So here in Richmond, we have a business called, The Tap Room.
For my birthday, my best friend gave me several very nice gifts, but one thing she gifted me with was a particular 12 year aged balsamic vinegar that came from The Tap Room. I have been meaning to get there, but to be honest, just basically forgot about the place.
So I have known for quite some time that "extra virgin olive oil" usually wasn't first pressed, pure, olive oil. But I didn't know how good "premium" olive oil is, or the flavors you could get (other than truffle oil). So the balsamic vinegar blew my mind. I had never tasted anything like it, ever.
I went to the Tap Room website and started reading and the butter olive oil sounded incredible. I knew then that I had to go to the Taproom and see what they had. Ok....soooooo....my mind was blown! The butter olive oil tastes EXACTLY like butter! I got some blackberry/ginger balsamic vinegar, and some peach white vinegar. But I tasted many more and they were all mind-blowing. My son purchased the expresso flavor vinegar. I have been using the vinegar over a large chocolate raw cookie I make and also I just used it on some fresh peaches and figs.....unbelievable stuff; like syrup. You could literally use the stuff on pancakes, it's so good.
My son got the wild mushroom and sage olive oil....phew! I could go on and on, but if you can think of a flavor, I'm sure they have it (they have a Thai and Mexican flavored olive oil!).
If you guys don't have one of these places, you're missing out. It's not cheap, but probably cheaper than most "premium" olive oils you'd find in a specialty food place that sells gourmet food.
Check out their website: http://theoliveoiltaproom.com/
DEFINITELY educate yourself and read all about premium olive oil and aged balsamic vinegars!