I just came across Luchador wine online and when I got home and read this story online it made me wish I had a bottle.

"Here's the real story about the origin of Luchador. My longest term employee ( a warehouse manager who has worked for me for ten years, since he was twenty-one), came into my office and said, "My friends and I usually drink beer whenever we watch the Lakers, but now we're drinking wine. Why don't you make a wine for us?" How do you want it? "Big." How much do you want to pay? "About $15.00 bucks." So I made it. Even though it doesn't say it on the label, Luchador is a classic, regional Barossa Shiraz. It's the baby brother of Chris Ringland CR.

For those of you who don't know, a Luchador (think matador, one who fights bulls) is a wrestler in Mexico. I'm not sure what inspired me to put a Luchador on a Barossa Valley Australian Shiraz label, but I did. I love it. The label is designed by a very cool team of designers called Morning Breath, who are well known for their CD design for artists like Stone Roses, Eminem, and Jay-Z. As it says on the label, "This wine will body-slam your tongue."

A Mexican friend of mine took a bottle to a family party of about 200 in East Los Angeles and someone commented, "I've never seen a wine with Hispanic appeal before." I love it when stuff like this happens. Good is good and appeals all over, just like Bitch and the Roogle."

Whether you believe this story or not, the labels themselves are reason enough to buy this wine. Designed by Morning Breath, Luchador has an eye-catching off set print quality that is reminiscent of Hatch Show Print posters and the illustration work of Love and Rockets comic books. There are four unique labels that make this shiraz feel more like a collectors item than an everyday table wine. To top it off, the case itself is an exciting collage of vintage fighting posters and graphic type.

Tavern Topics 03

Ne’er-Do-Wells here is your weekly roundup of Tavern Topics…

Hebdomadal Hooch:
I am so stoked on a couple of beers that I tried over the weekend. I got a case of Full Sail Brewing Company’s, Session Lager . This is an awesome lager brewed with both American and European hops so it has an old world import taste. This brew is not only tasty, but it comes in kick ass ‘stubby’ 11oz bottles that harkens back to the pre-probation era. The other little gem I found this weekend was Magic Hat Brewing Company, I bought their spring variety pack. The beer I fell in love with out of that pack was the Odd Notion Spring Pilsner, Dude this is a super trippy mix of organic agave and get this…blue poppy seeds! One of my favorite brews to date!

Ethanol Etiquette:
What is a Party Foul? Not to be confused with a Party Fowl, which is a bird that can hold its liquor exceptionally well for an animal; usually a duck or pheasant. A Party Foul rather, is a situation that usually consists of dropping and or breaking something. Beer bottles, red wine on white carpet, and puking on someone’s shoes are prime examples. When this happens the appropriate thing to do is point and yell out at the top of your lungs “PARTY FOUL, YO!” Note: the “Yo” suffix is purely optional…but is a nice touch if delivered in a non-douche bag way…Further Note: “Yo” is no longer able to be uttered in a non-douche bag way, Yo. There are three participants involved in a Party Foul. The Defendant, You the perpetrator of said foul. Number one plea uttered by the defendant is “My bad,Yo”. The second person(s) that are involved in a Party Foul is the Plaintiff , the person that was directly or indirectly the recipient of a Party Foul. Beer spilled on you, is a direct violation. Beer spilled on your Jon Favreau autographed Iron Man poster is an indirect violation, to which the Plaintiff usually shouts “Dude!” as their preferred accusatory reprimand. Finally we have you, the Jury. The Jurist’s sole job is not to offer sympathy to the defendant, but rather be the first to bring to light the defendant’s misfortune and drunkenly record the hilarity on your iphone…immediately posting this blurry, shaky video on YouTube is definitely warranted if the foul is considered epic enough.

