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Water of Life - Hine Cognac

Similar to Champagne, Cognac is a region in the South Western part of France and the specific type of brandy going under the same name is strictly regulated. Derived from white Ugni grapes, which are not fermented but distilled, the first stage of the double distilling is a derivate that after having matured for about two years in different barrels is commonly referred to as Eau de Vie. The next stage entails the marriage of different vintages to then be further aged and depending on the length, resulting in either “VS” (, i.e. “very special”, two years), “VSOP” (i.e. “very superior old pale” having aged at least four years) and the “XO”, extra old expression, of which the youngest vintage must have aged for a minimum of ten years.

Having been founded in the second half of the eighteenth century, one of the pre-eminent Cognac châteaux is Hine, with their expertise and focus firmly set on the art of blending and making its processes transparent, specifically with their Homage to Thomas Hine release, where the distinct vintages that go into the blend are meticulously listed. Another unique characteristic of Hine is that they export some of the Cognac they produce to the United Kingdom, where the local climate adds another dimension to the maturation process.

For the Homage to Thomas Hine, Hine’s cellar master extraordinaire Eric Forget channelled his alchemy in a manner to not only pay tribute to his châteaux but manages to turn flavour profiles to eleven.

I have had the fortune to sample quite a few Cognacs, most of which were very enjoyable, but Hine’s Homage plays in a league of its own and had me savour every sip.

What tickles the nostrils upon first approach are wonderfully, complex aromas with spicy, floral nuances that rest on a foundation of honeyed orange, counterpointed by cinnamon infused, nutmeggy ginger, cloves and molasses. What materializes on the palate is the flavour equivalent with the aforementioned aroma impressions being further accentuated by delicate tannins, toffee and caramel notes.

The sheer endlessly long finish brings all flavour to a crescendo and leaves one lusting for the next sip. A fantastic expression and given its quality, a comparatively affordable and near perfect entry point to ease one into the world of fine Cognacs.

The Formative Years – The Pushead 100

Having just entered my teenage years and developed an insatiable appetite for hardcore punk, spurned by my discovery of The Exploited, which lured me in with their picture book looks, parole driven songs and artwork, I needed more.

Not having been inducted into the underground scene at large yet and with penpaling and the odd show in my neck of the woods being the only way to obtain more information, I was delighted to discover that as the clocks ticked over to seal the decade of cold war, a list emerged in Thrasher’s Puszone that was comprised of the must-have records punk and hardcore records that were released in the 1980s.

The fact that the man who penned it, i.e. Brian Schroeder, / Pushead, has actively coined and shaped the scene at large with his manifold contributions ranging from music, columns and most prominently his artwork, gave it enough credibility for me to perceive it as “definitive” (despite being touted as “unofficial”) and started my mission of investing my meagre allowance in a bid to track down and mail-order each of the records listed (or at least get a decent sounding recording through tape trading).

The more “slabs of raging mayhem” I tracked down, the more my efforts identified to get a hold of the exotic listings, which led to new contact and resulted in visits to new countries and other adventures.

Later on, the my personal must-have list grew as I started to incorporate all records that Burkhard Jaerisch rated with a 10 (given the highly subjective of the rating, there were quite a few misses in there, or shall we say, releases that I struggled to find significance in) in his punk / hardcore U.S. discography books FLEX, however, to this day, Pushead’s list is very much the core of my collection and one of the most reliable guides to what formed the essence of hardcore punk and helped to broaden my horizons.

While some of the listed records are and should be staples of any decent record collection, there are less known gems hidden in there and there is no excuse in the current day and age with every tone ever recorded at your fingertips, to not check out more obscure releases.

