Thursday, August 30, 2012

The Single Dumbest Thing Said

Chuck Todd ladies and gentlemen:



After Clint Eastwood went all Leonard Lowe on us tonight, I feel it's only more important to share this moment of stupidity.

“Democrats wish they had the diversity of speakers and deep bench [of the GOP] to show America …”

As a minority watching an entirely white panel analyze a predominantly white party it's hard not to be insulted. In this case, I find it better to laugh. It may be the dumbest thing said all year. Pat yourself on the back Chuckles.

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

At Home Bar - Well Bourbons & Under $30

I'm on a quest for an economically sound bar at home. My financials and my lust for high-end bourbons happens to be a constant and unwanted battle. Recently, I've taken it upon myself to taste and sample a couple of bourbons for my "well" at home as well as a single barrel or small batch under $30. I thought I'd share my some I've taken a liking to and perhaps you all will give them a try next time you're out and about.

Well, well, well:

Most people find the term well to be synonymous with "cheap", however in my terms I mean it to be "affordable, but satisfactory for an array of drinks." Wordy, I know, but so we're on the same page...I digress...In my search I've picked the brains of some of my favorite local bars and asked point blank "what's your well?" Some have surprised me others have disappointed me, nevertheless I've got my own.

Bourbon- the Wells

Ancient Age

It's cheap $8.99 for a 750ml, it hits the notes for most of your cocktails and your friends won't know the difference. Made by the mad scientists at Buffalo Trace, Ancient Age is literally Buffalo Trace the younger. It has some similar notes as Buffalo Trace, candied and caramels, but it comes in at 80 proof. It's not meant to be sipped, but with the proper hand it can satisfy most palates in a drink. Also too, the price is kind of ridick.

Henry McKenna

This is a sleeper. I doubt most people think, "Hey it's $12.99 and it's a liter, gonna be great!" I had heard about this from several customers where I work, but never gave it much thought...then I decided what the heck and I was pleased. It isn't too big, the finish doesn't linger, yet it has a memorable character. Produced by the guys at Heaven Hill, this is my definitive well at home. It makes a heckuva a cocktail, it has more sipping appeal to the novice drinker and the price is fantastic.

Single Barrel and Small Batch Bourbons:

I've had my fair share of phenomenal single barrel and small batch bourbons. I've been lucky enough to try or have sip here and there of the really really good stuff. The problem...the good stuff normally costs a bit too much. Like way too much or just out of reach. It wasn't long before I was researching and checking out which single barrel bourbons I could find at a reasonable price. Not the "best of the best", but the noteworthy and sippers that I could offer friends and company.

Under $30s - the "Try This"

Evan Williams Single Barrel


I can only tell you that we had a friend over not too long ago, she asked what I might "introduce" her to and I offered her the Evan Williams Single Barrel. This week she bought a bottle of bad-ass bourbon. Erase all you know about Evan Williams, this is a well thought out and serious single barrel. It has a nose of toffee, caramel and definite baking spices. It opens nicely and the finish isn't too acidic. I would like it to be a bit bigger, however it's clear the distillers at Heaven Hill were looking for something to be enjoyed neat. It retails at $25.99 at some places and for that price you can't go wrong with this playful bourbon.

Elijah Craig 12 Year Old

This is the classic. The bourbon I think of when I'm think of bourbon. I've turned a cult following onto this bourbon at work considering it's price point of $25.99. It's big at 94 proof, it has a touch of sweetness on the nose, but mostly it's a dry bourbon with complex layers. Elijah Craig 12 Year carries weight with strong charred notes and a lingering finish. This is something you can simply drop a bit of water into and enjoy...just remember it's 94 proof or you'll be praising it's awesomeness all night.

Wathens Single Barrel

Sipping smooth. This bourbon has balance, depth and a finish that plays just enough to remind it's there. At around $25, this bourbon is a friend to those who prefer there bourbons neat. The vanilla lingers on the nose while there is a bit of fruitiness to its body. You can definitely tell this bourbon was cared for over eight years. For those who are fans of Woodford Reserve, this is a must try.


That's what I got thus far! This list will certainly grow once I get more opportunities to enjoy some more bourbon as the year progresses. Currently, I have my eyes on the Henry McKenna Single Barrel, Buck and Elmer T. Lee. In the meantime, check these out!

Personally, I'm going to go enjoy more Wathens Single Barrel.

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message







Friday, August 24, 2012

Get Your Dunkin Friday



I'm back! After a much needed vacation to the wonderful city that is San Fran, I'm back. Unfortunately not in one piece...okay one piece, but the night before we left I re-injured my back. The nagging injury that required six months of physical therapy last time. I spent the first night in San Fran with back spasms. No fun. We did, however, get to visit our favorites foodie spots, went to a new one and dined out at the SFFoodFest in the Mission district. I even snuck in a stop at 21st Amendment brewery. Now it's back to the grind and writing lots of writing.

Here are your highlights:

Lance Armstrong's official statement

Chicago violence, 19 shot in one night

Chinese-American adoptees

Stupid comedian make a stupid racist jokes, gets jumped...

Mitt Romney tax cheat?

Look, the Gold Standard is a standard of stupid

Chow!

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Mini-Vacay

To San Fran



Chow!

Friday, August 17, 2012

Get Your Dunkin Friday

We're heading to San Fran tomorrow and we can't wait. It's been awhile since we've both been able to visit. It'll be nice to have a vacation and get away. I'm a bit burned out. Yesterday, I had a stomach bug...whole lotta no fun, then had to work late. Six days in a row can catch up to you. Today I'm taking it easy and moving at a turtle's pace. San Fran tomorrow!

