Vintage Eve: My Favorite Wines and Cocktails from 2016

December 24, 2019 by evebushman

In writing wine and spirit reviews, which include comprehensive tasting notes on appearance, aroma, flavor and sometimes a score, it would be remiss for me not to explain that even when I’m not working on an article I will still employ some of these same methods when drinking wine for pleasure with friends or at a large commercial tasting event. Those wines, sans actual notes, are the ones I want to share today.

2016 Cocktails on the Roof.

Why? Because sometimes we make our buying choices dependent on numerical scores from critics. While that is fine, especially if you have found a critic that has a similar palate as yours (you agree with his scores) it also reduces the time spent trying wines on your own, and finding them not to be enjoyable, which can be costly.

Some pals have also reached out to me, believing they will like what I like, and have asked me to share my favorites. So this article is for them as well. (Please keep in mind these are wines and cocktails I enjoyed in 2016 alone.)

And now, without further adieu:

Remarkable vintage years I did note – so it will be easier if you want to duplicate the experience – I found via my Facebook photographs: 1863 Reserva Velha Barbeito Bual Madeira, 2003 Tramin Cerveny (Czech dessert wine), 2000 Don Melchor Puente Alto Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003 Nicolas Feuillatte Palmes d’Or Brut Champagne, 2004 Robert Mondavi Vine Hill Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, 2012 Chateau de la Gardine Chateauneuf du Pape, 2014 Turley from Howell Mountain, Pesenti Vineyard and Dogtown Vineyard, 2003 Joseph Phelps Insignia and a 2006 Backus, 2015 Trombetta Chardonnay, 2015 J. Lohr White Riesling, 2005 Robert Mondavi Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013 Beckmen Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon and their 2013 Cuvee Le Bec, 2007 Kosta Browne 4-Barrel Pinot Noir, 2013 Beekeeper Zinfandel Rockpile Appellation, 2005 Chateau Canon, 2013 Hearst Pergola Petite Sirah, 2014 Poet’s Leap Riesling, 2012 Concrete Old Vine Zinfandel, 2012 Kynsi Pinot Noir, 2012 Colome Estate Malbec, 2012 Dilecta Unorthodox, 2013 Klinker Brick Old Vine Zinfandel, 2013 Summers Andriana’s Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2011 and 2013 Cabernet Franc all from Crocker and Starr.

In general, wines that I enjoyed but didn’t note the various vintage years were from Backus, Insignia, Le Mistral, Syrah, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon (all from Joseph Phelps club membership), Hall Cabernet Sauvignon, every vintage of Phifer Pavitt DateNight Cabernet Sauvignon, various Del Dotto wines, all wines from Stolpman Vineyards, Silver Oak, Carlisle Mourvedre, Pure Cru wines by Mitch Cosentino, non vintage Champagne Jacquart, Pulchella Zinfandel, Stillman Petite Sirah, Regusci Patriarch, Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon, Cakebread Cellars Pinot Noir, Larner Vineyard, Ferrari Trento, Derby Wine Estates, Oso Libre, Frick, Mystic Hills, Calcareous, Workman Ayer Defacto Red Rhone blend, Jaffurs, Epoch Estate, Whalebone, Casa Dumetz, Zaca Mesa, Tercero, Four Brix, Central Coast Group Project (CCGP), Dry Creek Vineyard Zinfandel, Cellardoor Winery Blueberry wine, wines that my local winemakers serve up every year at Sunset in the Vineyard…

Cocktails: Everything I could get my hands on at Cocktails on the Roof, which included these three award winners: Bourbon Bramble from Newhall Refinery, Trader Vics inspired Mai Tai at Salt Creek Grille Valencia and the Manhattan from Olive Terrace Bar and Grill. I also enjoyed: the Manhattan made by 12 Bottle Bar authors Lesley and David Solmonson, Frozen Margaritas, single barrel tequila and Horchata at solita, Bloody Mary at Egg Plantation, Perfect Rob Roy from The Social, Cucumber Soju Cocktail served up by Xevichez Sushi Bar, Black Manhattan at Bacari PDR, a Moscow Mule I made with Cherry Ginger Beer and a Negroni with St George Gin, Bowen’s Whiskey, Black Momma Vodka, whatever I get to taste with the L.A. Scotch Club and a 10 year old Rip Van Winkle Bourbon I nabbed from a pal.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Vintage Eve Circa 8/2016: The Plunder from Down Under

August 27, 2019 by evebushman

Once again the organizers at LA Scotch Club put together a mighty tasting. This time it would be whisky from Argentina, Australia, Tasmania, South Africa and New Zealand. And if trying whisky from these areas wasn’t unique enough, they took it one step further and decided to pair the EIGHTEEN samples with regional food.

