I want to apologize for the delay between posts. I was actually out of town for a little over a week, so this post is loaded with goodies to make up for it.
A couple of new and returning goodies.
Midnight Sun Treat
This is a whopper of a beer! An imperial chocolate pumpkin porter, this beer is as interesting tasting as it sounds! It may be past the pumpkin beer "season", but this is a beer that will blow you away regardless of the year. Loads of bittersweet chocolate, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and milk chocolate play beautifully off the medium dry body with hints of floral hops and a lightly smoky edge. This beer won't be around long, so act quickly!
Midnight Sun 3767 Belgian IPA w/Brett
A collaboration brew between Midnight Sun and Ballast Point in California. This is easily the best Belgian styled IPA I have ever had! Well balanced with a plentiful dose of NW hops, as well as a good helping of that earthy, funky, slightly fruity Brett-y goodness we have all come to know and love. A good mid palate with enough caramelly sweet malt to balance out the citrus driven hop edge. Again, this beer will not be around long, so act fast.
Jolly Pumpkin Noel de Calabaza
One of my favorite breweries, and easily a top 5 domestic Christmas ale in my book. This miniscule Dexter, Michigan brewery always impresses and was recognized as the #8 brewery in America by Beer Advocate magazine. Their own description of this beer is more befitting than I could ever attempt
"Deep mahogany and malty, layered hops, figs, raisins, sugar plums, cashews betwixt rum laden truffles."
Deschutes Abyss - I still have a few bottles left people, as well as some 2009 Mirror Mirror.
Kulmbacher Eisbock
This is always a treat as the weather turn colder. Here is a quick back story on Eisbock.
"The ice bock, also known as "Bayrisch Gefrorns", owes its discovery to a coincidence. According to the chronicles of the Kulmbacher brewery, some time around 1900 an apprentice forgot on a cold winter day to carry two barrels of bock beer into the brewery cellar. The barrels stayed outside, were covered by ice and snow and weren’t discovered until the following spring. The barrels had burst and the apprentice was reprimanded. But the carelessness was a stroke of luck because under the thick ice coat, a bock beer extract remained, strong tasting and high in alcoholic content.
Even if the dark, tasty specialty is not produced in this spectacular way anymore, the chance that gave birth to this beer became a tradition. Today this beer rarity is brewed in a modern brewing and freezing process, but the incomparable taste is still the same and can always be enjoyed in winter months.
Rich, decadent, chocolaty malt explode with a hint of spice and a big dose of alcohol! A great winter beer.
Hair of the Dog Doggie Claws
Not much can be said for this Portland brewery that hasn't been said already. Alan Sprints and his crew continue to impress with small batch goodies sure to please. The Doggie Claws is one of my absolute favorite offerings from HOTD. A barleywine with both old and new world flair, it explodes with dark fruit, spice, floral and citrus hops, and an abundant load of alcohol. This beer will only get better with a few years of bottle age on it, but don't plan on us ageing it for you, as it always sells fast.
We also received a bunch of fantastic Christmas beers from Belgium
Gouden Carolus Noel - One of my all-time favorite brews 98 Ratebeer.com A- Beeradvocate.com
Noel des Geants - B+ Beeradvocate.com
La Moneuse Speciale Noel - 91pts Ratebeer.com B+ Beeradvocate.com
De Struise Brouwers Tsjeeses - Another one of my favorites 97 Ratebeer.com A- Beeradvocate.com
We have loads more goodies as well, that I don't have time to post. Come on down and check us out!
Friday, November 27, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
More New Beer and Wine!
This has been a very busy week with loads of new items hitting our shelves.
New Beers
Deschutes Abyss -
Odds are if you don't get here by the end of the weekend you'll miss out on this once a year gem.
The Bruery Two Turtle Doves -
This isn't brand new, but it definitely deserves mention. A Belgian style dark ale brewed with cocoa nibs and toasted pecans. This is yet another exemplary beer by this upstart California brewery. Loads of dark fruit, chocolate covered cherries, brown sugar, pecans, and dark chocolate are evened out by the tiny bubble carbonation this beer erupts with. Get it while you can!
