Digital Happy Hour Vol. I, Ed. I by localdotcommunity

Digital Happy Hour Presented by

Local Dot Community Vol. 1, Ed. 1

in partnership with

Wine. Beer. Spirits. Food. Music and More.

Digital Happy Hour

Grapes of Christmas Present by Thaddeus Miller

Hilton Headâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Diamond in the Rum by Justin Smith

Publisher: Ande Nehila Managing Editor: Joe Nehila Editor: Justin Smith Creative Direction: Nosoco Designer: Eusebio Fortunato J. Sagun Jr. Community Liaisons: Joseph Nehila, Sr. & Carlie Sohayda

On Tap

localdotcommunity.com | info@localdotcommunity.com

Discovering Wine! by John Umhey

Vol 1., Ed. 1

The Next Round

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Copyrighted. All rights reserved. No material is officially endorsed by the aforementioned parties. The opinions expressed in Digital Happy Hour magazine are those of the authors or columnists and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. Digital Happy Hour retains the right to refuse any advertisement. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

Join us March 7th - 11th for the

33rd Annual Hilton Head Wine & Food Festival! For the month of December, enjoy $15 off our Public Tasting event with our

Holiday Early Bird Special. A perfect gift for the wine connoisseur in your life, celebrate food, friends, and wine with the

2018 Hilton Head Wine & Food Festival!

Grapes of Christmas Presents By Thaddeus Miller Sommelier at FARM

hristmas is around the corner, and there are some serious decisions to be made regarding wine selections. No one enjoys the com-

fort and warmth tradition can bring to the holiday season more than I do. However, tradition can occasionally give way to a rut and this is never good! So, for the sake of avoiding a stale festive routine, let us consider some wine options for regions and grapes that may not be on your radar, yet...

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1. Sauvignon Blanc – This is one of the ten grapes of which the average wine drinker is aware. However, there are several different styles. Sancerre is elegant and understated. New Zealand bold and aggressive. California round and rich. Let’s hedge our bets. Touraine, in the Loire Valley of France, ticks all the boxes if you ask me. Grapefruit aromas leap from the glass, while the palate is more subdued. Tangerine and stony minerality are finished with vibrant acidity. Perfect for holiday dishes from yams to hams.

2. Pinot Gris / Pinot Blanc – Sure, we all know Pinot Grigio – usually from North Eastern Italy. It tastes like apples and pears and is off your palate in a heartbeat. Consider Pinot Gris: the same grape in a different style. Or, it’s cousin Pinot Blanc. Both are rounder and more supple, while still showing great acidity. These wines are refreshing and able to make oysters and poultry sing. California’s J Vineyards and Oregon’s St. Innocent both make wonderful examples of the varietal.

3. Aligoté – This is the other white wine from Burgundy. A firm, mineral driven wine with tones of apples, pears, and lemon curd. This will satisfy almost any Chardonnay drinker, and please your Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio drinker too. These retail around the $20 mark, and your guest will think you spent much more because it is fancy and French!

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4. Rosé Most realize there is more to pink wine in the world than White Zinfandel. Rosé can smell and taste like perfectly ripe strawberries and salted watermelon. They can be creamy, like the finest Brie. Whether you choose something from California or Provence, choose something very light in color, almost orange. This is close-out season for Rosé. And, find a deal. Some people will tell you to only drink Rosé from the most recent harvest year. In my estimation, these wines actually get better with two to five years of age.

5. Grapes from Piedmont, Italy Northwestern Italy produces some amazing wines. Three of its most famous grapes are Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, and Barbera. The first two will show with tart red cherry and strawberry flavors and perhaps a hint of rhubarb earthiness. They are medium bodied and incredibly versatile. Try something from producers like Ceretto or Vajra. Barbera is more round and rich with flavors of black fruit. My favorite is from Vietti. There are also some great examples of Barbera in Washington State, including Casa Smith.

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6. Bordeaux – I know when you hear Bordeaux there is the concern it is going to be over the top and too expensive, but it doesn’t have to be, not if we are smart. The benefit of Bordeaux is that it is a blend. This means that Bordeaux has been built to be softer and more approachable – the rough edges have been polished off. Flavors of blackberry and leather, cigar box and gravel. The Bordeaux superior category can deliver power and elegance with some age on the bottle for a great value. Chateau La Rose Tour Blanche 2008 should sell for around $16 and also makes it more accessible and not just a special occasion bottle.

