Nov 30, 2008

Great 95 point Italian

Just a small amount left...
2004 Isole e Olena Cepparello....$55.99
"The estate’s 2004 Cepparello (100% Sangiovese aged in French oak, 1/3 new) was made from minuscule yields of just 600 grams per plant and is even better than the 2003. It exhibits a livelier color, fresher aromatics and a nuanced personality, all the products of a more balanced growing season. It boasts layers of vibrant fruit intermingled with subtle mineral and licorice notes, showing outstanding length on the palate and fine, noble tannins. A wine of extraordinary elegance, it has been stunning on the two occasions I have tasted it so far. That said, readers who want to experience this wine’s full array of tertiary notes will have to give this wine time to mature in the bottle. It is highly recommended. Anticipated maturity 2009-2022."

95/100 The Wine Advocate

Nils Oscar Brewery -- Sweden


Nils Oscar Brewery (The Nils Oscar Company) is a Swedish microbrewery and spirits company based in Nykoping.
The brewery was founded in Stockholm 1996 as Kungsholmens Kvartersbryggeri i Kungsholmen, Stockholm but changed name to Tärnö Bryggeri rather quickly. During 2006 major relocations were conducted and the company got it's current name.
Nils Oscar Brewery is considered one of the top breweries in Sweden and constantly receives good reviews from national beer critics. Nils Oscar beers have been awarded several gold medals at Stockholm Beer Festival during the last years." -- wikipedia.com




Nils Oscar Imperial Stout...$5.69 / 11oz
"This hearty dark ale is roughly modeled on the big satisfying stouts once brewed in England for travel to Russia and the court of the Czar" -- brewery
Rated 96/100 Ratebeer.com

Nils Oscar IPA...$4.49 / 11oz
"The Nils Oscar brewery, like its namesake, has learned a few things from the New World. I.P.A. was virtually reinvented in America; this one uses American Amarillo hops to give the exotic aroma of tropical fruits." -- brewery

Nils Oscar Kalasol...$4.49 / 11oz
"A rich, satisfying festbeer of Swedish barley and rye, modeled on the classic brew once served at the Oktoberfest in Munich,but with extra hoppiness derived from Czech, English and American varieties." -- brewery


Nils Oscar Barley Wine...$6.39 / 11oz
"This classic, hearty ale started out a gold medal winner in the Swedish Home Brewing Championships in 1993, and wen on to win gold in the World Beer Cup in 2000. A little something to see yo through the longest, darkest night." -- brewery


Nov 29, 2008

More gift packs...

More and more gift packs

Elvis Party Pack!...$31.99
1 bottle of Jailhouse Merlot
1 bottle of Blue Suede Chardonnay
1 bottle of The King Cabernet








Chimay Sampler...$15.99

1 bottle of Chimay Red
1 bottle of Chimay Blue
1 bottle of Chimay White
1 Chimay glass



Nov 28, 2008

Southern Tier new releases...

Southern Tier Brewery
Update
Forsyth -- 12 bottles left of Krampus, sold out of Choklat
Rock Hill -- 6 bottles of each left
Provisions -- 4 bottles of each left
Ballwin -- 2 bottles of each left
(as of 12/2/08 - 9am)


Choklat -- Sweet milk chocolate, not bitter at all, similar to the Sam Adams Chocolate Bock. Pour this one over your ice cream or make a shake.

Krampus -- quite delicious, hoppy and spicy. It goes down easy without a hint of alcohol.



Right now they are intro priced until we can change them in the computer. (All So Tier seasonals have the same UPC, so it scans at the previous price)
So Tier Krampus Imperial Helles Lager...$5.99 / 22oz
"are you naughty or nice? St. Nicholas, aka Santa Claus, is a magical figure, the bringer of gifts and an icon of holiday spirit. Forgotten by most is his evil side kick and enforcer of ‘the list’. European tradition says while St. Nick is busy delivering presents to good little boys and girls, Krampus hands out punishments to the bad. A fanged, goat-horned bully, the Christmas Devil uses sticks and chains to beat the naughty children. Dark malts and aromatic hops create the diabolical spirit of this brew. It is finished with lager yeast and aged cold for no less than 30 days. This Imperial Helles Lager will warm even the darkest hearts.
This season, replace the cookies with a bottle of Krampus. If he happens to pay a visit, toast to him with this devilish brew. Merry Kramp-mas to all, and to all a good pint!" -- brewery

