I dont know if this is appropriate here, since this is all about men's style I wonder if any of you enjoy the above as much as I do. I am curious as many men today enjoy more finer things in life compared to old days where only the rich indulge in this kind of activity. This thread is also for us to learn more about fine wine, whisky and Cigar.
I am not an expert but if we can learn from each other why not!!
So guys please post your interest and questions here!

I'll definitely be interest in the items you mention when I am rich . Need a lot of money to become a connoisseur .

This post has been edited by Mr.Kenta: Mar 30 2009, 04:27 PM

currently i enjoy downing whiskey and getting tipsy =)

You dont have to be rich to enjoy it, being a connoisseur is a matter of interest rather then money, you need to gain knowledge and read a lot to understand the fundamental and from then on is trial and error. the more you drink/smoke the more you will understand the delicate taste and ember.

---

Added on March 30, 2009, 4:38 pmI use to enjoy that a lot, those good old days

This post has been edited by sliver2c: Mar 30 2009, 04:38 PM

Appreciate if TS can give us some guide on picking up on this.

im a smoker myself but i hate the taste of cigar i dont know why..anything close to cigar that id touch is cigarillos lol. and i love cognac ! (=

Not into heavy ones, but I do have Moet, and Mumm on occasions. I admit that I still have no knowledge in differentiating them in terms of quality.

I know Moet is champagne, but then there would be too many topics to open.

Anyone else?

no wine
no cigar
just whisky..depends on my mood

What would you like to know? I will try to answer your questions and I believe other member will gladly answer as well

---

Added on March 30, 2009, 5:38 pmMind to tell me which cigar you tried

This post has been edited by sliver2c: Mar 30 2009, 05:38 PM

Hmm, would like to learn on picking up Cigar.

This definitely belongs here since wine and cigar is a symbol of style, to most men at least.

I do not smoke, so cigars are out of the question. But I do love a glass of red wine. Whiskey? Haven't try yet, but maybe I will.

actually .. how to smoke cigars? i heard that u dont inhale it like cigarettes right?

I on the other hand, smoke and drink whiskey. Nay to red wine.

---

Added on March 30, 2009, 10:29 pmYes.

This post has been edited by kockroach: Mar 30 2009, 10:29 PM

i smoke cigars from time to time. there is always a misconception that cigars are only for smokers. you'd be surprised to find that alot of cigar smokers don't smoke cigarettes. smoking cigar is a matter of enjoying the taste in your mouth. you are not supposed to inhale the smoke cause it is very thick. well actually you can inhale but chances are that you will just end up with a massive headache and feel like puking your guts out

---

Added on March 31, 2009, 3:55 amBasically there is 3 things to keep in mind when choosing a cigar. Flavour, size and colour. Flavour is very basic. There are quite a few to choose from. Next is to see the size and colour. the size and colour determines how thick and rich the flavour is. The bigger the size = more potent. The darker the colour = more potent. Most people start with cigarillos. Or just pick one cheap one from 7-11.

This post has been edited by RMaliff: Mar 31 2009, 03:55 AM

Whisky. I like the Japanese variant. Nikka and Yamazaki are the one's me and my friend's have collectively tried to be favourites in our affordable books.

The Scottish malt has a very peaty taste which I'm not very fond of.

This post has been edited by mofonyx: Mar 31 2009, 05:23 AM

my preferred whisky only from isla....

I don't smoke. I rarely drink. My question to you guys would be if it more fashionable to drink caffeine from Starbucks or Alchohol in some swanky place? hahaha.

Let me explain a little bit about cigars, Cigars come mainly from Cuba and Dominican Republic. Countries like France, Holland, Brazil and Philipines also do produce Cigars but not as popular as the former two. Below are some info for you guide.

The cigar you pick, the way you cut it, light it, smoke it and above all, the taste you enjoy, they are your choice and yours alone. However, there are some practical points you should bear in mind.

