Tannic Teeth

d’Arenberg ‘The Sticks and Stones’ 2005 [McLaren Vale] 14.5% (Screwcap)

‘Some what of a hotch-potch of Southern European grape varieties, d’Arenberg’s ‘The Sticks and Stones’ gives much in the way of textural wine with a twist. Comprising of more or less half Tempranillo (48%), Grenache (42%) and Shiraz (10%), it’s a wine that sits comfortably in the gamy earthy spectrum initially, with distinct leather strap and damp earth. It may not sound attractive however there are underlying layers of sweet fruit, strawberry and currant. Definitely not rich cassis or reduced plums in this batch. Tactially it feels larger; spreading deep diving tannins pucker, adhere and rasp your tongue and lips. Though not enduring, the sensation is somewhat transient, only to be replenished with another sip. Finishes in decent time and length. Would compliment game or other strongly flavoured meats.’

It was time again to brave the elements, don on your cold weather gear and grapple with artistic expression on the side of Perth buildings. V.30 saw the introduction of alphabet board inspired by fridge magnets and cool 3D modeling over cars and bikes kodus to Daniel. Just like fridge magnets you only have the 26 letters of which to play with, so you have to be a little creative. Aside from that again, we had curious onlookers this time mainly cleaners disposing garbage a few more random people and an overzelous security gurad. It’s kind of cool meeting new people projecting having only linked up in the virtual world of facebook or blogosphere.

All in all the night carried a sub polar chill (thanks to a strong easterly), so crowds kept to huddled circles jittering to keep warm. Those energetic enough provided the artistic inspiration, a few cool displays from randoms and well familiar faces. A pity, the site’s lighting was a little too dark so most photos are blurred, but some on tripods fared well. I could have used my newest lens addition (Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L USM) if only it wasn’t 1 day late. Till next projections, we’ll have to wait. A big thanks to Jerrem for facilitaing this event once again.

Living in a country with no native deciduous trees (except Tasmanian Beech), it’s quite a novelty this time of the year when we get treated with spectacular colours of ’Fall’. Most notable of all cases, Liquid Amber aka American Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) appears to ignite into flames of yellow, orange, red then deep purple.

Its a commonly planted tree in the many Shires, adapting to the Mediterranean climes of Perth from it’s homeland in warm temperate America. One in full bloom is a awesome sight to behold, but as transient as this display is, announcing the shorter colder days of winter, is soon gone leaving a bare frame behind. Take in the free things in life; the beauty of nature.

Hands up who loves the great ’nectar of gods’? You would be well aware then, of the monopolistic disposition Belgium holds amongst the brew kings of the world. With a long heritage stemming back before 1500’s, beer brewing has more of less be perfected in the adage ‘less is more’ when it comes to flavouring beers and truly crafting the amber liquid. Trappist beers (those made by order of Monks) are common in this part of the world, however the below mentioned beer though having an ecclesiastical connotation has no appellation label denoting ‘Trappist Beer’. Without further a do enjoy this beer.

St Sebastiaan ‘Grand Cru’ Blond Strong Beer “Doppelbock” [Belgium] (Crown seal - Ceramic swingtop vessel) 7.6%

For those not dissuaded by the $20 per bottle price tag, may rest assured you will receive many years of service from a ‘ye olde worlde’ ceramic bottle. Aptly serviceable for any liquid from spirit to vinaigrette its glazed inside and out or quite nice addition to any already overly cluttered beer bottle shelf in your house. But back to the beer.

This is a malty, yeasty beer akin to the fluffy fillingness brought on from 50’s diner vanilla milkshake. The top notes bear resemblance to light banana and slight hints of cloves, on the mouth it’s filling and rich, but also distinctly metallic. Kind of similar to licking a steel knife after preparing a Vegemite and banana sandwich- after you have eaten several rounds. Its warm not suprising due to the hefty 7.6% alcohol percentage but is duly balanced within the rounded flavour profile. Don’t drink this if you are after a refreshing brew, conversely when you want one beer that counts. Quality not quantity is the go here; and at $20 per bottle unless you want or feel like a pregnant yak, just eer on the side of caution and indulge in one.