9.0% abv. • 20º plato • Imperial Helles Lager • 22 oz



So Tier Choklat Stout...$7.49 / 22oz
Imperial Chocolate Stout
"The ancients called it 'food for the gods'. The Popol Vuh, the sacred book of the Maya, unfolds a complex web of mystery around a beverage known as xocoatl (ch-co-atle). At Southern Tier, we’re not surprised that hieroglyphs of the ancient Maya depict chocolate being poured for rulers and gods. Even through the many voyages of Columbus, the mystical bean remained nothing more than a str
ange currency of the native peoples.
Moving through centuries, the circular journey of cacao has been realized in our brewing house, encompassing the complexity of the darkest, bitter-sweet candy together with the original frothy cold beverage of the ancient Maya to bring to you our Blackwater Series Choklat Stout. We have combined the finest ingredients to tempt your senses & renew the power & interrelation of history in every bottle.11.0% abv • 195º L • Imperial Chocolate Stout • 22 oz / 1/6 keg2-row barley / caramel 60 malt / barley flakes / chocolate malt / bittersweet Belgian chocolate / kettle hops: chinook & willamette" -- Brewery


.
Also try these in stock now from Southern Tier.
Hoppe Imperial Extra Pale...$5.99 / 22oz
Big Red Imperial Red...$5.99 / 22oz
UnEarthly Imperial IPA...$5.99 / 22oz
Tripel Belgian Style...$5.99 / 22oz
Oat Imperial Oatmeal Stout...$7.49 / 22oz
Cuvee Series 1 - Oak Aged...$11.99 / 22oz
read more about So Tier

Nov 27, 2008

Know your styles -- Dubbel

Like to learn more about beer? The St. Louis Beer blog, www.stlhops.com, is doing a style of the week.
What should you be smelling?
What should you be seeing?
What should you be tasting?
How should you be drinking it?
click here to read about the Dubbel on STL Hops

Here are a few Dubbels we have in stock now...
Westmalle Dubbel
St. Bernardus Pater 6
La Trappe Dubbel
Grimbergen Double
Chimay Premiere (Red)
St. Feuillien Brune
New Belgium Abbey Belgian Style Ale
Ommegang Abbey Ale
Maredsous 8
Achel Bruin 8
't Smisje Dubbel
De Glazen Toren Cuvee Angelique
De Molen Donder & Bliksem

Gift Baskets!

Gift Baskets
For over 25 years, The Wine and Cheese Place has been the leader in gourmet baskets in St. Louis. We do thousands and thousands each year. The holidays are fast approaching, it is important to place your gift basket orders early. Because of our determination for top quality baskets, there are only a certain amount we can do, we have to turn down orders each year. Please place your orders early for best selection.


Budweiser Vintage Crate

Sold out!
Budweiser Case includes 24 / 12oz bottles
in a vintage style wood crate...$35.99


Another great gift for the beer lover in your life:
Budweiser Vintage Wood Crate. This is a new product from Anheuser Busch, it includes a case of 12 oz bottles of Budweiser in a vintage style wood crate. Quite impressive looking.
We only have a limited amount of this gift set.

Nov 22, 2008

Thanksgiving Day wine ideas...

The Wine and Cheese Place
Thanksgiving Day is November 27th
Beaujolais Nouveau Day is November 20th

Turkey day wines....


Kevin in Ballwin suggests...
Angoves Nine Vines Viognier (white).....$10.99
Bright melon aromas, along with rich, crisp pineapple and peach flavors.

Boniface Apremont (white)....$14.99
A light, crisp, dry white from the French Alps. Apples with a touch of honeysuckle.

Caneros Creek Pinot Noir Reserve (red)....$19.99
A classic California wine. Raspberry and strawberry nose as well as in the taste.

