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Sorry guys and gals,

I intended on keepingup with this blog, but I always seem to get busy and forget. Follow us on Facebook for all our announcements. Hopefully, in time, I will get back on the horse, but for now this blog will not be maintained.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tacoma-Boys-Markets/119314298127848


Thanks


Joe

Let's get back to business!

After a long hiatus to lands unknown I have returned to work. There are so many new items to tell you guys about, but let's start out small with one beer and one wine.

New Beer:

Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary Jack and Ken's Black Barleywine - The name kinda says it all, but if you need more detail here it is.

“Jack McAuliffe is the original microbrewer. McAuliffe’s tiny New Albion Brewery in Sonoma, California inspired countless brewers to start small-scale breweries of their own. Jack agreed to guest brew this very special ale with us in honor of our 30th anniversary. This American barleywine is a nod to the big ales New Albion served at their legendary summer solstice parties. It is robust and complex – brewed with 100% American Cascade hops.”

I have had a few of these already and keep going back to it. Here are my tasting notes.

Pours a thick black with an almost frothy head leaving behind great lacing. Aromas of dark roasted coffee, lightly smoked malt, and an earthen nuttiness are complemented by hints of caramel, dark fruits, fig, and dark chocolate. The palate showcases a nearly heavy handed maltiness that is balanced out with dark chocolate and a hint of smoky nuttyness. The palate doesn't carry anywhere near the level of dark fruit and sweet I anticipated, but it works well. Think of this beer as more of an Imperial Stout with Barleywine highlights than vice versa. A killer brew, I will continue to return to.

New Wine:

2006 Fattoria Di Felsina Toscana Fontalloro


95pts Wine Spectator
Wine Spectator Top 100 for 2009 # 13
Wine Spectator Highly Recommened
94pts Wine Advocate (Galloni)

Wine Spectator review:

Editor's Note: Chocolate, blackberry and black cherry aromas lead to a full-bodied palate, with velvety tannins and a deep concentration of fruit. Powerfully rich and polished. Big and structured. A blockbuster Sangiovese. Best after 2012. 3,300 cases made.–JS

Wine Advocate review:

The 2006 Fontalloro is much more sweet and open than the firmer Rancia. Enticing, expressive aromatics lead to an expansive core of fruit. Round, finessed tannins give the wine an additional level of polish. Today the Fontalloro is fleshier and more ready than the Rancia. There is superb purity to the fruit and wonderful overall balance. Tar, smoke, licorice, and grilled herbs come to life on the finish. Fontalloro is made from vineyards in both the Chianti Classico and Chianti Colli Senesi appellations. Simply put, this is a great, majestic Fontalloro. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2018.

If you were to cut proprietor Giuseppe Mazzocolin’s veins the man would bleed Sangiovese, such is his passion for Tuscany’s most important native grape. Mazzocolin has a terrific set of new releases on his hands. The 2006s are glorious and benefit from a warm growing season that also saw good alternation of day and evening temperatures before the grapes got a final kick of heat that informs the wines. In 2007, I have only tasted the Chianti Classico so far, but if that wine is indicative, Felsina could have another superb vintage in store for fans of this venerable property. So far 2007 looks to be a vintage of ripe wines made in a more generous, if early maturing style, than the firmer 2006s. Not only are Felsina’s wines magnificent, they also remain exceedingly fairly priced in relative terms. Mazzocolin deserves much credit and support from readers for his consumer-friendly approach, especially in these challenging times.

Not much I can say that the pros haven't, but this is one outstanding wine that needs to go home with you!

Wine & Beer of the Week

Alright, I am back from Minnesota and ready to get back on the horse. Lots of goodies to tell you about this week, but let's start with these.

Beer of the Week:

Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary Fritz and Ken's Ale

Since I was out of town this beer simply came in and went right into backstock. I wanted to be here to sell every bottle of this special brew. This is the first in a series of beers celebrating Sierra Nevada's 30 years of brewing. The first collaboration brings Fritz Maytag into the mix. Fritz is widely regarded as the father of modern American craft brewing. The heir to the Maytag fortune, he purchased a small San Francisco based microbrewery (Anchor Brewing) back in 1965 that was going out of business. 35 years later he is still at the helm, and has worked tirelessly to promote craft brewing in the U.S.

This is one big and impressive stout, with ability to age. A big malty sweet palate, with dark chocolate, dates, coffee, light smokiness and a touch of resin-y floral hops to round it out. Do not miss out on this beer, it will not last long!

Wine(ry) of the Week:

Baileyana Winery

This winery has easily been one of the biggest suprises for me this year. All three of their wines are under $21, and great values for their price point. All three are also certified sustainable. Here is just a quick blip about all three.

