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Thursday, December 31, 2009

Hours

Happy New Year 2010

Closed New Year's Day.

Open Saturday from 9am-7pm

Closed Sunday and Monday for inventory.

Evan Benn on Stouts....


Stout drinkers check out Evan Benn's article in the Post Dispatch today....


Choices in stout go far beyond the obvious

By Evan S. Benn
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
01/01/2010

Dark beers can be intimidating to casual beer drinkers. Maybe that's because their only stout experience has been with Guinness, an Irish dry stout with a creamy mouthfeel that's a staple at many bars and restaurants. Truth is, Guinness isn't bad, but there is so much more out there that could convert occasional stout drinkers to full-on aficionados.Not all stouts are created equal. They fall into subcategories depending on what ingredients brewers choose to highlight, such as oats (oatmeal stout), lactose (milk stout) or hops (American stout). The most complex and high-alcohol of these brews are sometimes called Russian imperial stouts because they were first brewed for 18th century Russian czars.

click here to read the rest....

Evan's Pick
Goose Island Bourbon County Stout

Lowdown: This chewy sipper is perfect for a cold night. Bourbon-barrel aging imparts notes of smoke and vanilla. Pair it with ice cream or a cigar.
Price: $18.99 for four 12-ounce bottles
Where to find it: The Wine and Cheese Place, 7435 Forsyth Boulevard, Clayton

Eisenbahn Brewery - Brazil

Order Online now


Eisenbahn Lust...$25.99 / 25oz
"Eisenbahn Lust is the first beer in Brazil produced under the traditional champagne production method, the champenoise. After the first fermentation in the brewery the beer is sent to a winery, where it stays for three months and undergoes a secondary fermentation in the bottle. After that, the cuvee, remuage and dégorgement processes take place, ending in a fruit and refreshing beer, with a fine and persistent perlage. Ideal as an aperitif, pairing with cheeses and with desserts. The perfect beer for great celebrations." -- importer



Eisenbahn Defumada Smoke...$2.49 / 11oz

"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

check out their website
Eisenbahn

Odell limited releases!


Odell "Single Serve Series"
In stock now! Order online



Apparently some accounts did not take their allocation.
We got cases in today at Forsyth. No limit now, buy what you want.


Odell Bourbon Barrel Stout....$13.99 / 750ml
"This limited edition offering begins with a full-bodied imperial stout that has notes of sweet milk chocolate, smooth vanilla and roasted coffee beans. Then things get interesting. We transfer it to Kentucky bourbon barrels where it’s aged for four months to let traces of oak and caramel come forward. The bourbon barrels have a remarkable effect on the beer. In turn, the beer has a remarkable effect on the senses." -- Odell Brewing







Odell Mountain Standard Reserve '09....$13.99 / 750ml
"This is more than a limited edition offering. It’s an enigma in liquid form. At first it looks like a deep mahogany ale, then you take your first sip and notice its distinct hoppy character. We begin with a ridiculous amount of Cascade and Chinook hop varietals from Western Colorado and bring out their flavor with the hop back. Then we double dry hop for even more of that aroma you love. The result is an unforgettable beer from the forgotten time zone." -- Odell Brewing




Woodcut Series
Very limited.


Odell Woodcut No.3....$24.99 / 750ml
"American oak plays a predominant role in Woodcut No. 3. Crystal, and Cara malts marry with Munich malts to create a pleasing red hue and a satisfying sweetness. Notes of raisin, rich caramel and toasted almond complement the hop pairing as a prominent oak aroma completes it all. Each Woodcut offering is a truly limited-edition beer made with select hops, fine malted barley and our brewers careful aging process.

In the fall of 2007, we received our first shipment of oak barrels from Canton Cooperage in Kentucky. The barrels, cut from new American oak, were specifically crafted with a medium toast to give beer added flavor and depth. The Woodcut series of barrel-aged beers was born. Woodcut offerings are crafted with select hops and malted barley on our pilot brewing system. After fermentation, the beer is chilled and then transferred to the oak barrels for aging. As the beer ages, the wood imparts unique and complex flavors. Brewers evaluate various barrel blends, carefully selecting the blend to bottle. Woodcut ales are then bottled conditioned in 750ml Belgian-style bottles with a cork-and-cage finish
." -- Odell

Scottish ales....

Available online also

Traquair House Ale....$5.29 / 11.2oz

"Barley wine-style "Scotch ale" produced in a tiny brewery at Traquair, the oldest inhabited house in Scotland. Traquair is a pure-malt ale that can accompany or replace pure-malt whiskey. The original 18th century recipe was discovered by Peter Maxwell Stuart, 20th Laird of Traquair, in the mid 1960’s.

Traquair was brewing a famous strong ale when Mary Queen of Scots visited in 1566. For 200 years the brewery remained idle until restored in 1965 by the 20th Laird of Traquair

Deep reddish-golden in color; full, velvet-like body; medium dry and powerful, with an earthy hint of peat character." -- importer





Traquair Jacobite Ale....$5.29 / 11.2oz
"Traquair Jacobite Ale, first brewed in 1995, commemorates the 250th anniversary
of the Jacobite Rebellion. A strong ale based on an ancient recipe, Jacobite Ale is
spiced with hops as well as another traditional and ancient seasoning: coriander.
Deep brown color; rich aroma of spice, chocolate and leather; full, creamy body.
Exotic, engaging finish with notes of warmth and oak. ABV: 8.0%" -- importer



"Serving Suggestions: Each is excellent with pate de fois gras and other richappetizers; great with Stilton or other blue cheeses. Can accompany fruit and fruittarts or as a morning pick-me-up with coffee and brunch; alone, Traquair is a finewinter warmer and also beautiful with a fine cigar. Serve in a brandy snifter." -- importer

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Cherry Heering

Cherry Heering is one of those items that has been a regular stock item for us for over 20 years, but I still get many customers that are surprised we carry it, because they cannot find it anywhere else. I take items like these for granted because I see them everyday, but it is another item that makes our store unique in the area.