Here we go – below is Pushead’s Top 100 list of the 1980s, which was originally published in the March 1990 issue of Thrasher Magazine:

PUSZONE UNOFFICIAL TOP 100 OF THE 80s

1. Discharge-Fight Back 7" EP, England 1980

2. S.S.Decontrol-Get It Away 12" EP, USA 1983

3. The Subhumans-Demolition War 7" EP, England 1981

4. Minor Threat-Filler 7" EP, USA 1981

5. Bad Brains-Roir Cassette, USA 1982

6. TSOL-Superficial Love 12" EP, USA 1981

7. Disorder-Complete Disorder 7" EP, England 1981

8. Rudimentary Peni-Rudimentay Peni 7" EP, England 1981

9. Jerry's Kids-Is This My World LP, USA 1983

10. Anti-Sect-In Darkness There Is No Choice LP, England 1983

11. Gism-Detestation 12" EP, Japan 1983

12. Faith/Void-Split LP, USA 1983

13. DYS-Brotherhood LP, USA 1983

14. Cockney Rejects-Greatest Hits Vol. 1 LP, England 1981

15. Flex Your Head-Sampler LP, USA 1982

16. Sick of it All-Blood, Sweat, and No Tears LP, USA 1989

17. Necros-IQ32 7" EP, USA 1982

18. Adolescents-Adolescents LP, USA 1981

19. F.U.'s-Kill for Christ 12" EP, USA 1982

20. Antidote-Thou Shalt Not Kill 7" EP, USA 1983

21. GBH-Leather Bristles, Studs, & Acne 12" EP, England 1981

22. Channel 3-Manzanar 12" EP, USA 1981

23. Four Old 7" On a 12"-Compilation LP, USA 1984

24. This is Boston, Not LA-Sampler LP, USA 1981

25. Negative Approach-Negative Approach 7" EP, USA 1982

26. Poison Idea-Kings of Punk LP, USA 1986

27. Chaotic Dischord-Fuck the World 7" EP, England 1982

28. Scream-Still Screaming LP, USA 1982

29. SNFU-And No one Else Wanted to Play LP, Canada 1984

30. Fartz-Because This World Fucking Stinks 7" EP, USA 1981

31. Impact Unit-Impact Unit 7" EP, USA 1989

32. Process of Elimination-Sampler 7" EP, USA 1981

33. Anti-Cimex-Raped Ass 7" EP, Sweden 1983

34. CIA-God, Guts 7" EP, USA 1983

35. Youth Brigade-Sound and Fury LP, USA 1983

36. Chaos UK-Burning Britain 7" EP, England 1982

37. Cause for Alarm-Cause for Alarm 7" EP, USA 1983

38. Cro-Mags-Age of Quarrel LP, USA 1987

39. The Stalin-Political LP, Japan 1983

40. Circle Jerks-Group Sex LP, USA 1980

41. English Digs-To the Ends of the Earth 12" EP, England 1984

42. Crucifix-Dehumanized LP, USA 1983

43. China White-Danger Zone 12" EP, USA 1981

44. Batallion of Saints-Fighting Boys 12" EP, USA 1982

45. Negative FX-Negative FX LP, USA 1982

46. Anti-System-No Laughing Matter LP, England 1984

47. Black Flag-Jealous Again 12" EP, USA 1981

48. Social Distortion-Playpen 7" EP, USA 1981

49. Instigators-No One Listens Anymore LP, England 1985

50. Neos-End All Discrimination 7" EP, Canada 1982

51. Misfits-Walk Among us LP, USA 1982

52. Shitlickers-Cracked Cop Skulls 7" EP, Sweden 1982

53. Terveet Kadet-Aareton Joulu 7" EP, Finland 1982

54. Prong-Force Fed LP, USA 1987

55. Outo-Many Question Poison Answer 7" EP, Japan 1983

56. The Fix-Jan's Room 7" EP, USA 1981

57. The Insane-Politics 7" EP, Canada 1981

58. DOA-The Prisoner 7" EP, Canada 1980

59. Bad Religion-How Could Hell Be Any Worse LP, USA 1981

60. Agnostic Front-United Blood 7" EP, USA 1983

61. Meatmen-Blud Sausage 7" EP, USA 1982

62. Gauze-Fuckheads 12" EP, Japan 1983

63. Skeptix-So the Youth LP, England 1983

64. 7 Seconds-Committed for Life 7" EP, USA 1983

65. Varukers-Varukers 7" EP, England 1981

66. Confuse-Nuclear Addicts Flexi 7" EP, Japan 1984

67. Abused-Loud and Clear 7" EP, USA 1982

68. Adrenalin O.D.-Wacky Hi Jinks of Adrenalin O.D. LP, USA 1984

69. BGK-Jonestown Aloha LP, Holland 1984

70. Straight Ahead-Breakaway 12" EP, USA 1987

71. Abrasive Wheels-Vicious Circle 7" EP, England 1981

72. Deep Wound-Deep Wound 7" EP, USA 1983

73. Sore Throat-Acid Rain 7" EP, USA 1987

74. Ignition-Sinker 7" EP, USA 1987

75. Mass Appeal-Mass Appeal 2xLP, Australia 1989

