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Saturday, February 20, 2010

Great values from Robert Parker



Here are some great quotes from Robert Parker of The Wine Advocate on some fantastic values


Marietta Lot 50.....$12.99
"Marietta Old Vine red, lot 50-delicious under $15 robust wine from old vines-lots of flavor and value,the perfect pizza and burger wine....Marietta Old Vine RED-KITCHEN SINK BLEND,GUTSY AND BOLD-under $15, perfect pizza wine ..." -Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate




2008 Kendall Jackson Chardonnay Vintners Reserve....$10.99

"Obama drinks it, I recommend it...so please try the Kendall-Jackson 2008 Vintners Reserve chardonnay-under $15" -- Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate



2008 Grayson Cabernet Sauvignon....$8.99

"...another budget super star for cabernet lovers-Grayson 2008 California cabernet-a whopping $10-hard to believe how good it is for the price" -- Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate


"Grayson Cellars specializes in sourcing declassified lots of wine from highly respected wineries, putting together attractive blends, and selling them for a song." -- Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate


Grayson buys fruit from "big name" wineries, but they have to sign a contract with the winery not to disclose the name of the source of the grapes. In tough wine times like now, many wineries have extra wine and Grayson's quality goes off the chart. Many of these wines they buy from sell for $50+.




2008 Grayson Chardonnay....$8.99
"There are 15,000 cases of the 2008 Chardonnay, which is completely fermented and aged in stainless steel. Elegant honeysuckle, orange blossom, and tropical fruit aromas are followed by a nicely-textured, medium-bodied Chardonnay displaying outstanding purity, freshness, and overall equilibrium. Enjoy it over the next year.

Grayson Cellars specializes in sourcing declassified lots of wine from highly respected wineries, putting together attractive blends, and selling them for a song."

Rated 88/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

Friday, February 19, 2010

Rare Madeira....

Order a piece of history!!
Pre-Arrival offer
We have a great offering for some extremely rare and old Madeira. Call 314-727-8788 to place an order. We will have to confirm your order with the importer as these are very rare.


"And one of the best things about Madeira? A little glass goes a long way to satisfying a wine thirst, and then the open bottle can be kept indefinitely, as the wine is already oxidized during the vinification. It’s the only “cooked” wine that’s good to drink (hence the term maderized for poorly stored wines that show overly mature characteristics)." -- James Molesworth, The Wine Spectator

Madeira is a fortified wine like port -- alcohol is added to stop fermentation.

There are four major grapes used (here they are from driest to sweetest)
Sercial: Driest Madeira - Less than 1.5 percent residual sugar.

Verdelho: Between 1.5 to 2.5 percent residual sugar.
Bual: Between 2.5 to 3.5 percent residual sugar.
Malmsey (Malvasia): Sweetest -- 4 percent residual sugar.
And the much more rare (almost extinct) Terrantez grape that was mostly destroyed by desease like phyloxera (only about 1,100 pounds are harvested each year)


Read more about Madeira from the Rare Wine Co.


I have included reviews where I have found them.


Barbeito (Madeira)
1978 Bual.............$109.99
1982 Bual.............$109.99
1978 Sercial.........$109.99
1981 Verdelho.....$109.99



D'Oliveira (Madeira)
1908 Bual.......$439.99
"The 1908 Boal Reserva from D’Oliveiras is an unctuous, full-bodied wine loaded with dark maple syrup, tar, leather, licorice and sweet baking spices. There is superb density here and the wine shows terrific length in an intense style. The finish is long, bright and sweet."
Rated 94/100 The Wine Advocate

1922 Bual......$379.99
"Incredibly rich on the nose, showing molasses, chocolate and coffee as well as a singed quality. The sweet, concentrated chocolate and molasses flavors have a smooth, silky texture and the cut of high acidity to balance the sweet richness, finishing on the astringent side. Drink now. –BS"
Rated 93/100 The Wine Spectator