Here are your highlights:

Olive branch from Obama to Romney on tax returns

Punk rock lives in Russia

Rick Scott, your laws are kind of racisty

Akira Project

Preseason: Redskins v Bears what to watch

Back Pocket Memory

Sometimes I feel like this country is doomed. Kentucky reaffirms my worries.

Chow!

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Get Your Dunkin Wednesday

I'm having a Lost marathon since I never watched the show when it originally aired. Then I'll be heading to work. Still not sure if I like the show or if it's an interesting case study.

Here are your highlights:

If you can't win an election, fix it

Ah, the Tea Party aren't they so cute

Redskins preseason, position battles

Inflation nothing scary...unemployment on the other hand...our Fed is teh stupid

Krugman: Reasonable Republicans? 

Chow!

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Get Your Dunkin Tuesday



We're heading to San Fran this weekend. I can't wait. If anyone has any suggestions hit me up on Twitter. I'm hoping to hit up the St. George Distillery if I have time. We've made reservations at Incanto, definitely revisiting Comstock Saloon and of course dim sum. I'm sure something historic should be on my list, but every time I go to San Fran it's about the food and drink. For some reason I think that's where the heart of the city is at...

Here are your highlights:

Mountain lion makes itself at home in Griffith Park

Oh he's a "sad Paul Ryan"

Romney is too tired to visit Florida, FLORIDA! 

Paddy K bait, Zombie Disney

A&M gunman

Chow!





Friday, August 10, 2012

Get Your Dunkin Friday



I've spent the last week up till 2am writing and yesterday I finally got to the final draft stage. It's a relief and a prideful moment. I'm hoping all the hard work pays off. Most importantly, I'm hoping this is just the beginning. This town is funny, but I'm starting to get the hang of it...I need some sleep...won't happen since there's construction outside. Someone needs to invent the silent jackhammer.

Here are your highlights:

Democrats with spine are fine by me

Olympic meme, McKayla Maroney is not impressed

First Watch from the above video, Lord Huron

Even Romney's farmer friends aren't the average farmer

Stimulus works and worked, deal with it

Chow!

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Get Your Dunkin Tuesday


Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
I've almost become exhausted with how much stupid comes from the Right these days. I.E. Moe Lane at RedState or the ever reliably crazy Michelle Malkin. They hate brown people, but love Americans! Lone wolves, lone wolves! We made it to Mars! It's Obama's fault! We love government run space programs! We hate all government programs!! Too.Much.Stupid.

 Here are your highlights:

 Wade Page, the man who killed 6 Americans in their place of worship, white supremacist

 Watch how often you drunk dial

  How the Government Creates Jobs

 We're really getting screwed by rich idiots

 The length of Mitt Romney's lies

 Chow!

Monday, August 6, 2012

Get Your Dunkin Monday



I've been writing and editing every night for the past couple of days...and drinking bourbon. I think I'm onto something.

Here are your highlights:

I kind of like this Harry Reid

Terribly sad for the Eagles coach Andy Reid

Sabotaging the Economy

Rubio's odd no taxes for Olympics athletes bill

Curiosity lands on Mars!

Chow!

Friday, August 3, 2012

Ninja Thought


Always the victim, never the bully

I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Get Your Dunkin Friday



Yesterday was a good day, I can't say that enough. For lunch, I met up with a new friend and it was the type of lunch where I left inspired and hopeful for the future. Then I had an audition for a play about...wait for it...a comedian, I performed the sides alright, but then I had to do a part of my stand up and it killed. It felt nice to get the jokes out and have a room full of people laughing like that. Most auditions people say hello and get in and get out. Maybe something will come out of this, who knows, but it sure was fun. The lady and I will be going to the Cubs v. Dodgers game tonight with her fellow employees. Haven't been to a game at Dodgers Stadium ever...I doubt being in the box seats will give me that full experience, shoot can't complain. Go Cubs Go!

Here are your highlights:

Gabby Douglas, Virginia Beach, VA - women's all-around gold medalist!

Anaheim residents ask for more from their police force

Libertine Men! Scarlet Women!

Romney struggles with likability while Dems struggle in the South, nothing new

Mike Tyson on Broadway, I've got nothing

The Jobs Report. NDD breaks down the numbers. I must say again, we're ruled friggin' idiots

Chow!

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Get Your Dunkin Thursday



Howdy! Last night was the CAPE mixer where I bumped into surprisingly some people I knew. It turns out the community is smaller than I thought and it was interesting just to see how many people showed up to the meet and greet. Lots of Asians...I've got more on my plate today, prepping for an audition and heading to WeHo for the rest of the day. Also too, more Olympics!

Here are your highlights:

Can Towns Bar Chick-fil-A From Opening New Stores for Its Explicit Anti-Gay Stance?

HAPA Nathan Adrian wins gold!

The Fed will go down as the do-not-enough institution

Romney's Plan to Screw the Middle Class

It's kind of imperative to have the USPS. Imagine not receiving your basic mail...or how about paying FedEx or UPS even more...it's a shame the GOP keeps making things worse.

Chow!

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Get Your Dunkin Wednesday



Well today was great as the Olympics was entertaining and I got a nice surprise...the commercial I did in April debuted on the web yesterday. It's kind of surreal and has me even more motivated. I'm heading to CAPE's Summer Mixer tonight, if any of you are planning on going feel free to hit me up on Twitter. Good times.

Here are your highlights:

Phelps sets medal record

But I thought Republicans don't like taxes!!

Why does Fox hate white people?

Two words: boner pills

Real Jurassic Park, hey why NOT?!!

Chow!