Labels

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Happy New Year!!


We are closed Jan 1 and Jan 2 for Inventory
We will re-open Jan 3 from 9am-7pm


Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Beer news...

I accumulated the Holiday beers from our other stores to put on sale at Forsyth...
I now have some more Anchor Christmas Ale -- on sale, among many others.


Beamish is finally back in stock - The distributor has been out for months.

Left Hand Smokejumper is scheduled to arrive soon.
"Roasty black in color, the long-lingering smokiness wraps around flavors of sweet molasses, toasted malt and an earthy hoppiness. An 21 degree plato Imperial Porter, the espresso and bittersweet chocolate flavors are present and blend well with, rather than overshadowed by, the hand smoked malt flavors. 9.51% ABV with 50 IBU’s" -- Left Hand
more info when it arrives.


Not necessarily new, but ones I have not featured in awhile...


Mendocino IMPERIAL IPA....$7.59

"Winter Seasonal - Imperial IPA-- has been delicately crafted for those crisp cool days when the skies are resplendent and the air glistens with the slow fall of a million flakes, when nature gets ready to turn her thermostat way down and your desire for something warm and enthusing is almost a primal urge. This Imperial India Pale Ale can slake some of that want. Our robust, full bodied IPA is brewed with massive amounts of hops and paired with a rich blend of luscious malts. The result is a perfect balance of heady hop flavor and aroma. At 7.5% Alc. by Vol. this India Pale Ale is the perfect winter seasonal!" -- brewery


Great Divide Hercules Double IPA...$5.89 / 22oz
(I am a fan of the new package!)
"Hoppier, maltier and with more alcohol than a standard IPA, Hercules Double IPA definitely is not for the faint of heart. Hercules Double IPA is, however, an elixir fit for the gods. A brash but creamy wonder, Hercules pours a deep orange-coppery color, forming substantial lace in the glass. Hercules Double IPA delivers a huge amount of piney, floral, and citrusy hop aroma and flavor from start to finish. A hefty backbone of nutty, toffee-like malt character balances Hercules’ aggressive, punchy hop profile." -- Brewery
85 International Bittering Units (IBUs).
Alcohol by volume: 9.1%




BrewDog Paradox 1970 Glen Grant
Batch 003...$10.99 / 11.2oz
This is the latest release from BrewDog...
and it is their top rated one on ratebeer.com -- 95 percentile
"We set about to unite two of Scotland proudest heritages and produce a product which combined all that was good about Scotland’s whisky producing history and our contemporary take on a traditional Scottish style of stout. The fact that we have developed this product in conjunction with Duncan Taylor Ltd of Huntly means we mature our beer in the casks that once housed some of the most prestigious whiskies available today. The distinct flavours of these whiskies is beautifully infused into the beer giving a unique and unrivalled experience for both beer and whisky lovers. Paradox is produced in very small batches and each batch is bottled in a unique numbered limited edition bottle." -- Brewery




Inveralmond Blackfriar...$5.29 / pint
"Inveralmond Brewery was founded in 1997, but its young brewers are already rated among the best in Scotland. Blackfriar is the first in a series of beers honoring the role of the familiar orders of Dominican monks in the history of Perth. It is, naturally, a dark brew, hardy and warming, with a slightly sweet malty character balanced by a nice hoppiness. (Okay, it's actually more of a deep burnt sienna than black, but "Deepburntsiennafriar” just didn’t have the same ring.)
Blackfriar is loosely described as a 'wee heavy,' but its assertive hoppiness will quickly dispel that notion. It may not fit in any classification, but Brother Daniel declares it an 'instant classic,' and we think you'll agree." -- Shelton Brothers importer

Raglia Gold

Great Sparkling!

Riondo Pink Prosecco...$12.99
Riondo Prosecco...$12.99

"This effusively fruity, light-bodied offering offers terrific floral notes, persistent effervescence, and a clean, delicate finish. There is not much body or weight in this crystal clean, pure, sparkling white. It is an ideal aperitif to enjoy over the next year. It is an amazing Prosecco."
-- Rated 90/100 The Wine Advocate



Jean Laurent produces some of our favorite Champagnes and still at amazing prices!


Jean Laurent N.V. Brut Blanc de Blancs...$49.99
"Revealing even more of a chalky/mineral character along with notes of wheat thins and citrus is the elegant non-vintage Brut Blanc de Blancs. This is an impressive, fuller-bodied offering than most wines of this genre. Still young and impressively endowed, it can be drunk now and over the next 5-7 years."

Rated 92+/100 The Wine Advocate





Jean Laurent N.V. Brut Blanc de Noirs...$49.99
"The non-vintage Brut Blanc de Noirs (100% Pinot Noir) is a light to medium-bodied Champagne that spent four years on its lees. Very perfumed, offering tiny pinpoint, persistent bubbles, loads of fruit on the attack, and good mineral/chalky flavors with impressive penetration as well as persistence, it is a beautiful, fresh yet authoritatively flavored Champagne to drink over the next 7-8 years."
-- Rated 93/100 The Wine Advocate




Jean Laurent N.V. Brut Rosé...$49.99
"Made from 100% Pinot Noir, the non-vintage Brut Rosé (which spent six years on its lees) is a dry, austere, long, medium to full-bodied rosé that screams "serious." Flavors of strawberries, wet stones, and tomato skins are found in this impressively endowed, structured, well-delineated effort. Consume it over the next 2-4 years."
Rated 92/100 The Wine Advocate

Saturday, December 27, 2008

95 points only $25

Very limited --- we just received a small amount at
Forsyth - Sold out
Ballwin
Rock Hill
Provisions Gourmet market....act fast!!
our blog faithful find out first...