Stone Brewing Double Bastard
The big brother of their flagship Arrogant Bastard, this beer is awesome! Their description is far more fitting than mine so here it is "This is a lacerative muther of a beer. The evil big brother of Arrogant Bastard Ale. It is strongly suggested you stay far, far away from this beer. Those foolish enough to venture close enough to taste will experience a punishingly unforgiving assault on the palate. ’Course there’s always the masochists."
Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale
$13.99 12pk!
For me this beer signifies the beginning of winter. Great packaging and an even better beer. Nice toffee, caramelized malt, brown sugar, and a nice citrusy hoppy edge round out this exceptional beer.
New Wine
Chateau Diana 1221 red and 1221 white
"The grapes for the 1221 Cabernet Cuvée were picked from small vineyards in Napa and Sonoma counties. Fermented and aged separately, all seven lots were left to develop their own complex characteristics. The wines were aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels for an average of 16 months. The final blend was created six months prior to bottling to ensure the full integration of textures and flavors. The resulting wine is fruit dominant on the nose, ripe and brambly. The taste profiles include bold, vibrant, fleshy Cabernet Sauvignon characteristics. The wine is rich in texture, layered and full bodied. The oak tones are subtle yet continue throughout.
Considerable time was spent on perfecting the 1221 final blend. In addition to uniting the grapes from these two counties, the wine is also a combination of the refined French style wines and the bright fruit forward wines of the new world. What would seem to be a contradiction works surprisingly well in the case of the 1221."
"The grapes for the 1221 Fleur de Lys were picked mid-late September, from some of the most sought-after vineyards in Napa and Sonoma counties. The Viognier portion of the blend came from two unique vineyards close to the banks of the Russian River. The fog wanders up the river from the ocean, keeping the grapes cool in the summer. This cooling effect delays the harvest giving the flavors and aromas time to fully mature. The result is some of the most intense aromatics a white wine can contain. The Chardonnay portion of the blend came from the Carneros region in Napa and the Napa Valley floor. This regional combination provides the sweet fruit and fantastic structure.
The taste profiles of the 1221 Fleur de Lys includes luscious ripe fruit flavors, a lively
acidity and a harmonic finish that is intricate and refined. Full-bodied and rich in texture,
Fleur de Lys will pair exceedingly well with a variety of dining selections. From a light
luncheon to a swanky upscale dinner party, surprise your special guests with this unusual,
refreshing offering that is 1221."
Finca el Tesso Tempranillo
Another tasting offering from the guys at Small Vineyards. This time it is from their new Iberian (Spain and Portugal) portfolio. This wine comes from the same region the Famed Serrano ham comes from, so you know it will be food friendly! Here is a little info about the winery.
"For five generations, Angel Paiva’s family has cultivated wine on their
picturesque family estate in western Spain. Located in Extremadura,
a remote region near Portugal that is famous for having more vines
(and sheep) than people. Paiva’s vineyards are quiet and beautiful,
and reside over 600 meters above sea level. This altitude provides cool nights, and an unusually long growing season – thus, the wines develop
a rich, alluring complexity.
Be sure to stop in for your thanksgiving wines. I will be posting a blog sometime next week with our picks.
New Beers
Deschutes Abyss -
Odds are if you don't get here by the end of the weekend you'll miss out on this once a year gem.
The Bruery Two Turtle Doves -
This isn't brand new, but it definitely deserves mention. A Belgian style dark ale brewed with cocoa nibs and toasted pecans. This is yet another exemplary beer by this upstart California brewery. Loads of dark fruit, chocolate covered cherries, brown sugar, pecans, and dark chocolate are evened out by the tiny bubble carbonation this beer erupts with. Get it while you can!
Stone Brewing Double Bastard
The big brother of their flagship Arrogant Bastard, this beer is awesome! Their description is far more fitting than mine so here it is "This is a lacerative muther of a beer. The evil big brother of Arrogant Bastard Ale. It is strongly suggested you stay far, far away from this beer. Those foolish enough to venture close enough to taste will experience a punishingly unforgiving assault on the palate. ’Course there’s always the masochists."
Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale
$13.99 12pk!
