I’ve been on the road for over a year. There’s a lot of glamour that gets associated with the being a jet setter. Visions of Up In The Air dance through people’s heads.
While I won’t share my number either, I will say I’ve flown more than enough to reach Executive Platinum with American (no luck on CK). I get wonderful upgrades, and the lounge is really nice. Despite all of this though, most road accommodations tend to leave a bit to be desired. While it’s obvious that not every traveler will be staying in a Westin, traveling in Business class, or even to a nice town, it’s amazing the kind of trouble you’ll run into.
Ok, ok, it’s (usually) not that bad. Most of the time it’s just a normal run of the mill things. Hairs left in places you wish they weren’t, most laminate (Hilton) floors are covered in invisible things that definitely can be felt by your feet (and inspecting to see whatever they are might be worse…), and the occasional ants or palmetto bug. After a year, I still have no idea what some of you do to the interiors of rental cars. How do you even get handprints there? You know. The usual stuff.
Then there are the true challenges. Like opening a bottle of wine.
While we’ve talked about this in the past, I want to reiterate that it really isn’t easy when you don’t have the right tools. I tried all the usual methods. Shoe on the wall (Sorry neighbor). Towel on the door (Is this wall even gonna stay up?). Ultimately, I gave up and poked it in with a knife.
Sure you can just push in the cork, but if you’re SOL if you want to reseal it. While there are plenty of canned wines and screw tops, sometimes the wine you want is sealed with cork. Fortunately, I’ve found a great solution to that problem when you’re a frequent traveler. The True Jetsetter – Double Hinged Corkscrew, a TSA compliant corkscrew with a built in foil cutter in place of blades.
Not only is this corkscrew TSA compliant (look ma, no blade!). It also functions well, and all for under $10. While you may have to take it out of your bag (even if you’re pre-check), the TSA usually just admires that it exists, and sends you on your way. Usually, because boredom with it is the other result. No matter their reaction, if you traveling with carry-ons and love wine, then this corkscrew is a must!
No matter how nifty the corkscrew, it can’t save you picking the wrong wine. So how is Firebrand Chardonnay?
Firebrand Chardonnay 2017
Sight: A yellowish gold.
Smell: Butter and cream float out, with a hint of lemon and tropical fruit.
Sip: The body has a solid weight, and the acidity is middling without letting it reach into flabby territory. There is a bit of bitterness that carries over and gives a bit of pithiness. There’s some tropical fruit here, but butter and woodsiness lead the way.
Savor: The ending is subdued, lemon-laced, and somewhat oaky. The finish lingers a while.
Look, based on how Firebrand Pinot Noir went, this wasn’t likely to end particularly well. Firebrand Chardonnay is a cheaply sold wine, that is sturdy and drinkable, if not particularly interesting. At $10, it’s really stretching how far you can stretch that level of value. That said, there’s nothing particularly wrong with it, Firebrand Chardonnay is just ok.
The opener though – that’s fantastic.
Her Modern Kitchen offers an alternate take
Want to pick up a Jetsetter? Head over to Amazon