Chardonnay
"This wonderful union of winemaking and viticulture brings a Chardonnay of tremendous concentration. Bright flavors of pear, pineapple, and citrus marry with a nuance of minerality. Our first unfiltered effort has given us a wine that is intense and full with classic cool climate characteristics."
Winemaker, Christian Roguenant

Syrah
"Wow, what a wine! Cool climate Syrah is a whole different monster from the norm. There is not a lot of it in the ground and when grown right, it makes a wine that I believe will define Syrah in California. Lavender and blueberry jump out of the glass and are complimented by hints of white pepper on the palate."
Winemaker, Christian Roguenant

Pinot Noir
"Fruitier and fresher than many Pinot Noirs, this wine is intensely characteristic of its varietal. It is packed with flavors of rich black cherries and luscious black raspberry jam, with a hint of spice in the background. Smooth tannins and a velvety texture finish off nicely, leaving the palate asking for more."
Winemaker, Christian Roguenant

All three wines have scored 90 plus points in at least one major wine publication or another. My Favorite was the Chardonnay at $19, although it is tough to argue with a $21 Pinot Noir with this much depth and complexity. Give all three a try and decide for yourself.

Wine & Beer of the Week

Here is the first installment of what will become a weekly series. Each week I'll pick a wine and a beer that has caught my eye, and tell you all about it.

Wine of the Week for March 1st

Clua-Doménech Terra Alta Tinto –

This husband and wife team have combined 3 generations worth of winemaking and vineyards into one winery. Xavier Clua and Rosa Doménech both learned winemaking from their grandfathers, and inherited the estates in time. When the two married it combined two amazing winemakers and enologists with loads of fruit grown from old vine vineyards. Red wines from the Terra Alta are almost always Garnacha (Grenache) based and this wine is no exception. With 50% of the blend being Garnacha and the balance filled in with 20% Syrah and 15% each Cab and Merlot. The result is a deep rich wine with plenty of dark fruit, smoke and minerality. This wine does not spend any time in oak, which really allows the fruit to shine. At an average yield of one bottle per plant this is as small and boutique as you can get without paying an arm and a leg.

Snap up some of this Spanish gem at $13 a bottle!!!

Beer of the Week for March 1st

Allagash Confluence





This is one of the most under-rated breweries available in our market. They are a small production brewery located in Portland, Maine and make some of the best beer out there. The Confluence is a mixed fermentation beer that uses both a house Belgian style yeast in combination with Brettanomyces yeast, giving the beer all sorts of cool funk. Loads of tropical fruit and spice explode on to the palate with this beer, but the extensive ageing adds another dimension of stone fruits and a slight earthy tartness. This brew may be a little pricey, but trust me it is worth every penny!

Here Are Some Can't Miss Beer Deals!

Deschutes Hop Trip IPA
Regular Price: $5.49
Sale Price: $3.99

Sierra Nevada Chico Harvest Ale
Regular Price: $9.99
Sale Price: $5.49

Sierra Nevada Southern Hemisphere Harvest Ale
Regular Price: $5.99
Sale Price: $2.99

Sierra Nevada Celebration 12pks
Regular Price: $15.99
Sale Price: $12.99

These are just a few of the deals I have going right now. As a disclaimer, the beers listed above are a little past their ideal consumption date, but they are still fantastic, and some even prefer the Celebration with a little time on it. I have personally drank all three of these beers recently and they were still very tasty!

Lots & Lots Of New Goodies!

It has been very busy the past couple of weeks, so I haven't had a chance to let you guys know about all the tasty treats we have received. Since I started with beer last time, I will give wine it's due this time around.

One Hope Wines -

These guys are a double edged sword, as they not only donate 50% of their proceeds to the respective charity associated to the wine, but they also happen to be great value wines.

As of right now I have the first three in stock, but plan on adding the rest as soon as I have space. All varietals retail for $12!

Chardonnay (Breast Cancer)
Zinfandel (Support for the troops)
Cabernet Sauvignon (Autism)
Merlot (HIV/AIDS)
Sauvignon Blanc (Green Practices)

Obsidian Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon -

Obsidian Ridge Vineyard is planted at 2,640 feet, atop the Mayacamas range north of Napa Valley. This is one of the newest American Viticultural Areas, named Red Hills Lake County for the distinctive volcanic soils that define this remarkable mountain appellation. The vineyard’s red soils are shot through with obsidian rock – this steep, sloping terroir of obsidian gravel is all that a winemaker could hope for. The unrestricted drainage and meager soil fertility produce wines with great tannic structure. The summer growing season in the Red Hills tends to be quite warm, which is ideal for Bordeaux grape varieties that require extended hang time to mature properly. The micro climate at Obsidian Ridge is one where cool evening
mountain breezes carry away the daytime heat allowing some respite to the grapes as they cool in the overnight air. This cyclical pattern continues all summer long as the fruit matures evenly to the picking dates in the fall.

Looking back at 2006, we realize how idyllic the summer growing season truly was in the Red Hills, with optimal moisture and few heat spikes. The fruit set was healthy, and while the clusters were longer than previous years, the
grapes were small, evenly spaced and packed with flavor. Our many walks through the vineyard amidst the warm, consistent weather gave us the confidence to keep the fruit on the vine as flavors continued developing to new levels of intensity. We were stunned at the consistency of picture-perfect fruit as it hit our sorting tables at the winery.

