Party time in America

Had the first of two pretty-close Margie Gras parties on Saturday. Stan, Randy, John B., Doyce, Kate, and a couple of Kate’s friends, Timothy and Jennifer. More food than could be et, and more drink than was intended for drinking, and a fun time.

The theme this time out was retro to Margie Gras’ origins — identify a drink or liquor you’ve been curious about and have wanted an excuse to try. Some very fine concoctions were tried, and some not-so-fine ones.

One new “discovery” was Redcliff, a touted, oddly, as “America’s Liqueur.” It comes in a very attractive bottle with a lovely label and all sorts of intriguing text on the sides, similar to this press release.

Arcella Premium Brands, LLC, announces the introduction of its Redcliff Liqueur, the first premium American liqueur.

With 15 distinctive blended ingredients, Redcliff Liqueur offers a truly unique American taste and has a southwestern look and feel, according to Frank Arcella, owner of Arcella Premium Brands of Las Vegas, Nev.

Trying out Redcliff established a few things:

1. It smelled like it was going to burn through your gullet, though in the tasting it was a lot less harsh.
2. It still tasted pretty awful, with an odd finish that most of us defined as Root Beer, but is evidently supposed to be Cola. “It tastes like … burning …” was the common joke. Along with, “Maybe it’s George Bush’s America, but it’s not mine.”

3. The labelling text — and the publicity — focuses a lot more on the bottle and label than on its contents. Probably wisely

Indeed, on that last point, looking around the Internet, Google couldn’t find much about Redcliff, and almost nothing about Arcella (except they also make a premium tequilla). Lots of publicity, very little in the way of actual reviews or company info.

The closest is this page, which lists several (awful to think of) Redcliff mixed drinks one can make, and offers this description:

Cola-flavored Redcliff is a premium liqueur of uncommon complexity and character.

A combination of 15 secret ingredients, this versatile spirit is perfect for shots, shooters and mixed drinks. At 65 proof, “it gets you where you want to go but doesn’t beat you up on the way.”

Redcliff is produced in the U.S.A. and packaged in handcrafted bottles with depictions of Southwestern vistas and rugged topography.

In flavor and style, Redcliff embodies a place rich in spirit, culture and intrigue. Redcliff promotional efforts encompass bars and clubs that attract college students of legal drinking age, country and western fans, stockcar racing fans, military personnel, rodeo attendees and sports enthusiasts.

Which description prompted the observation that it was really Red State Liqueur, and that the George Bush’s America joke was closer than it seemed at first snark. I mean … stockcar racing fans? Like this is going to get them to quit drinking Jaegermeister, Southern Comfort, or Bud?

Elsewhere, another (packaging company) press release notes:

We are targeting our new premium liqueur to heartland America, people who enjoy rodeo and country music, as well as younger adults who live full, active lifestyles, says Arcella.

I’m not sure what sort of full, active lifestyles they’re talking about here, but I’m afraid that, even with a passing fondness for country music on occasion, I clearly no longer qualify in some of the target categories. Or, if I do, then they’ve missed the target.

Meanwhile, back at the party, after snarking on Redcliff and eating and drinking our fill, we retired to the family room to watch rodeos listen to country music live full, active lifestyles watch Galaxy Quest and chit-chat.

A very nice evening, unfortunate liqueur explorations aside.