I was not at the event as press, so it wasn’t until I got home that I smacked my forehead and thought, “gee, that was something to write about.” So my notes are brief, just a little of what I thought was remarkable.

However, at the event, all of us had a grand time describing the aromas and flavors we found. I can recollect that my descriptors included banana peel, toasted marshmallow, praline almond, cream, vanilla, chocolate, smoke, cigar and many others.

Invitation

This is the event that we have been waiting for two years for. The LA Scotch Club will be turning the whisky upside down in more ways than one as we head to the other side of the world to experience the whiskies of Argentina, Australia (and Tasmania), New Zealand, and South Africa. There has never been another whisky tasting like this anywhere in the world. Many of these bottles had to travel the continents in suitcases to arrive here as they are not sold outside of their home country…

During the whisky tasting of 18 different pours (20 for LASC members) we’ll enjoy the cuisine and music from the countries we are visiting. Argentine steak, empanadas, South African Boerewors and more will be shared as we bbq over wood coals.

LAscotchclub.com

DINNER

Vacio (flank steak) cooked over wood coals – Argentina
Assortment of Empanadas – Argentina
Boerewors (sausage) – South Africa
Billatong jerky – South Africa
Australian Potato Salad – Australia
Kiwi fruit – New Zealand
Pavlova – Australia

(I found the sausage and jerky too gamey – dry and darkly spiced – for my tastes but I could see how it could complement the whiskeys. The potato salad, empanadas and fruit were very yummy.

My favorite dish was the Vacio flank steak, especially when I covered it in sauce.)

WHISKY (My favorites – before bottle fatigue set in – are noted as #FINDMORE)

Argentina

La Alazana Patagonian Single Malt

Mainland Australia

Lark Distiller’s Selection
Smith’s of Angaston 14yr #FINDMORE
Limeburners Single Whisky (cask M97)
Starward Wine Cask

Tasmania

Tasmanian Heartwood – Four Corners of Ross
Sullivan’s Cove Small Batch French Oak Casks #FINDMORE
Sullivan’s Cove Cask Strength Bourbon Cask #FINDMORE
Overeem Port Cask #FINDMORE
Cradle Mountain 18yr Cadenhead’s

New Zealand

Waitui Manuka Mead Barrel
Old Hokonui
Lammerlaw 10yr
Thomson Two Tone Release #FINDMORE
Milford 10yr
South Island 21yr

South Africa

Draymans Solera Reserve
Three Ships 10yr
Bain’s Cape Single Grain Whisky

LASC Member-Only Bottles

Bakery Hill Doublewood
Tasmanian Heartwood – Four Corners of Ross

Wine and Spirit Goals for 2019, NOT Just About Drinking

January 11, 2019 by evebushman

Thinking that in my ten years of writing about wine and spirits, I must’ve set some goals, written them down and shared them in past articles. Did a quick Google search and found yea, sounds familiar as I did it once, just last year, in the column titled: Why Not Have…Drinking Goals for 2018? And No, it’s not too late to set them!

So I gave my 2018 article a gander, to see how many of my goals were met, to see if I should even attempt goals for 2019. The first goal, to learn about Mezcal, wasn’t a complete failure as I got to taste at least one in 2018. So that goal has a continuance for this year. I also went to more wine bars this year…or maybe I should say visited one wine bar more: Newhall Press Room. So that goal was partially met.

I made it to the Japanese Food and Restaurant Expo again, co-hosted our first Wine on the Roof and fourth Cocktails on the Roof for the WiSH Education Foundation, visited Salt Creek Grille and had wine, attended another Peatin’ Meetin’ organized by the LA Scotch Club and didn’t die…

But I still need my WSET Level 2 in spirits to be offered hands on as online classes are still the only type being offered. So I may have to give in on that goal, bite the bullet and try the online course this year.

Didn’t make it back to Utah or Denver for more spirits, but I did make it to SCOTLAND for plenty of Whisky!

Attended the tastings and classes at the Universal Whisky Experience in Las Vegas – which we plan to attend again this year in April.

So what’s up for 2019:

As the West Ranch Beacon* website shut down earlier this year, removing me from one weekly column commitment after about a decade, I thought I should look around for something new.