This year's Cabernet Sauvignon was a blend of four select blocks from the Obsidian Ridge vineyard. In previous vintages we picked primarily from the steep slopes that rise from 2300' to 2600'. In 2006 we decided to pick some complimentary fruit from the flatter blocks at the very bottom of the vineyard (2200’). Historically ripening later than the fruit from the slopes, the fruit off the flats was found to contribute aromatic nuance along with elegant structure on the palate in the final blend. A small percent of Cabernet Franc was also included from a small block
at the top of the vineyard to add further aromatic intensity to the final blend. Winemaking was simple: pick fruit at optimal ripeness, careful destemming, warm fermentations and gentle pressing at dryness. The young wines were placed in our signature Kádár Hungary oak barrels, where they aged for 18 months. The resulting wine is an elegant, aromatic expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. The bouquet is filled with spices of bay, clove and anise amidst a core of red cherries, dried cranberries and ripe red plums. With each sip we're reminded of the terroir at Obsidian Ridge with the subtle hints of chaparral throughout. This is a rich and densely structured wine. It maintains appropriate acidity that carries forth the flavors of dark cherries finishing with espresso beans coated in dark chocolate. This is undeniably mountain Cabernet Sauvignon with ample tannin to secure its longevity for ten or even fifteen years.

Alex Beloz, Winemaker
Michael Blaise Terrien, Founding Winemaker

Decoy Cabernet and Merlot

These are the "value" wines from the famed Duckhorn Cellars, and they certainly don't disappoint. Both retail for $25 and are certainly worth more.

And now on to the beer...........

These are all the new and returning beers we have seen since the last update:

Lost Abbey Angels Share 2009 375ml
Russian River Supplication 375ml
Russian River Pliny the Elder (it's finally back!)
Full Sail Top Sail (Bourbon Imperial Porter)
Southern Tier Unearthly DIPA
Southern Tier Mokah
Southern Tier Jah-Va
Southern Tier Choklat
Avery Dugana
Boulevard Double Wide IPA
Boulder Mojo Risin DIPA
Widmer W'10
Lindemans Cuvee Rene
Sierra Nevada Bigfoot
Diamond Knot IPA
Diamond Knot Industrial IPA
Diamond Knot Ho Ho


I am sure there are more, but they are escaping me at this point.

A Big Thanks To All who Attended Italy 101!

It was a great time with lots of tasty wine, good friends, and great food. A special thanks goes out to Nicola of Northwest Vintage for hosting and providing the great food. A big thanks as well goes to Tom Kelly from Small Vineyards for coming all the way down to see us. There will certainly be another tasting sometime in the near future, and judging by the response of Italy 101 tickets will certainly sell quickly.

Italy 101 Tasting

This baby is filling up fast, and the ladies at Northwest Vintage are opening up ticket sales to their e-mail list today. If you have been waiting to get a ticket now is the time. I highly doubt there will be any tickets left by Saturday night. Just stop in and see me to pick up a ticket. All the info on the tasting is few posts prior to this one.

Some New Items Of Note

Last week we completely reset our coolers, which gave me space to add quite a few new beers into the store. Add to that the fact that we had a new brewery arrive in the state and there is plenty of beer news. We have also added a few new wines to the store in the past week.

Here is all the new beer:

Green Flash Brewing West Coast IPA - 98%Ratebeer, A- Beer Advocate
Green Flash Brewing Le Freak (an IPA/Belgian Tripel hybrid!) - 95% Ratebeer, A- Beer Advocate
Green Flash Brewing Barleywine - 95% Ratebeer, B+ Beeradvocate
Green Flash Brewing Hop Head Red - 96% Ratebeer, A- Beeradvocate
Sierra Nevada Glissade - B+ Beer Advocate

Some new to us items:

Skagit River Trumpeter Imperial Stout - 92% Ratebeer
Silver City Big Scotch
Silver City Red Ale
Silver City IPA
Westmalle Double - 98% Ratebeer, A- Beeradvocate
Westmalle Triple - 98% Ratebeer, A Beeradvocate
Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter - 99% Ratebeer, A- Beeradvocate
Wandering Aengus Bloom (cider)
Wandering Aengus Wanderlust (cider)
Alaskan Stout
Scmaltz Brewing Hebrew Rejewvenator
Smaltz Brewing Hebrew Bittersweet Lenny's Rye IPA - 96% Ratebeer, A- BeerAdvocate
Allagash Confluence Ale - 96% Ratebeer, A- Beeradvocate
Dogfish Head Fort (An 18% ABV Raspberry infused beer!)
Dogfish Head Pangaea (brewed with an ingredient from every continent)
New Belgium Lips of Faith Le Fleur Misseur (a tribute to the great Orval)
Scuttlebutt Old No. 1 Barleywine
Ommegang Hennepin - 95% Ratebeer, A- Beeradvocate
Boulevard Bourbon Barrel Quad - 97% Ratebeer, A- Beeradvocate
Boulder Hazed and Infused IPA
Red Hook Copperhook
Red Hook Mudslinger
Great Divide Titan IPA - 97% Ratebeer, A- Beeradvocate
Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissebier - 100% by Style Ratebeer, A Beeradvocate
Weihenstephaner Korbinian - 96% Ratebeer, A- Beeradvocate
Scaldis Noel Premium - 95% Ratebeer, A- Beeradvocate
Haandbryggeriet Dobble Dram IPA - B+ Beeradvocate

I think that is about it for now. There will be more to come as I make more room to add more beer.