2005 Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve...$24.99
Ripe in flavor, with a vivid array of black currant, blackberry, violet, black tea and black pepper aromas and flavors that zoom through to a long, expressive finish. Shows subtlety in the layers of complex flavor against a refined structure. Tannins are present but nicely contained. Best from 2010 through 2015. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 6,000 cases made. –HS

Rated 95/100 The Wine Spectator

Store Hours

Happy Holidays!

Reminder about our store hours...
We are open
Dec 27 -- Saturday 9am-7pm
Dec 28 -- Closed Sunday
Dec 29 -- Monday 9am-7pm
Dec 30 -- Tuesday 9am-7pm
Dec 31 -- Wednesday 9am-7pm (New Year's Eve)
Happy 2009
Jan 1 -- Thursday - Closed
Jan 2 -- Friday - Closed for Inventory
Jan 3 -- Saturday 9am-7pm
Jan 4 -- Sunday - Closed
Jan 5 -- Monday 9am-7pm
........................
Pre - inventory sale---we do not want to count it!
Lots of wine on sale now!
We have our holiday merchandise on sale now -- even lower now.
Holiday Beers on sale now -- even lower now.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Top rated beers...

BrewDog Paradox Glen Grant 1970 Cask...$10.99
Batch 003
Rated 95 percentile on ratebeer.com
A new BrewDog Paradox has arrived, I think it is their highest rated one.
"We set about to unite two of Scotland proudest heritages and produce a product which combined all that was good about Scotland’s whisky producing history and our contemporary take on a traditional Scottish style of stout. The fact that we have developed this product in conjunction with Duncan Taylor Ltd of Huntly means we mature our beer in the casks that once housed some of the most prestigious whiskies available today. The distinct flavours of these whiskies is beautifully infused into the beer giving a unique and unrivalled experience for both beer and whisky lovers. Paradox is produced in very small batches and each batch is bottled in a unique numbered limited edition bottle." -- Brewery



Rochefort Trappist 10...$6.19 / 11oz
2008 Beer Advocate's
#1 beer of the year !!!

Rated 100 percentile on ratebeer.com
"The top product from the Rochefort Trappist brewery. Dark color, full and very impressive taste. Strong plum, raisin, and black currant palate, with ascending notes of vinousness and other complexities."




St. Bernardus Abt 12 Quad...$4.69 / 11oz
St. Bernardus Abt 12 Quad...$11.99 / 25oz
2008 Beer Advocate's #3 beer of the year

"The absolute top quality in the hierarchy of the St. Bernardus beers. It is also the beer with the highest alcohol content (10.50 %). A dark ivory coloured beer with a high fermentation. The show piece of the brewery. Thanks to its soft and unconditionally genuine aroma, the beer can be smoothly tasted. The Abt has a very fruity flavour." - brewery

"Water, pumped up from a depth of 150 meter is the basis of all St. Bernardus beers. This water is not only the purest but has also a historical background. Scientists have proved that the water that is pumped up now, is originating from rainfall from the time of Jeanne d’Arc.The water seeped to Watou through a pervious stratum of sand from the St. Omer area in France.After brewing, the beer is maturing in a natural way and subsequently bottled unfiltered. By adding sugar and yeast, the beer gets a second fermentation in the bottle,carbonating the beer in a natural way. This gives the beer a beautiful and large froth." -- brewery
Rated 100 Percentile on Ratebeer.com



Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier...$2.69 / pint
Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier...$9.99 / 6pk
2008 Beer Advocate's #8 beer of the year is the classic German wheat beer.
Rate "A" outstanding with 947 Reviews
"Nothing refreshes you more than this naturally cloudy wheat beer with its wonderful yeasty fragrance and taste. Goes well with dishes that do not have too intensive a flavour, especially that Bavarian speciality 'Weisswurst' or white sausage. " -- brewery


Struise Pannepot from the #1 Brewer in the World
click for more info

Monday, December 22, 2008

Old Forester Anniversary...