1958 Bual......$249.99

1968 Bual........$134.99
The 1968 D’Oliveiras Reserva Boal is a medium-bodied, elegant wine that features high-toned aromas and flavors, with subtle notes of smoke and tar adding complexity. This is an unusually understated showing for the 1968 Boal.
Rated 93/100 The Wine Advocate

1977 Bual..........$99.99
The 1977 D’Oliveiras Boal Reserva reveals superb depth and precision in its leather, spices, toffee and espresso. Smooth and remarkably balanced on the palate, this Madeira offers tons of length and plenty of style.
Rated 94/100 The Wine Advocate

1983 Bual Harvest......$99.99

1907 Malvasia......$499.99

1987 Malvasia..........$92.99

The 1987 Malmsey from D’Oliveiras is a gorgeous, feminine offering endowed with notes of chocolate, sweet spices and flowers that are intricately woven into medium to full-bodied frame. This beautifully balanced wine possesses notable harmony and finesse.
Rated 92/100 The Wine Advocate

1937 Sercial.....$269.99
Full of verve, this Madeira is deep amber in color, with a fresh, complex bouquet evoking cocoa, caramel and a hint of iodine. The lovely butterscotch flavor marries well with the lively structure and is followed by a dry, nutty finish. Drink now. –BS
Rated 93/100 The Wine Spectator

1969 Sercial.........$131.99

1912 Verdelho......$379.99
1973 Verdelho.....$119.99

1977 Terrantez......$119.99
1988 Terrantez........$81.99

"The D’Oliveiras 1988 Terrantez is a wine that invites a moment of quiet contemplation, making it the perfect wine with which to end this incredible tasting. There is a highly attractive creaminess as layers of roasted nuts, cloves and leather open up in the glass. This generous, sweet Terrantez offers outstanding length, with lingering notes of sweetness and acidity that intermingled on the, intensely satisfying finish."
Rated 93/100 The Wine Advocate



Rare Wine Co. (Madeira)

Affordable Madeiras are typically blended for uniformity but, with this project, we seek to create highly individual wines—wines that display uniquely the combinations of acidity, concentration, aromatics, and richness that mark the finest Madeira. By working with small lots, we are able to include parcels of old wine (many exceeding 30 years old) which give the wines the character of Vintage Madeira. The source and age of these parcels may vary from lot to lot, but they will always help to achieve a more expressive result.

The Wines. To emphasize America’s deep historical connection to Madeira, each wine in the series is named for a U.S. city where Madeira was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. Thus, the series offers Boston Bual Special Reserve, New York Malmsey Special Reserve, and Charleston Sercial Special Reserve.



Historic Series "Boston" Boal.......$35.99
"Slightly richer than the Charleston Sercial, the Boston Bual boasts knockout aromas of toasted nut oil, orange peel and hints of dark honey or maple syrup. Despite the extra weight and sweetness, it’s not cloying at all—the finish is mouthwatering and long. - J.C. (10/31/2006)"
Rated 93/100 Wine Enthusiast

Historic Series "New York" Malmsey......$35.99
"The sweetest and richest in the Historic series, the New York Malmsey unfolds slowly in the glass, gradually revealing layers of depth and flavor. Coffee, toffee and date notes emerge, followed by earthy, almost truffley flavors. Powerful and assertive on the long finish. - J.C. (10/31/2006)
Rated 93/100 The Wine Enthusiast


Historic Series "Charleston" Sercial.....$35.99
"The Historic Series are simply great Madeiras at reasonable prices. The Charleston Sercial is the driest of the collection, offering nutty aromas tinged with honey, caramel and maple syrup. Dried figs, honey and candied citrus flavors mark the palate, which is wonderfully smooth. The long finish features racy yet balanced acidity. - J.C. (10/31/2006)"
Rated 93/100 The Wine Enthusiast

Historic Series "Imperial" Malmsey $129.99
"This wine is magical : as seductive for its astonishing complexity as it is for its gorgeous balance and texture. Its color is a glowing light mahogany and like any great Malmsey, it perfectly balances sweetness with acidity, leaving the palate refreshed. But it is the aromas and flavors that are most dramatic. Its nuances are of a very old wine, profoundly complex and deep, with explosive notes of figs, mocha, coffee, caramel and smoke. Both classic and compelling—if you’re like us, you'll return to this wine again and again. " -- Rare Wine Co.


