I believe that Steampunk is more than just brass and watchparts. It's finding a way to combine the past and the future in an aesthetic pleasing yet still punkish way. It's living a life that looks old-fashioned, yet speaks to the future. It's taking the detritus of our modern technological society and remaking it into useful things. Join me as I search for items for my house that combine the scientific romanticism of the Victorians with our real present and imagined future.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Steampunk Libations
We picked up some of this Zeppelin Beer, and while the beer connoisseur in my house wasn't that impressed with the taste, the label design is pretty spiffy.
I haven't tried this one yet, but Kraken Rum has an incredible label, website, store of related products (including for the home), and videos.
Have you seen any another Steampunk libations on the shelves of your local purveyors?
I was sold on the Kraken when a man approached me at my local Specs... wearing a full-out diving suit! It was impressive, I tried the rum and it was tasty. It is now my go-to spiced rum, not just for the fun bottle, but also for the good taste. (Very vanilla-y). And yes, I was very sad when my Kraken flashlight broke. I need a new one!
I think it's only available in Oregon, but our local Portland outfit House Spirits Distillery has some excellent small-batch spirits with old-school science-lab labeling:
http://www.housespirits.com/spirits_limited.html
They also make Aviation Gin, which isn't quite as steampunk but still has a kind of retro vibe:
Love the Kraken Rum. Great in Coke or Dr. Pepper. OR make a mojito with some flavored syrup and mint and float an oil slick on top. I alternate between Kraken and Sailor Jerry's now.
Try Hendrick's Gin for Martini's and Tonics. It's nice, and has a great Apothecary packaging: http://www.alcoholreviews.com/SPIRITS/gins-0901.shtml
I fully expected to read 3 comments about how meh the Kraken was. I'm surprised they all liked it because my husband and I both thought it was just meh.
My favorite drink with Kraken Rum is good quality cream soda with a little Kraken Rum. The vanilla flavor in the cream soda and the spiced rum compliment each other nicely.
I was fairly impressed with the Kraken as well. It was a lot stronger than I expected which does get in the way of the flavor a bit. I can't wait to try it with cream soda! Thank you for the suggestion!
Being vodka and scotch lovers primarily, neither my husband nor I were impressed with Kraken (he swears he can feel it clawing its way out after a shot). Still, it's a beautiful bottle and fun to have out for guests :)
Never seen the Kraken stuff! The closest we get to horror themed brews in this bit of Scotland is the Kelpie Seaweed ale, or various creepy goblin ones from Wychwood...both excellent, but any Steampunk link there is very tenuous indeed! I'd say a good old-fashion gin or absinthe would be the best Steamy shop-bought drink - although if I can get my mittens on home brewing equipment, there's nothing like a nice set of bubbling, queer-smelling 'glassblower had hiccups' vials for giving the place that mad laboratory feel ;)
Love this blog, so I had to add a comment! For a really cool steampunk liquor, check out Underground!!! The bottle/jug is awesome! I also highly recommend it for drinking (it's kinda like Jager, but much smoother!)
I picked up a couple of bottles of Well-oiled Malbec Rose just because their bottles were steampunky (oh and our shop had a 2nd-bottle-for-a-dollar deal)
Unleash the kraken! I love the Kraken with ginger beer its makes one good dark and stormy. Its only so so straight up... still the artwork on the bottle is what made me buy it.
I bought Kraken rum just for the bottle. I turned it into a small collage sculpture, sold it and quadrupled ny investment. Gotta love th Kraken! Oh yeah, the rum didn't go to waste either.
I was sold on the Kraken when a man approached me at my local Specs... wearing a full-out diving suit! It was impressive, I tried the rum and it was tasty. It is now my go-to spiced rum, not just for the fun bottle, but also for the good taste. (Very vanilla-y).
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I was very sad when my Kraken flashlight broke. I need a new one!
Love the Kraken.
ReplyDeleteI think it's only available in Oregon, but our local Portland outfit House Spirits Distillery has some excellent small-batch spirits with old-school science-lab labeling:
http://www.housespirits.com/spirits_limited.html
They also make Aviation Gin, which isn't quite as steampunk but still has a kind of retro vibe:
http://www.housespirits.com/spirits_avgin.html
Love the Kraken Rum. Great in Coke or Dr. Pepper. OR make a mojito with some flavored syrup and mint and float an oil slick on top. I alternate between Kraken and Sailor Jerry's now.
ReplyDeleteTry Hendrick's Gin for Martini's and Tonics. It's nice, and has a great Apothecary packaging: http://www.alcoholreviews.com/SPIRITS/gins-0901.shtml
I fully expected to read 3 comments about how meh the Kraken was. I'm surprised they all liked it because my husband and I both thought it was just meh.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite drink with Kraken Rum is good quality cream soda with a little Kraken Rum. The vanilla flavor in the cream soda and the spiced rum compliment each other nicely.
ReplyDeleteI was fairly impressed with the Kraken as well. It was a lot stronger than I expected which does get in the way of the flavor a bit. I can't wait to try it with cream soda! Thank you for the suggestion!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy your blog and thought you might like this amazing Victorian steampunk desk! http://urbantitan.com/really-cool-steampunk-office/
ReplyDeleteBeing vodka and scotch lovers primarily, neither my husband nor I were impressed with Kraken (he swears he can feel it clawing its way out after a shot). Still, it's a beautiful bottle and fun to have out for guests :)
ReplyDeleteIt's readily available in Illinois, btw.
St. Germain! It's made from elderflowers, and has a definite art deco kind of pretty steampunk style to the bottle. AND it's delicious!
ReplyDeleteNever seen the Kraken stuff! The closest we get to horror themed brews in this bit of Scotland is the Kelpie Seaweed ale, or various creepy goblin ones from Wychwood...both excellent, but any Steampunk link there is very tenuous indeed! I'd say a good old-fashion gin or absinthe would be the best Steamy shop-bought drink - although if I can get my mittens on home brewing equipment, there's nothing like a nice set of bubbling, queer-smelling 'glassblower had hiccups' vials for giving the place that mad laboratory feel ;)
ReplyDeleteLove this blog, so I had to add a comment! For a really cool steampunk liquor, check out Underground!!! The bottle/jug is awesome! I also highly recommend it for drinking (it's kinda like Jager, but much smoother!)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ogdensown.com
I've tried kraken rum. Nothing to write home about, but I did get a free kraken made of plastic. Makes anything instantly steampunk.
ReplyDeleteI bought Kraken in Southern Indiana, and I must say, I LOVE it. Gorgeous bottle, affordable, and tasty. I must try the cream soda idea!
ReplyDeleteCream Soda and Run - that must (or should be given) a name!
ReplyDeleteMake it so!
Cream Soda and Rum - deserves a name - think it has one?
ReplyDeleteIf not - Make it so
Carry on
Viscount Goatia
Hello! I just found your blog.
ReplyDeleteI picked up a couple of bottles of Well-oiled Malbec Rose just because their bottles were steampunky (oh and our shop had a 2nd-bottle-for-a-dollar deal)
Website: http://welloiledwineco.com/
Unleash the kraken! I love the Kraken with ginger beer its makes one good dark and stormy. Its only so so straight up... still the artwork on the bottle is what made me buy it.
ReplyDeleteI bought Kraken rum just for the bottle. I turned it into a small collage sculpture, sold it and quadrupled ny investment. Gotta love th Kraken!
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, the rum didn't go to waste either.
that label is beautiful
ReplyDelete