Just in...limited release...
(in stock at Forsyth now)
Old Forester 75th Anniversary of Prohibition's Repeal...$21.99 / 375ml

"Old Forester Repeal Bourbon, a new, one-time, limited-release bourbon expression celebrating the 75th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition, is set to hit retail shelves nationwide this week. Old Forester Repeal Bourbon will come in a mock circa-1933 375ml bottle and carry an Old Forester replica label from that era.
Old Forester became America’s first bottled bourbon in 1870 when Louisville-native George Garvin Brown recognized the need for a bourbon of consistent high quality and began putting Old Forester in glass bottles. Brown, a pharmaceutical salesman, was so sure of the quality of Old Forester that he put his hand-written guarantee on each bottle – a practice continued today. The company claims that Old Forester is the only bourbon in existence today that has been sold continuously for over a century, including between the Prohibition years of 1920 and 1933 when it received one of only ten government permits to produce bourbon for medicinal purposes when alcohol sales were otherwise illegal in the United States.“This special bottling of Repeal Bourbon celebrates the rich history of Old Forester’s role as the founding brand of Brown-Forman,” said Joe Murray, Brand Manager for Old Forester. “Old Forester still lives up to its claim of ‘There is nothing better in the market’ over 135 years since its inception and is proud to be the only bourbon produced before, during and after Prohibition.”
Old Forester Repeal Bourbon will come in a gift pack which will include a scroll of the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which ended Prohibition, and an Old Forester snifter. Repeal Bourbon is 100-proof and will retail for a suggested price of $29.99 wherever Old Forester is sold. Only 2,700 cases were produced." -- Cocktail times...Industry news.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Fresh beer...

Just hit today...

Fresh Bell's Beer....
Bells Two-Hearted Ale....current batch brewed on 12/02/08
Plus it is still on sale at $7.99 / 6pk
Nothing like fresh Bell's Two Hearted on sale!!!

Also we got confirmation that next year we will get
New Holland beers from Michigan also...


2008 Chimay Grande Reserve Blue...$28.99 MAGNUM
The rare Chimay magnums have arrvived.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Rare Cognac

Of course we have all the big names in Cognac...at the best prices!!
Remy Martin VS, VSOP, XO, Louis XIII, Extra Perfection
Hennessy VS, VSOP, XO, Hennessy Paradis
Courvoisser VS, VSOP, XO, Initiale Extra
Martel VS, VSOP, XO
Kelt VSOP and XO

but check out these EXTREMELY rare gems...only at our Forsyth location.
(Call first, we only have 1 bottle of each left on hand)

Marthe Cognac Sepia Grande Champagne....$149.99
1er Cru du Cognac
A 30 year old Grande Champagne Cognac.
"A triumph of the distiller’s art. Rich amber-orange color. A powerful nose of vanilla, banana and oak. A warm spicy palate, multi-layered honey, jams, tropical fruits and superbly mature rancio with an impossibly long finish."
Classic — (96-100 pts) — Wine Enthusiast Magazine
Top 50 Best New Spirits, 2002 — Wine Enthusiast



“Highest Recommendation”— Five Stars—F. Paul Pacult






Germain Robin Anno Domini 2000...$259.99 -- sold out
The Spirit Shop...$599.99
67 Wine and Spirits...$420.00
Bottle #297 of only 1200 produced.

"When we released the Anno Domini 2000 in 1999, we dumbfounded the reviewers. The brandy was universally received as one of the finest spirit ever produced, equal or superior to the best cognacs. Anno Domini is a limited annual release, just over one barrel, blended from our finest aged brandies. The components were produced from wines of a quality never before used for distillation: world-class Pinot Noirs, with a touch of old-vine Palomino, the grape of sherry. Rigorously selected for extended aging, the brandy is brought to full maturity in air-dried Limousin oak.
Hubert Germain-Robin's family produced cognac for two centuries. He uses patient, time-honored methods that have almost entirely disappeared in France. Due to its origin in exceptional wine, the Anno Domini is extraordinarily rich in flavor, yet remains subtle and delicate, passing like silk over the palate. Hand-numbered bottles." -- Germain Robin

One of the "Five Cognacs of the Century" Richard Carleton Hacker

"A miraculously dense and complex brandy made mostly from pinot noir...superior to Paradis…equal to the best very old single-vintage, small producer cognacs" -- New York Times




Menuet Commemoration Cognac...our price....$319.99
The Whiskey Exchange...$469.56
This has to be one of the best Cognacs I have ever tasted.
50yr Single Vineyard Collection
1er Cru de Cognac
"Best Spirits of 2002" - Cognac -- 1st Place Menuet "50"
"Menuet Hors d'Age Grande Champagne Cognac 50 Years Old A very old, very rich Grande Champagne Cognac that will reward the patient connoisseur as this requires full aeration to fully enjoy the deep layers of flavor- the importer recommends at least thirty seconds of "air time" for each year of maturation." - Beverage Tasting Institute




Kelt Petra Cognac...our price...$799.99
ShopRite Liquors...$952.27
GetWines.com...$1299.99

Kelt Tour du Monde Petra is from 1990 shipment which left Cognac on 7/6/1990 and returned on 11/9/1990

Bottle # 673

During its voyage it visited many ports of call...Antwerp, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Colombo, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Osaka, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Charleston, Baltimore, and New York and a few more before returning to Cognac.


