In Pour Taste #4

For this In Pour Taste I reviewed a drink that has a lovely back story. It was given to a friend of mine by his grandmother over 6 years ago. She has now passed on and so it is with a heavy heart that I review this loving gift from a thoughtful grandparent.

The Look

To begin, seeing a screw top on this bottle gave me a shiver through my spine. I knew it meant that this was crafted with extreme care and love. Once poured into the glass, the velvety chocolate body surprisingly does not cling to the sides when swirled. The liquid has a sheen only observed in oil slicks on tarmac, or newly varnished parquet flooring.

Not your Daddy's Chocolate Milk!

Reminds me of: a sea-borne oil spill near a septic plant.

The Nose

Obvious notes of chocolate and berries. Once the initial smell subsides, you then begin to find old grapefruit mixed with nail polish remover. Unexpected to say the least.

How best to stifle a sneeze!

Reminds me of: Visiting my aunt and uncle unexpectedly and being forced to sit in their kitchen as they "Tidy up."

The Mouth Feel

Warm clotted cream completely coats the entire mouth in a velvety blanket of warmth. Only as you surrender to this decadent sensation do you notice that your entire mouth is tingling like it has been stuck by millions of tiny Novocaine filled needles.

The lack of pants and the Threadless T-shirt scream classy!

Reminds me of: Gargling cherry flavored mouth wash with a mouth full of Hershey's Hugs.

The Taste

A fragrant bouquet of chocolate and red grapes is the first wave of flavor that hits you square in the face. What evolves is a distinct taste of leather, 3 month old candy corn, and spearmint Binaca breath spray. Refreshing and unexpected. Almost a chocolate Mentos "The Freshmaker" vibe.

I believe that's facial expression for "DAMN THAT'S TASTY!"

Reminds me of: Melting cherry fudge on top of an electric carving knife in my mouth.

Afterthoughts

Another satisfied customer.

Having sampled a "fresh" version of this beverage a few years ago, I felt marginally prepared for a more "mature" vintage. As this drink was manufactured in the country of my grandfather, I felt a bit of civic pride pressing the glass to my lips. This chocolaty malfeasance is addictive to the uninitiated with a subtle hand leading to intense intoxication. The 6 year old cream in this concoction also might have an influence on it's interesting palate and effects. I however would not risk more upper chest pain from drinking this draught from hell. I leave it to the Dutch who designed it.

Speechless

Recommendation

ChocoVine

ChocoVine is the latest in a large explosion of Dutch Chocolate Wines. I feel it should be marketed toward the under utilized 13-17 year old market. Those that love their chocolate Yoohoo drinks but have not developed the palate for a good red wine. It is with this information that I instruct the entire Mormon population of the United States to imbibe this drink to gain better understanding of their more learned wine drinking peers.

Just like Grandma used to drink!

Enjoy a good dram and all will be well. Gezondheid!

JvL