Cherry Heering Liqueur....$23.99

"Since 1818 Heering Cherry Liqueur has ben a fashion accessory, adding extravagance and civilization to some of the most legendary cocktails of all time, including the original Singapore Sling. Heering Cherry Liqueur contains only natural ingredients including Danish grown cherries. No additives or artificial colouring. Swirl with ice, lean back and chill. Heering Cherry Liqueur is the original "Cherry Brandy". -- Peter Heering Website



Aperol Aperitivo



Aperol Aperitivo.....$22.99
(I am told Aperol sells more than Campari in Italy)

Aperol (similar to Campari) is traditionally served with a splash of Sparkling water and an orange slice. (or substitute Prosecco for the sparkling water)

Info from their website

Aperol was launched by the Barbieri company, based in Padua, in 1919 on the occasion of the Padua Exhibition - introducing the revolutionary idea of an aperitif with an alcohol content of only 11%. After the second world war, it really took off, becoming a major success in Italian homes and bars. Today it is enjoyed by over 3.4 million Italians and is available in every bar and main food retailer in the country.

Aperol's unique flavour and colour is achieved through a subtle blend, with a perfect balancing of different erbs and roots.
The ingredients' quality allows a very low alcoholic strength: 11%Vol.


A secret recipe that has been unchanged since its first creation in 1919.
Please note: the bitter and sweet Aperol taste is not a banality, it is perfectly "aperitivo".






Click here for drink recipes

Shafer Vineyards


Both The Wine Advocate and The Wine Spectator agree about this great Chardonnay.

2007 Shafer Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch....$47.99
"Clean, crisp and flinty, with green apple, lime, quince and spicy hazelnut notes that are pure and focused, gaining depth on the finish. Drink now through 2012. 5,500 cases made. –JL"
Rated 93/100 The Wine Spectator


"The non-malolactic barrel-fermented, green/gold-colored 2007 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch offers loads of tropical fruit, pear, and honeysuckle characteristics in its full-bodied personality. The oak component has been downplayed over recent vintages, and the wine is all the better for it, displaying gorgeously pure fruit. It should drink nicely for 2-4 years. This family-owned winery routinely fashions exceptional wines from their Stags Leap vineyards. Moreover, they have long been the reference point for what can be achieved in Stags Leap. My highest compliments to this great winery."
Rated 92/100 The Wine Advocate

Pahlmeyer

Pahlmeyer makes 2 different Chardonnays with almost identical labels. They have a Napa and a Sonoma. The Sonoma is the smallest production and hardest to get (they produce less than half the amount of the Napa).


2007 Pahlmeyer SONOMA Chardonnay....$66.99
"For starters, the 2007 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast may be one of Pahlmeyer’s finest Chardonnays to date (it’s coming right on the heels of their two brilliant 2006 Chardonnays). Most of the fruit comes from the Ritchie Vineyard, a site from which Mark Aubert also produces incredible wines. This 1,600-case cuvee is fashioned from the old Wente and Mt. Eden clones. Like the finest California Chardonnays, it reveals a light greenish hue to its straw color in addition to a beautiful perfume of nectarines, brioche, subtle smoke, crushed rocks, and gobs of white peach and pineapple fruit. This full-bodied beauty should drink easily for 5-6 years."

Rated 95/100 The Wine Advocate




Limited!
2005 Pahlmeyer Red....$299.99 / MAGNUM
"The 2005 Proprietary Red is significantly better than what I tasted last year, although I certainly gave it a high score. This wine has fleshed out beautifully. The final blend (84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec) has a deep purple color, a beautifully sweet nose of blackberries and cassis intermixed with some meatiness, smoke, and a touch of pain grille as well as notes of espresso and licorice. Full-bodied, rich, with decent acidity, excellent delineation, and moderately high tannin, this is a beauty that should evolve for 25-30+ years It is no wimpish wine at 15.2% natural alcohol, but that is buried beneath a cascade of gorgeous fruit and glycerin. This wine should be cruising along brilliantly in 2030+."

Rated 96/100 The Wine Advocate

A great scotch bargain...

Wow! What a scotch for this price!!
It is a blend from the 7 main distilleries of Islay:
Ardbeg, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, Lagavulin and Laphroig.

Black Bottle Scotch....$15.99 / 750ml

"Being ordinary is easy. Just keep your head down, follow the crowd, do as you’re told, never complain and stick to the straight and narrow. Safe, secure, straightforward. Painless, pedestrian and predictable. But dull, deadly dull.

And then there’s Black Bottle, a singular dram that stands up, demands attention and delivers huge chewy mouthfuls of flavour that cannot be ignored. Never reserved for feint praise, it’s adored by the critics, loved across the land and inspires the kind of passionate devotion that can last a lifetime. Ordinary it is not.

Capturing the very essence of Islay in an artful marriage all seven of the island’s classic malts alongside some of the finest grain available, this is a blend to savour. Every sip is a celebration, every glass an occasion, every mouthful is smooth, full-bodied and uncompromising.

Being extraordinary may not be easy, but it’s so much more satisfying. Dare to be different, insist on Black Bottle every time.

Taste Profile
Black Bottle’s much lauded taste profile proudly wears its North East heritage on its sleeve.

While the taste is now skilfully crafted from the worlds renowned Islay malts, the original blend was cut from the peaty bogs of the Aberdeenshire crofters and washed by the salty seafront warehouses where the Aberdeen fishermen docked. Married within these bullish tastes and lightening the blend is a Speyside sweetness known throughout the world for its delicate footprint.