"Kelt Petra is International Beverage Company’s marquee grade cognac. Kelt Petra is also 100% Grande Champagne. The weighted average age is 70 years, comprised of casks aged between 15 and 135 years. The bottle is a crystalline, lead-free decanter with a cork stopper to ensure that the cognac is kept airtight. Kelt Petra is an original concept: Petra rests in a beautiful, mahogany, hand-built cabinet, which is great as a back bar display and for tableside presentation. Instead of having the Tour du Monde certificate on the bottle, a blue “checkbook” is provided. The checkbook is a unique item. Each bottle is numbered to the blue checkbook. Inside there are 18 pages for the restaurant’s guests to sign their name and addresses. When the bottle is empty, we ask the account to mail the checkbook to IBC’s office in Atlanta, Georgia. In return, Olev Kelt mails out letters thanking your guest for participating in Kelt Petra’s Tour du Monde experience, recaps the Tour du Monde story and invites them to visit Olev Kelt’s chateau for lunch if they visit France. The blue checkbook is mailed back to the account so they have a record of who their fine eau de vie consumers are. Kelt Petra received a 97/100 (the highest-rated marque grade cognac) and Platinum medal by the 1995 Wine Enthusiast Magazine World Spirit Championships." -- International Beverage Company

Camus Jubilee Cognac...our price...$624.99 -- sold out
WinexWine....$719.99
Whiskey Exchange...$911.73

A gorgeous Baccarat Crystal bottle.
"The Camus Jubilee Elegance Cognac blend was created in the early part of the 19th century to mark the Camus House's 50th Anniversary. Camus Jubilee Elegance Cognac is a mature symphony of fine leather, cigar box and a hint of smokiness on the nose, with a majestically persistent fusion of creamy oak, honey and spice on the palate.

Presented in a strikingly, unusual decanter sculpted from the finest Baccarat crystal. Camus Jubilee Elegance is the ultimate expression of a family marrying ancestral values and innovation for almost 150 years.

Camus is the largest independent and family-owned Cognac house, managed by 5 generations of the same French family since its foundation in 1863." -- Camus





Hennessy Richard Hennessy...$1,499.99
$1699.99 at WinexWine
$2,729.99 at Uncorked Wine and Spirits


"The nosing passes discover seductive aromas of hazelnut, butterscotch, spice cake, pipe tobacco and honey. The palate entry offers succulent flavors of toasted bread, blueberries and light toffee; the midpalate features delightful tastes of brown sugar, cocoa, butterscotch, lychee, oak, vanilla, rancio, nougat and black plum. Concludes with elegance and grace. One of my favorite cognacs." --
Rated 96-100/100 The Wine Enthusiast

Rare Scotch Gifts

We stock over 250 scotches at our Forsyth location. Including 11 different Macallan Scotches priced between $33.99 and $849.99. We also carry 9 different Balvenie Scotches.
We have the classics like Glenlivet, Macallan, Glenfiddich, Oban, Lagavulin, Aberlour, Glenmorangie.....and so many more.
.
.
Here are some very rare and limited scotches....314-727-8788 for info.
.


Highland Park 30yr....
30 Year Old Orkney Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Deep copper color. Over-the-top brown spice, tar, sandalwood, cigar box, sweet toffee and anise cookie aromas. A robust entry leads to a rich, off-dry full-bodied palate with roasted nuts, toffee, lavish brown spices, and exotic dried fruits. Finishes with a seemingly endless fade of mint, cola, dried fruits, and pepper. A blockbuster Scotch that continues to evolve in the glass and on the palate long after the first sip."

Rated 97/100 The Beverage Tasting Institute
"The nose offers subtle aromas of unsweetened coconut, bacon fat, and dark toffee with additional toasty scents of apple crisp, dates and oak. The palate entry is rich and fresh; the midpalate features flavors of bacon fat, dark honey, fudge, and bittersweet."
Rated 96-100/100 The Wine Enthusiast



Highland Park 25yr..
25 Year Old Orkney Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Smells smoky, along with nuances of sea salt, flowers, cookie batter and light toffee. Entry is oily, oaky and richly salt-and-peppery; the midpalate is where all the components merge into a crescendo of elegant and potent maritime single malt flavors. Along with HP 12, 18, and 30, the finest whisky product line.
Rated 96-100/100 The Wine Enthusiast




Duncan Taylor Highland Park 40yr...
40 Year Old Orkney Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distilled 12.1966 Bottled 12.2006
Cask # 11009
Cask Strength
Bottle # 9 of 294

Duncan Taylor Highland Park 35yr....
35 Year Old Orkney Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distilled 03.1970 bottled 07.2005
Cask # 3257
Bottle #55 / 173
Highland Park: "Best spirit in the world" by Paul Pacult, USA whisky expert, in Spirit Journal 100 listing of the world's best 100 distilled spirits.




Balvenie 1976 Single Cask...our price.
$779.99 - Shoppers Vineyard
$849.99 - Martin's Liquors
This rare whiskey was specially selected by the Balvenie Malt Master from our limited stocks of Ancient Reserve Whiskies, and hand bottled at the Balvenie Distillery on 27 March 2008. Bottle from a single cask No. 6568 which lay undistrurbed since 18 June 1976.
Bottle # 201 of 202



.