Finally, the most valuable piece of advice I can offer: Build a relationship with one of the talented wine professionals here if the Lowcountry. Taking five minutes to discuss your preferences with the cork dork at your local retailer or restaurant will give you access to wines you would never have picked on your own. This will also allow the wine steward to get to know your tastes and make future interactions effortless and more enjoyable. As for your author, you can find me at FARM in Bluffton.

Merry Christmas and Cheers to your entire family!

Digital Happy Hour Vol. 1 Ed.1

With the coming editions of this very publication, we’re excited to announce a regular section

This section will keep you updated on what’s on tap with local breweries and restaurants! It will be featuring all the local and regional craft brews your hoppy little heart desires. Whether you’re on the look out for your favorite seasonal brew or just looking for something new, On Tap will keep you up to date with the latest and greatest from your favorite local restaurants!

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68 BLUFFTON ROAD, BLUFFTON, SC 29910

843-757-4646

Come Join us For Happy Hour From 4:00 Pm - 7:00 Pm With 20 Craft Beers And The Largest Bourbon Selection Around

Early Bird Specials From 4:00 Pm - 5:30 Pm Live Entertainment On Mondays www.46gastropub.com The Original 46 Gastropub

46 Gastropub

Hilton Head D I S T I L L E R Y

he world of rum and vodka is vast. With endless brands claiming something superlative, number one or “the world’s first,” it’s tough to pick one and call it your own. Most people are becoming more aware of locally made products. Personally, I feel a pride and a connection to brands that make everything down the road from where I call home. People had been telling me about a rum and vodka distillery tucked away on Hilton Head between the villas, shops, andrestaurants, a distillery they said that’s making waves in the Lowcountry.I was fortunate enough to take some time out of one Friday to tour of Hilton Head Distillery to learn about what goes into making rum and vodka. As it turns out, the process of making the two is virtually identical! Interestingly, both their rum varieties and vodka are made from granulated molasses. 9

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The process behind making the Aermoor CloudSourced Vodka was particularly intriguing. After being distilled 49 times, it’s mixed with water pulled from the Hilton Head humidity, talk about a local product! A machine called an atmospheric water generator collects water from the air when the humidity is above 70 percent. The water pulled from this machine is almost entirely pure, which gives this vodka a much cleaner taste. It’s with this water that they dilute the vodka from it’s 97% alcohol level to it’s final 40%, 80 proof state. For their rums, the molasses, water, and yeast begin the fermentation process until distilled and blended with different ingredients to create the different flavors. HHD currently produces a number of rum varieties with more pending.

Decisions, decisions... You may have seen some of Hilton Head Distillery’s five products on the shelves at local liquor stores. There’s something for everyone with the “varietals” they have to offer. Along with the facility tour itself, one can take part in a tasting of each libation. Namely:

REDLOCK SPICED RUM MOUNTAIN PEAK ESPRESSO RUM TWO TRADITIONS PLATINUM WHITE RUM TWO TRADITIONS TOASTED COCONUT RUM AERMOOR CLOUDSOURCED VODKA AND A MENU COCKTAIL OF YOUR CHOOSING

Of the 5, which were all great (and I was not paid to say that), I thoroughly enjoyed the toasted coconut (the crowd favorite) and the espresso rum. Honestly I’ve never been much of a vodka fan. Until now. The Aermoor vodka was something different than what I had tried before and I enjoyed it so much I took a bottle home! Since taking it home, my friends hold me in even higher esteem after introducing them to this local treat. Digital Happy Hour Vol. 1 Ed.1

My Tasting and Flavor Notes The Redlock Spiced Rum was unique, using a blend of undisclosed spices that give it a flavor profile light years beyond your everyday Captain Morgan (in my opinion). In fact, the rum had a flavor reminiscent to me of jagermeister (some may or may not appreciate this) owing to the herb and spice blend used to make it. Since I enjoy jager, this is a particularly positive comparison to me, but even if you are not a fan, it may be more connected to the alcohol content than the taste so I encourage you to give the Redlock a try. On the tour, the group’s favorite without a doubt was the coconut rum, known as Two Traditions Toasted Coconut Rum, and for good reason. The spirit is incredibly smooth, sweet, and perfect for any coconut lover. The list of things this would mix well with is endless, but I’m anxious to try a little bit in some sweet tea and I have to say it goes well with a simple Sprite. As for the Mountain Peak Espresso Rum, I’m very anxious to pair this with a few cigars (keep an eye out for this as a future article!). Naturally, coffee is a great choice, and this flavor also serves well as a dessert drink to go with something on the chocolatey side.