When choosing a Cigar one must consider the below:

First of all, the cigar and its wrapper must please the eye. You may prefer a light Claro colour, or maybe a dark Maduro. Either way, the colour should be even and there should be a bit of sheen (oily look) on the leaf. Don't worry if you see a white spot or a green patch. These are natural blemishes, beauty spots if you like, that occurred during the growing or curing processes. Neither affects the quality of the cigar.
Press the cigar between two fingers to test its condition. It should be firm but "springy" to the touch

Taste can only be judged by smoking - quite a challenge when you have 33 Habanos brands to choose from.
If you are a new comer to the world of cigars, maybe a slightly smaller cigar such as a Mareva (often called Petit Corona) is a good choice. Start with one of the lighter flavoured brands - refer to Habanos Brands and Flavours further on.
For the more experienced smokers, it is more about the time at your disposal and your personal taste. Remember, a hand made Habanos cigar is constructed in such a way that its flavours intensify as you smoke the further down the cigar, and a larger cigar tends to give a stronger flavour.

There are many shapes and sizes when come to a cigar the bigger the ring gauge is the more flavourfull it will be belwo are some guidelines on Sizes:

1. The Mareva is by far the most popular of all the sizes. Its 42 ring gauge allows all the three filler leaves to be used to their full in the blend and it is as near as you get to a 'standard' girth for Habanos. The Mareva or Petit Corona offers around 30 minutes of smoking pleasure.
Popular Name: Petit Corona
Dimensions: 5 1/8 in x 42 ring gauge or 129mm x 16.67mm diameter.

2. A Corona is the size to crown a memorable dinner, or perhaps to give you time for contemplation on a busy day. With the same girth as the Mareva, it offers over half an hour of essential relaxation.
Popular Name: Corona
Dimensions: 5 5/8 in x 42 ring gauge, or 142mm x 16.67mm diameter.

3. Next is trilogy of 42 ring gauge vitolas is the Cervantes named popularly after Lord Lonsdale, the English sporting Earl of the 1930s. A man with an eye for a good horse, he preferred the extra elegance of a longer cigar. Allow around 50 minutes to smoke one.
Popular Name: Lonsdale
Dimensions: 6 1/2 in x 42 ring gauge, or 165 mm x 16.67 diameter.

4. When elegance is the order of the day, the slender length of the Lancero is hard to beat. There is a shorter version too, the Coronas Especial, which measures just 6 inches. Both originated at Havana's El Laguito factory, the home of Cohiba, and boast the fitnesse of a twist of leaf on the cap. This one will take the best part of one hour to smoke.
Popular Name: Lancero
Dimensions: 75/8 in x 49 ring gauge, or 194mm x 19.45mm diameter.

5. When time allows, there are a few experiences for the taste buds to match the steady revelations of a Double Corona. Its colossal leaves may surprise you at first with their delicacy before they build to a crescendo of flavour. A good hour and a quarter is needed to smoke one.
Popular Name: Double Corona
Dimensions: 75/8 in x 49 ring gauge, or 194mm x 19.45mm diameter.

6. Originally from the Romeo y Julieta factory. It is said that Winston Churchill smoked some 300,000 Habanos during his long life. Not all matched these dimensions but this was his size of choice. Another feast for the palate to be enjoyed for over an hour.
Popular Name: Churchill
Dimensions: 7in x 47 ring gauge, or 178mm x 18.65mm diameter.

7. The Dalia's popular name comes from the special box in which it was first packed with the cigars in three rows of 8, 9 and 8. As such it is the flagship vitola of the Partegas brand and will keep you occupied for almost an hour.
Popular Name: 8-9-8
Dimensions: 63/4 in x 43 ring gauge, or 170mm x 17.07mm diameter.

8. Modern constraints on time have made this stocky shape the first choice for many experienced smokers. Slow burning and packed with flavour, most of the joys of a really large cigar can be savored in 30 to 40 minutes.
Popular Name: Robusto
Dimensions: 47/8 in x 50 ring gauge, or 124mm x 19.84mm diameter.

9. The sizes shown so far are what is called parejo or straight-sided. This is a figurado. Many believe that the Piramide or Torpedo, with its tapered head and shoulders, has special advantages when it comes to combustibility during the hour or so it takes to smoke.
Popular Name: Torpedo
Dimensions: 61/8 in x 52 ring gauge, or 156mm x 20.64mm diameter.

10. Pointed at both ends, this double figurado shape is perhaps a better candidate for the title of ' torpedo'. A century ago most Habanos looked like this but today the shape is rare except in one brand - Cuaba, every size of which is double figurado.
Popular Name: Figurado
Dimensions: 53/4 in x 46 ring gauge, or 145mm x 18.26mm diameter.