I can add more Eve Bushman Consulting Clients – so if you own a bar, restaurant, winery or wine bar and need some marketing ideas email me at Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com. My business partner Michael Perlis and I have been successfully consulting and marketing for our clients for many years now.

Also thinking about trying something new…starting out as a small Brand Ambassador might be a good fit, though I’d need some training as that part of the industry is very new to me. I have plenty of experience with wine and spirits via the numerous events we’ve created and hosted, as well as the many we’ve marketed, and have enough wine and spirit education under my belt to be able to easily learn about a brand that is looking for representation in Santa Clarita Valley, San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles. If you hear of anything email me at Eve@EveWine101.com

So, those these new goals aren’t drinking goals, they all still involve the industry I’ve been involved with for over 10 years. I’m not going anywhere! Regardless of what I may add to my workload to make up for the closure of the West Ranch Beacon, know that Eve Wine 101 and Eve Bushman Consulting will continue as they have for many more years to come.

*If you hadn’t finished reading a particular article of mine on the Beacon, or are looking for my archived articles, please email me: Eve@EveWine101.com. I have all of my articles saved. Those over three years old were shared again, under the title “Vintage Eve” on Tuesdays on https://www.EveWine101.com. Newer articles, including the last three I did in the Scotland series, I can email out as word docs to whoever wants them. These will also be re-purposed on EveWine101 on Tuesdays within the next three years.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Why Not Have…Drinking Goals for 2018? And No, it’s not too late to set them!

January 26, 2018 by evebushman

I’m not a person that makes new year resolutions often. It’s such a joke to set some very far-off sounding goal only to not even achieve it – as that’s become the norm. You can try and fool the system by setting goals that are simple to attain like…planning ahead for the next year’s resolutions you won’t be achieving! Egads, we’ve really become slackers.

So, in between not making resolutions at all or making resolutions that are too easy to achieve I challenge you to set some drinking resolutions. And feel free to be as lax as you want in reaching them – as it won’t matter to anyone whether you do or not! LOL.

These are my Drinking Goals for 2018, none of which requires over-imbibing but if you do please Uber:

Go to a tequila and/or Mezcal tasting as neither are in my comfort zone.

Go to more wine tastings of areas I’m unfamiliar with: Portugal (and not for the Port alone), Republic of Georgia, Finger Lakes…where else? Check out this CNN article on some lesser known wine areas.

Take advantage of more courses, maybe even a new certification, offered via my NASA (North American Sommelier Association) membership.

Frequent our local wine bars (Valencia Wine Company, Wine 661, Lee’s Wine Bistro, Newhall Press Room), winery tasting rooms (Pulchella, Double Trouble) and restaurants with fine wine lists (Le Chene, Newhall Refinery, Larsen’s, Greg’s List at Salt Creek Grille) more often.

Make it to the Japanese Food and Restaurant Expo put on by Mutual Trading again to further my education on Soju, Sake, beer and Japanese wine…all while sampling some delectable foods.

Continue to work with the WiSH Education Foundation to bring a new event to Old Town Newhall. Look for Wine Under the Stars early May where we will have wines culled from the latest winemakers making wine at the SCV Custom Crush Services paired with dishes from several different local restaurants. We will be the first to host an event on the rooftop of our new Laemmle theater.

Continue to work with our WiSH committee to bring in new spirit vendors to Cocktails on the Roof. This year marks our fourth year! (Save the date 9/7!) Last year our new vendor was Pomp and Whimsy Gin Liqueur and they said it was the best event they had ever poured at! (If you rep a spirit vendor and want your product seen in the first and only premier cocktail event Santa Clarita Valley email me: eve@evewine101.com)

Continue looking for the Spirits One Level now offered globally from WSET (Wine and Spirits Education Trust) since my Level Two in both isn’t transferable to take a Level 2 or 3 in Spirits alone. Haven’t found one offered remotely near me yet!

Get back to Denver to visit Stranahan’s again, see if I can get a taste of their annually made limited edition bourbon whiskey.

Get back to Park City to go to High West Distillery again as some of their spirits aren’t sold in here in California.

Continue my education on peated single malt whisky by attending LA Scotch Club’s annual Peatin’ Meetin’ again.

Take more classes at the Nth Show aka Universal Whisky Experience in Vegas early April…even though my husband may ditch me just to taste.

Make it to at least one meeting, aka tasting, of the no-longer-new LA Chapter of Women Who Whisky Club!