76. Sons of Ishmael-Hayseed Hardcore 7" EP, Canada 1985

77. Rattus-W.C. Rajahtaa LP, Finland 1982

78. Huvudtvatt-Extrem Punx 7" EP, Sweden 1981

79. Corrosion of Conformity-Eye For an Eye LP, USA 1984

80. Final Conflict-Ashes for Ashes LP, USA 1987

81. Underdog-Underdog 7" EP, USA 1986

82. Stupids-Violent Nun 7" EP, England 1985

83. Execute-Hardcore Temptation 7" EP, Japan 1983

84. Malinheads-Hoax 7" EP, Germany 1983

85. Die Kreuzen-Die Kreuzen-LP, USA 1984

86. 76% Uncertain-Estimated Monkey Time LP, USA 1984

87. Agent Orange-Your Mother Sucks Cock in Hell 7" EP, Holland 1983

88. Partisans-Police Story 7" EP, England 1984

89. Final Warning-Final Warning 7" EP, USA 1984

90. Anthrax-Capitalism is Cannibalism 7" EP, England 1983

91. Stains-Stains LP, USA 1983

92. Stalag 13-In Control 12" EP, USA 1984

93 .LSD-Just Last 7" EP, Japan 1986

94. Inferno-Tod & Wahnsinn LP, Germany 1984

95. Ultra Violence-Crime for Revenge 7" EP, England 1982

96. Mau Maus-Facts of War 7" EP, England 1984

97. Accused-Martha Splatterhead 12" EP< USA 1984

98. Subvert-The Madness Must End 7" EP, USA 1988

99. Dead Kennedys-In God We Trust 12" EP, USA 1981

100. Leeway-Born to Expire LP, USA 1988

Water of Life - Milk & Honey Distillery

One of my whisk(e)y related endeavours is to try emissions from regions that are commonly not really associated with spirits. Needless to say, when I heard of a distillery that is based in Israel, it instantaneously ranked high on my to-try list.

The trailblazing Milk & Honey Distillery started its operations in Tel Aviv six years ago and was the first of its kind in the country, which has since inspired quite a few others to follow in its wake.

In the context of distilling, Israel – not unlike places like India and Australia – is interesting in terms of climate, which has a major influence on cask maturation and the interplay between the spirit and the elements: From the get go it was apparent that Israel’s idiosyncratic  terroir and hot climate would make Milk & Honey’s whiskeys distinct as it considerably speeds up the maturation process.

For their core expression, i.e. their Classic Single Malt, both American bourbon as well as newly charred virgin, as well as shaved, toasted and re-charred wine casks are used, the latter of which combine characteristics of virgin and traditional wine casks. Having only matured for around five years, Milk & Honey’s core expression tickles the nostrils with honeyed, grainy, yeasty, burnt sugar and fruity aromas which transition on the top of the mouth to a sweet, citrussy maltiness that is accentuated by spicy, nutmeggy highlights. While it is not overly complex, I quite like that the ethanol component is despite the young age quite subdued.

Let’s take things up a notch with the Elements Sherry Cask expression, which is an interesting one as Milk & Honey Distillery had their oloroso and sherry casks designed specifically designed for them to ensure that they are kosher.

Clocking in at 46% ABV, this one does not hit you on the nose with the sherry notes as much as other expressions do and is on the more subtle end of the spectrum, with cask related notes shimmering through banana, syrup and nuts driven nuances rather than dominating the aromas.  On the palate, the nutty notes rest on a foundation of fruity and spicy notes, rounded out by a nice finish which is enhanced by toasty cinnamon highlights.

My favourite of the Milk & Honey portfolio is their Elements Peated expression, which should not be a surprise given my preferences: Casks from Islay were used for the final stretch of maturation to imbue this expression with delicious medicinal, maritime and peated malt flavours.