Macallan Fine Oak 30yr..
30 Year Old Fine Oak Speyside Single Malt Whisky
"Smells of chocolate-covered orange, dry malt and oak; aeration stimulates dry breakfast cereal, lanolin, beeswax and palm oil aromas. Entry is layered by sweet grain, oak barrel, vanilla wafer, toffee and fudge; midpalate gives off wave after wave of integrated spirit, grain, wood and acidity. A perfect Speyside single malt."
Rated 96-100/100 The Wine Enthusiast

Glenfiddich 30yr....
30 year old Single Malt Whiskey
"Gold Medal Best in Class winner at the International Wine & Spirit Competition 2007.
This prestigious, limited edition single malt Scotch whisky is for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Seductively woody, with substantial oakiness and lush notes of sherry, this is an evening whisky, perfect for indulging yourself and treating friends. Expect a companionable silence as the complex nose is inhaled and the woody essence, with sweet floral top notes, is savoured until the final fading moments of a honeyed finish." -- Glenfiddich

Deli items...

Just a quick note...all in stock now at Forsyth

White Anchovies
These delicious little treats are back in stock bulk in the deli.

Nueskes Bacon

Duck Leg Confit

D'Artagnan Demi Glace

Salumi Salami

Dogtown Pizza

Beer Gifts!

With time running out, you cannot go wrong with these great beer gifts...
(Many will sell out call 314-727-8788 for availability)

Samichlaus Bier -- 3 liter bottle...$99.99
WOW -- huge bottle -- 101.4 ounces
"Samichlaus Bier is brewed only once a year on December 6, and is aged for 10 months before bottling. Samichlaus is one of the rarest beer specialities in the world. It may be lagered in the bottle for many years to come, as older vintages become more complex with a creamy warming finish. This beer can be served with hardy robust dishes and desserts, particularly with chocolates, or as an after dinner drink by itself." -- Brewery






Ridgeway Curious Collection...$21.99
This is a special collection put together by one of the best beer importers, Shelton Brothers.
A great collection of Holiday Ales including
Bad Elf Winter's Ale
Warm Welcome Nut Browned Ale
Reindeers Revolt English Christmas Ale
Santa's Butt Winter Porter



Unibroue Taster Pack...$8.49
Includes one bottle each of
Blanche de Chambly
Ephemere Apple
Chambly Noire
Raftman -- only available in this pack!
Specialty Ale brewed with whisky malt, refermented in the bottle
"Launched in March 1995, Raftman is a beer with a coral sheen that is slightly robust. It contains 5.5 percent alcohol and combines the character of whisky malt with the smooth flavours of choice yeast. It has a subtle and exceptional bouquet that creates a persistent smooth feel. Raftman complements fish, smoked meat and spicy dishes. It is brewed to commemorate the legendary courage of the forest workers These hard working men knew when to settle their differences and share their joie de vivre with a beer and a whisky." -- Unibroue


O'Fallon Brewery Sampler Pack...$11.99
We Love Beer Pack made right here in Missouri. One of the best craft brewers.
2 bottles each of --
O'Fallon Gold
O'Fallon Smoke Porter
O'Fallon Chocolate Cherry
O'Fallon Wheat
.
.
Also check out these previous posts...
Plus we have
Samuel Adams 12 pack assorted beers
Boulevard Brewery 12 pack assorted beers
New Belgium Brewery 12 pack assorted beers
Red Hook Brewery 12 pack assorted beers
Mendocino Brewery 12 pack assorted beers

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Beer news...


St. Louis is growing into a great craft beer market, more and more exciting beers are arriving each month to TWCP. Here are a few to look forward to in 2009---
Magic Hat -- South Burlington, Vermont
Tommyknocker -- Idaho Springs, Colorado
.
and also some exciting line extensions next year in 2009...
Boulevard Single Wide IPA
Boulevard Bock
Boulevard Smokestack Imperial Stout
.
Schalfly Grand Cru
Schalfly Tripel
.
Sierra Nevada Torpedo IPA
.
Other beer news...stock up now before they are gone.
Schlafly Christmas - going, going, almost gone.
Forsyth sold out, a little left at our other locations.
.
Anchor Christmas Ale - almost gone.
(Forsyth has 2 magnums and no 6pks, a few sixers left at our other locations)
.
Boulevard Bourbon Barrel Quad almost gone.
(only 3 cases left out of 10)
.
Sam Adams Chocolate Bock - almost gone.
(only 1 case left out of 14)
Check out this article in the New York Times about
Dupont Cidre de Bouche....$6.49 / 375ml
It is an article about pairing hard cider with food.

The fruitcake is here...

We know all the fruitcake jokes, but this one is the real deal. A delicious fruitcake that has received national attention and acclaim. We have been stocking it since the beginning (at least 15 years).

On sale now!!!
Assumption Abbey Fruitcake...$19.99 / 2lbs
Was $27.99


"Assumption Abbey is a secluded Trappist monastery nestled in the foothills of the Missouri Ozarks. It was established in 1950 by a group of monks from New Melleray Abbey in Dubuque, IA. Through the years, the brothers of Assumption Abbey have continued to live by the centuries old Trappist tradition of contemplation and study, private prayer and common worship, and living by the work of their own hands.When Assumption Abbey was first developing its bakery, the monks sought the help of world class chef Jean-Pierre Augé, who at one time served in the royal employ of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Mr. Augé's assistance, and his generosity in providing the recipe and ideas for production, gave the monks the impetus to go forward with the Assumption Abbey Fruitcakes.Assumption Abbey Fruitcakes are the dark, rich, traditional style of fruitcake. They are baked slowly and aged under the careful supervision of the monks. Everything, from marinating the fruit, to mixing, to baking, to packaging, to aging, to mailing is done right at the monastery by the monks. Assumption Abbey is not a commercial enterprise. It is a way of life, and that way of life, combined with the careful work of the bakers, insures a dedication to high quality that makes Assumption Abbey Fruitcakes among this country's finest." -- Abbey

Monday, December 15, 2008

Beer Advocate Top beers of 2008


Beer Advocate December issue has hit with their top beers of 2008.