Thorn Clarke Terra Barossa Cuvee (red)....$13.99
A Blend of Shiraz, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvginon and Cabernet Franc. Supple, round currants and spice with a long savory finish.



Chris in Rock Hill suggests...
Sinskey Abraxas (white)...$26.99
A blend of Alsace varietals from Los Carnernos. A floral wine with zippy acidity. My fav!

Boniface Rousette (white)...$19.99

Apremont's big bro. Ripe pineapple and apricot, a thirst-quencher. Turkey's best friend.

Pierre Chermette Beaujolais (red)...$15.99
New to the store! Great buy from Peter Weygandt!

Alfredo Roca Pinot Noir (red)...$11.99
A real find from Argentina. Rich, velvety, a bargain hunter's dream come true!

Clos du Caillou VV Cotes du Rhone (red)...$22.99
Drinks like Chateauneuf du Pape at half the price!!





Paul at Forsyth suggests...
Lancyre Roussanne (white)...$14.99
One of our favorite finds this year. This wine has no oak and good earthy flavors that you do not get in Chardonnay. It has the perfect flavor profile for Turkey, stuffing and all the fixings.

Segries Cotes du Rhone (red)...$11.99
This Segries Cotes du Rhone has good fruit and spice to match with the holiday feast. It is a perfect match with Turkey.

Shotfire Shiraz (red)...$21.99
I am a big fan of Shiraz with Thanksgiving. There are so many different flavors going on---sweet, tart, salty, and earthy. You need a wine with good fruit and richness to handle it all. Shotfire is up for the challenge. This will be my wine this year. I am the lucky family member, I never have to cook a dish--I am always in charge of bringing the wine.

Want beer with your meal...
Oktoberfest style beers go very well with the roasted bird.
I think I might try the Achel Trappist Extra Ale this year, I think a good Belgian ale will match well.
With your pumpkin pie you might want to try one of the spiced winter ales we just got in stock. Try a Lindemans Lambic (Cherry or Raspberry) if you have cheesecake or a chocolate dessert.



Marc at Provisions Market suggests...
Terlano Terlaner (white)...$17.99
A blend of Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc from Italy's Alto Adige Region. Lots of apple and honey with good acidity. A rich and unique wine for the holidays.

Knyphausen Baron K Riesling (white)...$12.99
A slightly sweet rielsing with ripe fruit and lots of minerals. Great balance make this a Thanksgiving Day favorite.

Pierre Chermette Beaujolais (red)...$15.99
Fresh raspberry and cranberry with a refreshingly tart finish. Classic red for Thanksgiving.

Coto de Hayas Tinto (red)...$7.99
This blend from Spain, composed mainly of grenache, shows a bunch of cherry and jam. Stainless steal fermentation gives this wine a bright finish. A great holiday value.

Nov 21, 2008

Ommegang Gift and 2008 Schlafly...

Ommegang Gift Set 2008...$22.99**

1 bottle Three Philosophers 2008 ($6.99)
1 bottle of Chocolate Indulgence ($10.99)
1 bottle of Hennepin...($5.69)
(all 750ml bottles)
1 tulip glass
(** Bargain-- product total = $23.67 if you buy them separately, plus you get the FREE Glass)





2008 just arrived at Rock Hill and Forsyth!
2008 Schlafly Barrel-Aged
Imperial Stout...$9.99 / 750ml
"A roasty, rich and malty Imperial Stout with a strong dose of caramel, oak, and Bourbon character. This is a perfect beer to pair with hearty, cold-weather dishes, smoked meats, and virtually any dessert (especially chocolate)." -- brewery

Schlafly Bourbon Barrel Imperial Stout
Side by side tasting of the 2007 and 2008.
It was an interesting comparison tasting the 2007 version next to the 2008. Customer comments leaned towards the 2007, but some thought the 2008 was much better. To me, the 2007 had a much bigger nose of Bourbon. It had a touch of caramel, coffee, and chocolate on the palate. The 2008 showed much less Bourbon and more alcohol. It also had a more pronounced coffee/mocha flavor. The 2007 to me was much maltier and sweeter than the 2008. I think the 2008 was very good, but I would forget about for awhile and let it all come together like the 2007. -- Paul

Single Malt Scotch Class/Tasting!