Historic Series “New Orleans” limited availability $55.99
"In the Spring of 2007, we released a limited bottling of New Orleans Special Reserve, based on the rare Terrantez grape, to raise funds and awareness for post-Katrina cultural activities in New Orleans. Each bottle bears an early engraving from that city, along with a back label describing the wine and America’s special link to Madeira’s illustrious history." -- Rare Wine Co.




Very limited release..

Available online now
Wild Turkey® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Releases Limited Edition Wild Turkey “Tradition” Bourbon
Posted: October 8th, 2009 under Wild Turkey.
Wild Turkey Tradition....$94.99
Only 14,000 Bottles of Master Distiller Selection Available in U.S.
LAWRENCEBURG, KY (September 30, 2009)—Wild Turkey® Bourbon, The Real Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, announces the release of Wild Turkey “Tradition,” a limited edition, 14-year-old, 101 proof bourbon. This Master Distiller Selection, only the third in this series of special selections, celebrates the history of the Wild Turkey Distillery and the traditions held dear by the people of Kentucky. Only 30,000 bottles are available worldwide and just 14,000 have been allocated to the U.S. Suggested retail price for a 750ml bottle is $100.
Wild Turkey Tradition has been aged for 14 years in new, white oak barrels with the heaviest (and most expensive) level of char. After aging in the “sweet spot” or what’s sometimes called the “center cut” of our oldest warehouses, the liquid was bottled at 101 proof in order to retain the true bourbon flavor as has always been done at the Wild Turkey Distillery. The unique packaging combines a traditional metallic base and metal cap with cork stopper with a clean contemporary glass bottle design. It is presented in a special wooden box with an insert describing the rich story behind the product.
“When you’re blessed with a talented father and son team of distillers like Jimmy and Eddie Russell, you want to celebrate their talented touch, and that’s what we’ve done with Tradition,” said Joe Uranga, Vice President of Marketing for Wild Turkey. “With such a limited number of bottles produced, we could easily ask more than $100 for this ultra-premium bottling, but that’s not what Wild Turkey is about. We don’t want to see Tradition become a mythical bottle, but instead we want it to be enjoyed by consumers who truly appreciate a fine, hand-crafted bourbon of such impeccable quality.”
As expected Wild Turkey Bourbon Tradition is a classic. The nose includes warming notes of molasses, raisins and mellowed oak married with the fresh essence of peeled oranges, sweet corn, honeydew melon and luscious vanilla. The taste is bold and crisp, filling the mouth with hints of rye, white pepper and orange zest. This bourbon builds on the warming notes in the nose and develops flavors of toffee and vanilla. The finish is very long with toffee and caramel lingering along with subtle undertones of oak and dried tobacco.
Previous limited editions from master and associate distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell are Wild Turkey Bourbon Tribute (2004) and Wild Turkey Bourbon American Spirit (2007). The release of Wild Turkey Bourbon Tradition coincides with Bourbon Heritage Month.
About Wild Turkey
Uncompromising since 1855, Wild Turkey is the Real Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky. Using only natural processes, Wild Turkey products are aged in new white oak barrels which give them a deep russet color while carrying full flavors of vanilla and caramel. Complementing the classic Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon, several variations of the brand now exist including Rare Breed®, American Honey®, and Russell’s Reserve®. Using the same tried and true methods with a little bit of innovation, Wild Turkey is a true American icon, always bearing the mantle of tradition with grace and a noble heritage.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Bordeaux bargains....