I welcome the light smokiness on the nose, which seamlessly transitions into a toasty, honeyed maltiness with peated nuances shining through. This one is of course not intended to be compared to any Islay whiskies but more of an example par excellence of what can be created if the old world of whisky making meets the new.

Milk & Honey Elements’ Red Wine Cask is essentially an homage to Israel’s wine industry. I like this one a lot better than the sherry cask expression as the vinous character is more present, lends depth and thereby enhances the malt heavy, citrussy and nutty flavours, which results in a complex melange aroma-wise.

As far as flavours are concerned, what the nose promised finds its equivalent on the palate with dark, chocolate, stone fruity and honey flavours, which culminates in an elongated finish with a chocolatey and berry heavy climax.

A promising line-up from a fairly young distillery that makes one look forward to future expressions, especially ones that will have enjoyed longer maturation periods and even more assertive flavour profiles.

High Adventures in the Great Outdoors

Surf Culture, Barney Cools and the return of fabrics

Surf culture and the music it is associated with is an interesting genre. Coined by “wet” Fender amplified reverb- and vibrato heavy electric guitars and having first incarnated as an instrumental style of music to replicate the sound of crashing waves, it eventually evolved into a veritable genre, which found mainstream exposure and eventually recognition through spearheads like the smooth polyphonic harmonising and in terms of production envelope pushing Beach Boys and Dick Dale’s hot rod variant to an extent where it became borderline synonymous with the ambience of California.

Surf punk has always been a genre I found immensely enjoyable as a light spirited counterpoint to the message driven hardcore punk I was socialised with. Infused by the original surfing sound, specifically bands like Agent Orange added a much-needed string to the bow of underground music and contributed majorly to what became the alternative Orange County music scene.

Given the prevalence of surf culture in Australia, it did not take long for Sydney bands like the Atlantics, Joy Boys or Denverman to up the ante and infuse and enrich the genre with their idiosyncratic Australian flavour and providing the foundation for newer and current bands to capture their interpretation of the essence of a summer’s day spent on the beach, e.g. the bittersweet melodies of the duo Hockey Dad,  the strung out pop sensibility of Beaches and the iconic The Sunnyboys, who introduced a harder sedge and introduced a sense of welcome danger with their distinct twang. Needless to say that the surf-infused tracks of Radio Birdman became the epitome of the rougher edges of beach culture.

With surf culture being an integral part of Australia’s identity, I could not help but being affected as well, as I find the sea to be an element that when immersed in it makes me feel whole.

How does one translate one’s love for surf music, open mindedness, a sense of locale and a rebellious spirit into a tangible vehicle that inspires and goes beyond tangible, worldly manifestations?

Enter Barney Cools, i.e. a group of music loving Australians that were looking for a way to explore how they could convey their style to a worldwide audience – a style that is heavily influenced by surf culture and in terms of casual chic  for a lack of a better term they have labelled “poolside”.

I first came across the brand Barney Cools through the mixtape series they launched in support of Australia's music industry affected by the implications of the ongoing COVID-19 malaise.

With their core values firmly rooted in inclusion and pro-actively partnering with local and international charities to tackle oppression of any sorts, they have created an idiosyncratic and sophisticated lifestyle brand, the subtleties and qualities of which I have grown to appreciate for all seasons, as they have also started to branch out into the creation of contemporary gear for the colder months of the year.

Now, it says a lot about a brand if it gets me into wearing fleece, which is of course a synthetic fabric that has a range of awesome properties, however, before experiencing Barney Cools’ comfort capsule, I was struggling to find a stylish option.

A favourite is their cosy hooded sweater and shorts collection, which is constructed from what has become their signature super soft 330g brushed fleece fabrication and is an example par excellence for the fact that function has not come to the expense of style.

My appreciation of their styles and attention to detail lead me to what not too long ago would have been unthinkable as I thought it was reserved for baby boomers, climbers and middle-aged dads: Their Polar fleece Jacket has become a fixture of my wardrobe, as it is not only impenetrably warm, moisture repelling and impossibly comfortable but with its three panelled design and offbeat details  is a bit of a looker as well.