Signatory Single Malt Scotch Class
Scotch expert, Ed Kohl, will taste and talk about these great scotches. Ed is one of the foremost experts on scotch in the country. Always a great and fun class.


Tuesday, December 9th, 2008
Time: 6pm-7:30pm
Cost: $15 / person

Here is what we will taste:
1992 Strathmore, Speyside, 15 yr....$51.99
1990 Tormore, Speyside, 17yr....$53.99
1990 Macallan, Speyside 14 yr....$74.99
NV Edradour, S. Highland 10yr....$49.99
1996 Clynelish, N. Highland 11 yr....$46.99
1997 Jura, Island 10yr....$51.99
1986 Highland Park, Island 22 yr....$148.99
2001 Laphroaig, Islay 7 yr....$51.99



Reservations required
Call 314-727-8788 for reservations
Seating is limited!

Nov 20, 2008

NOUVEAU!!

Beaujolais Nouveau Day

Thursday November 20th, 2008.

No more until next year...sold out!
2008 Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau is here!
2008 Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau Villages is here!
2008 Mommessin Nouveau is here!

Some new beers....

Here is a quick note on some beers that have arrived in the past week that I did not get a chance to post..

Shipyard Prelude Special Ale
Anchor Christmas Ale Magnums
Ommegang Gift Set with a glass
Rogue Santa's Private Reserve
Boulevard Nutcracker Ale
O'Dells Isolation Ale
Greisedieck Pilsner
Blue Moon Full Moon Winter
Samuel Adams Winter Classics
Includes 2 bottles each of Old Fezziwig Ale, Cream Stout, Holiday Porter, Cranberry Lambic, Boston Lager, and Winter Lager


Plus we received more Sam Adams Chocolate Bock and O'Fallon Bourbon Aged Smoked Porter.

Nov 17, 2008

Chocolate Indulgence, Left Hand Warrior...

Left Hand Fresh Hopped Warrior IPA...$5.69 / 22oz
In stock now at Forsyth!
(we are opening a bottle now if you are in the area for a taste. 11/18 - 1pm)



"The vibrant aromatics and flavors that are derived from the use of exuberant amounts of fresh flower hops are what helps create and set apart his most unique beer. While the addition of locally grown hops form the brewery's own hop farm contributes to the bright floral hoppiness, the majority of the hop volume comes from Warrior hops that are overnighted from Yakima, WA. Yet true to the brewery's fundamental belief system, the strong hop character is balanced by a strong malt foundation, allowing for an approachable, drinkable IPA that finishes amazingly clean. Get it while it lasts!" -- Left Hand


In stock now at Forsyth...
Ommegang Chocolate Indulgence...$10.99 / 750ml
10th Anniversary
"The success of the 2007 Anniversary beer encouraged us to brew Chocolate Indulgence again in 2008. As of the end of October, 2008 the recent batch of Indulgence is now beginning to make its way to your local retailer. Since the 2007 10th Anniversary Edition, our brewstaff and Department of All Things New and Delicious have been conducting strenuous research and exhaustive experiments to improve the character of the Chocolate Indulgence. We were happy with 2007's version, but, we tend to never sleep when it comes to fine-tuning the flavor and character of our beers. We feel that this year's batch has been honed to sublime levels of chocolatey / malty / decadent goodness. We hope you agree. For a little background, the story behind the beer: On October 13, 2007, at out Brewery Tenth Anniversary Party (Waffles and Puppets) we introduced Ommegang Chocolate Indulgence Stout to the world. Chocolate Indulgence comes with a thick tan head of foam resting on top of the rich onyx-colored liquid. The aroma immediately speaks of dark chocolate and dark malts. The gentle herbal nose of Perle hops compliments the darker notes, making the beer savory to the senses.The taste continues with the intense Belgian dark chocolate gliding across the tongue; starting sweet up front but giving way to rich cocoa flavors at the back. Through it all, a subtle fruitiness from our special Belgian yeast gives the beer brightness otherwise foreign to a beer style normally associated with gray foggy skies. Lingering chocolate entices the drinker to taste more. Go ahead. Dessert is good for the soul."