Rotgut Reviews:
I had several glasses of single malt, Arran Scotch Whisky . I choose to drink it neat and out of a shot glass at room temperature. It should be noted that there is no “right” or “wrong” way to drink Scotch whisky – it is very much down to a question of personal taste. However, let me offer a few basic suggestions. Many who drink Scotch whisky neat say they do not want to spoil the taste by adding water. However, equally as many will say that adding a touch of water, particularly if it is pure, soft spring water, (ideally the same spring water used in the making of the particular whisky!) serves to enhance the distinctive aroma and flavor of a whisky. Tap water may contain high amounts of chlorine and therefore would not complement any whisky - your best bet is to opt for bottled Scottish mineral water! Adding ice to a whisky can provide a refreshing drink but it should be noted that it will dull the fine taste and wonderful aromas. The addition of mixers such as ginger ale, soda and even coca cola, is a popular trend, however it does beg the question - why drink whisky at all if you need to mask the taste? Just a thought Ne’er-Do-Wells.

Firewater Food Flirtation:
Beer goes with everything…Yo

The Booze Elf:
The Booze Elf was up to shenanigans this weekend. While I was not a direct recipient of Booze Elf Phenomena…My buddy was. What started out as a few drinks at a local pizza joint led to an almost 12 hour foray of Beers, Booze, Billiards and BullSh*ting! The clock was strangely absent during this mission of intoxication and continued merriment was the force that kept the thought, ‘Reasonable Hour’ at bay. Remember, dear friends, The Booze Elf has many entrapments in which to ensnare you in his web of anti-sober behavior. Mind the clock, and beware the phrase “Just one more before ya go.”

Ne'er-Do-Well

What are some every day words used to describe a Ne’er-Do-Well? A bum, fainéant, good-for-nothing, idler, loafer, no-good, or slugabed can all be used. How about using Ne’er-Do-Well in a sentence?
“That f*cking Ne’er-Do-Well drank all the booze and pissed in the kitchen sink…AGAIN!”
Not a stunning adjective to be stuck with for the rest of your life…Until now. I believe there is a Ne’er-Do-Well in all of us, a harmless little pixie made up of mirth, mischief and monkey business. Let it be known that from this day forth that all followers of this blog will now be referred to as…wait for it…a, Ne’er-Do-Well! (Merchandise is on the way)

Bar Nuts 05

Bar Nuts 04

Time to Wine...

Hebdomadal Hooch:
Hair of the Dog "Doggie Claws"
Hair of the Dog is known for ales in the boldly-hopped West Coast style, and Doggie Claws is no exception. Organic Pilsner malt makes this beer paler than most, a rich burnt orange color gives its flavor intensity. Doggie Claws smells like ginger marmalade and pineapple upside-down cake. Layers of green piney hops add to the beer's complexity. Surprisingly dry for such a strong beer, Doggie Claws is better for sipping than pint draining at happy hour.

Ethanol Etiquette:
Why is it always a Red Solo Cup at parties? Probably because they’re cheap. Why red? Because red is the color of power, and power is what being cool and drunk is all about. Some may say that the red solo cup in itself is meaningless, and that the true secret resides within that plastic vessel. Perhaps alcohol is the answer. Alas, no. Alcohol may help make you more “interesting” for the moment, but it will not make you cool. What makes you cool is getting your picture taken with that telltale piece of plasticware in your hand. Make sure that there’s plenty of red-eye in that photo too, because you’re wasted and your pupils are incapacitated. One of those shell necklaces and a baseball cap turned to the side are also suggested. If you’re gonna be a drunken ass, then do it right!
Beer Keg: $100
Bag of red Solo Cups: $8
Watching your friend strip down naked and punch a blind midget in the face: Senseless


Rot Gut Reviews:
We have an African American President! Now is the perfect time to throw out old prejudices and give box wine a try. That's particularly true now, as several producers have recently released dry premium wines. Box wines are popular in Australia and Europe, where premium wine has long been available in cardboard.Boxed wine holds exactly the same amount as bottles sitting nearby on the supermarket shelf. But there are two key differences: The box wines cost less because the packaging is cheaper. And boxes, which are lined with a plastic vacuum-sealed bag, stay fresh much longer after opening -- about a month, compared to just a day or so for many bottles. The new premium boxes hold 3 liters of wine, and they retail for $10 to $36, the equivalent of $2.50 to $9 per bottle.