11. The Perla is one of a group of smaller vitolas, some a little longer, others a little fatter than this one. They share the ability to deliver the true taste of a Habano in 20 minutes or so.
Popular Name: Tres Petit Corona (TPC)
Dimesions : 4in x 40 ring gauge, or 102mm x 15.87mm diameter.

12. A quarter of an hour will suffice to smoke this tiny example of the Torcedor's art. Perfect, for instance, to enjoy during an interval at the theatre. In fact one similar vitola is called the Entre Acto, literally 'between acts'.
Popular Name: Panetela
Dimensions: 41/2 in x 26 ring gauge, or 115mm x 10.32mm diameter.


I hope above gives you guys more info on a cigar. If you guys have more questions on cigars let me know.

@sliver2c

So for a new starter, one can start with a Petit Corona(is it a brand or type) that comes with a lighter flavored? No? Thanks

Petit Corona is a type of cigar, For a starter you should try Montecristo No 5 , its a cuban cigar. Its easy to smoke and light on the pallate. it should cost around RM 35 per stick. You can get it at any Havana outlet or my favourite will be ember shop at Curve. Once you are in a cigar shop ask questions and spend some time there learning about it.
Go to ember shop and the owner C.K Lim is a very helpfull person and also more than willing to spend time with the customers.

petit corona i believe is the size ... not a brand iianm ...

cigars are awesome hahaha ... u can get high smoking cigars .. and yes u dont inhale cos u wont last long .. in fact if ur a smoker its harder for u to convert cos smokers like to inhale ...

wine not much of a fan .. whisky only during clubbing lol

Whisky.. Chivas.. Jack Daniel's, Black Label.. during clubbing
And lots lots of Carlsberg beer.. whenever i like..

This post has been edited by devilshen: Mar 31 2009, 12:17 PM

Now days I prefer Heineken over Carlsberg, even Tiger over Carlsberg. Don't know why. hehe

---

Added on March 31, 2009, 12:20 pmHmm, thanks. Will do once I back to Malaysia.

This post has been edited by kockroach: Mar 31 2009, 12:20 PM

Yea, Heineken doing fine also

i cant really remember the brand but i knew they originated from honduras. got it duty free :-). but most recently, i tried cohiba cigars frm cuba which is a really popular brand in vancouver.

But I thought Cigars is not a healthy thing to do at all right? Non-smoker here..

But I drink wine and whisky once in a while but not in front of my family..Heheh.. And a fan of Baileys or any coffee liquor..

Everything discussed in this thread can be considered unhealthy

I second that!!

My motto is I want to determined my own destiny, die for a cause that I know. hehe

I have a nice bottle of Suntory sitting at home. Just waiting for the right occasion to open it. Bought it after watching Lost in Translation. Hahaha!

When it comes to whiskey, I'm a huge fan of quarter cask whiskeys. I love the smokiness that comes along with it, but I know a majority of Malaysians hate it. I don't really dig single malts though, probably because I like more intense flavor from quarter cask.

As for cigars/cigarillo, I usually go with Cohiba. Did sample a range from Trinidad Cigars back when I was writing for a magazine, but I don't really know how to appreciate them.

I believe thats japanese whiskey, or am i wrong? I love single malts especially Ardberg and Oban. I dont really fancy Cohibas but recently I had a chance to try Cohiba Sublime 2003 and I tell you it blew me away!! excellent cigar. I wish it was easy to come by here one of the more rare cigar I ever tried.

That's a great idea of living the life in a classy style... Person tends to learn a lot from his communication so its always good to share!

That's right. Suntory is a Japanese whiskey. Doesn't taste outstanding, but then again, I bought it for the novelty.

It's good to have wide general knowledge about things like wine, whiskey and cigars. It's even better to learn how to enjoy them. Not all businessmen are like old school Chinamen, and sometimes breaking the ice with these can help a lot!

It will be nice if we could list down our personal collection here as well if any of you have some extra ordinarry collection please also post here.

im going to allow this as long as the posts here are constructive and does not turn out to be considered an "unhealthy" thread..