These tastes combine to create a dram that makes no apology for its complex character and consistently tips a wink at its Islay cousins, remembering a time when the fishermen of the North East stowed a Black Bottle in their cabins for a reminder of home." -- Black Bottle Website

Monday, December 28, 2009

Monday Night Wine Classes

Our popular Monday night classes are back. The classes run from 6pm-7:30pm at
The Wine and Cheese Place
7435 Forsyth Blvd
Clayton, Mo 63105
314-727-8788
Reservations are required.
Credit card required for reservation.
.
.
February 8 -- Wines of Spain
$20 / person
Spain produces some world class wines from many great regions. Wines from Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Priorat, and many more. This class will highlight some fantastic wines from this country that is on fire with quality wines.
Februay 15 -- Best Buys in Wine
$20 / person
This class will feature what TWCP is famous for bringing to St. Louis -- great values! We will have both whites and reds in the class that show exceptional value for their price.
February 22 -- The Wines of California
$30 / person
California now has a reputation that spans the globe for producing world class wines. We will showcase some great wines from Napa, Sonoma and other areas of this great wine producing state.
March 8 -- Wines of Italy
$25 / person
Italy is one of the premier wine producing countries in Europe. They have many great wines produced in Tuscany, Piedmont and many other great areas
March 15 -- Wines of Oregon
$20 /person
Oregon has come on strong as of late with great Pinot Noirs and Pinot Gris. We will taste both white and red wines from Oregon at this class.
March 22 - Rhone Valley Wines
$20 / person
The Rhone Valley has hit its stride with some great vintages and great wines. Many famous wines come from the Rhone -- Chateauneuf du Pape, Hermitage, Cote Rotie, Gigondas and more.
April 5 -- Wines of Southern France
$20/person
We have a lot of great choices for this class. Wines from Corbieres, Provence, Roussillon, Fitou, Bandol and so much more. The wines of Southern France are made in a more "universal" style now that they are great wines for a bargain.
April 19 -- Great BBQ Wines
$20/person
Wine and BBQ is tricky, but it can be a great combination. We will pick some of our favorite wines to serve with BBQ. You will taste both whites, reds and maybe a rose.

Thursday Night Classes -- 2010

Wine 101 Series at The Wine and Cheese Place
Featuring Certified Sommelier, Angela Ortmann
Angela, STLwinegirl (http://www.stlwinegirl.com/) and recently named “goddess of wine” by Sauce Magazine, is an independent wine and food consultant.


$25 per class



February 4 -- Introduction to Wine: Demystifying the World of Wine
February 11 - Introduction to Wine: Demystifying the World of Wine
(same class, two chances to attend)

Covering the basics of wine including varietals, regions, wine making, components of wine, handling, serving, storage, cork vs. screwcap, when to decant
(same class, two weeks to choose from)

Here is what we will taste:

Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut
Big House Pink
Calistoga Cellars Sauvignon Blanc
Rodney Strong Chardonnay
Mandolin Pinot Noir
Oberon Cabernet Sauvignon
Martin Bros. Moscato Allegro




February 18 - Basics of Tasting Wine and Aroma Training
How to smell and taste wine, how to identify the aromas and flavors in wines, using the proper glassware, breaking down dry vs. sweet, tannins and acidity


February 25 - Old World vs. New World

How Does the U.S. Stack Up?
Learn and compare the differences in wine making styles and wines from European and domestic regions
White Bordeaux/Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc
White Burgundy/Napa Chardonnay
Germany/Washington State Riesling
Red Bordeaux/California Meritage
Red Burgundy/Oregon Pinot Noir
Italian Primitivo/Lodi California Zinfandel


March 4 - Price points
Popular wines shown in 3 different price points
under $15 ~ $15 to $30 ~ $30 to $50


March 11 - Worldly Whites
Showcasing the same varietals from 3 different regions of the world
Sauvignon Blanc - Loire Valley, New Zealand, South Africa
Chardonnay - Chablis, Chile, Central Coast California
Pinot Grigio/Gris - Italy, Alsace, Oregon


March 18 - Ravishing Reds
Showcasing the same varietals from 3 different regions of the world
Pinot Noir - Burgundy, New Zealand, Russian River Valley California
Syrah/Shiraz - Rhone, Australia, Central Coast California
Grenache - Chateauneuf du Pape, Spain, Mendecino California


March 25 - Everything Pink, Bubbly and Sweet
Taste through different sparklers, roses, and dessert wines.


Class Location:
The Wine and Cheese Place
7435 Forsyth Blvd
Clayton, MO, 63105
314-727-8788


Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Price: $25 / person


Reservations Required -- click here

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Fullers Vintage



The new vintage has arrived
Fullers 2008 Vintage Ale


"Our 12th Vintage features two of our favourite English hop varieties, Northdown and Challenger. These, combined with floor malted Maris Otter malt, produce a rich fruit aroma laced with dark orange hop notes. A full luxurious mouthfeel is finished off with a satisfying alcohol warmth." -- Vintage Ale 2008


"Vintage Ale is a truly distinguished bottle-conditioned ale, crafted by Fuller’s Head Brewer, John Keeling. Each vintage is a blend of that year’s finest malt and hops, and of course our unique yeast, creating a unique limited edition brew.

Bottle conditioning means that a little yeast is left in the bottle after bottling, which will mature slowly over time like a fine wine or whisky - well beyond the best before date that we are obliged to state. Here at Fuller's, we recently opened (in the interests of research, of course) a few bottles of old Vintages: they tasted better than ever so stock up now and you'll be glad you did in years to come! " -- Fullers

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Cathedral Square

Looks like St. Louis might have some more bottled beers soon. Cathedral Square brewing just got a few labels approved....cannot wait!!

