Hello, again.
I’ll let you in on a little secret: I’ve got just awful timing, apparently. I thought I was a “plan ahead” guy until I started a newsletter during what appears to be the busiest three-week span of the busiest summer in recorded history.
That’s all to say, no, I don’t have a guest this week. Again. I’m sorry. Everyone’s schedule is insane. HOWEVA! This coming week’s edition should — should — contain the first interview. Fingers crossed.
Until then, you’re stuck with me — which, trust me, I know. My condolences.
I’ve got some thoughts, some recommendations and then it’s basically the weekend. Let’s hit it.
For the future
I’ve been thinking a lot about this newsletter and how it might look as time goes on. I live alone, though, so the only other being I bounce ideas off of is Somba, and — shocker — he’s incredibly unhelpful.
This means y’all have to pick up the slack. I’ve linked an anonymous Google Forms survey that I hope you’ll take, quickly. The survey is really short, and I’m using it as a sounding board to hear what you’re interested in re: BTB.
Click here to take the survey and become the lucky recipient of my undying gratitude.
Beyond the survey, let me know if anything else piques your interest. I’m all ears.
Recommendations
Grammarly is currently informing me that the tone of this newsletter thus far is “sad.” Okay, Grammarly, why don’t you just chill out?
Do you know what’s not sad? The weekend. We’re nearly there.
Here are a few recommendations for this weekend and beyond. If a bottle isn’t available for shipping, see if your local shop has it. If they don’t, ask about getting it in stock! Of course, store owners rely heavily on their own tastes, but they’re interested in knowing what you want to see on the shelves as well.
A note: As with buying anything online, read the shipping fine print before you pay. Some sites may not ship to certain areas, or shipping may be unreasonably expensive.
Something that will become abundantly clear as time goes on: I am an absolute sucker for a bright, chuggable red and white blend during the summer. Oregon-based Fossil & Fawn’s 2020 vintage of Do Nothing is wildly good, and much like last week’s reddish recommendation, I prescribe it chilled. You’ll open this and it’ll somehow be gone faster than the extra-large popcorn you order and eat before the previews finish at a movie theatre. Drink it while you sit outside and…………. do nothing. Buy it here and of course, locally.
Domaine Pierre Cherrier et Fils 2019 Sancerre La Croix Poignant
This wine rocks. It’s on the lighter side with some nice acidity, and could really take your charcuterie board to the next level if you’re into that sort of thing. Which I am. Pack up the picnic basket, find a shady patch of grass and eat 14 servings of your daily recommended amount of cheese and bread while you sip this lovely wine. Goat cheese would work well, but hey, I think goat cheese works well with nearly anything. Buy it locally, because finding a place online that will ship to more than a few states is… incredibly difficult.
Azadi Brewing’s Summertime Chai
I cannot remember the last time I drank a craft beer. Probably a few years ago, maybe even senior year of college. That said, I’m so glad I picked up Azadi’s Summertime Chai. This wheat ale with Nilgiri tea is super refreshing and comes in pint sizes: How beer should always be served. Unfortunately, I do believe this brew is only available in Chicago and the surrounding areas. Sorry to flex.
Draught Beer
How insane is it that "draught” is pronounced “draft”? The hell is going on there? Anyway, my last drink recommendation this week is just any cold, light beer on tap. Being able to return to bars and restaurants is absolutely blowing my mind. Go get something deep-fried, sit at the bar and have a few cold pints. Doctor’s orders.
Some things I read this week that you may be interested in, wine-related and not:
The New York Times — Inside a Peyote Pilgrimage
Reuters — French champagne industry group fumes over new Russian law
The Cut — The Sound of My Inbox
The New York Time — A Battle Between a Great City and a Great Lake
Some tunes to soundtrack your weekend:
The Marias new album, CINEMA
Easy Life’s new record, life’s a beach
That’s all for me. Have a solid weekend and I’ll see you here next week, (approximately) same time, same place. Fingers crossed we have ourselves a Q&A.
Cheers.
-Sam