Ok thanks

i like drinks..
drinks all kind of alcohol, ranging from lager, stout, light beer, whiskey, cognac, wine, champagne, gin, etc
but i just dont have much knowledge on them -.-
lol

carving on absinthe now, but its rare here

i've tried Cohiba cigars.. Moet champagne.. don't know how to enjoy them though.. i like whiskey on the other hand.. my preference is Chivas/coke on the rocks..

there's good quality absinthe in some pubs around town - the 68% ones. the illegal 85% ones need to be arranged for

what is absinthe, interesting..

absinthe ain't a rare commodity in kl no more. was at the soft launch earlier this week, and had a sample of a killer absinthe cocktail called "the hulk" at quattro some weeks back.

what's the hulk made of? simple - a shot of absinthe submarined in a pint of guinness draft. the result is pure magic.

and yes, the highest alcohol content absinthe available over the counter is 68%. retails in clubs/pubs for around 500+ minus a visit from the green fairy.

You can read here for more info on absinthe en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absinthe
over the counter you get the 68% alcohol content but if you want the 85% alsohol content it is also available at selected lounges in town.

totally no tobacco for me...

alcohol once a while i like to try


plz remember do not drink n drive and too much is not good for ur health

how to order from bartender, just say absinthe(actually i don't know how to pronounce)?

Go to La Bodega and asked for it, pronounce as ab-sin = absinthe

Ic..

So you manage to get hold of it over the weekend?

may be..but never take before..don't know how to enjoy the 'Absinthe'...

you don't "enjoy" absinthe. you just down the b**** and fly.

ive tried the green one, there's another one, supposedly higher alcohol level, black in color, not tried that yet =D

aye! i had both, but not too impressed. lack of wormwood = unhappy wern.

U sure sound interesting , we should meet up for drinks

may be will try this on wednesday..

reporting in...
yes yes!!! heineken!!! its exactly the same... haha...
calsberg gold nice also rite? anyone? anchor ice? now no more...

i like to drink... got it from my ma's family... lol...
cigarettes, quit but once awhile got la... hehe...
definitely like to try cigar!!! thanks to silver, learned so much...
wine? shiraz, merlot, etc... perhaps anyone can give sum info?

cigars ... who wan to go to havana club ?

sure. feel free to drop by LYN office @ pasar seni and I'll buy you a pint.

not Ic is ab-sin

---

Added on April 7, 2009, 3:55 pmby the way?
any1 can teach me on holding the glass wine the correct way?
or enjoice it correctly?
coz i know theres many type of wine glass for different type of wine...
plz enlighten me

This post has been edited by washabushi: Apr 7 2009, 03:55 PM

Will do

---

Added on April 7, 2009, 4:20 pmI will try to describe:

The right way to hold a glass of wine is to hold it at the stem, do not hold it like a brandy glass as it will warm up the wine and change its characteristic.To taste it, swirl the wine in the glass, sniff it and finally taste it. do not swallow it immediately instead slurp it in your mouth to really taste it.
They are red and white wine glass. White wine glasses are ussually smaller than the red ones. for champagne there is a champagne flute.
There is also a universal wine glass which is more commonly used nowadays which you can use it for red or white wine.

The best way to learn it is to drink more wine.



This post has been edited by sliver2c: Apr 7 2009, 04:20 PM

you don't actually slurp it. you take a sip. roll it around your palate. suck in a little air through your lips. roll it around again. then drink/spit it out.

either that or blow trumpet from bottle. that's what i do at home anyway...

thats the right word or wern way

This post has been edited by sliver2c: Apr 7 2009, 05:43 PM

u guys like ripe grape or not so ripe grape wine?
some me feel like drinking brandy...
but i prefer those more ripe n more alcoholic 1...

i think tats the right way la... but kinda waste...

why waste?

the spit out part la waste... but that only when they trying the wine right?

The funny thing is that when many young Americans (college-age) go to Europe, they all want to try absinthe, since it's illegal in the US. I see it all the time, especially in eastern Europe. Never tried it before though.

Cigar ain't for me, can't stand the smell. Whisky... might have a sip here and there. Wine is more my thing though. Been collecting fine wines for 11 years, have >80 bottles now

What wine do you collect?

3 crates cheap red wines. heheheh =80+

liquar also good

I want to try Cigar but I dont have any info about it. Thanks sliver2c for a long explanation. So newcomer cigar is cost around 35/piece right? How long it can stay?

