The Power Wry Week 9: OSU gives PSU a Lower Sundusky

The Power Rye, or Power Wry, depending on my mood and state of sobriety, is the most accurate ranking of college football available.  Each week, I feed all of the facts, figures, stats, scores and whiskey into the Power Rye ranking matrix.  Before I sober up, I pinch off a post.

This week's Power Wry is brought to you by a 4 Roses Manhattan.  For those who are wondering about the difference between a Lower and an Upper Sundusky, with an Upper Sandusky, you get kissed on the neck before Joe Pa turns his back on you.

1. Oregon (8-0) Defeated UCLA 42-14.  Another tough loss for Jim Mora JUNIOR. He hates that.
2. Alabama (8-0) Beat Tennessee 45-10.  That can't be correct.  The Titans were on a bye last week.
3. Florida State (7-0) Beat NC State 49-17.  NC State, never heard of a state named NC.  Must be one of those Canadian teams.  Did they use the big field?
4. Ohio State (8-0) Beat Penn State 63-14.  It was the humane thing to do.
5. Miami (7-0) Beat Wake Forest 24-21.  I considered dropping you this week, but I decided that I would wait for your beat down at the hand of FSU.  (Dear Miami, I hope that you win.)
6. Baylor (7-0) Defeated Kansas 59-14.  Charlie Weiss was in a sugar comma from a pre-Halloween candy binge.
7. Clemson (7-1) Defeated Maryland 40-27.  They would have scored more points, but Tajh Boyd was in a sugar comma from a pre-Halloween candy binge.
8. Wisconsin (7-1 6-2) Did not play.
9. Oklahoma! (7-1) Defeated Texas Tech 38-10.  Texas Tech is the Devry of Texas.
10. Texas A&M, Michigan St, Northern Illinois have another week to impress me.

Power Wry Week 8

Why all the pictures of guys in suit & ties, suit & ties?
Just a year late for the Timberlake reference.

The Power Rye, or Power Wry, depending on my mood and state of sobriety, is the most accurate ranking of college football available.  Each week, I feed all of the facts, figures, stats, scores and whiskey into the Power Rye ranking matrix.  Before I sober up, I pinch off a post.

This week's Power Wry is brought to you by a Sazerac Rye Manhattan.  I'll have two or threve before I'm done with this post.

1. Oregon (7-0) Defeated Washington St late.  Again?
2. Alabama (5-0) Beat Arkansas 52-0.  Allow me to make the 5 millionth #KARMA joke.
3. Florida State (6-0) Whooped Clemson 51-14.  If my memory serves me right, and it always does, Clemson used to coach the Minnesota basketball team.  Not that impressive when you look at it that way.
4. Ohio State (7-0) Beat Iowa 34-24.  Our defense is crap on a stick.
5. Miami (6-0) Beat North Carolina 27-23.  Winning the coveted Butch-Davis-Used-To-Coach-Here trophy.
6. Baylor (6-0) Defeated Iowa St 71-7.  Way to beat the fake Iowa.
7. Clemson (6-1) Let's see, what did I say last week... "Clemson (6-0) Defeated Boston College 24-14.  The hacks in the AP would drop you a couple of spots for that.  I'm going to wait for Florida State to kick your ass next week."  Pretty much nailed that one.
8. Missouri (7-0) Defeated Florida 36-17.  Nice job Urban.
9. Stanford (6-1) Defeated UCLA 24-10.  Tough loss for Jim Mora JUNIOR. He hates that.
10. Wisconsin (6-1 5-2) Beat Illinois 56-32.  No PAC 12 officials were harmed.

Power Rye 2013 Week 7

It's more fun than where's Waldo.

The Power Rye, or Power Wry, depending on my mood and state of sobriety, is the most accurate ranking of college football available.  Each week, I feed all of the facts, figures, stats, scores and whiskey into the Power Rye ranking matrix.  Before I sober up, I pinch off a post.

This week's Power Wry is brought to you by Knappougue Castle 14.  Stanford is out.  How Utes doin?  Oklahoma! did Oklahoma! things and they are gone too.