As for the wine, here is what's new:

Gilbert Cellars From Yakima, Washington:

I brought in a few of their wines to start with and they are all fantastic.

Unoaked Chardonnay - This wine sees zero oak and no malolactic fermentation, so the fruit truly takes the forefront on this beatiful Chardonnay. $18

Estate Gewurtztraminer - An off-dry version of Gewurtz, this wine has loads of lychee and spice with a touch of apricot like sweetness. An ideal wine for Indian, Thai, or Chinese food.

Allobroges - A southern Rhone inspired blend, this wine is named after the celtic settlers who lived in southern Rhone back in the day. A blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre this wine is a can't miss with loads of dark fruit and spice. $20

Cabernet Sauvignon - A big Washington Cab in the vain of those from Napa. Loads of blackberry, spice, cassis, sage, dark fruit, strawberry jam and cocoa will keep you going back for more. A steal at $32/btl!

Cabernet Franc - Rich and concentrated with plum, nutmeg, and an herbally spice character. Huge mouthfeel with dried fruit, spice dark fruit and flecks of minerality. $32

Frescobaldi Pomino Rosso

The Castle of Pomino, produces the Pomino Rosso DOC using the grapes Sangiovese, Black Pinot, and Merlot. Matured for 15 months in oak barriques and refined for a year in the bottle. The color is ruby red, the aroma is intense and vigorous, and the taste is velvety and persistent.

Tasting Notes
A medium ruby in color, Pomino Rosso is marked by a clean-edged bouquet releasing raspberry, red currant, and plum, that then make way for crisp mint and spicy nutmeg. The entry in the mouth is refreshing and clean, introducing fine balance on the palate and silky tannins.


I think that is going to be it for now. Gotta get back to work.

Don't forget to pick your Italy 101 tickets. We are about 50% sold-out.

You Asked For It, We're Finally Delivering!

Many of you have asked me when we will do a tasting, and now I finally have an answer. Tuesday, February 9th at Northwest Vintage in downtown Puyallup. http://www.northwestvintage.com. The following is a quick blurb about the tasting:

"Come join Small Vineyards wine educator, Tom Kelly, for a light-hearted, but informative, romp through Italy's most prominent regions. We'll explore the backroads of Tuscany, Piedmont and beyond, while discussing the differences between European and domestic winemaking. A sampling of 8 different micro-productions, light snacks, and (you guessed it) a couple of surprises will be provided."

This event will be held at Northwest Vintage in downtown Puyallup. Here is a link to their website. http://www.northwestvintage.com

The event will cost $35 per person for the food, wine, and education. I will also be offering a one-time discount on wine purchased that night. We will have order forms at the tasting that you will fill out and turn in to me, and I will fill your orders and have them ready for pickup at Tacoma Boys that Friday. You will not have to pay for your wine at the tasting, as you will not get the wine until that Friday, at which time you will pay for it.

I have had the pleasure of sitting in on many sessions with Tom Kelly, and amazingly even the most knowledgeable wine connoisseur walks away with some interesting tidbits they never knew. Tom has traveled extensively throughout Italy and he has the stories to prove it. The greatest atribute of Tom as a wine educator is his blatant lack of snobbery. Whether you are a seasoned wine expert or a beginner Tom will make you feel welcome with his old world style hospitality.

This tasting will be in a laid back classroom format, meaning everyone will be tasting and learning about the same wines throughout. This provides for the maximum amount of learning, and also makes Q & A much easier.

Northwest Vintage is a small wine bar in downtown Puyallup, that is cozy and classy at once. There is only room for 50 people so space (and tickets) are limited and on a first come first payed basis.

The tasting will start at 6:30 and run until 8:30.

Tickets will be sold at both locations, but if you want to buy a ticket at Tacoma Boys it will have to be in cash or money order. Please try to stop by when I am at the store to purchase you're tickets (Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat 9-5). If you are unable to make it during those hours let me know, and I will arrange other means of you purchasing your tickets.

This is certain to be a fantastic time, and can easily serve as an early Valentine's day present to any wine lover.

We Have A Tasting Coming Up!

Stay tuned for more details, but we have moved past the planning stages and onto specifics. I will post more when all is finalized.

A Great Fine Beverage Magazine!