French Bordeaux:
Margaux (1995 + Pavillon Rouge 1998), Cos D'Estournel (1 case 2005 + 2 bottles), Leoville-Barton, La Mission Haut-Brion (2 bottles 1996), Angelus (2 bottles), Figeac, Duhart-Milon-Rothschild, Rauzan-Segla, Lagrange, Pichon-Longueville (Comtesse de Lalande), d'Yquem, de Suduiraut, la Conseillante (1 case 2007 en primeur + bottles)

USA (mostly Cab Sauv, some Pinot Noir, White Zin):
Robert Mondavi, Stag's Leap, Beringer, Kendall-Jackson

Canada:
Inniskillin (Cab Franc, Pinor Noir)

Germany (all Riesling Auslese or Spatlese):
Monchhof, Dr. Loosen, Peter Nicolay

NZ:
Cloudy Bay (Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc)

Hungary:
Oresmus (Tokay)

Chile:
Errazuriz (6 bottles of various types)

Argentina:
Nicolas Catena (6 bottles of various types)

Austria:
Umathum (Zweigelt)

Also various bottles from Australia, Italy, Croatia, Turkey, Czech Republic, Slovakia. Used to have wines from South Africa (ok) and China (yuck!) but drank them already.

there are different pricing for cigars, there are even RM10 cigars which you can get from 7-11.. but yeah talking about pure tobacco its about RM35 each.. they can last about 30 mins - 1 hour depending on how you smoke them..

Thats a good collection you have there especially the grand cru's from bordeaux, is it bonded or already in your home.most of my collections are bonded, mostly meant for investment. the haut brion and margaux should be ready for drinking now or you planning to sell it?

---

Added on April 9, 2009, 12:35 pmThose cigars are mainly cuban, like jind said there are cigars as cheap as RM 10 from 7-11 but i wont smoke that. Try some nice petit corona's easy to smoke and not very heavy on the pallate. they usually last for 45 mins

This post has been edited by sliver2c: Apr 9 2009, 12:35 PM

My Cos and Conseillante cases are bonded, currently stored in the UK. Mostly for investment, but I only buy what I like to drink anyway, and I like both chateaux, especially after visiting both of them last year. Currently looking to pick up a few cases here and there, as I expect prices to come off this year. Maybe get a few cases of '08 en primeur.

The single bottles like the Margaux and MHaut-Brion are for drinking.. usually on special occassions at home or a nice restaurant. Recently opened a Pavillon Rouge '94 over a dinner at Lafite. It was great. Chef Damon is funny and cool, and makes real tasty food.

you get your en primeur from sure holdings or you source yourself? I use to go to lafite a lot but have not been there for ages. hows the food there I stop going after Huza left

My en primeur is via Berry Bros & Rudd in HK. They are a UK company, with proper bonded storage facilities in UK. Lafite food is pretty good now, very innovative thanks to the current chef. Imagine some influence along the lines of Fernan Adria in presentation and you will know what I mean.

You got their contact details, I am looking for pomerol and margaux vintage 2005, will try lafite one of these days seem interesting especiallly with Adria influence

http://www.bbr.com/

a good website and I find Stuart very helpfull, I manage to get hold of a case of Lafite 2005 and I am a very happy man!! thanks traveler!!

---

Added on April 18, 2009, 1:40 pmguys, come on share your interest

This post has been edited by sliver2c: Apr 18 2009, 01:40 PM

i'm wish to learn more...

Post your questions here and I am sure all of us here will answer it. Cheers and have a wonderfull weekend !!

i love this thread, but not good in english, hard to express..
oh ya..went to some place, ask for the absinthe, but the bar tender don't know what it is..

How much would the cheapest cohiba cost? Planning to get one for my special occasion

Cool... Lafite is very nice. How much did it cost? You can PM me, we can compare notes on prices that we paid

Anyone interested in the 2008 vintage on en primeur basis (delivery 2011)? I just bought 4 cases: 1 each of la Conseillante, Pichon-Lalande, Leoville-Barton and Alter Ego de Palmer. The first 3 for investment (and drinking if the investment don't work out), the Alter Ego, for drinking. Am also trying to secure a case of the Lafite, Latour, Ausone, Mouton-Rothschild or Leoville Las-Cases (depending on price and availability) for investment. On top of that, probably get a case of either Angelus or Cos D'Estournel because I like them.

Palmer is interesting this year because its a majority Merlot (51%) when usually it's majority Cab Sauv, and that's unusual for a Margaux blend. I was tempted but since I am already getting their Alter Ego, I thought I should give Palmer a miss this time.

I've been hearing great things about d'Angludet making their best vintage ever and that it's a great deal since it's so cheap relative to the others. I was tempted to get a case, and upon reaching the right age, start opening it one bottle a year, but I've already gone and bought the Alter Ego for that, so I gave it a miss. I wonder if I will regret it later.