2006 Bordeaux great ratings and GREAT PRICES!!!


2006 Sociando Mallet Haut Medoc....$39.99 / 750ml
"Classic aromas of black currants, graphite, powdered wet rocks, and earthy undertones compete with the intense black currant fruit present in this structured, medium to full-bodied, concentrated 2006. Always an over-achiever, Sociando Mallet is built for 20-30 years of longevity. The elegant, powerful, but backward 2006 requires patience. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025."
Rated 90/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate



2006 Chateau Lagrange St. Julien....$42.99 / 750ml
"A very strong effort from Lagrange in 2006, this estate’s tendency for including a nearly overwhelming oak component in its wines has been tamed in this cuvee, resulting in a better-balanced, potentially complex offering. A deep opaque purple color is followed by aromas of espresso roast, subtle pain grille, black currants, and cigar box. Full-bodied and surprisingly powerful for a 2006, with outstanding purity, texture, and depth, patience will be required for this beauty. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2027."
Rated 91/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
Rated 90/100 The Wine Spectator


2006 Prieure Lichine Margaux....$39.99 / 750ml
"With the highly respected Right Bank consultant Stephane Derenoncourt providing advice, Prieure-Lichine has moved to a complete, savory, and for lack of a better description, broad, lush, sexy style. This has always been a wine that was drinkable at an early age, but I think they are building more texture and flesh into the wine, as well as more concentration, without losing the estate’s early appeal. The 2006 is an outstanding wine, with complex notes of spring flowers, forest floor, sweet black currants, and earth. Medium to full-bodied, flavorful, without a trace of astringency or hardness, this is a succulent, fleshy wine to drink over the next 15 or more years."
Rated 90/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

2006 Pavie Macquin St. Emilion....$59.99 / 750ml
"From a superbly situated on St.-Emilion’s plateau, 38-acre vineyard planted on primarily limestone and clay, this 2006 is meant for long-term aging. A combination of 80% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, it is a backward, brawny, muscular, long distance runner. Consumers lacking patience are advised to steer clear of this wine. Its dense purple color is followed by aromas of graphite, sweet cassis, pen ink, and charcoal. This powerful, dense, concentrated wine possesses high tannins and lots of structure. One of the more backward offerings from the right bank in 2006, it will not be close to drinkability for 8-10 years. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2030"
Rated 92+/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
Rated 93/100 The Wine Spectator



2006 Chateau Cos d'Estournel St. Estephe....$89.99 / 750ml
"The exceptional 2006 Cos d’Estournel is composed of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot, 55% of the production was utilized. Revealing superb intensity for a 2006 as well as an inky/blue/purple color, and a sweet bouquet of blue and black fruits, licorice, graphite, and charcoal, this full-bodied 2006 possesses high levels of sweet tannin. This wine is characterized by a freshness and precision that give it a 1996-like affinity. Enjoy this beautifully concentrated, exceptionally pure, statuesque Cos d’Estournel over the next 20-25 years. By the way, it was bottled without any fining or filtration."
Rated 94/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
Rated 93/100 The Wine Spectator



2006 Beyechevelle St. Julien.....$23.99 / 375ml
"A property that seems to be awakening, this St.-Julien leans toward more of a Margaux style. The attractive earthy, floral, red currant, and raspberry notes are impressively intense and complex in the aromatics. This dark ruby/purple-tinged wine displays elegance, finesse, and a beautiful mouthfeel in a restrained, moderately intense, but still classic style with sweet tannins. Tobacco, cedar, earth, and red and black fruits are prominent in both the aromas and the flavors. This wine can be drunk now or cellared for 15-20 years."
Rated 90/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate


2006 Chateau Gloria St. Julien....$14.99 / 375ml
"As I wrote last year, this sensational sleeper of the vintage is not far off the pace of Gloria’s brilliant 2005. Sweet cedary, cigar box, roasted herb, and black currant fruit aromas are followed by a lush, full-bodied, textured, concentrated wine. A steal in today’s marketplace, this is a gorgeous St.-Julien to enjoy now and over the next 15+ years. Good value."
Rated 90/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
Rated 90/100 The Wine Spectator