I hope to receive a comment or an email (eve@evewine101.com) with what your drinking resolutions are, I had so much fun making up mine!

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

How Was Cocktails on the Roof 2017?

September 15, 2017 by evebushman

Whew! What a freaking blast we had this time around. I’m still exhausted, overwhelmed and yet can’t wait for the fourth event in 2018. Cutting to the chase, I’m talking about Cocktails on the Roof that benefits the WiSH Education Foundation, which, in turn, benefits all of the students in the Hart District.

Eve Bushman Consulting created the out-of-the-box event to showcase the bar programs of our local restaurants and bring in single spirit vendors. We added a rooftop venue, a DJ with a large dance area, private and public lounges, tons of food and mini martini glasses for sampling. NO ONE has tried to duplicate this event. We own it! And special thanks go to my co-hosts Exec. Dir. Amy Daniels – for ALL of the legwork – and Marlee Lauffer for spreading the word. Committee members that continue this out-of-the-box thinking every year include WiSH Board President Richard Cohn, WiSH VP Lynne Secrest along with Judy Penman, Ed Masterson, Dawn Begley, Mitch Russell and Rochelle Gallimore.

WiSH Education Foundation’s Exec. Dir. Amy Daniels and Me on the ROOF

One more thing we do, in case that’s not enough, we ask our guests to vote on their favorite cocktails of the night. We settle on the top three and this year’s winners are #1. Olive Terrace Bar and Grill. #2 Marstons Valencia and #3 Deep Eddy Vodka.

This year, besides having a larger event space, almost doubling our footprint, we had some new vendors joining our existing usual suspects. (No time to read? Watch the fun in this 3-minute slideshow.)

NEWS FROM THE WISH EDUCATION FOUNDATION: In a letter to our vendors Wish Exec. Dire. Amy Daniels wrote, “On behalf of Eve Bushman, Marlee Lauffer and the Board of Directors of the WiSH Education Foundation, I want to thank you for your generosity with your time and product to help make this year’s Cocktails on the Roof the best one yet! The response was incredible on social media and we do hope you had an amazing time on THE ROOF!

Because of you, WiSH raised over $45,000 in just three hours, allowing us to make a significant difference for school programs this year. For this academic year, our funding focus is STEAM with an emphasis on the ARTS, and we appreciate your involvement in helping us reach for higher goals. In fact, we raised over $11,000 more this year than last – and we hope to do the same again next year, with your help.”

Our Vendors

Deep Eddy Vodka, LA Scotch Club, JFC International soju-based cocktails, Speakeasy Bakery, Honu Coffee with Jameson Irish Whisky Coffee, solita Tacos and Margaritas, Sisley Italian Kitchen, Newhall Refinery, NEW: Bonefish Grill, NEW: An Indian Affair, Wolf Creek Restaurant and Brewery, Persia Restaurant and Lounge, Salt Creek Grille, Oaks Grill at TPC, NEW: Mammoth Coffee Roasting Company with a Coffee Martini, NEW: Vines Restaurant and Bar, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Olive Terrace Bar and Grill, NEW: Pomp and Whimsy Gin Liqueur, Lazy Dog, Sweet Beams Ice Cream, Marston’s, The Distillery at Opolo, Vina Sympatica sparkling wine and NEW: Scoob’s Original Frozen premium cookies.

Just Some of the 2017 Raves

Michael – Such a great evening for a wonderful cause, made better by meeting up with old friends!

Leslie – Had a blast last night at Cocktails on the Roof benefiting the Wish Education Foundation with my guy and gals.

Nicole – Amy Daniels, Successful, fun event! Congrats!

Karen – Eve Hammond Bushman! You have done it again! Better than ever.

Lisa – Had a blast at Cocktails on the Roof with all (my) fabulous friends! #cotr17

Steve – After a lousy day, good food and fine spirits help a lot…especially when it is for a great cause. Thank you Eve Bushman.

Dana – Best time at Cocktails on the Roof in Santa Clarita fundraiser for the Wish Foundation.

Patti – Tons of fun at Cocktails on the Roof 2017! Great job Amy Daniels and Eve Bushman! A job well done!

Vicki – Having a blast for a wonderful organization.

Heather – Date nights are great nights…eat, drink, and dance for a great cause! Fun event Eve!

Pam –Had a great time at Cocktails on the Roof! Congrats Amy Daniels, Eve Bushman and Marlee Lauffer for another outstanding event benefiting the Wish Education Foundation!