Ommegang Brewery


Should be arriving on 11/19/08 now -- sorry
Forsyth, Rock Hill and Provisions.

2008 Anchor Christmas Ale 6pks

2008 Anchor Christmas Ale Magnums
"The brewers of Anchor Steam® Beer are proud to announce the release of our thirty-fourth annual Christmas Ale.
Every year since 1975 the brewers at Anchor have brewed a distinctive and unique Christmas Ale, which is available from early November to mid-January. The Ale’s recipe is different every year—as is the tree on the label—but the intent with which we offer it remains the same: joy and celebration of the newness of life. Since ancient times, trees have symbolized the winter solstice when the earth, with its seasons, appears born anew. Each year our Christmas Ale gets a unique label and a unique recipe for the Ale itself. Although our recipes must remain a secret, many enthusiasts save a few bottles from year to year—stored in a cool dark place—to taste later and compare with other vintages." -- brewery

check out all the old labels







Nov 16, 2008

Craft beer from Norway and Brazil!!

Nogne-O #100...$8.49 / pint
This beer is great for drinking as the weather gets colder!

"Our 100th batch, brewed for the enjoyment of the brewers, but popular demand forced us to release it commercially. This malty, yet light bodied ale has a massive hop bitterness. Most enjoyable in a comfortable chair in front of a roaring fire.
Recommended serving temperature 61°F


Ingredients: Maris Otter, wheat, and chocolate malt; Columbus, Chinook, and Centennial hops; English ale yeast, and our local Grimstad water." -- Nogne-O
80 IBU, 10% ALC/VOL
Rated A- on www.beeradvocate.com



Great new beers from BRAZIL!
"Unhappy with the mass market beers available in Brazil, Juliano Mendes and his family decided to build a craft brewery and hire a German Brewmaster, a graduate of Weihenstephan, to brew a special lineup of beers, from German-style Weizenbier to special Belgian-style ales. The name 'Eisenbahn,' which means 'railway,' was chosen because another brewery with the same name existed in Blumenau in 1909, but was not strong enough to fight against the commercial actions of the big breweries, ultimately shutting down a few years later. The new Eisenbahn was born in July of 2002, and hopes to continue as an anchor of the emerging South American craft beer scene for many years to come, always faithful to pure and traditional beers." -- importer


Eisenbahn Defumada Smoked Lager...$2.49 / 12oz
"Eisenbahn's Defumada, like the famous smoked lagers of Bamberg,Germany, is brewed with a special, smoked barley malt, giving it arich, smoky flavor and aroma." - importer

Nov 13, 2008

The new O'Fallon bourbon aged...



Arriving at all four locations.
Forsyth 314-727-8788 -- In stock now!
Ballwin 636-227-9001 -- In stock now!
Rock Hill 314-962-8150
-- In stock now!
Provisions 314-989-0020
-- In stock now!



O'Fallon Whiskey Barrel Aged Smoked Porter...$11.99
This version was aged 4 months in W.L. Weller 7yr old Bourbon barrels.
Only 900 bottles made and all hand filled and sealed with wax.

Sam Adams Chocolate Bock


This will be very limited. Only 30 cases for St. Louis.

Provisions -- in stock
Forsyth -- in stock
Rock Hill -- in stock
Samuel Adams Chocolate Bock...$13.99
"Samuel Adams® partnered Felchlin, a renowned Swiss chocolatier, to develop a unique innovation, Samuel Adams® Chocolate Bock. We started with a complex selection of carefully roasted malts combined with hand-selected Noble hops from Bavaria, the world’s oldest growing area. After using a centuries old brewing process, called Krausening, we slowly aged the beer on a bed of rare dark cocoa nibs from Felchlin®, a renowned Swiss chocolatier. Known for their quality these wild cocoa nibs, harvested from the rainforest of Northern Bolivia, impart complex aromas and flavors of chocolate, honey and vanilla in the beer. The resulting beer, Samuel Adams® Chocolate Bock, has a big, malty character that is combined with the subtle sweetness of chocolate, giving this brew a complex full-body taste with a velvety finish.
Tettnang-Tettnanger and Spalt hops were hand-selected from the world’s oldest growing area and combined with a complex selection of malts including two-row Pale, Munich and Caramel to create a rich and satisfying brew. This dark beer has a big, malty character that is combined with the subtle sweetness of chocolate. Samuel Adams® Chocolate Bock was aged on a bed of cocoa nibs to create its unique layers of flavor. As the beer matured, the fruity, tart, earthy and chocolate aromas were released into the liquid to give the brew a complex, full -bodied taste with a velvety finish. A hint of vanilla was added to meld the symphony of flavors together." -- brewery