Having grown up in it as a kid, another fabric I did not think fathomable to enter my wardrobe was corduroy as I deemed it to belong to years that style forgot.

Enter Barney Cools again as their corduroy selection proved that the fabric is literally “corde du roi”, i.e. cloth of the king, and not merely reserved for roadies of 70ies style stoner rock bands or dandies. Again, an unexpected return to my wardrobe and loved by me more than ever.

Now, another fabric that I mainly appreciate for the cool and soft feeling when used for bedspread is linen. The fact that linen is highly breathable, resilient and due to its high moisture absorbency rate, the ideal fabric for hot and humid climates.

While some might claim that unstructured suits are unsettling with those risking linen being the greatest offenders, Barney Cools’ linen collection keeps growing on me as their gear really starts coming into its own after repetitive wear and gets better with age. I have grown to like the relaxed crumpledness it provides. Staying breezy, yet business casual while beating the heat and still looking smart.

In a world of prefabricated brand identities, it is refreshing to come across one that effortlessly captures the essence of a culture in a credible and laid-back manner.

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image provided

Water of Life – Visions in Style

What makes a great whisky tasting?

I have been lucky to attend a wide range of whisky tastings on this earthround. Some were held at the source, i.e. distilleries, others in bars and recently quite a few virtually. There are many factors that contribute to a great tasting event – factors that make the whole experience far more than the mere sum part of its individual components and ones that go far beyond having great whiskies on offer.

Enter Vision in Style.

Breaking the mould of both the traditional tasting procedure both in terms of having an assembly of brand ambassadors try to cater to thirsty punters drunkenly waving their Glencairns at them as well as the standard teacher-pupil set-up with attendants being lectured to, Visions in Style’s approach is informed by its mastermind Michael Cartwright’s creative flair, can-do attitude and innate ability to resolve situations in an innovative manner.

Visions in Style’s Hidden Whisk(e)y Degustation was an example par excellence how a well-planned event can get the audience involved, which is no mean feat in times where the implications of the current malaise make any public outing a logistical nightmare and event management has changed dramatically.

Initially planned to incarnate in the unique environment that is the tunnel venue “Coal Loader”, groups were meant to be guided through themed underground rooms, where whiskies were to be poured in a curated manner. As all events at the initial locale were cancelled for 2020, an alternative venue had to be sourced at short notice, changes had to be dealt with and Vision in Style’s ability to adapt and think outside the box had them look at the problem as a positive challenge as they reimagined the event at the formidable Doncaster Room at Randwick’s Racecourse.

With a passion for whisk(e)y, a keen eye for detail and a talent for delving into things, the event ran expertly choreographed and literally like clockwork as time management was key to get through the fifteen themed, interactive tasting stations.

A highlight of the event, which was comprised of twelve Australian distillers and complemented by a large array of world-renowned distilleries and accompanied by knowledgeable ambassadors, included Pete Stevens holding court, who with his trademark charisma eased us into the proceedings by proffering an excellent new Overeem expression, which with the sizable dram he poured was easy to enjoy, following his credo that “the first sip is not your first sip”.

Another personal highlight was finally meeting the man behind Craft Works Distillery in the flesh and the chance to sample his much fabled about emissions. Founder and renaissance man Craig does not go by the nickname “Crafty” for nothing as the man oozes with passion and enthusiasm for craft artisan spirits, and what I was able to sample warrants a dedicated feature as part of this series.

Sustained by a substantial, curated degustation menu, which was served throughout the event, our tasting journey culminated with Archie Rose Distillery’s station, where I finally got to sample their recently released (and immediately sold out) Single Malt Whisky.

Guided by the never not charming Daniel-Hutchins Read, the drop definitely lived up to the hype as the melange of the six-malt mash bill aged in apera casks and refined in AR’s own air-dried ex-rye casks, materialized on the roof of the mouth as one of the more charismatic expressions of the evening in terms of flavour as the claviature of both savoury and raisiny, dark chocolatey nuances revealed a near perfectly calibrated profile.

Summa summarum, Vision in Style’s whisk(e)y tasting proved to be an enjoyable experience in every sense of the word for both the illuminated whisk(e)y as well as the uninitiated and I cannot wait to see what they have planned for their future events.

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photos by @k.a.vv