Rolf Devinci

 In the glass is a new to me Barbados rum from the Mount Gay distillery. This spirit is blended from rums distilled in copper pots and column stills, matured in American whiskey casks then finished in charred bourbon barrels. Coming in at a 43% APV this rum shows gold in the glass with a hint of amber. A step up from the entry level Eclipse rum this spirit possesses smoke upon the palate no doubt from aging in charred wood. There is no age statement on the classic Mount Gay bottle and label but a little research indicates it is matured between three and seven years. I definitely taste the bourbon influence in this rum but also some caramel and banana. Mouth feel is verging upon a harshness and there is a degree of roughness in the finish. Not unpleasant but I prefer a little ice melt to open up the spirit and smooth out the finish. One needs to ask whether it justifies the $60 CDN price point over it's Eclipse sibling that retails for twenty less dollars? With an added ice cube I c...

Gifted a bottle of the 1796 solara rum so I was looking forward to completing this review. I believe this is my first experience with a solara rum although I may have sampled one unknowingly upon a Carribean cruise to the Dutch Antilles. In the glass is a 1796 Santa Theresa rum from Venezuela distilled by the Vollmer family to celebrate the bicentennial of the Hacienda Santa Theresa. Packaged in an attractive tube the heavy bottle has an unique shape complete with a dipped waxed neck and cork. Classic labeling to complete a traditional saloon look. In a simplified description of the solara system it basically requires inter-connected barrels of rum tiered upon each other with the oldest aged rum on the bottom and newer (less aged) kegs ascending to the top. When a percentage of the bottom barrel aged rum is bottled rums from the other kegs will descend thus replenishing all the tiered barrels. The top (youngest) keg then gets topped up with new rum. The resulting spirit is a blend of o...

 Discovered these seeds from Basse at Costco last year and they now reside in the kitchen pantry. Shelled, roasted and salted they are packed with  essential minerals required for maintaining good health; zinc and magnesium. They are also a good source of iron, fat and protein while having only one gram of sugar and five grams of carbs per serving. Certified organic and gluten free. They are also a good plant source of omega 3 fatty acids. Magnesium and zinc are both essential for health. Magnesium supports nerve, bone, heart health and promotes muscle relaxation. It also maintains mineral balance within the body and supports hundreds of enzymatic functions. Zinc is critical for a strong immune system. In this age of covid, flu and constantly mutating respiratory illnesses that alone makes a deficiency in zinc a serious concern. It is also important for normal growth, development and antioxidant support. Humans do not make zinc and similar to vitamin C must be gained through d...

 Having stumbled upon Mitsoh while online I was intrigued by the products of this indigenous company based in the Wabasca Bigstone Cree nation in Alberta Canada. For years I have been consuming a more traditional diet trying to limit the negative impact of the standard American diet; high processed foods loaded with sugars, preservatives, chemicals and often defunct of healthy fats and nutrients. Since the 1970's we have been misled about dietary nutrition but improved nutritional science is now refuting that bad advice. My takeaway after years of dietary self experimentation was the realization that a standardized cookie cutter approach to diet is suspect and that individuals need to determine what foods work well for them, what foods are neutral and what foods do harm. I discovered that low carb/ high(er) protein diets are optimal for me in combination with an avoidance of sugars, seed oils, nightshade vegetables all while limiting grains, fruits and dairy consumption.  As a...

 Purchased a Pompei Gladius from Reliks as a gift to myself and as an addition to the existing Roman panoply in the armory. Years ago my son had bought a legionary kit and while most of the pieces were historically accurate (in a modern reproduction sense) the gladius was a stainless steel wall hanger.  I figured it was time to upgrade the kit with an appropriate blade for an enlisted Roman legionary. I opted for the Deepeeka gladius as it fitted the criteria perfectly - a simple but functional sword that was historically accurate. Made of EN45 carbon steel with a full tang diamond cross section, a guard, grip and hilt made of wood and a wood lined leather scabbard with simple bronzed accents. Nothing special but rather a working soldier's blade. The price was right as well listed at $153.99 CDN. That said the fit and finish is surprisingly good for such a budget gladius. The gladius is straight with some ripples upon the blade which denotes a hand forging. It possesses a poin...

 Tomorrow marks the second anniversary of my cycling accident on my bike commute to work that October 21st 2021. Too say it has been a challenging two years would be an understatement. Physical blunt force trauma, life saving neurosurgery and all the associated fears, stresses and financial strain involved in the rehabilitation process. Despite the ongoing challenges I am still above ground and have regained much of my physical capabilities. Cycling is over for me now but I have embraced the gym as both a means to regain my strength and a sanctuary for my mental health dealing with the aforementioned fears and stress. My focus remains upon my well being and returning, as much as possible, to my pre accident fitness. Insurance settlement remains pending. Thankfully my legal team is doing the work and the negotiations. It does annoy me that the process takes so long to complete knowing insurance companies delay settlements as much as possible. It just adds more stress to an already t...

Decided to switch up my deck planting this season by using companion planting strategies. It will be interesting to see the results, specifically in regards to my vegetable plants and edible herbs. Not only does companion planting offer insect predation protection while increasing visits from pollinators but also helps keep the soil rich in nutrients. It is an ideal strategy when you are limited by space but want to have a diversity of plants and beneficial insect visitors. Located six stories above the ground my deck is Southwest facing so receives sunlight from around 2pm until dusk. As a result I am limited to plants that tolerate full sun and I must be diligent when to comes to watering as it gets hot and my plants are all in pots. The advantage of pots is the fact I can always move them around for shade and bring them inside on particularly hot days for a little respite. Started quite simply using marigolds as companion for my tomatoes. Marigolds come well recommended for being co...