Nov 6, 2008

The latest from Great Divide to hit STL...



Great Divide Hades Belgian-Style Strong Golden...$8.19 / 6pk
"Hades is a Belgian-style strong golden ale brewed with a rare Belgian yeast strain that gives the beer a distinctive spicy flavor and aroma. Noticeable hops and medium malt character make it an extremely
well-balanced, crisp ale.

Alcohol by Volume: 7.3%" -- Brewery

Accolades and other buzz on Hades:
Top 25 Beers, Best of BeerAdvocate.com , 2007

Nov 4, 2008

Anderson Valley Brewing - in stock now

Just arrived at Forsyth...
We will feature Anderson Valley this Friday night for our weekly tasting...(11/7) more details on Thursday.

ANDERSON VALLEY BREWING
"We carefully craft our world-class ales using only the finest ingredients; premium malted and roasted grains, hops, yeast, and pristine Boonville water straight from our own unique aquifer, and we never heat pasteurize or sterile filter our beers. Our tradition of carefully crafting inspired, flavorful, ales of the highest caliber has earned numerous awards, a loyal following, and our two-time placement among the World Beer Championships® Top Ten Breweries of the Year. "
-- Anderson Valley



BARNEY FLATS OATMEAL STOUT...$11.99 / 6pk
BARNEY FLATS OATMEAL STOUT...$3.99 / 22oz
"With its deep, dark brown-black color, thick, full-bodied, velvety-smooth mouth feel, mocha character, and, strong yet subtle hop bite, Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout is one of the thickest, richest, and most complex stouts on the market today. In 1990, it became our first gold medal winner, at the Great American Beer Festival. Barney Flats was judged so superior to the other stouts that no other medals were even awarded in its catagory. Try it and see why Stewart Kallen described it as, "Slippery, creamy, dark, and sweet as a Pacific May morning," in his book, The 50 Greatest Beers in the World "
-- Anderson Valley




BOONT AMBER...$11.99 / 6pk
"Boont Amber Ale just won the Silver Medal at the 2003 Great American Beer Festival , in the American-Style Amber/Red Ale category, has several other medals , as well, and was named the "best beer brewed in Northern California," by the San Francisco Bay Guardian.
Boont Amber Ale is a medium bodied pale ale with a beatiful copper color, a robust head, and the rich flavor of caramel malt. This very smooth and exceptionally drinkable beer is excellent with steaks, chicken, pasta, and other flavorful meals.
As with all of our products, Boont Amber Ale is never sterile filtered nor heat pasteurized, and should be stored in refrigeration. However, to fully enjoy its rich and complex flavor, it should be served between 40° and 45°F
5.8 % Alcohol by Volume
"It's bahl hornin'."
-- Anderson Valley



BOONT ESB EXTRA SPECIAL BEER....$11.99 / 6pk
"Boont ESB (formerly Belk's ESB) Exceptionally Great; something special -- Celebrator Beer News Blind Tasting Panel - Oct. / Nov 2004
The abundant hopping in this four-time gold medal winner, creates arousing aromatics, accompanied by a pleasantly bitter bite. Boont Extra Special Beer is deep gold in color, with a spicy hop aroma. Starts with a big, malty backbone and finishes with a refreshingly bitter bite. Boont Extra Special Beer is excellent alone or as an accompaniment to your favorite well-seasoned meals (such as Mexican, Korean, Chinese, Indian, or Thai, cuisine).
Boont ESB was recently named the Regional Champion in the 2003 US Beer Tasting Championships, in the Bitter/ESB category, has won two Gold Medals at the Great American Beer Festival, and has
several other medals, as well. Click the blue ribbon to see the entire list.
As with all of our products, Boont ESB is never sterile filtered nor heat pasteurized, and should be stored in refrigeration. However, to fully enjoy its rich and complex flavor, it should be served between 40° and 45°F
6.8 % Alcohol by Volume
"It's aplenty bahl steinber horn."
-- Anderson Valley



