Thursday, September 26, 2013

Tequila of the Day: Casa Noble Single Barrel Reposado

Casa Noble Single Barrel Reposado
Casa Noble Single Barrel Reposado

DESCRIPTION:
The aging process begins by using only the finest, hand-selected French white oak barrels that are lightly charred for the optimal aging of their tequila. They extend the aging of Casa Noble Reposado for 364 days, the maximum and most desired length of aging for Reposado Tequila, and an unprecedented five years for their Añejo.

This lengthy process is carefully monitored by their Maestro Tequilero for flavor evolution and evaporation which is known as the "angel's share." The hand-made bottles in their single barrel program are then individually numbered, labeled and signed by the Makers.

Each barrel has its own individual flavor footprint that makes every bottle a true masterpiece, one that is both precious and unique.





The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Review: Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

When it comes to movies, TV shows and plays writing is everything.

And that is what makes Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. a bona-fide winner. Even though the pilot was co-written with his brother and sister-in-law, it has Joss Whedon's fingerprints all over it. Whedon is responsible for some classics, but my personal favorite is his run on Astonishing X-Men.

It's a fine line to make dialogue clever (but not too clever); to add surprising twists (but not so surprising as to be implausible); and to keep things moving quickly (but not too quickly). This first episode handled that balancing act perfectly. There was one twist in particular that was a bit of a shock, but spoke volumes about the character who initiated it.

I have one complaint, albeit a small one: during the big climax, the 'bonding moment' between the team members, the camera paused on each individual for a reaction shot. It felt a little heavy-handed, but it's a small quibble.

Really great start!

Rating: 4 1/2 stars




The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Tequila of the Day: Cuestión Tequila Blanco

Cuestión Tequila Blanco


Cuestión Tequila Blanco

QUALITIES:
With a hint of white pepper and sweet, natural agave, Cuestión Tequila Blanco is best enjoyed neat, on the rocks or as the perfect addition to your favorite margarita or mixed cocktail.

DESCRIPTION:
Cuestión Tequila Blanco is an ultra-premium tequila born of all-natural Blue Weber Agave plants grown for up to 10 years in the fields of Jalisco, Mexico.

Hand-selected by master jimadorés, each plant is roasted, pressed, fermented and distilled, then hand-bottled to ensure the freshness, clarity and flavor our Tequila Blanco is famous for.






The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Friday, September 20, 2013

Santa Barbara Tequila Harvest Festival

Santa Barbara Tequila Harvest Festival

This year's event has passed, but this will give you an idea for next year. A great festival, and one of the most beautiful locations in the world!

Ascend to the lush grassy hilltop of Elings Park to experience California’s premier tequila tasting event at our 4th Annual Santa Barbara Tequila Harvest Festival. Presented by The Berry Man, Inc. and benefiting Elings Park. Imbibe from over 50 premium hand selected tequilas and mezcales. Savor gourmet appetizers from top local chefs and enjoy live musical entertainment by Instone and Trio Primavera. Don’t miss this festive summertime upscale event! Ticket price includes all tequila/mezcal and food samples.

The organizers:
Agave Avenue





The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Monday, September 16, 2013

Tequila of the Day: Porfidio Barrique

Porfidio Barrique Tequila


Porfidio Barrique

QUALITIES:
It actually varies from vintage to vintage, due to the differences in barrel wood.

DESCRIPTION:
Porfidio Barrique is famous for being one of the most expensive tequilas ever sold, but like most luxury items, there is a valid reason for the extreme price. Those who have had the honor of sampling this tequila say it's the best they've ever tasted.






The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Saturday, September 14, 2013

The Tequila of Star Wars

Whether taking a respite at a Mos Eisley cantina or rubbing shoulders with the hoi polloi at a Coruscant nightclub, the characters in Star Wars are going to get thirsty.

And when they do, what will be their tequila of choice?

This question, which has befuddled the masses for decades, we will attempt to answer below (feel free to offer your insights.)

Watto
Watto
Azul
Toydarians may be immune to Jedi mind tricks, but they can't resist the effects of tequila. On a torrid Mos Espa night, Watto likes to unwind with a glass of the tequila named for his skin tone.



Grand Moff Tarkin
Grand Moff Tarkin
El Conquistador
Mr. Tarkin was quoted as saying "I am El Conquistador and that is my tequila. I shall conquer the galaxy. Nothing shall stop me...nothing!!", just before he was blown to smithereens along with the Death Star.



Nute Gunray
Nute Gunray
Arrogante Tequila Anejo
"Some people confuse confidence with arrogance", says Nute. "I mean, I hold Naboo in the palm of my hand. And that will never change. The Trade Federation will last for millenia." Mr. Gunray went on to say that he drinks Arrogante as a statement of irony, not an admission of any personal flaw.