2006 Chateau Clerc Milon...$43.99 / 750ml
"From the same stable as Mouton Rothschild and d’Armailhac, Clerc Milon, despite the relatively high percentage of Merlot (44%) combined with 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Cabernet Franc, is dense, rich, tannic, and backward. Surprisingly muscular for this offering, which often exhibits a more precocious side, it offers up abundant amounts of creme brulee, chocolate, cedar, and black currants. This full-bodied Pauillac displays gorgeous purity and depth as well as moderately high tannins in the finish. Because of its freshness, structure, and density, it is reminiscent of a 1996 Medoc. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2028."
Rated 91/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
Rated 91/100 The Wine Spectator



2006 Bernadotte Haut Medoc......$16.99 / 750ml
"Primarily a blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with a small amount of Petit Verdot, this offering (from the owners of Pichon Lalande) exhibits a classic style with notes of licorice, roasted herbs, cedar, and black currants. Medium-bodied with fine ripeness as well as moderate tannin, purchasers should cellar it for 2-3 years and drink it over the following 12-15."
Rated 87/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate



2006 Branaire Ducru St. Julien....$42.99 / 12 750ml

".... an outstanding wine, this singular St.-Julien always possesses notes of spring flowers, boysenberries, black currants, and graphite. The complex aromatics are followed by a medium-bodied, classic Bordeaux displaying a deep ruby/purple color as well as moderately high tannin. It needs 3-5 years of bottle age, and should last for two decades or more."

Rated 90+/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
Rated 90/100 The Wine Spectator




2006 Chateau D'Armailhac Pauillac.....$34.99/750ml
"This impressive Pauillac is performing even better from bottle than it did from barrel. Made by the staff at Mouton Rothschild, it is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Merlot and Cabernet Franc. A dense ruby/purple color is followed by a bouquet of grilled meats, subtle herbs, coffee, black currants, and a hint of camphor. The sweetness of the tannins, full-bodied mouthfeel, and stunning length, all in gorgeous symmetry, suggest this is one of the finest d’Armailhacs yet made. Moreover, it is still reasonably priced by the standards of this region. Anticipated maturity: now-2025."
Rated 91/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate





2006 Domaine de Chevalier Pessac Leognan....$42.99 /750ml
"The brilliant St.-Emilion-based consultant, Stephane Derenoncourt, is working his magic at this great vineyard in Leognan. The 2006, a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, is a revelation of sweet, lush, black raspberry and black currant fruit intermixed with subtle notes of scorched earth and barbecue spices. Round, luscious, sexy, and exceptionally complex, the wine is dominated by that smoky minerality that comes from this area. It is the quintessentially elegant yet substantial Pessac-Leognan with class, complexity, and potential. Despite wanting to drink most of the bottle when I was tasting it, I know it will be even better with 2-4 years of bottle age, and should keep for two decades."
Rated 92/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
Rated 91/100 The Wine Spectator




2006 Chateau Gloria St. Julien....$29.99 / 750ml
As I wrote last year, this sensational sleeper of the vintage is not far off the pace of Gloria’s brilliant 2005. Sweet cedary, cigar box, roasted herb, and black currant fruit aromas are followed by a lush, full-bodied, textured, concentrated wine. A steal in today’s marketplace, this is a gorgeous St.-Julien to enjoy now and over the next 15+ years. Good value."
Rated 90/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate



Chateau Montrose 2006 was produced by Jean-Bernard Delmas who had been the winemaker for First Growth Chateau Haut Brion for forty years. He took over Haut Brion from his father, and now his son makes Chateau Haut Brion (he still consults). He came out of retirement to make this wine for the new owners of Montrose.
2006 Montrose St. Estephe....$71.99

"The first vintage under new owner Martin Bouygues,who convinced Jean-Bernard Delmas to come out of retirement to produce this wine, the 2006 Montrose is an undeniable success. A blend of approximately two-thirds Cabernet Sauvignon, one-third Merlot, and a tiny dollop of Petit Verdot, the most dramatic difference between the 2006, and wines made by the previous administration is that Jean Delmas produces wines with sweeter, silkier tannins, although analytically, they are as high as those found in the great Montrose vintages of the past. The 2006 is extraordinarily elegant and finesse-styled, but it exhibits stunningly concentrated, sweet blackberry and cassis fruit with hints of flowers and minerals. Full-bodied with a savory, expansive mid-palate as well as sweet, noble tannins, this beauty will benefit from 3-4 years of bottle age, and should drink well for 20-25+ years."