I had the pleasure of meeting Brian Kropf, the beer editor of a new-ish fine beverage magazine called The Mutineer. This national publication is actually a locally based company as the founder, Brian's brother Alan, is from Puyallup. Alan has quite the resume and has built one impressive magazine that is certainly worth a read. Check out their website for more details.

New Year Brings A New Schedule

Starting this week I will be working a different schedule. I will now be working 9-5 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and an occasional Sunday. Sorry for the inconvenience, but outside scheduling conflicts have forced the change.

Need Some Ideas For Christmas?

I'm here to help. This is a very busy week, and I don't have time to give you a detailed description of each wine, but I can assure you they are all worthy, and I'll be here all week to answer any questions you may have about them. Here are a few suggestions a you round out your season of shopping:

U.S. Chardonnay
Under $20: 2006 The Girl Next Door Roll in the Hay Chardonnay $15
Over $20: 2007 Boudreaux Cellars Chardonnay $36


U.S. Cabernet Sauvignon
Under $20: 2004 JLC Cellars Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $20
Over $20: 2004 Ladera Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon $75

U.S. Merlot
Under $20: 2007 Charles Smith The Velvet Devil Merlot $12
Over $20: 2007 Chateau Rollat Sophie $30

U.S. Zinfandel
Under $20: 2007 Mazzacco Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel $18
Over $20: 2007 Ridge Lytton Springs $35

U.S. Syrah
Under $20: 2006 Alexander Valley Estate Syrah $15
Over $20: 2006 DeLille Doyenne Syrah $37

U.S. Pinot Noir
Under $25: 2007 Westrey Willamette Valley Pinot Noir $23
Over $25: 2006 Cristom Pinot Noir "Marjorie Vineyard" $50

U.S. Red Blend
Under $20: 2006 Chandler Reach Corella $18
Over $20: The Peak series from Terlato ('03 Angels Peak, '04 Devils Peak, & '05 Cardinals Peak) $50

U.S. White Blend
Under $20: 2008 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc/Viognier $12
Over $20: 2008 Long Shadows Poets Leap Riesling (TRUST ME IT'S BONE DRY AND AMAZING!) $20

U.S. Sparkler
Under $20: Gloria Ferrer NV Sonoma Brut $20
Over $20: 1999 Argyle Extended Tirage

Italian Red
Under $20: 2007 Bracaia Toscana Tre $20
Over $20: 2003 and 2005 Antinori Tignanello $70

U.S. White
Under $20: 2007 Feudi Fallanghina $15
Over $20: 2008 Capolino Perlingieri Vento Greco di Tofu $25

Italian Sparkler
- Trevisiol Extra Dry Prosecco

French Red
Under $20: 2006 Chateau Pesquie Les Terrasses $13
Over $20: 2007 Delas Chateauneuf du Pape Haut Pierre (can't stress this one enough!) reg price $45 Sale price $30!

French Sparkling Wine
Under $20: Try some of the Jaillance wines this year Champagne quality without the price tag
Over $20: Roederer Estate NV Brut Premier (the only Champagne on the WS Top 100) $43

Spanish Red
Under $10: 2008 Luzon Jumilla $10
Over $10: 2005 Torres Gran Coronas Cabernet Sauvignon $19

Spanish White
- 2008 Martina Prieto Verdejo $16

South American Red
- The wines of Paul Hobbs Felino Cabernet and Felino Malbec both $20
- 2007 Catena Zapata Malbec $21

German Wines
- 2003 J.J. Prum Wehlener Sonnenur Auslese $44
- 2003 Grans-Fassian Trittenheimer Apotheke Riesling Spatlese $25

Australian Wines
- 2005 Torbreck "The Struie" $50
- 2008 D'Arenberg The Stump Jump $10

Firestone Walker XIII Has Arrived!!!!!!

This is one of the most sought after beers around, and we managed to snag a few cases. Be certain to come get your bottles early as this beer will not last long! Here is the spec sheet on this years blend from the brewery. I haven't cracked open an XIII yet, but if it is anywhere near the beer XI and XII were than we are in for a huge treat! The beer retails at $17.99

Our “13” Thirteenth Anniversary Ale – Notes from Brew Master, Matt Brynildson
We are extremely honored to present to you our 13th Anniversary barrel aged blend! This is our fourth barrel aged release and each year is another adventure into the flavor unknown. Our oak aging cellar continues to grow and so do the blending possibilities. We peaked at just over 120 barrels in our program this year, yet only 53 barrels made this year’s final blend. We have stayed true to our original goal of making straight ahead strong ales and letting them rest in wood barrels to mature and develop flavors slowly and naturally. We again met with some of the area’s best wine makers and allowed them to guide us to the finished product. Most of the beers that are in this blend are old friends who we know well. Dark and ominous Parabola along with the rich and complex Bravo Brown were brewed again this year and together became the center piece of this blend. Other beers like the Rufus and Opal along with Sean Paxton’s Saucerful of Secrets are still tucked away in the cellar in their original first generation form, gaining character with extended aging. Velvet Merkin has established itself as a real barrel loving beer, although it is only 6%, it carries barrel qualities beautifully. A new beer, that was created this year by our Cellar Master Ali Razi, is Double Double Barrel Ale and it found its way into this blend as well. In the end, this year brought us seven wine
makers and seven beers to counter balance our lucky thirteenth year of brewing beer on the Central Coast. The brewery is alive and well and oak is as much a part of our
program today as it was back in 1996!