1. Clemson (6-0) Defeated Boston College 24-14.  The hacks in the AP would drop you a couple of spots for that.  I'm going to wait for Florida State to kick your ass next week.
2. Oregon (6-0) Defeated Washington. 45-24.
3. Ohio State (6-0) Grilled out and chilled.
4. Miami (5-0) Did not play.  Abortion Saturday is a holiday at the U.  Too soon?
5. Alabama (5-0) Beat Kentucky 48-7.
6. Florida State (5-0) Did not play?  Kids these days are just lazy.
7. UCLA (4-0) Defeated Cal 37-10.  Everybody does that.
8. Texas Arts & Crafts (4-1) Defeated Mississippi 41-38.  A stunned nation cheered, I mean held it's breath when Johnny Claim-jumper appeared to injure his knee.
9. Baylor (5-0) Eked out a win against K-State 35-35.  Token Big 12(10) team.
10. LSU (6-1) Defeated Florida 17-6.  Do you want to know how bad college coaching is compared to the NFL?  Cam No Chin Cameron is considered an offensive genius at LSU.

The Power Rye 2013 Week 6

The Power Rye, or Power Wry, depending on my mood and state of sobriety, is the most accurate ranking of college football available.  Each week, I feed all of the facts, figures, stats, scores and a pint of rye whiskey into the Power Rye ranking matrix.  A day or so later, I pinch off a post.

This weeks Power Wry is brought to you by Glenmorangie Elanta.  Nobody of consequence lost this week, so the ranking is the same, only the snarky comments have changed.

1. Clemson (5-0) Beat Syracuse 49-14.  That crusty grouch Boeheim needs to hang it up.
2. Oregon (5-0) Defeated Colorado 57-16.  Colorado is what happens to your genitals after two months of cholera.
3. Ohio State (6-0) Defeated Northwestern 40-30.  The glory of the back door cover.
4. Miami (5-0) Defeated Georgia Tech 45-30.
5. Alabama (6-0) Whooped Georgia State 45-3.  Peachy.
6. Florida State (5-0) Defeated Maryland 63-0.  They're just mad that they won't getting all of that B1G cash money.
7. Stanford (5-0) Defeated Washington 31-28.  They got outplayed and won.  Very Buckeye-ishticological of you.
8. Oklahoma! (5-0) Beat TCU 20-17.  The little sisters of the poor must have been fired up for that one.
9. UCLA (4-0) Defeated Utah 34-17.  Just like Obama.
10. Texas Arts & Crafts (4-1) Stayed home and signed autographs.

This article is late because we lost our big buddy on Sunday night.
He is the skinny one on the left.

The Power Wry 2013, back from a just cause penalty!

The eye in the sky does not lie!

The Power Rye, or Power Wry, depending on my mood and state of sobriety, is the most accurate ranking of college football available.  Each week, I feed all of the facts, figures, stats, scores and a pint of rye whiskey into the Power Rye ranking matrix.  A day or so later, I pinch off a post.

This weeks Power Wry is brought to you by Colonel Stagg Jr.  Cask Strength and fantastic at 50/50 whiskey/water.

1. Clemson (4-0) Defeated Wake Forest 31-24.  ACC!  ACC!  Do you see how annoying that is hillbillies?
2. Oregon (4-0) Defeated Cal Late, I mean 55-16.  Fucking newspapers.  That's a lot of points for a game played on Noah's Ark.
3. Ohio State (5-0) Defeated Wisconsin 31-24.  I was there.  All other scores are hear-say.
4. Miami (4-0) Defeated South Florida 49-21.  I'll be impressed when you score 80 on FAMU.
5. Alabama (4-0) Defeated Mississippi 25-0.  SEC pity fuck.
6. Florida State (4-0) Defeated BC 48-24.  ACC!  ACC!  Do you see how annoying that is hillbillies?
7. Stanford (4-0) Defeated Washington State 55-17.  That railroad money is finally paying off.  (Nothing Like It In The World by Stephen A. Ambrose is a fantastic book.)
8. Oklahoma! (4-0) Defeated Our Lady of Sucks 35-21.
9. UCLA (3-0) Did not Play and that douche Kiffen got fired.  Well done sir.  Well done.
10. Texas Arts & Crafts (4-1) Defeated Arkansas 45-33.  Johnny Hangover takes down the Golgothan.