As I will be going to Paris later this year, am thinking of making a 2N stop in Bordeaux and squeezing in a quick tasting at Pape Clement and Haut-Brion (both are very near to the city of Bordeaux), so I can pick up some cheap Pape Clement and related wines. But then again, maybe I can get the same by just locating a good wine shop in Paris (there should be many!).

---

Added on April 25, 2009, 2:11 amFYI, Robert Parker is giving out his scores next week.

This post has been edited by Traveler: Apr 25 2009, 02:11 AM

fine wine? nah.. will be a waste on me.. i will just puke...

cigars? errrr... prefer ciggies or shisha

whisky ^^ hell yea.... like it on d rocks.... especially those real old ones.

Dont shy away, your english seem decent to me, just ask whatever you want. where did you go for absinthe? Try la bodega in bangsar they would have it.

---

Added on April 25, 2009, 9:43 amshould be around RM 60 for a siglo I, for that price go for Monte cristo petit edmundo. will definately taste better

---

Added on April 25, 2009, 9:49 amwill Pm you the price and i also got some cheaper en primeur for daily drinking in the future cant afford to drink first growth daily!!!!
There is also a local company that Supplies fine wines you can visit their website and speak to James Pala http://www.sureholdings.com/sure/dsp_page.cfm I got some Latour 2005 from them last year and bonded in UK as well.
What would be the retail price for Pape Clement and Haut-Brion in Paris?

This post has been edited by sliver2c: Apr 25 2009, 09:49 AM

Well,i'm looking for a cigar that doesnt have a strong smell if possible, GF will nag if the smell is too unpleasant

the smell(aroma) of cigar, that is what a smoker want..but if for non smoker, light or strong smell they also won't like..so you have to convince your GF first..

Cognac XO

Jacob's Creek - Shiraz Cabernet









This post has been edited by auhckw: Apr 26 2009, 05:48 PM

Cigars

Swedish Match General Tobacco





You put 1 small packet of tabacco bag under ur lips (top / bottom). You will feel the spiciness and the strength immediately. First time you try, tears will auto come out from your eyes automatically

This post has been edited by auhckw: Apr 26 2009, 06:09 PM

i have the normal JC shiraz 2005 & 2006, how is it compared to shiraz carbernet in term of price wise & taste?

I just bought a case of the 2008 Latour, seems to be real popular, and I only managed to get the 2nd tranche (1st tranche sold out in 2 hours). Still looking for 1 more top-end (Lafite, Ausone, Margaux or Mouton) and 1 very good near-top-end (Cos D'Estournel, Figeac, Angelus). Am still tempted by Palmer because it's an unusual vintage thats also on the top 10 lists of many wine experts.

Pape Clement was around EUR40-50 for vintages in last few years (excluding 2005) per bottle at the Pape Clement chateau shop. I would expect prices in Paris to be a little higher than that. HB, I really have no idea. What really interested me was the 2nd wine of Pape Clement, as well as their white. Both very nice (and around EUR 25-30 at the chateau shop).

Being a non-smoker I can confirm that... can't stand the smell of cigar... any cigar.

i had this last week 1 and half bottles...the other half was made into shangria yesterday
very nice wine!

---

Added on April 27, 2009, 4:10 pmits sweet finishing,medium body....

This post has been edited by kimmie: Apr 27 2009, 04:10 PM

I tend not being able to keep wines....

so i go for the cheaper but good varieties, usually the lighter reds.

Sometimes if you are lucky you can get the 1er Cru from less well known Chateaus for very little Euros. Keep them for 3-5 years and they are good to drink, usually far better than the price would suggest. I usually try to bring in at least 1-2 every trip to Europe. But then again, in France, 12 EUR gets you very good wine.

The Premier/Grand Crus from the more established Chateaus, are too expensive to be drinking too often.

I have a fair collection of Champagnes from Moet, Mumm, Lanson (Black Labels), but usually I tend to go for the Martini Asti sparking white...cheap and good taste.

I especially like the Canadian Ice/Late harvest (afterall I spent 10 years drinking them....they were cheap where I used to live) and have had some bottles of the German Eiswien variety, but I have not bought them in a while.

I tend to like the lighter varieties so i stick mostly to french and stay away from the harsh Australians, although sometimes I would enjoy a good Shiraz.

To each thier own I suppose.