The People
Our anniversary beer continues to be a celebration of the year’s accomplishments and the talented group of people who make it all possible. We have been blessed to have so many good souls in our midst and the family continues to grow. Beers like the one you are about to enjoy are not made in factories or processing plants, they are made in hand worked, craft centered breweries where the artisans guide the process and create real magic. Every day, this amazing group of artisans comes together to create Firestone Walker beer. We make the beer we love and we are proud to share it with you!

The Winemakers
We were once again honored to enlist seven of the best winemakers from the Paso Robles region to assist in blending. The blend was created in two sessions over the course of two weeks. Scott Hawley (www.torrinwine.com) joined us again this year. He is an exceptional wine maker who makes some incredible small lot wines and does a good deal of vineyard and winemaking consultation. Matt Trevison (www.linnecalodo.com) played a huge part in this year’s blend. Sherman Thacher from Thacher Winery was with us this year. Sherman was a brewer for more than 15 years before he turned to wine making. His skills were again a wonderful addition to our blending efforts. My very good friend Steve Martell (www.kaleidoswine.com) joined us for the fourth year in a row. Neil Collins (www.lonemadrone.com & www.tablascreek.com) was another major force in this blend. Also from Tablas Creek, assistant winemaker Chelsea Magnusson sat in on our first session and added some great flavor vocabulary to the mix. Making his first appearance as a beer blender, Eric Jensen (www.bookerwines.com) joined the team. Eric has developed the amazing Booker vineyard and winery on Paso’s west side. Along with the wine makers, Tom Griffin who provides many of our barrels, Rick Sellers from Draft Magazine (www.draftmag.com), Pete Slosberg of Pete’s Wicked Ale fame and Arie Litman sat in on the final tasting. Special thanks go out to Michelle Brown, for organizing the sessions and keeping the notes. This process can get more than a little
confusing at times.

The Finished Piece
As a finished beer, 13 is more sublime then last year’s blend. It is all about the subtleties and quiet tones. It has deep dark chocolate notes and is accented with dried fruit and licorice. There are hints of molasses and even a little cherry in the middle complimenting the vanilla and coconut notes brought in by the oak. These barrel qualities are very well integrated and meld well with the roast malt and caramel undertones. It is best enjoyed in a half filled brandy snifter or wine glass. Allow it to warm to 55F to fully enjoy the pleasing and complex aromas. If left in a cool dark place, I suspect that this beer will age well. It was a pleasure in the making and I truly hope you enjoy our fourth oak-aged blend!

The Components:
39% of final blend:
Parabola (13% ABV) - aged in bourbon barrels
-Russian Imperial Oatmeal Stout (brewed 04-30-09 and 09-17-09)
OG = 28P FG = 7.5P IBU = 80 Color = Black
Hopped with Simcoe, Bravo, Styrian Golding and East Kent Golding

24% of final blend:
Bravo (11% ABV) - 2 barrel varieties- bourbon (50%), brandy (50%)
-Imperial Brown Ale (brewed 2-10-09)
OG = 22P FG = 4.8P IBU = 35 Color = 32
Hopped 100% with U.S. grown Fuggles

15% of final blend:
Velvet Merkin (6% ABV) - aged in bourbon barrels
-Traditional Oatmeal Stout (brewed 10-02-08)
OG = 15P FG = 5.5P IBU = 32.5 Color = Black / 15% Oats
Hopped with 100% U.S. grown Fuggles

6% of final blend:
Opal (11% ABV) - aged in rye barrels
-Wheat Wine (brewed 2-25-08)
OG = 22.4P FG = 6.2P IBU = 45 Color = 17
Brewed with torrified and malted wheat, lightly hopped with Saaz

6% of final blend:
Rufus (11% ABV) - aged in rye barrels
-Continental Imperial Amber Ale (brewed 8-17-07)
OG = 22.5P FG = 4.5P IBU = 40 Color = 15
Brewed with Belgian dark candi syrup, hopped with Styrian Goldings and Saaz

6% of final blend:
Double Double Barrel Ale (10.9% ABV) - aged 100% in retired FW union barrels
-Double English Pale Ale (brewed 12-03-08)
OG = 24.0P FG = 5.8P IBU = 30 Color = 16
A double version of our flagship created by Cellar Master, Ali Razi

4% of final blend:
Saucerful of Secrets (9% ABV) - aged in bourbon barrels
-Belgian Strong Ale (brewed 10-30-07)
OG = 23.4P FG = 6.1P IBU = 25 Color = 39
Brewed with Belgian dark candi sugar and everything else but the kitchen sink

Wine Spectator Top 100 Arrivals: Part 1 (Top 50)

Well, it is that time of year, and I have to start out by saying I DO NOT HAVE THE 2005 COLUMBIA CREST RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON THAT WAS LISTED AT #1. Unfortunately, this wine has been sold out for quite some time, and I will be unable to stock this now or in the future. Sorry for the inconvenience. If you're looking for a great Cab to give as a gift come see me and I'll find you an equally stunning bargain. On the lighter side I do have quite a few wines from the list I can tell you about.