Rated 94/100
Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

Rated 93/100
The Wine Spectator


2006 La Dame de Montrose....$25.99

"The second wine, the 2006 La Dame de Montrose, is a shrewd choice for wine consumers. A blend of 58% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 12% Cabernet Franc, plus a small quantity of Petit Verdot, it is a layered, lush, fleshy effort possessing ripe red and black fruits interwoven with hints of earth and spice box. Plush, round, and sexy, it should be enjoyed during its first 10-12 years of life."

Rated 90/100
Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate




2006 Monbousquet St. Emilion....$43.99

"A blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2006 possesses a dense ruby/purple color as well as a sweet perfume of espresso roast, damp earth, new oak, black cherries, and black currants. Medium to full-bodied with exceptional purity, surprising intensity, good texture, and sweet tannin in the finish, this unfiltered cuvee should drink well for 12-15 years. The residence and home estate of Chantal and Gerard Perse has once again turned in a serious effort. From sandy soils that have been largely dismissed as a good source for high quality wine production, Monbousquet, through extraordinary viticultural work, and doing everything right in the cellar, continues to turn out one of Bordeaux's finer wines."

Rated 92/100
Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate








2006 Grand Puy Lacoste Pauillac....$41.99

"While not at the level of the phenomenal 2005 [which sells for $110], Grand-Puy-Lacoste has produced another classic wine with the creme de cassis fruit that I often find in both Mouton Rothschild and Pontet-Canet, yet both of those vineyards are closer to the Gironde River. This wine has a pure personality, with the aforementioned classic creme de cassis notes, medium to full body, beautiful density, purity, texture, and length. If anything, this recalls a hypothetical blend of their brilliant 1995 and 1996. Tannins are elevated, so patience will be required. This was Xavier Borie’s first vintage in his new state-of-the-art winemaking facility. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2027."

Rated 92/100
Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

Rated 91/100
The Wine Spectator

Rated 91/100
Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar




2006 Cantemerle Haut Medoc....$26.99
2006 Cantemerle Haut Medoc....$14.99 / 375ml

"As I indicated last year, quality has improved dramatically at this estate, and the 2006 is a quintessentially elegant Bordeaux displaying a dark ruby/purple color, a lovely bouquet of forest floor, sweet cherries, cranberries, and black currants, medium body, a textured, sweet, tannic mouthfeel, and a long finish. Everything is beautifully pure as well as perfectly balanced in this outstanding effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025. Excellent value."

Rated 90/100
Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate




Farm Fresh Eggs

Farm Fresh Eggs from Heritage Breed Chickens
In stock now...read more about the eggs

Why buy eggs from a Heritage Breed?
Better Eggs - quality, not quantity
Farm Fresh and produced locally
Supports breeds that would otherwise might become extinct.



A few examples of Heritage Breed Chickens that we will receive eggs from....
Plymouth Rock Barred


Standard Weights: Cock-9-1/2 pounds; hen-7-1/2 pounds; cockerel-8 pounds; pullet-6 pounds.