Karen – This year’s event was my first event. The event was fantastic!

Cheryl – There were so many wonderful people there…

Lauren – A fun evening indeed!

Tiffany – Had so much fun. Was great seeing everyone.

Nick – We had an amazing time at Cocktails on the Roof 2017 last night benefiting WISH Education Foundation!

Robin – It was really fun, and the food was amazing!

Terry (We had) a blast with the Mirror Booth…!

Hilary – Next year I’m SOOOOOOO going.

Steve S. – Another Cocktails on the Roof in the bag! So much fun and generous people!

Sponsors

Patrice Rifkind with Audiology Associates, Nick Rose Insurance Agency, Inc., Littler Mendelson, Julie M. Sturgeon CPA, Peterson Printing, Chiquita Canyon, Steven B. Chegwin CPA, the Magazine of Santa Clarita, SCV elite Magazine, Randy Plaice and Associates, Jeff and Melanie Meyer with Thrivent Financial, Westfield Valencia, EveBushmanConsulting.com, Eve’s Wine 101, Lundgren Mgt., Enchanted Kids, Oasis Associates, Craig and Lisa Eichman, Sol Print Solutions, Mitchpickswine/Mitch and Leslie Russell, SOS Entertainment, 24/7 Events, Andy Gump, Burrtec, California Credit Company, Brightview Tree Company, The Signal, All Business Matters, The Watters Group, KHTS and SCVTV. Special thanks to Genesis Moss, Print & Web Design (www.genesismoss.com), for creating our brand new dedicated website, www.cocktailsontheroofscv.org.

Volunteers to Thank

Noah Daniels, Amy Daniels, Doug Penman, Carolyn Lodes, Diane McGrory, Mary Bradway, Leonard Leto, Robin Wimsatt, Ellen Hawthorne, Lee Lodes, Vicki White, Barbara Meyer, Adele MacPherson, Vicki Tungate, Cheryl Gray, Judy Penman, Nicole Stinson, Sue Hayward, Danise Davis, Terry Gallimore, JoAnn Manzo, Al Hayward, Verna Velasquez, Marissa Velasquez, Jennifer Goins, Sue Cacic, Debbie Walker, Dave Cacic, Justin Neely + two, Pat Willett, Niki Feast Williams, John Rogers and Holly Bellamy.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

LA Scotch Club Presents Peatin’ Meetin’ IV on September 9! (Join Eve!)

August 31, 2017 by evebushman

Hosted by the LA Scotch Club, Peatin’ Meetin’ is the world’s largest festival celebrating peated whiskies. Known especially through Islay’s scotch, peated whisky is for known smoky, earthy, and medicinal flavors. The event attracts hundreds of peat fans from around the state and we are happy to have a new home this year at the Traxx Courtyard in Los Angeles’ Union Station.

PEAT

Peat is boggy soil made from vegetation that has only partially decomposed over thousands of years, and the Scottish and Irish burn it in a same manner as coal. Peat’s unique smoke flavors the barley used to make the whiskies featured at Peatin’ Meetin’.

THE MAIN EVENT

Once again, this year hundreds of whisky lovers will experience the world’s widest selections of peated whiskies. In addition to whisky expressions poured by distillery representatives, the LA Scotch club sources rare bottles worldwide. To help with the summer heat, the mixologists at the other door will team up Ardbeg and Stark Spirits to create a delicious cocktail. Locally brewed peated beer also be on tap.

Grillfellas BBQ

New this year will be Grillfellas BBQ, who will serve peat-smoked meats that are infused with peated whiskies. The peat will be provided by Sneaky Peat, who imports peat from Ireland that as been waiting 20,000 years for this event.

The McNaughstys

A Celtic/Punk rock outfit based in Los Angeles, the McNaughstys were brought into being from the roughneck bohemian streets of inner city Baltimore, Maryland in 2008. With the 2012 release of their first EP “Scraped Knuckles & Natty Bohs”, the boys cut their teeth in the gritty, east coast/New England punk-rock scene to great acclaim.

With an arsenal of over-powered punk riffs, laced with the primal influence of Celtic bagpipes, violin, and banjo, their high-energy live shows have proven to bring crowds together in musical enlightenment. This isn’t a band that can be narrowly tucked into a single genre; each member of the band brings experience from a wide range of musical backgrounds. From American folk to heavy metal, punk bands and military drills, this is a new musical evolution.

the major consensus is, if you aren’t moving around, or thoroughly blown away…check your pulse! Grab a pint, get a shot, and let the whiskey flow because when the McNaughstys are on stage… it’s always a rowdy time.

