkcicle has got you covered there too with the Whiskey Wedge (this is an amazon affiliate link) - keep your Whiskey cool without diluting it or watering it down and do it in style! No shade but I love the look of this WAY better than the stones. (and if you are anything like me you can't help but wonder where those stones are sourced and what might be on them, we know what you nasty boys do in the woods! I am just not about sourcing stones to put in my glasses OK? LOL).

Corkcicle Whiskey Wedge
I have been all over Bourbon ever since the signature cocktail I discovered during my last press trip to Brandywine Valley (read more about the Bourbon St. Margarita that I enjoyed at High Street Caffe & Vudu Lounge HERE) - this is that sexy and grown James Bond way to serve your Bourbon. You go Ms. MoneyPenny Get Your Bourbon On! LOL

Corkcicle Whiskey Wedge
Bourbon and I are still in the "getting-to-know-you" stages, but I do know Corkcicle is making this recent love affair that much more sexy and fun!

Corkcicle Invisiball
























Now I don't want you guys to think I am not team ice, some drinks do need real ice, but that doesn't mean you can't do it the way bartenders do, and again, Corkcicle has got you covered with their Invisiball. (this is an amazon affiliate link)

Corkcicle Invisiball












Here is a video of it in action:


As much as I enjoy a good ice carving, I am NOT about to do all that to get the perfect ice for a drink, so thanks Corkcicle, Invisiball is right up my alley, not to mention I love that can you use it to add fruit, herbs, or flower petals to infuse flavor and get perfect cubes every time that melt super slowly so as not to dilute your drink. You can use a freezer bag to prepare a few in advance and have them ready for your next party, or for Valentine's Day! (How about making some with those cute candy hearts in them to send a special message to your sweetie?)

Corckcicle Chillsner























Is your sweetheart more into a good brewski than a good wine? No worries, Corkcicle GOT YOU! They apply the same technology to the Chillsner that they do with the Corkcicle One - Keep your favorite brew as cold as the first sip with each sip using the Corckcicle Chillsner! (this is an amazon affiliate link)

Corckcicle Chillsner

It is with good reason that the Chillsner is a number one Best Seller in the category on Amazon!

Corckcicle Chillsner



I plan on smuggling mine into the bowling alley to keep my beer cold from first sip to last, the bigger the group the longer the wait between bowls....just saying.

Corckcicle Chillsner
CHEERS!

MY TAKE:

I love that Corkcicle has products that keep the party going with a little something for every type of spirit lover in your life. These are amazing hostess gifts, so whether it's just you and your sweetheart staying in for some Netflix and Chill, or GALentine's Day with the girls, or heading off to a party, bring Corkcicle's innovative products with you and you are bound to set the party off right.

Happy Valentine's Day to all my beautiful Butterflies!

Readers Sound Off: Which Corkcicle Product sounds like the right one for YOU? What is your favorite Spirit? Are you team wine all the time? Beer? Bourbon/Whiskey?

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FTC Disclosure: Corkcicle provided their innovative product line to Ascending Butterfly for Editorial Consideration and all thoughts and opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Things that lure Ascending Butterfly out of her butterfly cocoon of fabulosity: Electronics/Technology (yes I am a Gadget Geek first!), Fashion, Jewelry, Bubbly/Spirits, Foodie/Restaurants, Photography and Travel. And remember Ascending Butterfly does NOT have children, please do not pitch her toys (at least not those that are intended for children).

Unless it's charity related, If a campaign doesn't pay, this butterfly won't want to play.

Smile if you got this far, twirl around twice and sing Mariah Carey's Butterfly. Still here? Now go make someone happy today.