General Grievous
General Grievous
Arsenal Tequila Reposado
"People ask about my extensive arsenal ... -cough- ... people don't realize ... -wheeze- ... that I am the arsenal!" The general continued speaking but we couldn't understand a word of it.



C-3PO
C-3PO
Pink Champagne
Yes, pink champagne is not tequila.

But what else would C-3PO drink?





The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a beer enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Tequila of the Day: Chinaco Blanco

Chinaco Blanco Tequila


Chinaco Blanco

QUALITIES:
Smooth tequila suitable for sipping or cocktails with a long, lingering finish.

DESCRIPTION:
Chinaco Blanco is distinguished by its fresh 100% agave taste. Blanco is bottled within five days after distillation for a remarkably fresh, clean taste that's perfect for sipping, making premium margaritas or adding to mixed drinks.






The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

The 5 Best Chain Hamburgers

I know, I know, I know...posting a blog like this is the equivalent of "5 Best Rock Bands", "5 Best Movies", "5 Best Whatever"- people are going to go nuts.

On the other hand, I love reading little articles like this not only for the things I agree with, but maybe even moreso, the things that infuriate me.

So here we go!

Ultimate Cheeseburger - Jack in the Box
5. Ultimate Cheeseburger
Jack in the Box
Like Ravel's Bolero, the Ultimate Cheeseburger is a work of single vision and beauty. It's a lot of meat, a lot of cheese, and a bun. No muss, no fuss...just pure burger bliss.



Super Star - Carl's Jr.
4. Super Star
Carl's Jr.
Along with their sleazy soul-mates, GoDaddy, I despise the commercials that Carl's Jr. puts out. But there is no denying that their burgers are delicious. For a fast-food joint, their ingredients seem quite fresh. It's a shame - if they changed their advertising strategy they'd get a lot more of my business.



Double-Double In-N-Out
3. Double-Double
In-N-Out
When I lived in San Francisco, there was an In-N-Out about 2 miles from my house. No matter what time of day I drove past that place - 3:00 PM, 3:00 AM - it was packed. The drive-thru would have a line 20 cars deep. And I don't get it. Don't get me wrong - I like their burgers. I mean, it's number 3 on my list. But the maniacal devotion that people have for this place escapes me. That being said, it is a really good burger. However, when in the Bay Area, I prefer Nation's burger. But I was determined to limit this list to national chains.



Fuddruckers The Original Fudds
2. The Original Fudds
Fuddruckers
The bun alone makes this one of the greatest burgers in the country. And fresh ground meat. And wonderful condiments that you get to choose yourself. Fantastic, fantastic flavor. So why isn't it #1 on my list? Because you have to go in and sit down to eat it. When it comes to hamburgers, the ability to acquire via drive-thru-window is worth a lot of points.



Burger King The Whopper
1. The Whopper
Burger King
I know this choice will meet with some scorn. But bottom line, what is the main reason we choose a food? Flavor. And I love the way The Whopper tastes. Flame-broiled. Big, wide bun. Lotsa tomato. Mayonnaise and ketchup. Man, my mouth is watering just describing it. I love, love, love The Whopper. No shame.






The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Tequila of the Day: 3 Amigos Anejo

3 Amigos Anejo Tequila

3 Amigos Anejo

QUALITIES:
A very smooth tequila, with just a hint of spice. Wonderful in an Italian Sunrise or Naranjita.

DESCRIPTION:
3 Amigos Anejo is a superb choice for connoisseurs who enjoy a delicate, aged tequila. Our Anejo is a double distilled tequila Blanco that is aged in oak barrels for two years, soaking in the traits of our charred white oak barrels. Offering a smooth, flavorful and distinct taste, our Anejo carries an initial taste of agave and wood, with vanilla and light caramel body and a smooth and balanced finish. Unlike many of our competitors our Anejo is aged for two years rather than the one-year minimum. Remember, when you’re drinking 3 Amigos Tequila Anejo you’re drinking close to eight years of hard work and dedication.






The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Tequila of the Day: Casa Dragones

Casa Dragones Tequila

CASA DRAGONES

QUALITIES:
Casa Dragones is a sipping tequila with exceptionally smooth taste.

DESCRIPTION:
Casa Dragones is 100% Blue Agave Joven Tequila, handcrafted in small batches in Tequila, Mexico. Our Maestro Tequilero hand finishes each bottle by gently balancing silver tequila with a hint of extra añejo. Our entire process is designed with a singular purpose: to deliver a tequila so smooth, it can only be called a sipping tequila.



The Art of Jeffrey Dale Starr

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.