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Another spirit here that won’t disappoint with cocktails that call for it is the Two Traditions Platinum White Rum, daiquiri, mojito, pina colada, whatever your preference. While it may not be as exciting as the other four mentioned above (simply because of the unique nature of the other rums), it’s still a quality rum that I’d be happy to have on hand for when I’m wanting a cocktail or to serve someone a nice local drink. The HHD website has some great suggestions and recipes as well. Finally, I’d highly recommend the Aermoor vodka to anyone who wants a smoother and cleaner tasting vodka. Having tried it next to other bigger name brands, I can attest that it would win the “Pepsi challenge” a majority of the time. I say this as a person that at one point thought most vodka was vodka was vodka, not being partial to any brand at any point in time. So without sounding like a fanboy, HHD has won me over and I will go “out of my way” to make

sure Aermoor is on my liquor shelf.If you find yourself looking for something to do on a day off, I can’t suggest visiting this distillery enough. The staff was friendly and inviting, and why wouldn’t they be, they work at a distillery! The atmosphere was very laid back and you can tell the team there really believes in the product they’re making and enjoys what they do. The distillery is open Monday through Saturday from 12 PM - 6 PM and offers tours every hour on the hour. The tour and tasting is $20 per person and includes a free shot glass as well. So gather up some friends and go find this island gem and have a good time. Let us know what you think and be sure to snap a few photos!

By Justin Smith Staff Writer Digital Happy Hour Vol. 1 Ed.1

Discovering

Wine! By John Umhey Local Wine Lover

any folks ask me, “what is the best way to learn about wine?” If you’re interested in hearing what I have to say, below are a few suggestions to increase your knowledge and enjoyment. Buy a book: It’s always good to have a reference book which has the answers to the most common questions regarding wine. There are numerous books available, my all-time favorite is The Windows on the World Complete Wine Course by Kevin Zraly

Read periodicals: There are some very good ones available. My favorite is The Wine Spectator. It has tasting notes in each issue on hundreds of wines. This is very helpful in searching for new wines to try. WS also has interesting articles on wineries, winemakers and regions. Other good ones are The Wine Advocate by Robert Parker, and the Wine Enthusiast.

“what is the best way to learn about wine?” 13

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Study Varietals: To begin your journey, I have always found it easiest to start with the major varietals, or, grape varieties. For example, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah for the reds, and Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling for the whites. In the US, wines are named for these varietals even if they suggest a specific origin. In other countries the wines are named for the region, which have regulations as to the wines that can be used. For example, French Burgundy has Pinot Noir for its red and Chardonnay for its white. This is a rich topic that will be sure to add to any wine enthusiast’s understanding. Find a Liquor/Wine Store: It is important to find a wine store with a good selection and knowledgeable staff! Get to know them and if they’re good, they will become familiar with your taste and be able to recommend wines for you. In the Hall, we have a great resource in Terrence, our club sommelier! He is extremely knowledgeable and can get you wines at a discount! Buy Wine: This is the fun part. Try many wines and experiment! Even within one variety there are many styles. Part of this should be matching food with wines. The old adage of reds with red meat and whites with white meat has been greatly expanded. Seasoning and sauces play a role in wine pairing. HOWEVER, the most important criteria is what you enjoy!!! During your experimenting, don’t overlook rose wines. There is a whole world out there to please any palate! And, of course, sparkling wine, which should only be drunk on days ending in Y. Join a group/Go to Tastings: These provide the ability to taste several wines and compare them, which is the key to learning. Again, Terrence has great wine tastings and wine dinners to help with your learning experience and there are more formal and informal groups to join.

Finally, let me share my favorite quote:

God in his goodness created wine to please both great and small. Sometimes fools will drink too much, but bigger fools drink none at all!

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THE

ROUND

We have been hard at work so we can serve you some of the best articles around. Coming up in the next issue of the Local Dot Community Digital Happy Hour:

Meet John Kelm & The Original 46 Gastro Pub

Spiked Coffee with Ian Duncan

Our first Stick and Spirit pairing

A review of the latest Irish Whiskey, The Sexton

We’ll pour what’s

On Tap! And More!

CHEERS!

Digital Happy Hour Vol. 1 Ed.1

Our menus change frequently, inspired by the seasonal bounty of Lowcountry produce, cultural traditions from around the world, and contemporary culinary ideas. Come for lunch, and enjoy our take on the classic southern meat & three. Responsibly sourced proteins and incredible sides, crafted from veggies grown on local farms that we take care of with our friends. For dinner, we elevate the cuisine with a menu of mostly small plates. We work with whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in season, creating dishes with incredible depth and complexity. Visit our website for more information about our upstairs private event space. Invite your own guests to a dinner party they will never forget, or reserve a seat (or four) at our next monthly wine dinner.