HOP OTTIN IPA INDIA PALE...$11.99/ 6pk
Hop Ottin' IPA is as hoppy as they come. The name means "hard working hops," in Boontling, and that tells it all. Generous additions of high-alpha Pacific Northwest hops added during a vigorous boil, plus traditional dry hopping, with whole hop cones, give this ale a delicious citrus aroma, and an intense hoppy bite. This IPA is a hop lover's dream.
Hop Ottin' IPA most recently received a Silver Medal from the 2001 World Beer Championships, in the India Pale Ale category, and has
several other medal as well. Click the blue ribbon to see the entire list.
As with all of our products, Hop Ottin' IPA is never sterile filtered nor heat pasteurized, and should be stored in refrigeration. However, to fully enjoy its rich and complex flavor, it should be served between 40° and 45°F
7.0 % Alcohol by Volume
"Hop Ottin' bites like a can-kicky bluetail."
-- Anderson Valley



POLEEKO GOLD PALE...$11.99 / 6pk
"When the phrase "California Style Ale" is used, Poleeko Gold Pale Ale is the one that comes to mind. The golden color and generous use of Pacific Northwest hops establish a distinct style, separate from any domestic or European beers. Our honey-gold pale ale is crisp and clear, with an unusual lightness and dryness for such a full-flavored ale. The arousing abundance of hops adds both a floral bouquet and a lively, citrusy finish. It is excellent alone, or with full-flavored meals and spicy dishes.
Poleeko Gold Pale Ale recently was named the Regional Champion in the 2003 US Beer Tasting Championships Summer Competition, in the Golden Ale/Kolsch category, and has
several other medals, as well. Click the blue ribbon to see the entire list.
As with all of our products, Poleeko Gold Pale Ale is never sterile filtered nor heat pasteurized, and should be stored in refrigeration. However, to fully enjoy its rich and complex flavor, it should be served between 40° and 45°F
5.5 % Alcohol by Volume
"Rudy nebs, heelch hops, and malted barley make Poleeko Gold plenty bahl with any gorms."
-- Anderson Valley



WINTER SOLSTICE SEASONAL ALE...$11.99 / 6pk
This fine holiday brew was awarded Gold Medals in 1997 and 1998 by the World Beer Championships , and was named their 1998 World Champion Winter Ale .
From the first sip of Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale , your senses will be aroused with the vision of a glowing fire, warming the hearth and home, as gently drifting snow flakes silently blanket the trees outside. Each lingering sip will gently warm your soul with thoughts of family and friends, gathering around the table for the feast. Luscious, creamy, smooth, and warming, this medium bodied ale is brewed with Caramel and crystal malts to give it just a hint of sweetness, then paired with our private blend of holiday spice. Winter Solstice Ale is great alone or as an accompaniment to any meal, and it has been known to liven and spice up nearly any social event. This coveted and much sought-after brew is released in November, just in time for the holidays, and by the first of the New Year will be only a fond memory.
As with all of our products, Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale is never sterile filtered nor heat pasteurized, and should be stored in refrigeration. However, to fully enjoy its rich and complex flavor, it should be served between 40° and 45°F
6.9 % Alcohol by Volume"
-- Anderson Valley

Nov 3, 2008

Exciting holiday beers....

