Emily W. Kincke Photography

Meade’s muse was talking to him the other day and he created this delicious beverage with some samples from Tales and some thank you bottles. It was such a treat because it tasted like I was drinking a cold, yet warming melon. So simple in make seems too easy, but those are usually the best survivors.

Check out his website – Face Of New Orleans – for the recipe and more photographs to come.

A reminiscent product from last year’s Tales because it was everywhere. Domaine De Canton was our freebie sample at our Spirited Dinner last year and this year they had a tasting room. When you walked in the room they offered you a gift bag and allowed you to fill it up with the printed documents, books, and samples as you please. Of course, on this display table they also had oversized bottles of Canton and everyone wanted to put them in their gift bag. I can’t remember how many sample bottles we got last year, but this year it was at least 6 bottles. We’ve already made it through two or three just playing around. If you’re not familiar with Canton, you should be. It’s tons of fun to add to almost any drink that you want to include some ginger spice.

Rain Organic Vodka was one of the first promoted “organic” vodkas on the market and I remember seeing it on the shelf thinking how cool. Now they’ve expanded their organic line to include flavored vodkas. Their tasting room at Tales was my favorite because of their setup. They had tables in each corner featuring the different flavors. At each display, they had samples of the product pure and then after you tried it straight, they created drinks that paired well with the snacks at each station. What’s better than a pure taste, a mixed drink, and some cheese, chocolate, or mini quices? How about adding in a free back massage?! Those ladies did some great work in a quick five minutes. I felt relaxed and rejuevenized. Ready to get a good feel for each flavor.

My personal favorite was the Red Grape Hibiscus because it had just a hint of floral with an overwhelming sweet red taste. I know that might seem to be a strange way to analyze, but it made me happy because the aftertaste reminded me of my childhood vitamins. (I loved them like candy.) Some may disagree to that being appealing, but for me it burned so sweet, I was happy.

Now I would say the group’s overall favorite would have to be the Cucumber Lime. (As you can see, the first bottle to be emptied.) It was the mildest amoungst the rest. I say it felt like you were drinking a cucumber with a kick. Meade was pleased with the general feel even though it was slightly bitter, but still good.

As for the Lavender Lemonade and Honey Mango Melon, those were good as well, but in my opinion too much of a good thing and not enough of a blend. They were both surprisingly strong and stingy, but the Lavender Lemondade was all lavender and not any lemon as was the Honey Mango Melon – too much mango, not enough melon, and no hint of honey. I still enjoyed them, but not as my top selection.

I unfortunately did not get a chance to try but one of the mixed drinks, but I’m sure they were delicious because the base had so much flavor. You don’t have to do much to enhance this vodka.

This photograph below gives me such a true sense of the product because the lighting just rains down. Specifically highlighting my favorite, Red Grape Hibiscus. I had fun with these as the plastic sample bottles were a challenge. I would love to work with the real glass bottles and a drink made with any one of them. I’m sure I can convince Meade to use his powers for Rain goodness soon.

At the Tales Fresh Market, I tasted a new product to me . . .

I’m not a huge fan of lavender, especially when people infuse it in drinks and products, but Loft has done a great job by keeping it simple and clean. I actually enjoyed not only they drink the created with the Lavender Cello, but also the liqueur by itself. The subtle lavender appears just enough to bring about a floral, yet not overbearing flavor.
As for the Lemongrass Cello, that was wonderfully devine. Sweetly strong that you just need to give it a taste for yourself. We’ve already made our way through one of their sample bottles and getting ready to go through the other.
I’ve enlisted Meade to create some Loft beverages. So be prepared for some tasty Cello drinks.

To start off, I’ve decided to share a product that was the most desired among my crew. It’s not new to us by any means, but being on a budget makes it difficult to buy often. . .

With several people putting in on the free sample collection, we came home with at least eight of their 50mL bottles. So far we’ve only made it through two bottles, but the dent has been made. Meade created a delicious drink with Yellow Chartreuse and Martin Millers Gin. I’ll try and track down his recipe so to post it and a photo. The key was that he didn’t put the drink in a glass, but he refilled a 60/40 flask, so the left over drops added a little somethin’ somethin’. More on 60/40 later. . .