Jefferson's Presidential Select 21 Year Bourbon

I really miss my old bottle of the 17.

This is a whole different beast from the 17 and 18.  Jefferson's whiskey is all sourced.  This one is sourced from a rye influenced mash bill instead of wheat.  Thanks Sku.  It's pretty good but $120 is too much.

On the Jefferson's scale, it's a Mr. Bentley.

For more Jefferson's scale memories see:

• http://twopartsrye.blogspot.com/2012/08/jeffersons-bourbon-tiered-flight.html
• http://twopartsrye.blogspot.com/2012/10/jeffersons-straight-rye-whiskey.html

Captain Morgan Sherry Oak Finish

This product was received for review.  My favorite thing to read on a label is For Research Only.

Stretching my wings a bit here for a spiced rum review.  Fortunately, I have a Manhattan mixed up to cleanse my palate.

Compared to the regular Morgan, this Rum is both more and less.  It is more, because it does taste better neat.  The sherry finish is quite nice and I enjoy sipping it.  It is less because I have to wonder why anyone would bother to finish a SPICED rum since it mutes the spices.  If you like this sort of thing, and are curious.  Go for it.  It's only $20 and you are going to mix it with coke anyway.

Anderson Valley Wild Turkey Bourbon Barrel Stout

This product was received for review.

In an age of too much imperial everything in craft beers, I think it best to say what this beer is not.

It is not too bitter.
It is not too smoky.
It is not too high in alcohol.  (a relatively modest 6.9% abv)
It doesn't taste like bourbon.

For me, the first three are a good thing.  The fourth is an issue.  This stout has been aged in Wild Turkey barrels for 3 months and if it didn't say so on the label, you would never know.  Disappointing.

That doesn't mean that it tastes bad.  I enjoyed it, it just wasn't special. 

Knappoghue Castle 12 and 14 Irish Whiskey

Knappogue is well known among the so called whiskey intelligentsia.  Which is a euphemism for wino.  The 14 "twin wood" just showed up at my local shop.  The 12 retails in the $40 range, the 14 is around $60.

Knappogue 12:  Viscous, and everyone on the internets states that it has vanilla and toasted marshmallow. I don't disagree.  Thank you bourbon barrels.

Grade: B+

Knappogue 14:  This blends whiskey aged in bourbon barrels with whiskey aged in sherry casks.  It is also 92 proof as opposed to the 12, which is 80 proof.  Tasting it neat, it is good, but the wood dominates.  A little water opens it up revealing apple, pear and citrus notes.  Grade: B++

My cousin David (wife's dad's mom's sister's son) introduced me to Knappogue.  Needless to say, I had to buy two bottles of the 14.

Received for Review: Ketel One

Et tu Brutus?

There are not many things that I blog about more infrequently than vodka.  This is my third and by far my favorite vodka review because I didn't pay for it.  I did have to drive out to the Fed Ex facility by the airport Saturday morning to pick it up.  It was fun making the GPS re-calibrate.  Head east on Weber, no.  Head east on Hudson, hell no.

Good news Columbus Business Travelers, I drove past a place named Centerfold's and they have a free shuttle service.  So we have that going for us.

Here's the review.  It is vodka, so it tastes like alcohol, which I assume is the goal.  I actually think that it tastes a little sweet.  The great thing that it has going for it is the finish.  There isn't one.  I'm doing a side by side with another vodka, rhyme's with Tito's handmade vodka.  Definitely cleaner.  The internet tells me that it retails in the $20-25 range, which is a good thing.  Only a dumb ass would drop big money on vodka.

Received for Review: Bulleit 10 Bourbon

This is an older version of the standard Bulleit, which the internet tells me is aged for 4-6 years and is actually made by Four Roses.  The standard Bulleit is one of my favorite $20ish bourbons.  It has a high rye mash bill, which gives it some bite.  Side by side, the standard is quite tame.  The 10 year has it's bite in the fore, with a really pleasant finish.  The standard is sort of the opposite.  Nice sweet flavor at first with a kick in the teeth finish.  The 10 year retails for around $45.

So...

