Golf Course Drinks

Hmmm…What can I say but … COUNT ME IN!

I can’t say that I am much of a drink mixer myself, other than perhaps my Mississippi favorite – Beefeater dry gin, blue cheese martini.  Margaritas tend to hit my sweet spot, time and place is imperative to that, and thinking Mexican food I am all in on the margarita scene – the bigger the better!
Other than that, I go back to my staple – Bourbon on the rocks, just one big one will do…Blanton’s, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked and Four Roses are currently in my stable of go to.

Apparently, I am a little out of touch when it comes to the mixed drink scene at golf courses around the World but that doesn’t mean that you should be.  OK, it’s mostly America, but Scotland and even Canada made the Top 9!

Leading off, LINKS Magazine takes you to a BOYNE Golf property, The Inn at Bay Harbour in Northern Michigan. I was just there last fall and missed it…again that shouldn’t mean that you should. Check this out, you never know where your journeys’ will take you.

And now for what the Traveling Golfer has been drinking!

There must be a reason as to why all of a sudden, I am surrounding myself with wines that are the makings of Joel Gott.  First it was Three Thieves which so impressed me, quality for the price, that I had to try more and buy more.  Hosting a recent evening, fresh local trout dinner, caught myself, a friend brought a bottle of Joel Gott Chardonnay and a Cab Sav (need to invite him more often) and again, impressed, picked up a Zinfandel to add to the pleasure.

Soooooo for what it’s worth here’s what I think and of course the experts will flavor it up for you.

Joel Gott Chardonnay 2017 – $23.95, Napa, California, USA

What do I think:  Smooth, lite, bright and flavorful perfect for a backyard deck setting.

What the Experts say: Nicely balanced pineapple, banana and apple flavours are embroidered by subtle floral notes and lifted by ample acidity, with barely a trace of oak. Ideal for crab-and-avocado tacos or a stuffed pork tenderloin. (Vintages panel, Feb. 2019)

Joel Gott 815 Cabernet Sauvignon 2017: $24.95, California, USA

What do I think:  Deep in colour; smooth, medium to full bodied, nice aroma and a great finish. A bar-goon to say the least.

What the Experts say: Ripe and velvety with juicy dark fruit, cassis and an alluring chocolate note. A brilliant option for lamb burgers, slow-cooked red meats or a charcuterie platter.

Joel Gott Zinfandel 2017: $25.95, California, USA

What do I think:  Outstanding from nose to mouth and down the hatch!  Touches all the bases on this home run.

What the Experts say: This 100% Zinfandel is sourced from prime sites across California, including old vines in Amador and Lodi. It features cherry, cassis, cedar and vanilla atop dark coffee, earth and smoke notes. There’s a lot to love here. A great match for grilled ribs or smoked chicken. (Vintages panel, July 2019)

Three Thieves Pinot Noir 2018: $17.95, California, USA

What do I think:  Nosey flavors greet you, followed by medium bodied silky red fruit flavours through the finish.

What the Experts say:  Expect notes of cherry, red berry jam, toasty oak and violets. With a soft, silky mid-palate this wine is medium-bodied and fruity with a long, balanced finish. Try with grilled salmon over a bed of rice or chill slightly and enjoy with chicken salad.

Three Thieves Red Blend 2018: $16.95, California, USA

What do I think:  These guys are good blenders and this wine is a steal!  Consistency might be an issue moving forward but have won awards a number of years in a row.  Trust them you will like them.

What the Experts say: The experts are not commenting here, guessing that they don’t do blends…..Here is what the Thieves say….. The Thieves are full of secrets and this Red Blend is their newest guilty pleasure. This dark hidden jewel with bright cherry aromas lead to a good medium weighted palate with strong berry fruit and hints of vanilla. The sweet toasty oak flavors linger slightly for a smooth satisfying finish.

Big Bubbles

Time to celebrate, like coming out of lockdown!!!!  Just do it!  Not twice as good just twice as much!  My favorite Champagne, just so happens to be the #1 Rose Champagne in the world!

Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé Brut Champagne 1,500 ml: $174.55, (on sale) Champagne, France

What do I think: Great tasting, crisp and refreshing.  Go Big or Stay Home! Not the #1 Rose Champagne in the World for no reason.

What the Experts say:  made from Pinot Noir grapes displays aromas of raspberry, redcurrant, flint, sour cherry and citrus.  Made for fine dining, it will delight with rack of lamb with rosemary and garlic.

Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Cava: $15.95, Spain

What do I think:  A rich golden look greets you!  Refreshing, dry and tasteful another true Spanish bargain.

What the Experts say: Straw yellow colour; toasty, yeasty nose with nutty/cooked apple notes; dry, rich, medium-full bodied, with flavours of nuts and biscuits; long and creamy finish on palate.

Blu Giovello Prosecco: $16.05, Italy

What do I think:  When the bottle is better than its contents…very light, much to light for me.

What the Experts say: The prosecco in the distinctive blue bottle. In the glass, this has bright aromas and flavours of lemon zest, ripe pear, kiwi and pineapple with notes of wildflower. The palate is dry, crisp and refreshing with lively bubbles and fresh pear and tangy citrus notes on the finish. Great on its own or paired with appetizers.