Holiday ales are arriving...
We already have classics like...
Deliriem Tremens Noel
Gouden Carolus Noel


Here are a few rare ones...
Noel Geants...$3.59 / 11oz
"The Brasserie des Géants, or Giant Brewery, is housed in a medieval castle in the town of Irchonwelz, in the French-speaking south of Belgium. The Géants Christmas [first produced in 2007] . Rich and warming, and just a bit spicy (thanks to the delicate addition of a special aromatic herb from the region of the brewery), this festive ale has everything you want in a Belgian beer – but not the cheap sugary flavor that the more commercial breweries use to reel in a less sophisticated crowd." -- importer


From one of my favorite brewers...
Mikkeller Santa's Little Helper...$12.99 / 750ml
"A dark strong Belgian ale brewed with: water, malt (pale, special-B and chocolate), flaked wheat, dark candy syrup, hops (northern brewer, hallertauer and styrian goldings), spices (orange peel and coriander seed) and ale yeast. This year’s version of Santa’s Little Helper is a real winter warmer. It is inspired by the Belgian Christmas beers, known for their thick warming body, light spices and balanced hop profile. Orange peel and coriander seed gives, along with the extreme fermentation temperatures, a massive mix of fruity nuances, which makes SLH08 an orgy of aromas and flavours. Merry Christmas!!" -- importer
(picture of label from www.beernews.org)


Sogaards Bryghus Aalborg Julebuk...$9.49 pint
"The name "Julebuk" refers to an old Danish game played during the holidays. Our Christmas brew is a reddish-brown, full bodied German-style bock. Its aroma and flavour come principally from Munich and caramel malts, but our blend of Christmas spices discreetly enter into the palette of flavors. Julebuk is created to celebrate the warmth of the holidays and to help see you through the cold of winter." -- Brewery

Nogne-O Winter Ale...$8.49 / pint
"A dark ale brewed specially for the Christmas season, with a rich, complex taste of caramel. This is a strong, dark and rather sweet Christmas Beer – just the way we think a Christmas beer should be. ecommended serving temperature 12°C/53°F. Great with cheese or nuts. Ingredients: ager, Munich, caramel, black, and chocolate malt; Chinook, Columbus, and Centennial hops; English ale yeast, and our local Grimstad water." -- brewery


Nogne-O Peculiar Yule...$8.49 / pint

"The name of this beer is "Peculiar Christmas" in english. This spiced Christmas ale is strange - and indeed a fusion beer. We have gathered inspiration from the Norwegian drink “gløgg”, and as such this is quite an uncompromising brew. Best served with “goro” and “fattigmann” [Danish cookies]. Recommended serving temperature 10°C/50°F, but you are free to try on higher temperatures....
Ingredients: Maris Otter, Munich, caramel, and chocolate malt; Columbus and Cascade hops; 5 different spices, English ale yeast, and our local Grimstad water." -- brewery



Nov 1, 2008

Verjus -- wine friendly!

Fusion Napa Valley Verjus Blanc...$12.99 /750ml
Fusion Napa Valley Verjus Rouge...$12.99 / 750ml

It is made from under ripe grapes and it is alcohol free and can be used on salads instead of vinegar and it is very wine friendly. Vinegar always kills the flavor of wine and it makes it difficult to match a wine with the salad course covered in a vinegar based dressing. Verjus solves this problem.

More info from their site:
"Verjus (pronounced vair-ZHOO) is the tart, fresh juice of unripe wine grapes. It is a culinary ingredient indigenous to the world's wine producing regions that is used in sauce making, for poaching fish and meat, and to dress lettuces, vegetables and fruit. Verjus or "verjuice" as it is sometimes called, literally means green juice in the sense that it's made from fruit that has yet to fully ripen — it's green. It is used to add acidity to foods, an important component in food and in cooking." - Fusion


"Jim Neal, a young chef in California's Napa Valley, entered the verjus business two years ago in partnership with Duckhorn Vineyards, also in Napa, and Marc and Janice Mondavi of the Charles Krug winery. Using a mixture of varietal grapes from the wineries, Mr. Neal bottled white verjus under the Fusion label. This year, he created a red verjus from red and white grapes. Such California chefs as Wolfgang Puck, Gary Danko and Thomas Keller have incorporated Fusion into their menus."
-- New York times
read the full NY Times article


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