HIGHLIGHTS:

unlimited peated whisky • Live music by the McNaughstys • Peated BBQ dinner (food-only options are available) • easy train access to Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego • An engraved Glencairn whisky glass • Peated cocktails and peated beer • Meet the Peat Monster • Furnished outdoor cigar lounge

website: http://la.scotchclub.us/event/peatin-meetin-ix/

What’s new on THE ROOF?

July 14, 2017 by evebushman

Well, we can certainly tell from the social media BUZZ around town that you are VERY excited about the upcoming Cocktails on the Roof on August 25, 2017. Come join your hosts Eve Bushman of Eve Bushman Consulting, Marlee Lauffer, President of Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation and Amy Daniels, Executive Director of the WiSH Education Foundation at our NEW Pre-Party on August 17^th from 5-9pm at The Oaks Grill in TPC. Gear up for #COTR17 with NO COVER, happy hour pricing all evening long, bartender lessons and our #COTR17 DJ MAV and dancing.

With the best sunset viewing from their amazing patio, the Oaks Grill is also donating 15% of their proceeds back to the WiSH Education Foundation.

On THE ROOF, what you will recognize from previous years is the amazing venue atop the Macy’s parking garage at Westfield Valencia Town Center and the wonderful all-you-can-partake-in signature cocktails and food, DJ MAV for the third year and dancing and cool, modern lounges and lighting.

What will be new this year is that everyone’s a VIP! Rather than have two levels of tickets, we invite everyone up on THE ROOF from 8-11pm, while our sponsors will be greeted at 7:30pm. General Admission tickets are only $85 and Designated Driver tickets are $65 (by bracelet). Tickets at the door, if still available, are $95.

NEW: WiSH you could be a sponsor and get first dibs??? This year you CAN – we are offering a limited number of private 10’X10’ lounges that seat up to 8-10, allowing you and your friends – or your company – a spot to gather on your own for the party! The cost of the lounge, which includes all marketing, private entry and signage, is only $1,000! Get yours before they run out by contacting Executive Director Amy Daniels at WiSH@hartdistrict.org.

NEW: SoCalMagicMirror.com is joining us, “An Entertainment company specializing in providing the latest in entertainment venues for parties, weddings, business openings and more! More than just a standard ‘photo booth’, SoCal Magic Mirror provides a full length mirror to take your picture at the event, allowing a head-to-ankle capture instead of the standard waist-up shot. You can also write on the screen, choose from hundred of emojis, and personalize your pictures in ways other booths only dream of.”

In addition, our layout will be slightly larger to allow for the fun to reach all corners of the event so no matter where you are, the fun will follow. Don’t forget to have that picture taken at our Step and Repeat as you enter, sponsored by The Magazine of Santa Clarita and Elite Magazine. Tickets are live AND limited – don’t be left off THE ROOF – get yours right now at www.WiSHscv.org.

As of July 12, participants on THE ROOF this year include Deep Eddy Vodka, LA Scotch Club, JFC International sake-based cocktails, Speakeasy Bakery (check social media for hints to get the good stuff here), Honu Coffee, solita Tacos and Margaritas, Sisley Italian Kitchen, Newhall Refinery, NEW: Bonefish Grill, NEW: An Indian Affair, Wolf Creek Restaurant and Brewery, Persia Restaurant and Lounge, Salt Creek Grille, Oaks Grill at TPC, NEW: Mammoth Coffee Roasting Company with a Coffee Martini, NEW: Vines Restaurant and Bar, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Olive Terrace Bar and Grill, NEW: Pomp and Whimsy Gin Liqueur, Lazy Dog, Sweet Beams Ice Cream, Marston’s, NEW: CPB Winery with a wine-based cocktail, The Distillery at Opolo and Vina Sympatica sparkling wine.

Our wonderful and generous sponsors are lining up to again be a part of the fun while giving back to our local students. WiSH greatly appreciates Westfield Valencia Town Center, The Magazine of Santa Clarita and Elite Magazine, The Signal, Brightview Tree Company, Nick Rose Insurance, Lundgren Management, California Credit Union, Andy Gump, Oasis Associates, SolPrint Solutions, Craig and Lisa Eichman, Jeff and Melanie Meyer, Eve’s Wine 101, Peterson Printing and Graphics, Littler Mendelson, Randy Plaice and Associates and the Watters Group. We would also like to thank SOS Entertainment, 24/7 Events, Burrtec, MitchPicksWine.com, Enchanted Kids, KHTS, SCVTV. Want to join us as a sponsor of COTR17? Email us at WiSH@hartdistrict.org.