• Is it better?  Yes.  I like it a lot.
• It costs twice as much, is it twice as good?  No, but it is in the ballpark.
• Is it worth $45?  The times they are a changing.  I've paid more for much worse, and the craft distillery revolution has certainly muddled things when it comes to determining what something should cost.  I am officially waffling on this question.  I didn't pay for it.

Wry Slamma Jamma Encore: Bo Ryan is Scorpius

Gewd Damn Aliens

Bastille 1789 Whisky

Web site hype:  I hope you enjoy my very special whisky,
which took me many years to perfect.
BASTILLE is hand-crafted in the South-West of France, 
the region where I was born and live.
I use a combination of traditional and cutting edge techniques
to bring out the natural characteristics of the different varieties
of wood cask, water and "terroir".
Here are a few highlights of my unique method
for hand-crafting whisky
(leaving out some of the secrets)
After the initial maturation, BASTILLE is finished 
in different styles of wooden cask which provide my whisky 
its delicate, harmonious and unique flavors.
BASTILLE uses pure Gensac spring water, filtered naturally
for centuries through Grande Champagne limestone.

Wow, that's a lot of hype: I do have to say that at first taste, I came away very impressed.  It has a lot of dried fruit and I know that cherry and Limousin oak are two of the woods used for aging.  They both come across in the finish.

Sadly, familiarity breeds contempt.  After a few sips, it becomes sickeningly sweet; the wood finish just becomes an aftertaste that won't go away.  For $30, I still recommend it.  It is different, which you don't see much of these days.

Ray Lewis and Bane, shopping Bros

Brett Keisel is a Bumble

Not all monsters are bad.
Merry Christmas!

James E Pepper 1776 Rye: That's the old Pepper?

I couldn't find an image of Bugs playing catcher.

It is pretty good, but a tad too sweet.  It is sourced from LDI for those who care.  I liked it when I first tasted it and my opinion has gone downhill since and I won't be buying it again.  It costs around $30 and I'm too tired to say much else about it.  

The Power Wry Week 13: Order is Restored

I present to you, the 2012 Heisman winner.

1. Ohio State (12-0) Defeated Michigan Our Bitch'again (26-21)  I'll tell you everything that you need to know about the Big 10(12(14)) Title Game.  OSU Over Nebraska 63-38.  OSU Over Wisconsin 21-14.
2. Our Lady de Gonna be Rusty in January (12-0) defeated USC 22-13.  The ratings are in, and everybody watched it, except me.
3. Alabama (11-1)  Defeated Auburn 49-0.  After the close call with Cam Newton, Auburn has been shopping at the bargain bin.
4. Georgia (11-1) Defeated Georgia Tech 41-10.  The Dusty Rhodes vs. Harley Race of football.
5. Oregon (11-1) Defeated Oregon 48-14.  For those who didn't know, the Oregon civil war was started when someone puffed puffed, and didn't pass.
6. Kansas State (10-1) Did not play.  They prefer to spend Thanksgiving weekend in Oz.
7. Florida (11-1) defeated Florida State 27-26.  Once again Del Boca Vista Phase II beats Del Boca Vista Phase I.
8. Texas A&M (10-2) Did not play.  By did not play, I mean that they defeated Missouri 59-29. Not only does Johnny Fever have the Heisman trophy locked up, he has earned his PhD in his freshman year.
9. LSU (10-2) Defeated Arkansas 20-13.  And Les Miles gets a raise again.  For somebody that everyone thinks is an idiot, he sure does rake in the cash.
10. Kent State (10-1) Defeated Ohio 28-6.  Enjoy your head coach, because he'll be packing his bags for greener pastures come January.

Power Rye Week 12 2012. Suck it Bielema

The Power Rye, or Power Wry, depending on my mood and state of sobriety, is the most accurate ranking of college football available.  Each week, I feed all of the facts, figures, stats, scores and a pint of rye whiskey into the Power Rye ranking matrix.  Two days later, I pinch off a post.

I'm not sure how you lost poop boy.

