Smoking Loon

**knuck** · 01.12.07, 02:46 AM

Ok, so tonight I tried Smoking Loon for the first time. I picked this little treat up from QFC, where the price tag read $10.99 with a sale sticker of $7.99. Well, that's at least a step up from the ol' "Two Buck Chuck" I suppose. I should note that I'm particularly fond of chianti, with merlot in a close second. I chose the merlot in this case.

Being somewhat of a wine connoisseur, I can say that this wasn't altogether offensive. Not particularly robust in taste, it was fruity but not too sugary, with a bit of a smoky aftertaste. It was a simple wine, with a smooth non-intrusive taste, and would do well with a pasta involving a good deal of vegetables. I'm not averse to picking up an $8 bottle of wine, so long as it comes from an area that's known for decent soil/grapes. I must admit, I didn't even read the label, nor was I in any shape to write a serious review of it (having imbibed in a number of Captain/7's at the bar) - but for a guy that hates wines that tastes like candy, refuses dessert wines, this wasn't a bad buy for its price.

This is such a stupid thread, but for all that's been said about Ed's affinity for "The Loon", I figured someone had to try it!

**Kevy5150** · 01.12.07, 02:51 AM

For my brother's wedding party, my father bought a 24 pack box of Smoking Loon from Costco. My dad spent the WHOLE next day recovering. In addition, he gave me a bottle for myself.

**knuck** · 01.12.07, 03:16 AM

Originally Posted by Kevy5150

For my brother's wedding party, my father bought a 24 pack box of Smoking Loon from Costco. My dad spent the WHOLE next day recovering. In addition, he gave me a bottle for myself.

Did ya try it? I'd compare it to Yellow Tail maybe... And hey, ANY wine that you drink enough of is gonna leave you recovering for a day. Ok wait.. Night Train and Carlos Rossi will leave you and your ass recovering for a full week!

AT · 01.12.07, 03:38 AM

I tried Smoking Loon a few weeks ago at a jazz club. (Ed will soon have an endorsement deal, as all VH fanatics are giving sales a slight nudge.) Rather than $8 a bottle, I paid $6 for the glass (standard 400% mark-up). I found it to be not quite as heavy and also lacking the sharp aftertaste of Merlot as I know it. Overall I thought it was fine for a cheap Merlot. Unfortunately, though, it gave me a headache as all Merlot does now; I've been dealing with severe tension and migraine headaches for a couple of years, and my doctor says I have to avoid Merlot (my favorite wine). I ignored him to try the Loon!

**SuckaInA3Piece** · 01.12.07, 05:50 AM

Originally Posted by knuck

Did ya try it? I'd compare it to Yellow Tail maybe... And hey, ANY wine that you drink enough of is gonna leave you recovering for a day. Ok wait.. Night Train and Carlos Rossi will leave you and your ass recovering for a full week!

I'd also compare it to Yellow Tail, which is quickly becoming one of my faves. The Yellow Tail cab is just awesome, IMHO.

I picked up a South African wine called Goat Do Roam for about $8 bucks or so. Very good wine, which everyone at the dinner really enjoyed.

Check it out:

http://www.fairview.co.za/goats/index.php

**knuck** · 01.12.07, 09:13 AM

Originally Posted by SuckaInA3Piece

I'd also compare it to Yellow Tail, which is quickly becoming one of my faves. The Yellow Tail cab is just awesome, IMHO.

I picked up a South African wine called Goat Do Roam for about $8 bucks or so. Very good wine, which everyone at the dinner really enjoyed.

Check it out:

http://www.fairview.co.za/goats/index.php

I looked at that stuff not too long ago and thought about trying it. Think I'll give it a shot sometime, thanks for the heads up.

Ooooh. Drank the whole bottle last night after coctails. My head is thumpin today.

**Filthy 150** · 01.12.07, 12:47 PM

The wife goes through a bottle of merlot a week.
She likes the shiraz too.

**Axxman300** · 01.12.07, 06:47 PM

The 'Loon Cabernet is good, I hated the Chardonnay, liked the Melot and the Pinot Noir.

Right now I'm on a Gallo Nappa and Berringer kick.

**LLFHS** · 01.12.07, 06:55 PM

Originally Posted by Filthy 150

The wife goes through a bottle of merlot a week.
She likes the shiraz too.

Having partied with her twice now, are you sure it takes a whole week?

**Lodewijk** · 01.13.07, 05:34 AM

Filthy and D turned Tabby and I onto it last June......Tabby loves the stuff!

She's partial to the Cabernet Sauvignon, I like a little of the Merlot with dinner, but I'm not a big wine guy.

I've had enough wine over the years to be able to tell what's decent and what's not.....but that's it, I can't break down WHY...but it's kinda like music, if it tastes/sounds good, it is good.......Loon is good.

**Lodewijk** · 01.13.07, 05:39 AM

I'd love to be able to see the numbers on how a simple off-hand mention by Eddie Van Halen has increased their sales........Ed should've invested in Loon rather than Sacred Sin!

**Blind Lemon Loons** · 01.13.07, 08:05 AM

Drinkin' wine spo-dee-o-dee!! Pass that bottle to me!

**Filthy 150** · 01.13.07, 07:03 PM

Originally Posted by LowLifeFlatHeadScum

Having partied with her twice now, are you sure it takes a whole week?

She usually has 1 glass after dinner.

Now, if it is a weekend-ish type of day...that is a totally different story

**vistadelrey** · 01.13.07, 07:12 PM

It's been a month or so since I tried the Loon. I didn't like it much. it just seemed seriously unbalanced. anyhow i'd better stay away from this thread cuz I decided to put the juicy juice away since the turn of the year. Nothing drastic. I just wanna shed some weight and the vino usually gets me going in the kitchen with the rich culinary foodstuffs.