Cathedral Square's Website



Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Wine Advocate #186

Some wines in stock from the new issue of The Wine Advocate by Robert Parker
2006 Anderson's Conn Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve....$52.99
"The unfined, unfiltered 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve spends two years in French oak and another year in the bottle before being released. This cuvee has a long track record of aging (the 1990 and 1991 are still going strong). The dense ruby/purple-tinged 2006 offers notes of new saddle leather, black currants, autumnal vegetation/forest floor, cassis, and cherries, superb richness, and a full-bodied, powerful finish. Cellar it for 5-6 years, and drink it over the following 25 years."
Rated 94/100 The Wine Advocate

2006 Anderson's Conn Valley Eloge Proprietary Red Wine....$79.99
"The 2006 Eloge’s dark plum/ruby color is followed by a sweet kiss of plum, black cherry, earth, licorice, and spice box, a medium to full-bodied wine, abundant tannin, and impressive concentration, purity, and overall complexity. Reasonably evolved, and extremely seductive aromatically, with a slightly structured finish, it can be enjoyed now and over the next 15 years. It is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot, and 3% Merlot."
Rated 95+/100 The Wine Advocate

2007 Anderson's Conn Valley Right Bank....$53.99
"Composed of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, the inky/purple-hued 2007 Right Bank exhibits a celestial bouquet of blue and black fruits interwoven with notions of camphor, spice, subtle smoke, and incense. Full-bodied, powerful, youthful, and ageworthy, it needs 4-5 years of bottle age, and should drink well for three decades. These brilliant 2007s are some of the strongest efforts that have emerged from Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards over the last decade."
Rated 95-97/100 The Wine Advocate

2007 Beau Vigne Cabernet Sauvignon Juliet....$49.99
"A very good value in top-flight Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is Beau Vigne’s 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Juliet. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, it exhibits a dark ruby/purple color in addition to abundant amounts of creme de cassis and floral characteristics, full-bodied power, supple tannins, a layered mouthfeel, and a long, savory finish. It can be enjoyed now and over the next 15+ years."
Rated 93/100 The Wine Advocate

2007 Beau Vigne Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve.....$96.99
"More backward and structured, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve possesses copious black fruit, licorice, and forest floor notes as well as a boatload of tannin. While neither as charming nor accessible as the Juliet, it needs 3-4 years of cellaring, and should last for two decades thereafter."
Rated 94+/100 The Wine Advocate

2006 Buccella Cabernet Sauvignon....$134.99
"The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, a candidate for Cabernet of the vintage, reveals a gorgeous perfume of chocolate, black raspberries, flowers, ink, and graphite, followed by a full-bodied, textured, superbly concentrated wine with terrific purity as well as density. Drink this outstanding 2006 over the next 15-20 years."
Rated 95/100 The Wine Advocate

2006 Chappellet Pritchard Hill Estate....$129.99
"The prodigious 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill Estate showcases this extraordinary area. Blue fruits intermixed with black raspberries, black currants, blackberries, camphor, spring flowers, and a forest floor-like character contribute to the complex aromatics. Opaque purple-colored, full-bodied, and seamlessly constructed with superb integration of wood, tannin, alcohol, and acidity, this beauty will be even better with 5-7 years of bottle age, and should last 30 or more years."
Rated 96/100 The Wine Advocate

2007 Far Niente Chardonnay....$39.99
"Far Niente’s beautiful 2007 Chardonnay Estate offers up copious aromas of lemon blossoms, poached pears, and brioche, crisp acidity, a hint of tropical fruits, a greenish-light gold color, and medium to full-bodied, elegant, pure flavors. It should drink well for 3-4 years."
Rated 91/100 The Wine Advocate

2006 Maybach Materium....$119.99

"Virtually all Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2006 Materium boasts complex notes of lead pencil shavings, creme de cassis, licorice, new saddle leather, and loamy soil undertones. The wine possesses extraordinary purity and texture as well as full-bodied power, elegance, sweet, velvety tannins, and impeccable balance. It can be drunk now and over the next 25+ years."
Rated 95/100 The Wine Advocate


2008 Orin Swift "The Prisoner"....$34.99
I love what he’s done with his 2008 The Prisoner, a blend of 46% Zinfandel, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance Syrah, Petite Sirah, Charbono, and Grenache. With over 15% alcohol, this is a big, sexy, fruit bomb boasting abundant amounts of black, blue, and red fruits along with pepper, spice box, earth, and herbs. It tastes like the unmanipulated essence of the fruit of a Mediterranean vineyard. Soft tannins, medium to full body, and a heady mouthfeel make this a seductive wine to enjoy over the next 2-3 years."
Rated 90/100 The Wine Advocate

2006 Phelps Insignia....$186.99
"The 2006 Insignia (95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot; 16,000 cases produced) is a superb effort in this vintage. Another 30+ year wine, it boasts a dense plum/purple color as well as abundant notes of licorice, black currants, charcoal, black olives, and graphite. Full-bodied, pure, and rich with moderately high tannins, it represents a California version of a Bordeaux from Pauillac or St.-Julien. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2045."
Rated 95+/100 The Wine Advocate

2007 Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon....$106.99
"Displaying a more saturated ruby/purple hue, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate offers a sweet perfume of blueberries, black raspberries, black currants, and spring flowers. More open aromatically than on the palate, it reveals medium to full body, and an elegant, finesse-styled personality. Togni’s wines always have a Bordeaux-like structure. It is a gracious, savory effort that should age for 20-25 years."
Rated 95/100 The Wine Advocate



Stone Brewing Update....

As reported passionately by Mike Sweeney on STLHops.com, Stone Brewing is looking to open a brewery in Europe. Read his post about their possible expansion (Still no Missouri). Follow the comments from St. Louis' beer enthusiasts including a response from Greg Koch of Stone. Maybe Stone should put a brewery/brewpub here in St. Louis. It is the heart of the country and the beer capital of the world. This would keep their beer fresher for distribution in the Midwest and the East Coast. Worry about Europe in the future. Do they realize how affordable everything is here in the St. Louis? It would be a bargain.

As many people mentioned in the comments on STLHops.com, we might not have Stone here, but we have an amazing array of beers to choose from here in St. Louis. Just tonight at the store we had the pleasure of drinking Founders Double Trouble Imperial IPA, Odells Bourbon County Stout, Odells Mountain Standard Mahogany Ale, Lagunitas Hop Stoopid, Lagunitas Cappucino. How fun is it to taste and talk with customers and friends comparing Hop Stoopid with Double Trouble -- that is what it is all about! Both fresh and delicious. The night before we were drinking BrewDog Chaos Theory and Dogma plus some Goose Island Bourbon County Stout and Lagunitas Maximus. All very sought after beers around the country.