"All-Time Top Beers on Planet Earth"
"New beers come and go. These are ones that stuck around."


The beers in red we stock at our stores!
#1 Rochefort 10 Trappistes Quad
#2 Stone Imperial Russian Stout
#3 St. Bernardus Abt 12 Quad
#4 Founders Breakfast Stout
#5 Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock
#6 Three Floyds Dreadnaught IPA
#7 Victory Storm King Stout
#8 Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier
#9 Bell's Two Hearted Ale
#10 Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA
#11 Stone Ruination IPA
#12 Bell's HopSlam Ale (due in January)
#13 Unibroue La Fin du Monde
#14 Aventinus Weizenbock
#15 North Coast Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout
#16 Duvel Belgian Strong Pale Ale
#17 Stone IPA
#18 Stone Double Bastard Ale
#19 Rogue Chocolate Stout
#20 Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye
#21 Troegs Nugget Nectar
#22 Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale
#23 Rochefort 8 Trappiste
#24 Rogue Shakespeare Stout
#25 Chimay Grand Reserve Blue
(right now we stock 15 of the top 25 beers from Beer Advocate)

BEER TASTING!

Provisions Gourmet Market
11615 Olive Street
Creve Coeur, MO
314-989-0020
Special Beer Tasting
This Friday -- December 19th
5-7pm


Featured beers include:

Boulevard Smokestack Bourbon Barrel Quad
Struise Pannepot
Sam Adams Chocolate Bock
Sierra Nevada Celebration
AB Winter Bourbon Cask
O'Dell Isolation
Delirium Noel
Samuel Smith's Winter Welcome
O'Fallon Chocolate Cherry

and a few others.
.
.
Check out Provision's ever growing selection at this special tasting. Robin will be featuring a lot of the limited holiday beers, Marc will also have a selection of great wines and Barb, our cheesemonger, will be on hand with some great cheeses to match with the selections.

Friday, December 12, 2008

Fantome -- very rare

The surprise is here...just arrived at Forsyth and Rock Hill now..

Very limited.
Fantome flys in to St. Louis! - Very, very, rare...
The Fantome "Phantom" beer is as elusive as the name suggests. The importer, Shelton Brothers, have no idea when or what they will get from Fantome. They just take what shows up at their door. The brewer, Dany Prignon, is apparently one of the most eccentric brewers in the world. I have only had the chance to taste a beer from Fantome once before, and that was thanks to Dylan at "33" Wine Bar who had a bottle he bought in Florida (I think). It was a strange and intriguing brew that made you feel privileged to have a chance to taste. It is a beer you want to try with friends and be able to discuss.


"Fantôme’s brewer, Dany Prignon, is a lively character who breaks all the rules when it comes to brewing with special ingredients. (How many other brewers have made a mushroom beer?) In fact, not all of his experiments are a success, but every beer is at least interesting and recall the early days of Belgian brewing.
Fantôme Seasonal Beers – The mysterious Fantôme brewer is always at work cooking up another unique beer, often using secret herbs, spices, and fruits to evoke the current season. The recipes are never the same from year to year....The Winter beers are dark ruby red confections, with strong, malty flavors and are relatively straight-forward, without any notable trace of the phantom’s usual trickery." -- Shelton Brothers




Fantome Hiver...$12.99 / 750ml
"Fantome's winter offering, available December through March or so. Brewer Dany Prignon changes his recipes every year, so we can't so for sure what this year's beer will be like, but it is sure to please lovers of Dany's beers." -- importer


Fantome Noel...$12.99 / 750ml
"A very dark and entirely unique holiday seasonal beer, at a whopping 10% alc. by volume. Reportedly spiced with honey, caramel, coriander, black pepper, and other secret ingredients. “Beautifully warming with an amazing, almost overwhelming, depth of character. Well balanced bittersweet, fruity ale which must surely be the ultimate winter warmer.” (The Beers of Wallonia.) Both authors of The Beers of Wallonia also give this Noël beer perfect 10’s. The alcohol content probably goes a long way toward explaining that very warm and satisfied feeling one finds on the very first sip. A rich, dark-flavored beer with lots of deep-roasted chocolate malt, but still fairly dry, with a hint of sourness at the core. It is very spicy, with some winter spruce flavor in the bargain. The wild yeast sourness also adds to its welcoming character." -- importer

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Left Hand Winter, Karmeliet gift set...