For me this beer signifies the beginning of winter. Great packaging and an even better beer. Nice toffee, caramelized malt, brown sugar, and a nice citrusy hoppy edge round out this exceptional beer.
New Wine
Chateau Diana 1221 red and 1221 white
"The grapes for the 1221 Cabernet Cuvée were picked from small vineyards in Napa and Sonoma counties. Fermented and aged separately, all seven lots were left to develop their own complex characteristics. The wines were aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels for an average of 16 months. The final blend was created six months prior to bottling to ensure the full integration of textures and flavors. The resulting wine is fruit dominant on the nose, ripe and brambly. The taste profiles include bold, vibrant, fleshy Cabernet Sauvignon characteristics. The wine is rich in texture, layered and full bodied. The oak tones are subtle yet continue throughout.
Considerable time was spent on perfecting the 1221 final blend. In addition to uniting the grapes from these two counties, the wine is also a combination of the refined French style wines and the bright fruit forward wines of the new world. What would seem to be a contradiction works surprisingly well in the case of the 1221."
"The grapes for the 1221 Fleur de Lys were picked mid-late September, from some of the most sought-after vineyards in Napa and Sonoma counties. The Viognier portion of the blend came from two unique vineyards close to the banks of the Russian River. The fog wanders up the river from the ocean, keeping the grapes cool in the summer. This cooling effect delays the harvest giving the flavors and aromas time to fully mature. The result is some of the most intense aromatics a white wine can contain. The Chardonnay portion of the blend came from the Carneros region in Napa and the Napa Valley floor. This regional combination provides the sweet fruit and fantastic structure.
The taste profiles of the 1221 Fleur de Lys includes luscious ripe fruit flavors, a lively
acidity and a harmonic finish that is intricate and refined. Full-bodied and rich in texture,
Fleur de Lys will pair exceedingly well with a variety of dining selections. From a light
luncheon to a swanky upscale dinner party, surprise your special guests with this unusual,
refreshing offering that is 1221."
Finca el Tesso Tempranillo
Another tasting offering from the guys at Small Vineyards. This time it is from their new Iberian (Spain and Portugal) portfolio. This wine comes from the same region the Famed Serrano ham comes from, so you know it will be food friendly! Here is a little info about the winery.
"For five generations, Angel Paiva’s family has cultivated wine on their
picturesque family estate in western Spain. Located in Extremadura,
a remote region near Portugal that is famous for having more vines
(and sheep) than people. Paiva’s vineyards are quiet and beautiful,
and reside over 600 meters above sea level. This altitude provides cool nights, and an unusually long growing season – thus, the wines develop
a rich, alluring complexity.
Be sure to stop in for your thanksgiving wines. I will be posting a blog sometime next week with our picks.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Let's See If Anyone Is Reading This Thing
The first person to come in and tell me (Joe) they read this blog will receive 25% any bottle of your choosing (wine or beer). I am here 9-5 Tuesday through Saturday. Let the race begin!
Friday, November 6, 2009
Great New Italians From Small Vineyards!
Just a quick note to let you know that we have received our fall shipment of direct import wines from Italy. There is a plethora of goodness in this shipment, but here are a few highlights.
The perfect Thanksgiving wine!
Barbolini Lambrusco Lancillotto - $17
This is not your grandmas Lambrusco. Unfortunately, most associate Lambrusco with sickly sweet sparkling red wine, but that is not always the case. Yes, it is a wine with some bubbles. Yes, it is also red. What it is not is sweet. This is the perfect wine to please all with the Thanksgiving dinner! This wine explodes with a cranberry like acidic edge, and the flavors of ripe raspberries and tart cherries marry beautifully with the taught tannic earthiness to make a perfectly balanced wine. I can think of no better pairing than turkey, sage dressing, cranberry sauce, and this wine! It will be the only wine on my table this thanksgiving! What better region to get a food friendly wine from than Emilia-Romagna
A Wine For The Fall
Palama Arcangelo Salice Salentino - $12
This spectacular wine proves that not all wine from Puglia stinks! An 80/20 blend of Negroamaro and Primitivo, this wine is a treat for the cool weather of the fall. "...an expansive, rich, and robust palate, with an elegance that only comes from small production and expert craftmanship. With aromas of steeped plums, cracked pepper, blackberry confit, and cinnamon, it is a heady and delicious experience."