Firewater Food Flirtation:
People got to eat and drink…the being merry part is an unspoken rule. Let’s take a look at some 'odd couple'food paring.
•Viognier and Guacamole: Viognier is a grape that comes from France that has recently been grown in Texas and Washington. It has the flavor of fruits such as mangos and peaches. It pairs well with creamy guacamole, especially if it has lemon or lime in it.
•Muscat and Macaroni and Cheese: The Muscat grape originally comes from Greece and is thought to be the oldest grape in the world. Its lasting, sweet flavor is broken by something creamy or spicy. Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Deluxe is a good choice. Essentia is made from a different type of Muscat from the United States that has very heavy orange flavors. Try this style of muscat with Tres Leches Ice Cream and Dark Chocolate.
•Sauternes and M&M’s: Unlike the other grape varietals, it is not made from the grape that it is named after. Sauternes are made from a combination that includes Semillion and Muscadelle. It has a light, apple-y caramels taste, drink while leisurely eating a bowl of M&M’s…sublime.

Booze Elf Sightings:
Be on the lookout, dear friends, for the Booze Elf cometh baring false prophecy of protection against hangovers, drunk dials, and after-the-bar drive thru food choices that end up violently expelled from your person in the back or front seat of a friend’s car...The Booze Elf cannot,nay, MUST not be trusted!

In case you were wondering…

I was 'axed' some questions just the other day:

Why is there plastic things in Guinness beers?
A:They're called widgets and they imitate the use of nitrogen as a carbonation in the kegged version. They provide the creaminess to come out in the can/bottle versions as in the kegged version.

What's the best alcoholic drink or shot?

Man this a tough one...You have to factor in personal taste, region, group participation...religious beliefs,ext. I think that this question should be broken down by several situations instead.

1.Kick-Back: this a very cool and relaxed event, no need to get dressed up. You and a group of friends are BBQ'n and tell'n old 'memeber when?" stories. The preferred weapon of choice here is beer and not a dark of heavy one either, a lager like Corona, Land shark, or Dos Equis is money. Lagers will go with ALL BBQ food and don't fuck you up to the point to where you can't defend yourself during the "memeber when stories"!

2.Dinner Party: Wine...big surprise here, huh? red is usually the best,but just don't buy the a plain old Merlot or Pinot...throw a curve ball and score some points...pick up a blended red wine. Why blend red wines together? There are many rationales. Most obvious is to improve upon the shortcomings of one wine by adding another with a different set of deficiencies, saving both varieties. The reason that most inexpensive New World wines are without obvious flaw is because they are blends. Roll with a red...but bring a blend.

3.Social/Party: is there a difference between the two? Oh yeah! A Social and a Party look the same to the naked eye, same amount of people, usually at a house, all kinds of liquor...but here is the difference, a Social is made up of groups of established friends,acquaintances, and invitees...you walk in not knowing anyone and the proverbial needle jumps and the music comes to a screeching halt! A Party,however, is a free for all! you might have just walked in off the street but four shots later and you're one of the family! So when at a party, drink as much high grade liquor and shots as you can because no one will remember who drank it all at the end of the night! Start with beer at a Social...then strategically begin "bar tending" as people walk up to get a drink...after you pour a few drinks with a smile and act like you own the joint...you'll become a popular guest and the good hooch is yours for the taking. top drinks should be Vodka mixes or shots, whiskey and cokes, and try to leave with a bottle or two at the end of the night. Don't forget the greatest drink of all time...the free one!!!!!


Finally, this is what I was drinking this weekend...

Beer(s): Flying Dog Tire Bite Golden Ale, Harp, and Smithwicks.
Shot: "Shoot the Root"...pour a shot of root beer schnapps into a shot glass, drop it into a lite beer filled half way in a pub glass and pound...tastes like a root beer float.MMMMMmmmmm