New releases!
Seasonal and limited supply!
Left Hand Snow Bound Winter Ale...$5.69 / 22oz
"Brewed once a year to fight cabin fever, this spiced strong ale uses all natural ingredients, including crushed cinnamon, honey, chopped ginger, orange zest, cardamon, and cloves. Deep red in color, this medium-bodied beer is a winter warmer - enjoy on a cold night in front of the fireplace. Get it while it lasts!" -- Brewery




Karmeliet Tripel Gift Set....$24.99
Blond, robust, smooth, and fruity three grain top fermented beer, refermented in the bottle. Brewed with pride and patience after Karmeliet tradition with wheat, oat and barley. 100% natural. Has been brewed at Van Steenberge for Brewery Bosteels for some time until recently.

4 / 330ml bottles of Karmeliet
and a Karmeliet Glass (An amazing glass that holds 25oz , it is huge ! It is much bigger than the normal glass we sell separately)

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Beer News.... BBQ Smokestack

Just a quick note...
Goose Island Bourbon Barrel is almost gone for the year.
About a case left at Rock Hill and Forsyth.
Anchor Christmas Ale
Just a little left at all stores for the year.



Exciting things coming up in the beer department...
Sold Out!
Boulevard Bourbon Barrel Quad...$11.99 / 750ml
Nickname: BBQ (acronym of the name)
Only 10,630 BOTTLES made
"Based loosely on the Smokestack Series Sixth Glass, this abbey-style quadrupel, after fermentation on cherries, was separated into a number of oak bourbon barrels, where it aged for varying lengths of time, in some cases as long as a year. Selected barrels were then blended for optimum flavor. The resulting beer retains only very subtle cherry characteristics, with toffee and vanilla notes coming to the fore." -- Boulevard

Rated 95 percentile on http://www.ratebeer.com/
"Saison-Brett will be released to the tune of less than 12,000 bottles and BBQ even more limited at approximately 7000. Each bottle will be individually numbered. The beers will be released into the same distribution channel as the other Smokestack beers. " -- BeerNews



Bell's Hopslam
Due third week of January
"A biting, bitter, tongue bruiser of an ale. With a name like Hopslam, what did you expect?" -- Bell's Brewery
One of the most anticipated Bell's release is not far off! It is their Double Imperial Pale Ale and one of the best DIPA you can get. Everybody wants this to be a year round brew! Hopslam falls in the same category as these other great DIPA (none of them available in St. Louis) -- Three Floyds Dreadnaught Imperial IPA, Russian River Pliny the Elder, AleSmith YuleSmith, Stone Ruination IPA, Dogfish Head 90 Minute Imperial IPA. Feel lucky we get the Bell's Hopslam, I think they only distribute in about 12 states.



Left Hand Smoke Jumper Porter - very soon
Left Hand Snowbound Ale - very soon

Left Hand Oak Aged Imperial Stout 22oz
Due in March 2009
We are looking forward to receiving this in St. Louis. Left Hand has a program of producing 8 seasonals, 4 every other year. This Oak Aged Imperial Stout comes around every 2 years. This is one to stock up on and enjoy. They have changed the oak program for the 2008. It is aged in BRANDY barrels, which I do not think I have seen before, at least not in St. Louis. I know I have not tasted one yet. Of course we have seen beer aged in Bourbon Barrels, Scotch Barrels and wine barrels.
"Our limited edition Oak-Aged Imperial Stout is back for the 1st time in 2 years, but with a couple of new twists--instead of being aged in French Oak Wine Barrels, we opted to age it this year in Heaven Hill brandy barrels from the hills of Kentucky. (And like all of our Big MO Limited Edition releases, it's available in 22oz bombers now instead of the 750ml caged & corked Belgian beer bottle). We racked Imperial Stout into the barrels back in June of this year, and will blend it with un-aged Imperial Stout to woody perfection. At 22 degree plato adn 10.4% ABV, it's the perfect warmer for thos cold February, early March nights. Enjoy the complex flavors revealing hints of raisin, black licorice, coffee, dark chocolate, and, of course a hint of brandy. Order quickly--we've decided on our blend already, and we'll only be packaging about 150 barrels of it this time around. So, first come, first serve. Once it's sold out, it's gone until 2011." -- Left Hand

Last year -- A+ on http://www.beeradvocate.com/
“the best beer ever brewed if you love chocolate flavors” -- by Modern Brewery Age magazine.


Winebats! Uncork for a cause.

Baseball and wine lovers -- your holiday shopping starts here...

We have a customer and friend of the store that is working with some great baseball players and charities to create some unbelievalbe gifts. We are hoping to get some to sell at the store next year, but Missouri red tape did not allow it this year. They are expecting more great players to sign up for the program next year. This year, you can go to Uncorked for a Cause website to order.

Some great baseball players are lending their names and their bats for charity: Luis Gonazalez, Bronson Arroyo, and Tom Glavine. They are very limited edition wine boxes that include three bottles of custom wine, signed baseball bat and stunning wood box.