#10 Brancaia Toscana Tre 2007 93pts (coming in a week or two)
"There's wonderful intensity of fruit in this wine, with crushed raspberry and blackberry and hints of coffee and fresh flowers. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, soft-textured finish that shows loads of fruit. Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best after 2010. 25,000 cases made. - JS –JS"

#18 Argyle Extended Tirage Willamette Valley 1999 95pts
"Elegant, with very fine bubbles and complex spice, coffee, pear and toast aromas and flavors that are poised against lacy acidity and refined structure, letting the flavors sail on and on with finesse. Drink now. 1,115 cases made. - HS –HS"

#21 Neyers Chardonnay Carneros 2007 93pts
"Complex aromas of smoke, fig and citrus fold over to the palate. Full-bodied, with fine structure and acidity, along with flavors that end up giving this a delicate feel. The aftertaste is delicious. Drink now through 2012. 5,600 cases made. - JL –JL"

#25 Rodney Strong Chardonnay Russian River Valley Reserve 2006 94pts
"Wonderful perfumed aromas fold over to the palate, which is full-bodied and ultrarich without being heavy, delivering tiers of ripe fig, apricot and green apple, shaded by spicy, toasty oak. Better than previously reviewed. Drink now through 2012. 2,448 cases made. - JL –JL"

#28 Brancott Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough Reserve 2008 92pts
"This is crisp, offering a lively mouthful of peach-accented grapefruit and mineral flavors, all hanging on effortlessly through the long, graceful finish. Drink now. 15,000 cases imported. - HS –HS"

#29 Chalone Chardonnay Chalone 2007 92pts
"Exhibits a complex mix of subtle pear and mineral with pleasant earthy notes and floral scents. Tight and full-bodied, ending with a long, persistent finish. Drink now through 2012. 16,801 cases made. - JL –JL"

#38 Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills Canoe Ridge Estate 2006 92pts
"Sturdy, ripe and generous, with a surprisingly soft edge to the explosive black cherry, currant, black olive and smoke flavors, lingering effortlessly on the big, round finish. Best from 2010 through 2018. 5,800 cases made. - HS –HS"

#39 Yalumba Viognier Eden Valley 2008 92pts
"Smooth and creamy, the polished texture supporting an explosive range of lemon meringue, pear, pineapple and spice flavors that ease into the long, vivid finish. Drink now through 2012. 1,500 cases imported. - HS –HS"

A Quick Update

Just a quick note with some new items. I will be gone this weekend, so this will be brief.

Samichlaus is here!

- The "worlds strongest lager" is here. A fantastic brew with ageing potential galore!

Der Hirschbrau beers are back:

- Four varieties to choose from

Two new Ridge wines in stock:

- We finally have the Santa Cruz Mtn Estate in stock, and it is a must try!
- Essensce is here as well. It is a stellar dessert wine. Here is the info

* "We made our first Zinfandel Essence from Geyserville in 1966. To produce an essence, the vines must remain vigorous late into the season, with green leaves for photosynthesis. We chose two blocks—one zinfandel, one petite sirah. To intensify color and concentrate sugar, the grapes were left on the vine for three additional weeks; they co-fermented on natural yeasts. To our delight, the initial Brix reading was beyond the hydrometer's ability to measure. It took five days for the yeast to begin fermentation, another five days to stop naturally—fully stable. The wine aged in air-dried american oak barrels; clarity was achieved through careful racking. Opulent and full-flavored, the 2007 Essence can be enjoyed now and over the next twenty years. EB (9/08)

Initial sugar at harvest 40.8% By Volume
Residual sugar in the wine 16.95% By Volume "

More new arrivals:

Full Sail Wreck the Halls
Fox Barrel Mulling Cider
J.K. Skrumpys Solstice Cider
Monte Antico Toscana (Wine Spectator Top 100 wine)
Vina Sta. Rita Medalla Real Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (WS Top 100)
Argyle Extended Tirage 1999 Sparkling Wine (WS Top 100)
Rodney Strong Russian River Reserve Chardonnay (WS top 100)

There is even more to name, and I will do a post of all the Top 100 wines in stock next week.

Enjoy your Weekend!

More New Goodies

Well, another week brings even more new goodies. Let's start with the beer and tomorrow I'll tell you all about the new wines we have in stock.

Allagash Interlude

Instead of my notes here is the info on this wine straight from the brewery:

"Allagash Interlude

The first release in our new experimental series, Allagash Interlude pushes the limits of beer. An innovative brewing process, special fermentations, and French oak barrel aging all contribute to a beer that has remarkable wine-like qualities.