1. Ohio State (11-0) Defeated Wisconsin 21-14.  The Buckeyes delivered another clinic on how to win when you get totally outplayed.
2. Our Lady de Don't Choke and You Are In (11-0) defeated Wake Forest 38-0.  An exciting preview of future Notre Dame vs ACC action.  Chip Kelly will have them ready to play against USC.
3. Alabama (10-1)  Defeated Western Carolina 49-0.  Hey dumb-asses  There is a North Carolina, and there is a South Carolina.
4. Georgia (10-1) Defeated Georgia Southern 45-14.  I have to do more research, but I think that the Republic of Georgia Southern used to be part of the Soviet Union.  We may have an Air Force base there.
5. Oregon (10-1) Lost To Stanford 17-14.  Way to prepare for a rainy night Brian Kelly, because it never rains in the Pacific Northwest.  I also think that Andrew Luck kid is going to be good.
6. Kansas State (10-1) Lost to Baylor 52-24.  That RG III kid is going to go places.
7. Florida (10-1) Jacksonville State 23-0.  And people wonder why the Jaguars can't sell out on Sundays.
8. Florida State (10-1) Defeated Maryland 41-14.  The Big 10's (14!?) reputation takes another hit.
9. Texas A&M (9-2) Defeated Sam Houston State 47-28.  You want to leave the Big 12(10) for the SEC, then fine.  But to attack a great man like Sam Houston because he wouldn't let Texas join the Confederacy; that's just wrong. 
10. Kent State (9-1) Defeated Bowling Green 31-24.  The Golden Flashes converted a 7-10 split for the victory.

Power Rye Week 11 2012. Stumble Trip, Stumble Trip.

The Power Rye, or Power Wry, depending on my mood and state of sobriety, is the most accurate ranking of college football available.  Each week, I feed all of the facts, figures, stats, scores and a pint of rye whiskey into the Power Rye ranking matrix.  Two days later, I pinch off a post.

1. Oregon (10-0) Defeated Cal 59-17.  The Pac-12 needs to consider a mercy rule.
2. Kansas State (10-0) Defeated TCU 23-10.  While it was not his greatest game, we need to stop pretending that anyone other than Calvin Klein is going to win the Heismen this year.
3. Ohio State (10-0) Did not play and moved up.  How Tressellian of you Urban.
4. Our Lady de Ho-Hum (10-0) defeated Boston College 21-6.  Ho-Hum.
5. Alabama (9-1)  Lost to Texas A&M.  The SEC is still tops, but the gap is closing rapidly.
6. Georgia (9-1) Defeated Auburn 38-0.  That's it?  Poor showing by Georgia.
7. Florida (9-1) Defeated La Lafayette 27-20.  Really?
8. Florida State (9-1) Defeated Va Tech 28-22.  The weekly prize for further exposing the Va Tech sham goes to the Seminoles.
9. Texas A&M Defeated Alabama 29-27.  Johnny Football is a hell of a player.  Throws the most accurate wounded duck in the nation.
10. Kent State (9-1) Defeated Miami 48-32.  Why not?

Having said all that.  Don't be shocked if Alabama sneaks back into the title game.

Colonel E.H. Taylor Straight Rye

Buffalo Trace Distillery continues to produce so many good whiskeys, their motto should be "we always remember to cup the balls."  For the ladies that didn't get that reference, it's like "dialing the radio", except we actually like it.

I've been a big fan of the Colonel Taylor Series and the Rye does not disappoint.
It has been a while since I played the official press release tasting notes game.  Let's dust it off tonight.

The latest offering from Buffalo Trace Distillery pays tribute to the former Distillery owner with a small batch, Bottled-In-Bond, 100 proof, straight rye whiskey from days long past.
An altogether different recipe and profile than Sazerac Rye, this recipe contains just rye and malted barley, no corn.  Well I'll be damned.  The result is an aroma full of dried fruit agreed, black pepper if by pepper, you mean oak, then sure, and touch of fresh dill nope. A small sip brings an array of flavors both sweet and savory It's like I'm watching Mexico, One Plate at a Time.  Thank you Rick Bayless, I've learned so much from your show.  It's a shame that your brother Skip is the world's biggest ass-hat.  Guessing that only the fans of Mexican cooking shows will get that reference.  Fortunately PBS will survive and those of you who are curious should check it out. With a terrific balance of dark spices and subtle caramel overtones.  I guess I can give you that one.  The finish is especially pleasing with an oaky dryness that lingers just long enough.

I've refilled my glass and "proof-read" this post.  It's quite the train wreck, like Chuggington ... and Publish.