Jan 31 – Organic Chocolate, Gourmet Hot Sauce, Hahn Meritage Red
This show is going to be some fun!
1st up is Courtenay Vuchinich, Co-Founder of Pascha Organic Dark Chocolate.
At PASCHA CHOCOLATE, their mission is to introduce the world to the power of the cacao bean in as pure and wholesome a form as possible. They’re showcasing its innate decadence in all its simplicity and ensuring that even those with food allergies or intolerances can indulge worry free. From coworkers and family members to best friends and hostesses, PASCHA’s chocolate bars are a guilt-free gift that will indulge their sweet tooth with a wink toward their health.
Simon Lester founded PASCHA CHOCOLATE wanted to share ALLERGEN FREE chocolate with his family, and by launching the brand was a way for him to share the world of chocolate with his children, as well as those near and far. In addition to using pure, minimalist recipes, the company facility is clear of major allergy triggers including peanuts, nuts, dairy, soy, eggs, wheat, sesame, and rice. Each irresistible offering is certified organic, fair trade, kosher, vegan, non-GMO verified, and part of the 1% For the Planet movement.
Then it’s Ron “Blackie” Blackburn to talk about my new favorite GOES ON ANYTHING hot sauce from my hometown; Miami Florida. Blackie Says:
“I developed the recipe for my hot sauce in 1995 while living in SW Georgia. Fresh, rich, thick, and flavorful with a medium amount of heat perfectly describe my Blackie’s Best Gourmet Pepper Sauce. It is the hot sauce that everyone will want to put on everything! I promise you Blackie’s is unlike any hot sauce you’ve ever tasted! It has the perfect combination of tasteful and pungent chile peppers for when you want to add a little heat and a lot of flavor to whatever you’re eating! Taste the difference!”
This sauce is amazing and BIG hugs to my sister-in-law Gina for sending me my first bottle.
Might even give away some of my private stash…but you can order from Blackie at: www.blackiesbest.com
Paul Clifton
Last but not least, from Hahn Winery, Director of Winemaking and General Manager Paul Clifton joins us to talk about the winery, vineyards and products produced with emphasis on My Wine of the Week below.
Along California’s central coast lies the renowned Monterey County appellation and within that, the Santa Lucia Highlands, home to the Hahn Family’s vineyard estate.
With an inspiration to raise Monterey wines to the highest level, the wines of Hahn Winery are created with a philosophy that all great wines are special – akin to the region they were grown in. The Hahn wines celebrate everything that is Monterey – unique in thought, style and setting. Wines of Monterey Distinction.
Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
2012 Hahn Winery “Nicky Hahn Meritage
Winemakers Notes:
This wine shows a brilliant violet color in the glasss, transitioning to ruby-purple at the edges. Prevailing initial fragrances of cassis and crushed blueberries are quickly followed by a silky impression of vanilla and cedar. This wine is richly textured and integrated on the palate, showing exotic undercurrents of baked blackberries and licorice. A touch of acidity balances a plush mouthfeel segueing into the the fine grained tannins on the finish. Blend: 35% Merlot, 34% Malbec, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot
Pick up a bottle or two from Jacob Liquor Exchange and join us!
There is no other wine that is as versatile, as utterly unique in its range and production methods–and, unfortunately, as misunderstood—as sherry. For centuries, sherry was considered one of the world’s great wines, spoken about in the same reverential terms as the finest Bordeaux and Burgundies. But in the last few decades, sherry lost its way—and cheap, cloyingly sweet blends sullied the reputation of what remains one of Spain’s oldest and greatest winemaking traditions.”
A wine industry pathfinder, fifth-generation farmer, and respected community leader, Jerry Owen brings passion, energy and management expertise to the creation of Lady Hill Winery and the Lady Hill wine brands. As the steward of his family farm—continuously farmed since his ancestors came to the land in the 1850s—and with an education that includes both agriculture science and literature, Jerry possesses an unusual sensitivity to both the economics and poetics of agrarian-based businesses and the responsibilities of being a steward to the land and its heritage.
Grab your bow tie and a rocks glass, because we’re talking all about one of the most classic – and classy – spirits. Whether you like bourbon, scotch or rye, whiskey’s diverse and complex taste will be your new go-to drink for parties, gatherings, or evenings in your study with a roaring fire. Whiskey can be an intimidating drink to the uninitiated. Most folks may not be able to drink it straight. We’ve got you covered. The Cocktail Whisperer, Warren Bobrow, author of Apothecary Cocktails (Fair Winds Press) incorporates some of the best whiskeys into hand-crafted cocktails that bring out the subtle notes and flavors of any good bourbon or scotch. Whiskey Cocktails features 75 traditional, newly-created, and original recipes for whiskey-based cocktails. This wonderfully crafted book also features drink recipes from noted whiskey experts and bartenders. 
The 2010 Merlot Columbia Valley gives up a fabulous perfume of ripe black fruits, plum, asphalt, licorice, tar and assorted meatiness to go with a full-bodied, seamless and elegant feel on the palate. A blend of 70% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Petit Verdot that spent 18 months in 95% French oak (57% new). it opens up beautifully in the glass, has building tannin and a great finish. It will continue to shine through 2025. Wine Advocate-93
Event Details:
“A terrific value in a benchmark Oregon Pinot Gris, this is bright and refreshing, with the palate-cleansing minerality that characterizes all of the Adelsheim white wines. Jicama and melon and pear fruits mingle seamlessly, and the wine’s texture and length are impressive.”
Emily von Euw
2010 Triennes St Auguste Red Blend