Count our blessings -- Look what we get in St. Louis.....
Bells (16 + different brews-Two Hearted, Expedition Stout, Double Cream Stout, Third Coast Old Ale, HOPSLAM -- just weeks away)
Founders (Porter, Breakfast Stout, Backwood Bastard, Imperial Stout, Devil Dancer, Reds Rye, Kentucky Breakfast Stout (March 2010), Canadian Breakfast Stout plus more)
Odells (Woodcut 1,2, and 3, Single Serve Series, plus all their classics)
Bear Republic, Anderson Valley, New Holland, Moylans, Southern Tier, Mikkeller, Nogne, BrewDog, Dieu du Ciel, Fantome, and Cantillon
Plus local favorites like Schlafly, O'Fallon, and Boulevard. All 3 have amazing stuff and even more stuff up their sleeves. O'Fallon starting "big beers", Schlalfly AIPA and Reserve Series, and Boulevard Smokestack Series plus the collaboration with Orval.

I see how lucky we are everyday. It is fun to see people from other states coming to our store to stock up on beers that they cannot get back in their home state. Just today, I talked to customers from Oklahoma, Georgia, Michigan and Kentucky (plus plenty of Illinois customers) filling up cart loads of beer to take back home.




Here is their video announcement from Stone's Blog.....


Stone to open a Brewery in Europe? from stonebrew on Vimeo.

Beer Tastings...

BEER TASTING THIS WEEK!!
We are closed Friday for the holiday, so lets do some beer tastings....
The Wine and Cheese Place
7435 Forysth blvd
Clayton, MO 63105
So many new ones in we have not tried...
(click on them to read more)
Tonight
Tuesday Dec 22 from 4-6pm
Wednesday, Dec 23 from 4-6pm

Founders Double Trouble

Double Trouble is back....we caught the tail end of this release when Founders first arrived in St. Louis...

Founders Double Trouble Imperial IPA....$8.49 / 4pk
Bottled November 24, 2009

"An imperial IPA that was brewed to turn your world upside down. Hops have got you coming and going. Pungent aromatics up front paired with a malt balanced backbone and a smooth bitter finish." -- Founders
9.4% ABV
86 IBU’S

Rated 99 percentile on RateBeer.com


order Founders online

Monday, December 21, 2009

Odell Brewing

Feature of Odell Brewing....
We have been lucky to be getting Odell beers in Missouri for many years now. They only distribute in 8 states.
Order Odell online now!




Odell Easy Street Wheat 6pk
Light and refreshing, Easy Street Wheat is an unfiltered American-style wheat beer. Leaving in the yeast gives the beer a nice, smooth finish and a slightly citrusy flavor. Easy Street Wheat gets its name by brewers “taking it easy” and not filtering the beer. However, for ultimate enjoyment, we encourage you to work just a little harder in pouring it: pour 2/3 of the beer into a glass, swirl what’s left to stir up the yeast, then pour the rest and enjoy.


Odell Levity Amber Ale 6pk
Levity is our lighter take on the amber ale. Munich and honey malts give it a full-bodied flavor and a happy-go-lucky personality. Then we let the finishing hops shine, for a beer that’s crisp instead of bitter. Levity was named by our brewers partly for its light color – and partly for the way it just refuses to take itself too seriously. Hey, we could all use a little levity once in a while.
5.1% Alc. by Vol.
24 IBUs

Odell 5 Barrel Pale Ale 6pk
The distinctive hop character of our 5 Barrel Pale Ale is due to the extraction of essential oils from select hops. We treat 5 Barrel Pale Ale to an infusion of fresh whole hop flowers in the Hop Back and the Fermentor, as well as four hop additions during the kettle boil. We like how this gives the beer a fresh, lively flavor and aroma.
5.2% Alc. by Vol.

Odell 90 Shilling 6pk

We introduced 90 Shilling, our flagship beer, at our opening party in 1989. For a while, we’d been wondering what would happen if we lightened up the traditional Scottish ale? The result is an irresistibly smooth and delicious medium-bodied amber ale. The name 90 Shilling comes from the Scottish method of taxing beer. Only the highest quality beers were taxed 90 Shillings. A shilling was a British coin used from 1549 to 1982. We think you’ll find this original ale brilliantly refreshing, and worth every shilling.
5.3% Alc. By Vol.





Odell IPA 6pk
We took the traditional IPA, originally shipped from England to India in the 1700’s, and made it bolder and more flavorful – American Style. We’ve added new varieties of highly aromatic American hops to create a distinctive bitterness profile and an incredible hop character.
7.0% Alc. by Vol


Odell Cutthroat Porter 6pk
Not quite a stout but definitely no lightweight, Cutthroat Porter is smooth and robust. Inspired by the classic London porters, we use dark roasted malts to create a deep, rich color and flavor that hint at chocolate and coffee. We named it Cutthroat Porter as our tribute to the Colorado state fish – with its own rich heritage and unmistakable dark coloring. And while we’re big fans of small batches, here’s to the currently threatened Cutthroat population reaching mass quantities.
4.8% Alc. by Vol.

Rare Rittenhouse Rye!

SOLD OUT

Rittenhouse Rye 25 year old....$169.99
Barrel No. 18 -- Bottles 66, 106, and 107
"Notes: This is the last release of the Oldest Rittenhouse Rye series and a new benchmark for age (previous versions were 21 and 23 year old). If you can find any I suggest you grab it now it will probably be a collectors item. Bottling was very limited and this is the last there is in existence.