Two yeast strains were used to create this unique 9.5% ABV Belgian style ale. The first, a Belgian farmhouse yeast, establishes the flavor foundations of a classic Belgian-style ale. The second, a house strain of Brettanomyces yeast, brings it to the next level contributing an intriguing myriad of flavors including pear, apricot, graham cracker, and bread crust. Finally, a portion of the Interlude is aged in French Merlot and Sirah oak barrels, which impart a distinctive vinous plum character and a drying, almost tannic finish. Try complementing its audacious character with food pairings such as sausages, salami, smoked meats, and bold cheeses.

True to traditional Belgian-style brewing, we bottle condition the Interlude. Just prior to bottling, a fresh dose of sugar and yeast is added to the ‘still beer’ (at this stage there is no carbonation present). After bottling, the beer is aged in a warm room, where the fresh dose of yeast ferments the sugar and naturally carbonates the beer.



Available in: 750 ml bottles
Original Gravity: 1080
Recommended Cellaring Temperature: 55°F
Recommended Serving Temperature: 45-55°F"

Allagash Hugh Malone

"Allagash Hugh Malone Ale

Hugh Malone Ale’s base includes English two-row malt and pale crystal malts, establishing an understated sweetness. To give Hugh Malone its hop character we use generous portions of Simcoe hops at three points in the brewing process. To begin with, we use a technique referred to as first wort hopping, in which Simcoe is added to the sweet wort as it enters the kettle. When the wort comes to a boil in the kettle we add Warrior hops, adding another layer to the bitterness of the beer. Later in the brewing process we steep a large amount of Simcoe in the whirlpool to impart a distinct hop aroma. Finally, during secondary fermentation in our conditioning tanks, we dry hop the beer, which instills a hoppy aroma with notes of pine and grapefruit. This 8.5 % ABV ale has a malty palate and a pronounced bitterness. It has a pleasant dry, hoppy finish.

Hugh Malone is a tribute to responsible agricultural practices and informed consumption. Allagash Brewing Company is donating $1 from every bottle of Hugh Malone sold to the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), the country’s oldest and largest state organic farmer coalition. MOFGA is a non-profit organization that educates farmers and gardeners about organic cultivation. They work to create resources for consumers interested in buying local and organic foods. With more than 5,500 members and 2,000 active volunteers MOFGA continues to inform consumers about the connection between healthful food and environmentally sound growing practices. www.mofga.org More on philanthropy.

Available in: 750 ml bottle/limited release
Original Gravity: 1080 by volume
Recommended Serving Temp: 45 - 50°F
Recommended Cellaring Temp: 55°F"

De Proef and Bell's Van Twee

The latest in the line of beers in the De Proef Brewmasters collection collaboration beers. This effort was a collaboration between the world famous Dirk Naudts of De Proef and John Mallet of Bell's brewery. For those not familiar with Bell's, it is a world class brewery in Kalamazoo/Comstock Michigan that produces some of the best beer in the world. I had the pleasure of selling this beer in Minnesota and have sent numerous E-mails trying to get them into Washington. For now, this beer will have to suffice. Here is the description from De Proef:

"Van Twee -
Brewmasters Collaboration with John Mallet

The 2009 collaboration brew was created with John Mallet of Bell's Brewing in Michigan. Van Twee is a "mash-up" of the porter and dubbel styles blended with sour cherry juice from Michigan and brettanomyces in the secondary fermentation. It is a rich, dark beer capped by tan foam. Malty layers of chocolate and coffee trade on the palate with sour brett and dark fruit notes. Reminiscent of the famous fruit-filled chocolates of Belgium. July 2009 selection - Michael Jackson's Rare Beer Club

Original Gravity: 1072
IBU's: 18
ABV: 7.5%
Cases of 6/25.4 bottles"

Dogfish Head Old School Barleywine

One of my favorite Barleywines made. This is definitely a sipper as it weighs in around 15%! Dark fruit, orange peel, raisin, brown sugar, stone fruit, and a light smokiness accentuate the vinous sweetness and help conceal a good dose of the alcohol. In all, this beer could use a little time to mellow, but is not to be missed!

Dogfish Head World Wide Stout

Beware of this huge high alcohol imperial stout. A very subtle carbonation is barely perceptible in this jet black brew. The palate is creamy and syrupy at the same time and finishes with a boozy viscous mouthfeel. The alcohol is certainly present, but it seems to mellow after a few sips (it might just be a burnt palate :)). Chocolate. smoke, and dark fruits abound with a touch of soy sauce like saltiness. A bourbon-y vanilla viscosity tickles the palate with a creamy sweetness while the alcohol makes your face as red as santas. If you've never had this beer you have to at least give it a shot!

That's it for now. As always shoot me an e-mail at tbjoehaugen@gmail.com with any questions or post them on here.

Wine will be posted tomorrow.

Time For More Great Brew!

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!

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.