The Conversation Starter
Tre Donne d'arc Langhe Rosso - $15
Only 400 cases were made of this wine by the sisters extraordinaire of Piedmont. An intruiging blend of Barbera, Pinot Noir, Dolcetto, and an essentially obsolete highly aromatic grape, Freisa. The Barbera is aged in French Oak and the Pinot Noir in Slovonian oak, while the other two see no oak. This is a fascinating wine that is unexpectedly powerful with loads of dark fruit and tannin, but enough finesse and elegance to merit drinking with no accompanying meal. This wine is named after the sisters childhood hero Joan of Arc. Stop in and I'll tell you all about this awesome wineries story!
No Dessert Needed Here
Terre Gaie Fior d'Arancio Spumanti - $16
Everyone is familiar with the frizzante Moscato d'Asti's from Piedmont, but have you ever had a frizzante sparkler from the Veneto? I hadn't either before trying this gem, and what a treat! Made from a different clone of Moscato (Moscato Giallo) than is found in the Piedmont wines (Moscato Bianco), this one showcases a flavor profile completely unlike anything of its kind. There is a huge orange character present that the wine picks up from the neighboring orange groves as well as a nice dose of orange blossom honey, coriander, melon, tropical fruit, and citrus.
Make sure you act fast on these wines, as what you see is what you get. I ordered these wines in August, and we won't see them again for quite some time!
The perfect Thanksgiving wine!
Barbolini Lambrusco Lancillotto - $17
This is not your grandmas Lambrusco. Unfortunately, most associate Lambrusco with sickly sweet sparkling red wine, but that is not always the case. Yes, it is a wine with some bubbles. Yes, it is also red. What it is not is sweet. This is the perfect wine to please all with the Thanksgiving dinner! This wine explodes with a cranberry like acidic edge, and the flavors of ripe raspberries and tart cherries marry beautifully with the taught tannic earthiness to make a perfectly balanced wine. I can think of no better pairing than turkey, sage dressing, cranberry sauce, and this wine! It will be the only wine on my table this thanksgiving! What better region to get a food friendly wine from than Emilia-Romagna
A Wine For The Fall
Palama Arcangelo Salice Salentino - $12
This spectacular wine proves that not all wine from Puglia stinks! An 80/20 blend of Negroamaro and Primitivo, this wine is a treat for the cool weather of the fall. "...an expansive, rich, and robust palate, with an elegance that only comes from small production and expert craftmanship. With aromas of steeped plums, cracked pepper, blackberry confit, and cinnamon, it is a heady and delicious experience."
The Conversation Starter
Tre Donne d'arc Langhe Rosso - $15
Only 400 cases were made of this wine by the sisters extraordinaire of Piedmont. An intruiging blend of Barbera, Pinot Noir, Dolcetto, and an essentially obsolete highly aromatic grape, Freisa. The Barbera is aged in French Oak and the Pinot Noir in Slovonian oak, while the other two see no oak. This is a fascinating wine that is unexpectedly powerful with loads of dark fruit and tannin, but enough finesse and elegance to merit drinking with no accompanying meal. This wine is named after the sisters childhood hero Joan of Arc. Stop in and I'll tell you all about this awesome wineries story!
No Dessert Needed Here
Terre Gaie Fior d'Arancio Spumanti - $16
Everyone is familiar with the frizzante Moscato d'Asti's from Piedmont, but have you ever had a frizzante sparkler from the Veneto? I hadn't either before trying this gem, and what a treat! Made from a different clone of Moscato (Moscato Giallo) than is found in the Piedmont wines (Moscato Bianco), this one showcases a flavor profile completely unlike anything of its kind. There is a huge orange character present that the wine picks up from the neighboring orange groves as well as a nice dose of orange blossom honey, coriander, melon, tropical fruit, and citrus.
Make sure you act fast on these wines, as what you see is what you get. I ordered these wines in August, and we won't see them again for quite some time!
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