This is a single barrel not a small batch from the mixing of a small group of barrels (which is a less distinctive product), so each barrel will be somewhat different from each other." -- spiritsreview.com

Rittenhouse Rye, 25 year old*, (Barrel #1), 50%
Surprisingly lively. Very much like the 21 year old release in this regard, but not as spicy on the nose or palate. Instead, it’s replaced by a layered, satisfying sweetness—not by wood, like the somewhat lethargic, oak-dominated 23 year old release of RR. Older doesn’t mean that it tastes older. Deep, nutty toffee foundation, with nougat, candied tropical fruit, and shoo-fly pie (think molasses). The spices (cinnamon, spearmint, vanilla, cocoa powder) emerge mid-palate and linger, warming the finish. Not as vibrant as the 21 year old expression, but more sophisticated. I can’t speak for the other barrels in this lot, but I think this one is a great example of what a 20+ year old rye whiskey should taste like."
Rated 96/100 Malt Advocate





Also in stock -- very limited!!
Rittenhouse Rye 21 year old....$134.99
Rittenhouse Rye 21 year old Whisky Named "North American Whiskey of the Year"


Rittenhouse Rye 23 year old....$149.99
"This bottling follows the limited edition release of the 21-year-old Rittenhouse Very Rare Single Barrel last Fall, hailed as "the best straight rye I've sampled in 25 years" by spirits expert F. Paul Pacult in Delta Sky Magazine, and awarded "Rye Whiskey of the Year" by whiskey authority Jim Murray in his Whisky Bible 2007. The limited 32 barrel release of the 21-year-old has been completely depleted, with rye connoisseurs snapping up all the available bottles at a $150 average retail price. Much like the landmark first release, the 23-year-old version is a lush, rich and full-bodied 100° whiskey that is dumped and bottled one barrel at a time, and is not chill filtered, preserving all the natural flavors and "mouthfeel" from the barrel. And like the first bottling, the new 23-year-old will be available in a three 750ml bottle case at select fine spirits retailers in major metropolitan areas throughout the country. The new 23-year-old release will be even rarer than its predecessor, as there will only be 25 barrels available, versus the 31 barrels that sold out of the 21-year-old rye. The newest release of the 23-year-old will carry an average national retail price of $170. " -- Heaven Hill press release

Rick Ankiel Wine on Sale!

We have some Rick Ankiel Wine left...

on sale until it is gone...


2006 Rick Ankiel Wine.....$40 / bottle
2006 Rick Ankiel Wine with Autograph....$60 / bottle
Great wine, beat Caymus Cabernet ($63) in a blind tasting with our customers.


Beer gift...


Beers of the World Sampler Pack...$13.99
(8 beers in an attractive box with handle)
Beer selection varies.
Great gift for the Holidays.
Get eight great craft beers from the U.S. and around the world.


To keep the beer fresh, we are only making 12 at a time. Call first if you need large quantites and we will get them ready.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Time is running out!!


Store hours for this week:
Monday --- 9am-7pm
Tuesday --- 9am-7pm
Wednesday --- 9am-7pm
Thursday --- 9am-4:00pm
Friday --- Closed for Christmas
Saturday --- 9am-7pm
Sunday --- Closed


Great story from last Saturday. A customer came in and was a little upset that last month he bought a Single Malt Scotch for $64.99 a bottle and then he said he bought the SAME scotch last week and it was only $45.99. He had both receipts to show me and was wondering why he paid $65 the first time? I took a look at the receipts and sure enough, the $45.99 he purchased last week was correct from OUR store, but the receipt for $65 was from ANOTHER wine shop in the area. We were $20 a bottle cheaper on the SAME Scotch. He said we earned a customer for life!

We have been telling people for years that our prices cannot be beat!! Please recommend our store to your friends and family. We survive on word of mouth as we do not have the advertising budget of the big chains. I am still shocked when I see "sale" prices and they are higher than our regular prices. Do not believe that "on sale" means the cheapest price or even a good price---not only for wine and liquor, but for furniture, electronics and many other consumer goods.

We appreciate your business! Thanks for another great year!!

Friday, December 18, 2009

Boulevard Collab

Boulevard posted on their facebook page a video of the beer being bottled!!!
If you have a facebook account -- click here to see the video


The Collaboration is getting closer....sometime in January

"With this Imperial Pilsner, Jean-Marie Rock and Steven Pauwels have revived a beer brewed by Rock at the beginning of his career. For more than 30 years only a cherished memory, it lives again in the bottle you now hold. A starkly simple recpie combined with an exquisitely complex brewing process produce a beer of subtle elegance, a study in delicately balanced contrasts. 100% Pilsner malts makes a clear yet restrained opening statement, answered by the steady, harmonious chorus of Saaz hops, echoes of which linger in the dry, crisp finish." -- back label








Great gifts!

Order our fresh nut (dry roasted in the store), candy and fruit rounds.
Prices start at $7.99

click here to order online

Delicious, delicious!!!

Stunning Wine!
2007 L'Aventure Estate Cuvee.....$69.99
on sale - net price



"2007 Estate Cuvee is a blockbuster. A seamlessly built, multidimensional effort, it boasts a black/blue color as well as a gorgeous perfume of graphite, charcoal, blueberry and blackberry liqueur, truffles, bouquet garni, and a subtle hint of oak. Superb texture and power in addition to a seamless integration of acidity, alcohol, tannin, and wood suggest it will evolve for 10-15 years."


Rated 95/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate




Craft beer from Spain?

Cervesera del Montseny
"The hop plant: in Latin humulus lupulus. Lovely, aromatic hops are what this aromatic ale is all about.Just two years ago, Pablo Vijande and
friends founded Spain's first commercial craft brewery in the small town of Seva, north of Barcelona at the foot of the Montseny mountains. For years Pablo has been the odd man out in wine-drinking Spain, where no hops or barley for malting are grown. He sold home-brewing materials, ran an instructional brewer's festival, and even worked as a volunteer in an English ale brewery for a spell -- all the time saving up money to start up CCM.
So far, the brewery has focused primarily on three year-round beers, and these three are the first to arrive in the U.S. They are all in English styles, naturally, all made with great care and the best ingredients, and all brewed to the sound of Flamenco music reverberating through the small, spartan brewhous
e in Seva. The hops they throw into the kettle at CCM are mostly Nugget, not the noblest of varieties, but the one most widely used by the larger more established Spanish breweries. Pablo feels that they give the beer a particularly Spanish character. The yeast is a complex English strain, which, like so many British tourists, is really flourishing in the hospitable climate around Barcelona.The province of Catalonia is the epicenter of true beer appreciation in Spain, and that's where all of Pablo's beers have been sold -- until now, of course. For the U.S., the CCM beers have been outfitted with new labels based on the painting of Joan Miró, whose rich, quirky, mysterious work is emblematic of Barcelona and Catalonia. (We at Shelton Brothers just love the simple things in life: art and beer.)" -- Importer