Finally, keep up to date by checking out the WiSH Education Foundation, Pre-party and COTR FB event pages, WiSH site www.WiSHscv.org, and – thanks to web designer Genesis Moss – our brand new dedicated COTR website, http://cocktailsontheroofscv.org/

Cocktails on the Roof (co-hosted by Eve) is only DAYS AWAY and the Celebration will last ALL MONTH LONG!

August 26, 2016 by evebushman

Santa Clarita is all ABUZZ waiting for September 9^th and the second annual Cocktails on the Roof event, held on top of the Macy’s parking garage at Valencia Town Center! The one and only “signature cocktail” party of the year is back, New York rooftop style, with greenery, inventive lighting, DJ and Dancing (have you seen the “Thriller” teases on our FB event page?), selfie spots, cozy lounges and all the food, fun, cocktails and mocktails in our now famous mini martini glass!

Our VIP Early Entry tickets, $95, are new this year and a HUGE hit. You asked for an extra hour, YOU GOT IT. General Admission tickets, $75, enter at 9pm and our Designated Drivers are only $65. Put on your cocktail dress and remember when you used to party – plan on coming early and staying late as the fun doesn’t end until MIDNIGHT when we’ll have to kick the dancers off the dance floor, just like last year! Tickets will be sold online until NOON on Thursday, September 8^th. If tickets are still available, they will be sold at the door, all levels, for $95. This event was a SELLOUT last year and there is a limited number available. Go to www.WiSHscv.org to for your tickets.

This year you also get to vote on your favorite drink! When you check in at the front entrance, you’ll receive your entry bracelet, martini glass and THREE tickets. Make sure you vote for your favorite cocktail or mocktail by 10:15, when we’ll be pulling tickets and counting the votes to announce the winners at 11pm! Stay tuned for every exciting announcement (and guest party secrets) on WiSH Education Foundation’s website, Facebook and event page.

The normally elusive and hidden Speakeasy Bakery is back, along with Vermont’s Shacksbury Hard Ciders, TPC Valencia Golf Club’s Oaks Grille, Persia Lounge & Restaurant, Sake Sommelier Yoshi Murikami with Smart Assist, Wolf Creek Restaurant and Brewing Co., Sisley Italian Kitchen, Bowen’s Whiskey, California Fruit Wine, Deep Eddy Vodka, solita Tacos & Margaritas, Honu Coffee (with alcohol, too!), Newhall Refinery, Parashar’s Indian Kitchen, Olive Terrace Bar & Grill, Culinary Wonders, Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar, Salt Creek Grille, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Marston’s, iCUE (Culinary dept at College of the Canyons), LA Scotch Club, The Distillery at Opolo, Shining Suns and Dancing Daughters Blended Spirits, Sweet Beams Ice Cream 12 Bottle Bar and Xevichez Sushi Bar.

Hosted by Eve Bushman of Eve’s Wine 101 and Marlee Lauffer, President of Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation, this year promises to be another amazing event to benefit the 23,000 students of the Wm. S. Hart School District. WiSH supports programs and initiatives not supported by tax dollars. Look for our new “WiSHing Well” – an opportunity to make local public education’s “WiSHes” come true with your donations. Remember that 100% of the net proceeds of this event goes to benefit local public education through WiSH, a 501(c)3 nonprofit.

WiSH would like to thank Crystal Sponsors The Magazine of Santa Clarita and Elite Magazine; Presenting Sponsor Westfield Valencia Town Center; Cocktail Sponsor Lundgren Management; Title Sponsors Littler, California Credit Union and Balfour Beatty Construction; Festival Sponsors Steven B. Chegwin, CPA, Chiquita Canyon and Julie M. Sturgeon, CPA; Rooftop Sponsors Ruhnau Ruhnau Clarke and Oasis Associates and our in-kind sponsors Eve’s Wine 101, mitchpickswine.com, SOS Entertainment, Brightview Tree Company, 24/7 events, Andy Gump, Burrtec, Sol Print Solutions, Vom Fass Ventura, Enchanted Kids, KHTS and SCVTV.