Luis Gonzalez
"Don't miss the debut of Luis Gonzalez's 2006 Hill Family Cabernet Sauvignon and beautiful wine box set. This unique gift pack includes three bottles of limited edition 2006 Luis Gonzalez Cabernet Sauvignon and the WineBat™, Luis’ game model baseball bat hand-stained with "Hill Harvest Red" wine stain and signed by Luis, all enclosed in a commemorative wooden wine box, each individually numbered for authenticity. Very limited collectible, only 200 numbered units of the wine box are available." -- Uncorked for a Cause








Bronson Arroyo

"Don't miss the debut of Bronson Arroyo's 2006 Napa Valley Baseball Blend red wine and beautiful wine box set. This unique gift pack includes three bottles of limited edition 2006 Bronson Arroyo Hill family Baseball Blend red wine and the WineBat™, Bronson’s game model baseball bat hand-stained with "Hill Harvest Red" wine stain and signed by Bronson, all enclosed in a commemorative wooden wine box, each individually numbered for authenticity. Very limited collectible, only 100 numbered units of the wine box are available." -- Uncorked for a cause




Go to Uncork for a Cause to order
click here to order

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Know your styles -- Barleywine

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 Barleywine on STL Hops.

Here are a few Barleywine style beer we have in stock now...
Nils Oscar Barleywine - Sweden
Norrebro Bryghus Little Korkny Barleywine - Denmark
Ridgeway Seriously Bad Elf - England
2005 Xyauyu - Italy

Nogne #100 Barleywine - Norway
Klein Erik de Noorman - Netherlands
J.W. Lees Vintage Harvest Ale - England
American Barleywine--
Anchor Old Foghorn - California
2008 Schlafly Oak Aged Barleywine - St. Louis
Pyramid Pugsleys Barleywine - Maine
Avery Hog Heaven Barleywine - Colorado
Great Divide Old Ruffian - Colorado


Tuesday, December 2, 2008

New arrivals in beer...

Quick note on new releases in beer and cider...
I will post more info when I have time

Shipyard Pugsleys Signature Series Barley Wine 22oz...$9.39
"Barley Wine Style Ale is a big beer made with six different malts (Pale Ale, Crystal, Caramunich, Wheat, Chocolate and Roasted Barley) and balanced with a very full hop charge of Summit, Challenger and Fuggles hops. It is a deep reddish brown color with a complex fruity nose, a very full body, and an interesting balance between grains and hops which ends with a pleasing dry taste. To fully enjoy all the flavors, this ale is best drunk at 55 degrees Fahrenheit. 8.5% alcohol by volume." -- brewery
Shipyard Pugsleys Signature Series Imperial Porter 22oz...$9.39
"Imperial Porter is a full bodied, very dark, malty beer with a good roasted character coming from the Crystal, Chocolate and Black Patent Malts used in the mash. Warrior, English Fuggles, and East Kent Goldings Hops balance the malts with a good hop bite. The beer has an OG of 1.070, rounding out after fermentation with just a slight residual sweetness and cutting dry at the finish. 7.1% alcohol by volume." -- brewery

Altenmunster Winterbier Doppelbock Pint
D.Carnegie Stark Porter 2006
J.K. Scrumpy's Hard Organic Cider
Etienne Dupont Cidre Bouche Brut 2007

Charity Event

We have a special Charity Event this Thursday.
Our 2nd Annual Winter Wine Tasting
The Wine and Cheese Place
7435 Forsyth Blvd
Clayton, MO 63105
Thursday December 4th
7pm-9pm
$30 / person to a great cause
PKD Foundation


Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation
Proceeds from the event will go towards research to find a cure.
For more info or reservations
call Brianne Ventus...314-420-7767
Silent Auction
Appetizers
over 40 wines to taste!
Here are a few of the wines you will taste for only $30 donated to the charity.



Henriot Blanc de Souverain Champagne $42.99
Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc $26.99
Bogle Chardonnay $ 7.99
St. Francis Red Blend $ 9.99
The 75 Wine Cabernet from Tuck Beckstoffer $17.99
Torre di Luna Pinot Grigio $11.99
Au Bon Climat Santa Barbara Chardonnay $19.99
Laurel Glen Reds $ 9.99
Torii Mor Willamette Valley Pinot Noir $27.99
Bennett Lane Maximus $31.99
Terra Romana Sauvignon Blanc $ 9.99
Vina Robles Chardonnay $16.99
Heavenly Retreat Riesling $ 7.99
Vina Robles Cabernet Sauvignon $15.99
Dreamer Late Harvest Cabernet Sauvignon $ 9.49
Il Follo Prosecco $ 9.99
Chateau de la Greffiere Macon Laroche Vineuse $16.99
Hedges “CMS” Cabernet/Merlot/Syrah $13.99
Domaine Grand Bois Cotes du Rhone Rouge $15.99
Pepperbridge Cabernet Sauvignon $48.99
Bennet Family Chardonnay $17.99
Fess Parker Riesling $12.99
Mischief and Mayhem Bourgogne Chardonnay $26.99
Martin Ray Pinot Noir $19.99
Martin Ray Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon $29.99
McManis Pinot Grigio $ 9.99
Les Fontenells Sauv Blanc $ 9.99
LaPlaya Merlot $ 7.99
McManis Cabernet Sauvignon $ 9.99
Campus Oak Zinfandel $10.99
Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay $26.99
Lindemans Shiraz Bin 50 $ 5.49
Spanish Quarter Cabernet/Tempranillo $ 8.99
Sbragia Family Zinfandel Ginos $24.99
Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet/Shiraz $27.99