Carl Jung Riesling

(Photo of White Wine, not Riesling)

Continuing on with Carl Jung, we will consider the collective unconcious.  Oh, sorry, wrong topic.  Though, I wonder what would happen if we discussed Carl Jung while drinking Carl Jung?  Sounds cannibalistic.  On that lovely note...

My Experience:

It's very translucent, and has just the slightest amber tinge to it.  The scent isn't far from the de-alcholized chardonnays I've tried.  I couldn't make out much more than whatever was left from the fermentation, which left a small touch of carbonation.  The first taste to hit me was strongly sour and tangy, only slightly acidic, and crisp.  

I can see how it relates to the Riesling from Draper Valley vineyards, more dry.  It certainly made what we were eating it with seem sweeter.  (Homemade enchiladas)  It worked fairly well.  The bitter tang got milder after a few sips, and it seemed to lighten as I got through the glass.  A vaguely grapefuity taste.  It's light bodied.

Works as a Wine Alternative: Yes, though I (personally, probably because of my inexperience) struggled to guess what i'd pair it with.

Did I Like it: It was alright.  It didn't jump out at me.  5/10

Would I Recommend it: It was nice to get a contrast from the two major de-alch brands.

Who Might Like it: It is much drier than juices, and I think this one is more about what you'd pair it with.

The rumors of my having twins have not at all been exaggerated.

Wow.  (I'll tell you why I say wow in a minute.)

First of all, I've been gone for a while.  Let me start by giving you excuses.  Two of them.  Here are pictures.

They are not so cute from the back, but the twins in my wife's belly, plus the two kiddos running around the house have made this blog not-a-priority.  I have still been trying new things out, however, and taking notes.  I just haven't written them up.

Well, I am now motivated to catch up.  Here I'll tell you why I said "wow."

The new blogger system made it super easy to look at my traffic.  And guess what, I've had over 3,100 hits over the life of this blog.  A huge hit in the blogosphere?  No.  Was I surprised that anyone else other than myself has been looking at this?  Yes.

More drinks to come, stay tuned!

(Blurry photo so you might be surprised about what's coming up.... yeah, that's why...)

Amazon.com [New Source]

So, after hearing about how Kristian Regále is now selling some of my favorite drinks at Amazon.com, I decided to take a look around and see what else is available there. Well, as I should have expected, what isn't available there! I've decided to start a "wish list" with all the interesting drinks I find there. Right now they aren't divided up, so there might be things there I've tried, and things I've never heard of.

Check it out here - http://amzn.com/w/19X1D5QIJBWB1

Kristian Regále Sparkling Black Currant

My Experience:

I'd been searching around for a local place to find more of the flavors from Kristian Regále, and was thinking about ordering from their own website to get the two I hadn't tried yet (Orange and Black Currant.) Before I'd gotten around to making the order, however, I was contacted by Peter Strnad of Kristian Regále, who simply said he enjoyed reading the reviews I'd written. I told him to keep watching for when I finally reviewed the last two flavors once I got my hands on them, and he offered to send me some of the Black Currant (apparently that's the one that people really notice.) Now, I know what you're thinking. "What about your journalistic integrity!" I have only two things to say. First, you are taking this blog way too seriously. Second, you only have to look at my previous reviews before now to see I've always been (and will be) a fan of Kristian Regále (and been honest in my opinion.) Anyway, the best news of all this is that he informed me they are now just now selling through amazon (not a 3rd party at amazon) which means free shipping on orders over $25. Here is a sample pack that has the Black Currant and more. Also make sure to try out the Pomegranate.

The color is a rosy plum, and its scent, like most juices, indicative of the fruit used in it. (read: it smells like black currant!) The carbonation is perfectly fantastic, just like all Kristian Regále (see the link in the sidebar), with its zesty bite that's not over the top, and full of tiny bubbles. It doesn't completely dissipate on your tongue like some of this style of drink does. It's on the drier side of Kristian Regále, which is quite dry for a juice, still sweet for a wine. It's fairly acidic, medium bodied and on the bold side. Fresh plums come to mind while drinking it.

It cleanses well, and it'd pair well with lots of foods. Steaks, pastas, pork and even some desserts. It's very versatile, and complimentary to lots of foods. The ingredients list is gleefully short. Water, apple & black currant concentrates, beet sugar, carbon dioxide, natural flavors and citric acid.

This is now my favorite Kristian Regále drink. It's more nuanced and sophisticated than the pomegranate, and a bit more versatile. It's as wine-like as you can get in the sparkling world, without going for de-alcholized wine. I'm definitely adding this to my table drink list, and with how often we use Amazon to order things, a case of this will be on my Birthday and Christmas lists indefinitely.

We drank this with Spinach Prosciutto Noodle Casserole.

Works as a Wine Alternative: Yes

Did I Like it: My favorite Kirstian Regále so far, 10

Would I Recommend it: Yes, it's easy to pick up and try, pairs well with lots of food, and tastes great.

Who Might Like it: Again, this one has wide appeal.