WiSH asks that you be responsible – 21 & over only; please leave your car in the parking garage overnight and take alternate transportation if you need to.

New: KEEP THE #COTR16 PARTY GOING ALL MONTH LONG AT Wolf Creek Brewery every Tuesday night in September from 4-9pm – bands, corn hole tournaments, food trucks and 10% all going to benefit WiSH! Buy a Golden Eagle Ale at Wolf Creek Restaurant all month long and Wolf Creek will donate .50 per drink to WiSH.

Paired: LA Scotch Club, Glenlivet, and Willie Jane

December 18, 2015 by evebushman

If you love single malt scotch and have tried (or haven’t tried) the different barrel expressions this was a great example of how different a scotch can taste not just by the age, but by how it was finished in the barrel.

The Invite From LA Scotch Club

Glenlivet and the 2014 US Ambassador of the Year, Rick Edwards will be guiding LA Scotch Club (LASC) through their Nadurra and Glenlivet range at Willie Jane’s of Venice Beach. We’ll even have the rare Glenlivet XXV and the new Nadurras (they have a peated whisky!) This is your chance to not only have a magnificent dinner but also experience eight different single malt scotches.

Acclaimed chef Govind Armstrong has put together a menu for the LA Scotch Club’s Glenlivet whisky tasting. Chef Govind has worked in restaurants around the world and is the author of Small Bites, Big Nights: Seductive Little Plates for Intimate Occasions and Lavish Parties. He has appeared often on television, including as a guest judge on Top Chef.

Willie Jane, which Govind co-owns with restaurateur Brad Johnson, specializes in Lowland Southern cuisine blended with California’s love of elite farm products.

Glenlivet and Nadurra Tasting (I had a small spot to jot down notes as my spot was framed by 8 glasses, silverware and the coming and going of dining plates – so my notes are mostly “quotes” from Edwards.)

Glenlivet 12 – The #1 whisky in the U.S. with both fruity and floral notes. Considered “soft”, this was an easy drinker for me.

Glenlivet 18 – My favorite of the tasting, and what Edwards said was the most popular. It had a sherry cask finish that lent itself to a good choice for an “after dinner dram.”

Glenlivet 21 Archives – Finished in both Bourbon and Sherry casks that gave off notes of “Crème Brûlée.”

Glenlivet XXV – Oloroso Sherry finish after select barrels are then married together. This worked well with Edwards’ suggestion of giving it a kiss” where you allow the scotch to just touch your lips, then you lick your lips to savor.

Glenlivet 15 French Oak – Edwards said that this scotch had notes of honey, vanilla, hazelnut and cinnamon.

Nadurra 16 – Nadurra is pronounced Nat-Ur-Uh and means natural, so nothing has been added or removed. This one was finished in a Bourbon barrel. Tried Edwards’ other method for tasting. Take in a small amount, tilt your head down and allow your own saliva to wash over for ten seconds, then taste and swallow.

Nadurra Oloroso – This was finished in 100% Sherry cask, a bit too hot for me even with a few drops of water (to open up aromas but to also calm the alcohol a bit).

Nadurra Peated – This was my second favorite of the night. For a peaty whiskey there was very little peat on the nose. Then in the mouth I didn’t get the peat until it hit my back palate, and then in an incredibly long finish. There was no peat in the barley, the scotch had just spent two years in a peated barrel for the finish.

Menu by Chef Govind Armstrong

Appetizer: Warm greens with cracked walnuts, spiced quince paste and Point Reyes blue cheese. (This was interesting with both soft and crunchy textures, sweet and salty flavors.)

Entrée: Braised Beef Cheek, garden roots with a chestnut puree. (Never had this before, a slight gaminess that was a good match for the scotch.)

Dessert: Deep Chocolate Dobosh cake with pink peppercorn gastrique. (Enjoyed this with the last of the 18 YO. Very tasty!)

Eve’s Wine 101 Event Picks: Sangers and Joe “Keys to the Kitchen” on select dates Dec-Jan, Wine LA has continuous classes and events including, LA Scotch Club also has great events, Paso’s Winter Wine Stroll is 1/16, Sonoma Winter WINEland 1/16 – 1/17, and LA Rail’s Vino Train travels to Santa Barbara.

Eve Bushman has been reading, writing, taking coursework and tasting wine for over 20 years. She has obtained a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, has been the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and recently served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits that may be answered in a future column. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com