Available online now


Montseny Lupulus Iberian Ale....$4.49 / 330ml
Beer style: IBER ALE – top-fermented lager style of our country. With this top-fermented beer we rediscover the traditional beers of our Iberian ancestors (Archaeological sites: The village of Geno (Lleida) dates to 1,000 BC Bronze Age; Can Sadurni Begues (Barcelona) dates to 3000 BC Neolithic Age). The recipe includes malts and hops used in current high-consumption domestic beers of the Pilsen style (bottom-fermented) or Lager family. Tasting notes: All the intensity of hops in combination with Pilsen malt, to quench the thirst.
Ingredients:
Malt: Pilsen, wheat and caramel
Hops: Cascade, Fuggles, Nugge
t, Target and Styrian Golding. Yeast.


Monteseny Negra Stout...$4.49 /330ml

Beer style: STOUT ALE – Top-fermented dark Irish stout with 4 cereal grains (barley, wheat, oats and rye). It is a style known worldwide for the Guinness brand, but in its more natural state (without filtering or pasteurising) it is known as Real Ale.
Tasting notes: Combines the complexity of toasted flavours with the mellowness of the cereals to give rise to a nutritious and regenerative beer.

Ingredients:
Malts: Pale Ale, crystal, chocolate, coffee, caramel and black malt; Cereals: toasted barley, flakes of barley, wheat, oats and rye.
Hops: Hallertau Hersbruck,
Northern Brewer and Styrian Golding. Yeast.

From the Island of Corsica....

Available online - click here


Pietra Corsican Chestnut Ale....$6.99 / 750ml

"Pietra beer, the first beer Brasserie Pietra brewed, is a bottom-fermenting amber ale brewed with chestnut flour, mixed into the malt during mashing. It was important to founders Dominique and Armelle Sialelle that this beer include chestnuts, as they are a symbol of Corsica. They write on on their website: "In Corsica, chestnut trees are almost sacred. They are called “bread trees” or even the “tree of life”. “From birth till death, a Corsican’s whole time is lived under the influence of the chestnut tree”. This old saying illustrates perfectly the Corsicans’ fondness for this splendid tree. Corsica has even been called “the civilisation of the chestnut tree”. Corsica is one of the last regions in Europe where the dried fruit of the chestnut tree is still made into flour which is then used in many different dishes: the delicious pulenta or different types of cakes, nicci...As you can see, the sweet chestnut is used as a cereal in Corsica. And beer is mainly a matter of water and cereals...The sweet chestnuts used in making Pietra beer come from a chestnut orchard in Castagniccia, probably the highest in Europe at over 1,000 metres altitude. The fruits are picked up by hand in the traditional fashion then brought down – in part on donkeys’ backs for those trees are in the most difficult spots – then sorted by hand. This guarantees high-quality flour, coming from a totally natural growing process and age-old skills."The chestnut flour makes Pietra "strong and woody, with a delicate bitterness". A lovely taste of the island of Corsica." -- importer




Pietra Colomba....$6.99 / 750ml

"A perfectly refreshing and full-flavored wheat beer, made with beguiling herbs and spices that grow naturally on the mountainous Mediterranean island of Corsica - Corsica, the birthplace of Napoleon, and a place of striking contrasts that displays at once a lush French Riviera-style sophistication, and warm-blooded Italianate passion and intrigue." -- back label

Scottish brew...


Inveralmond Ossian Ale....$4.99 / 500ml

"Ossian, Son of Fingal, was a legendary 3rd century Scottish warrior. Sir Walter Scott wrote:

’In this still glen, remote from men, Sleeps Ossian, in the narrow glen’

This superb golden ale continues to win awards including, in its cask version, the Champion Beer of Scotland. It is perilously smooth and drinkable with distinct nutty tones and fruitiness. First Gold, Perle and Cascade hops create our unique spicy orange zesty aroma and refreshing flavour." -- brewery

Ise Kadoya

New brews from Japan -- Ise Kadoyo

Ise Kadoya has made miso and soy sauce according to ancient tradition in a centuries-old wood building in old Ise for hundreds years, and now brews beer in small batches in the same traditional, natural way.

Ise Kadoya Brown Ale....$7.49 / 500ml
"After our success at the 2003 Australian International Beer Awards, our brewmaster, Mr. Nakanishi, set his sights on creating a beer that would exceed the successes of our Pale Ale. The result was Brown Ale. By using the ideal combination of four different kinds of hops. Wonderfully layered, Brown Ale has a delightfully broad range of aromas and flavors that compared with Pale Ale, is slightly more complex and richer. This complex yet smooth ale is a testament to Ise Kadoya’s continuous efforts to creating a better beer."" - importer




Ise Kadoya Stout....$7.49 / 500ml
"Heavily roasted black and chocolate malts are added to our Pale base malt to create a uniquely bitter and rich finish to our Stout. With a rich, coffee-like texture and a dry and smooth finish, it’s the perfect winter companion with any of our winter oyster dishes. And if that weren’t enough, it makes the perfect black and tan along with our Pale Ale."" - importer

Available online also



Saphir hop


Mahrs Saphir Weiss....$4.49 / 500ml
Extra Hoppy Amber Weiss
"Mahr's master brewer Stephan Michel has a new love -- an exciting and saucy new variety of Hallertauer hop called Saphir, German for "sapphire". There's a metric ton of Saphir hops in this ground-breaking Weiss." -- back label.

2009 Schlafly's are here...

2009 Schlafly Reserves have arrived at Forsyth!!
2009 Schlafly Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout
"We aged this Imperial Stout in Bourbon barrels, which contribute caramel and oak flavors to balance the roasty maltiness of the stout. This 2009 vintage will age well in a cool, dark place for several years but is ready to enjoy now. Try it with a piece of chocolate and see why we went to the trouble." -- label
2009 Schlafly Ale Aged on Oak Barleywine
"This Barleywine-style ale was aged on oak, adding a nutty, roasty-flavor to the sweet bready character of the ale. This 2009 vintage will age well for several years but is ready to drink now. Enjoy it with spicy dishes and grilled meats -- especially game-to bring out its best flavors." -- label


Order Schlafly online


TONIGHT!!

