Decanting with Delkin
Return of an Old Favorite
In New Package Delights

          By Fred Delkin

     When this writer pursued a career as an advertising exec in San Francisco, it was the era of the 'Martini Lunch' and this Pacific Northwest refugee learned the art of entertaining clients and oneself over a glass (or two) of shaken, not stirred, Gin with a tiny bit of dry Vermouth. During this time, we discovered a clear liquid from Holland packaged in a brown opaque ceramic bottle that made the ultimate Martini.  This was Bols Genever, and a savvy bartender would explain that this potable was neither Gin nor Vodka bu the result of a spirit first distilled in Holland in 1575 by one Lucas Bols.  It is inordinately smooth, but at the time of my discovery it
was available only in upscale bars and retail shops. 

Upon my return to the Northwest, this supply shortage followed me, and at one point, the OLCC discontinued its supply due to lack of knowledgable demand.  However, this delectable distillate has been reintroduced by mega-distributor Young's in a new package and we recently celebrated this with a Portland trade sampling.  Undoubtedly, the new packaging will increase distribution and consumption of Genever with its clear glass exterior etched in white script proclaimng its 1575 Amsterdam heritage.  The contents are 42% alcohol flavored with triple-distilled 'maltwine'-a slow-fermented mix of three types of grain and accented by fresh botanicals in the
distillate.  Ol' Lucas can look down with pride upon his creation which, our tastebuds feel, is on a par with fine Champagne, Cognac and Scottish single malt Whiskey.

So, in the immortal prose of the distiller, acquire a bottle of Bols and "get a real taste of Holland and its history."  Punch up the web site www.bolsgenever.com and explore the masterfully- produced content which includes classic cocktail recipes.

H50 Bistro & Bar has fine debut

 The revitalized Hotel Fifty at the foot of SW Morrison in Portland has established an innovatrive bar and restaurant facility with the H50 Bistro and Bar.  View windows overlooking the Willamette river and Tom McCalla Waterfront Park form a backdrop for bar and restaurant seating.  Here one can enjoy creative appetizer offerings at reasonable prices.  A mere $4 will deliver a choice among soups and salads, at $5, choose among oysters, salmon fritters, beef empenadas or grilled mushrooms. $6 offers Tuna Tartare, braised pork belly or duck confit.  $7 will serve a BLT sandwich, Foie Gras Bon Bons, a cheese plate, Cobb or Nicoise salads...and for $8 choose from a lineup of Japanese-stle fish rolls, or go all the way to $9 for burger selections
from Tillamook cheddar, Blue cheese or Venison.

This well-prepared menu of munchies can be accompanied by draft or bottled beers, a large selection of wines by glass or bottle and the full selection of hard stuff.  This hostelry was once known as the Riverside, never nore than a somewhat dowdy motel establishment.  The Coastal Management Group of Seattle has done a notable job of refurbishing the property and the kitchen is doing an impressive menu worth checking out, if only to accompany a drink.

© 2009 Oregon Magazine