Open House Tasting!
2009 Barrel Aged Series Kick-Off
December 18, 2009 4-6pm
The Wine and Cheese Place
7435 Forsyth Blvd
Clayton, MO 63105




Meet Dan Kopman Co-Founder and Vice President
of Schlafly

He will be on hand to talk about and taste....




Here is what we will taste:



2009 Schlafly Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout
2008 Schlafly Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout
2007 Schlafly Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout
2006 Schlafly Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout

2009 Schlafly Oak Aged Barleywine
2008 Schlafly Oak Aged Barleywine
2007 Schlafly Oak Aged Barleywine
2006 Schlafly Oak Aged Barleywine

Plus Schlafly Christmas Ale

Accessories

Great last minute gifts....
(not at all stores call 314-727-8788 for info, we can transfer to the store closest to you)


Of course we have all the basics like Waiters Corkscrew, Screwpull, Decanters, Vacu Vin, Cellar Wine Tags, Wine Label removers, Champagne Stoppers....
Check these ideas out...
One of our most popular (at a great price!!!)
Vinturi Essential Wine Aerator...$34.99
"Wine needs to breathe. Wine which has been allowed to breathe tastes better. As wine breathes, it opens up, and releases its intended aromas and flavors. Traditionally, decanters were used to aerate wine. However, decanting is time consuming, cumbersome, and inconvenient. Vinturi's patent pending design speeds up this process with ease and convenience. Perfect aeration in the time it takes to pour a glass. All the taste with none of the wait. Simply hold vinturi over a glass and pour wine through. Vinturi draws in and mixes the proper amount of air for the right amount of time, allowing your wine to breathe instantly. You'll notice a better bouquet, enhanced flavors and smoother finish. It's that fast. It's that easy." -- Vinturi
Wine Enthusiast Complete Wine Taste & Aromas Kit...$169.99
Target...$199.95..............Saks Fifth Avenue...$200.00

Taste and smell wine like an expert. Master your wine senses! This comprehensive kit will help you to identify wine tastes and aromas like a true connoisseur. You'll develop an extensive wine vocabulary and be well educated when selecting wines at restaurants and stores. You'll also impress your friends with how much you know! Contents below come neatly organized in a solid pine gift box with leather handles and brass latch. Includes detailed instruction booklet. Set Includes:
9 vials of the most common essences (tastes) found in wine, including fruity and oak
9 essence coasters for identifying specific wine tastes
2 tasting glasses for sampling wine essences
36 vials of the most common aromas found in wine, including dark chocolate and apple
36 aroma cards describing scents and the specific wines in which they are present.



Wine Enthuisast Essential Wine Tasting Kit...$39.99
Learn how to host a tasting party! Host a great wine tasting party with this complete new essential wine tasting kit. Created by the editors of the prestigious Wine Enthusiast Magazine, you'll find all the how-to's and essentials of hosting over 30 wine tastings.

Kit includes: Wine Enthusiast Magazine Pocket Guide to Wine plus 2006 Vintage Chart, 2 tasting checklist notepads, 6 bottle bags, 6 bottle stoppers, 24 bottle tags, a blank wine journal, 2 wine label removers and a coupon for two free issues of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.



World Wine Challenge DVD Game...$24.99
"The World Wine Challenge makes it fun to test your wine knowlede and learn more about fine wines. Spin the glove to lan on one of the world's great wine regions and field challenging questions about its wines. With over 500 randomized questions and three levels of difficulty there are sure to be many new discoveries." -- Barry Wiss, CWE

"World Wine Challenge is a perfect pairing with a glass of wine. Find out whay already know about wine and learn what you don't" -- Janice Fuhrman, Author, Decanter Magazine

Wine Enthusiast Cork Board Kit...$19.99
16" x 16" Maple stained wood frame, felt protectors, hanging hook, glue, and instructions included.

Holds approximately 130 corks (not included)

"Pop those wine corks...and create a wine cork bulletin board. Our wine cork kits are one of our most popular products, since half the fun is in the making! The bulletin board in maple is perfect for the kitchen, home office, or wine cellar. We supply the hardwood frame, glue and instructions. You supply the wine corks. Gift boxed." -- Wine Enthusiast




Preservino Wine Preserving Kit....$31.99
Locks in freshness of wine for 2 weeks!
TIME Magazine declared the Preservino to be one of the "Best Inventions of 2006"!
The moment you open a bottle of wine, exposure to air begins to change the wine's flavor, color and aroma. Preservino products use Argon gas to Lock in Freshness. Our new Champagne products are the first in the world to protect the Bubbles and Flavor of your fine sparking wines. Open a bottle today and revel in the same delicious taste many days later without spoilage. Preservino allows you to open your fine wines more often, knowing that you'll enjoy every drop

"The wine without Preservino wine preservation was unswallowable after 14 days. The wine with Preservino wine preservation was still very good to drink." --Georg Riedel - President, Riedel Crystal

"It really works!.......Unabashed praise for products that actually live up to the hype......The Pek Preservino." -- National Post (Toronto, Canada



Centellino Aerator...$39.99
It works great, we use it at the store.

"The "CENTELLINO" is the one-dose wine decanter.The "Centellino" is a registered trade-mark, and a design patented, hand made in Italy, by blown glass. The "Centellino" is a wine item with tested technical results.The "Centellino" decants, oxidises and provides the perfect quantity of wine for tasting (100ml. for red and white wine, 60ml. for raising wine, and 35ml. for Brandy and distilled). The wine, during its flowing down into the “amphora” of "Centellino" spreading on the walls, frees all its flavours and its organoleptic properties.The "Centellino" besides being a tool for pouring, it is also, due to its design, a beautiful ornamental item." -- Centellino