Skin Color: Yellow.
Egg Shell Color: Brown.
Use: Meat and eggs.
Origin: Developed in America in the middle of the 19th century and was first exhibited as a breed in 1869. Several individuals claimed its invention, using crosses of Dominique, Java, Cochin, and perhaps Malay and Dorking. The first Plymouth Rock was barred and other varieties developed later. The Breed became popular very rapidly, and in fact, until World War II, no breed was ever kept and bred as extensively as the Barred Plymouth Rock. Its popularity came from its qualities as an outstanding farm chicken: hardiness, docility, broodiness, and excellent production of both eggs and meat. Most of the other varieties were developed from crosses containing some of the same ancestral background as the barred variety. Early in its development, the name Plymouth Rock implied a barred bird, but as more varieties were developed, it became the designation for the breed. The Barred Plymouth Rock was one of the foundation breeds for the broiler industry in the 1920's, and the White Rock continues to be used as the female side of the commercial broiler cross.

Characteristics: Plymouth Rocks are a good general farm chicken. They are docile; normally will show broodiness; possess a long, broad back; a moderately deep, full breast and a single comb of moderate size. Some strains are good layers while others are bred principally for meat. They usually make good mothers. Their feathers are fairly loosely held but not so long as to easily tangle. Generally, Plymouth Rocks are not extremely aggressive, and tame quite easily. Some males and hens are big and active enough to be quite a problem if they become aggressive. Breeders should be aware of the standard weights and not select small or narrow birds for the breeding pen. Common faults include shallow breast, high tails, narrow bodies and small size.

Status: Watch. The Barred Plymouth Rock is still a popular farm chicken but, as a dual-purpose bird, is still far less common than its more specialized White Rock cousin. - ALBC




Ameraucana Heritage Breed Chicken
The terms for this breed Araucana, Ameraucana, "Easter Egg Chicken" - have been used interchangeably - though there are differences in the Araucana and Ameraucana breeds. The Araucana breed is usually rumpless, as well as differences in the cheek muffs and "wings" at the ears. The Ameraucana breed started with the chickens from South America and were crossbred to ther chickens. The blue and green colored eggs carried through.
Our Ameraucana chickens occasionally produce rumpless offspring (we have a Delaware/Ameracauna cross that is rumpless). Our Ameraucanas do lay both blue and green eggs.



Previous Info form Heirloom Heritage Farms






Following info from Amercian Livestock Breeds Conservancy (ALBC)
The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy is a nonprofit membership organization working to protect over 150 breeds of livestock and poultry from extinction. Included are asses, cattle, goats, horses, sheep, pigs, rabbits, chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys.

Founded in 1977, the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy is the pioneer organization in the U.S. working to conserve historic breeds and genetic diversity in livestock. We hope you'll browse through these pages and learn more about the diverse and valuable agricultural heritage that is ours to enjoy and to steward.

What is a Heritage Chicken?
Over the past several years, ALBC has developed a conceptual framework for conservation: Discover - Secure - Maintain. Breeds and populations must be discovered. This includes finding them and confirming their status as a breed. Once discovered, the population and/or breed needs to be secured. This can take many forms from rescue to general support, from the development of specific breeding strategies to cryopreservation. Many breeds will move in and out of this phase. Maintaining the breed is about ensuring the viability of the genetic resources for the long-term. At this state, getting breeds back into the marketplace is critical and if this stage is successful the breed has the potential to grow numerically and find lasting viability in the marketplace.

Defining Heritage is a maintenance strategy. The value of the definition for farmers is that it safeguards the integrity of the breed as expressed by its genetics. Therefore, farmers and consumers can share a common understanding of a product that is derived from a defined Heritage breed.

Definition of Heritage Chicken
Purpose:
Chickens have been a part of the American diet since the arrival of the Spanish explorers. Since that time, different breeds have been developed to provide meat, eggs, and pleasure.

The American Poultry Association began defining breeds in 1873 and publishing the definitions in the Standard of Perfection. These Standard breeds were well adapted to outdoor production in various climatic regions. They were hearty, long-lived, and reproductively vital birds that provided an important source of protein to the growing population of the country until the mid-20th century. With the industrialization of chickens many breeds were sidelined in preference for a few rapidly growing hybrids. The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy now lists over three-dozen breeds of chickens in danger of extinction. Extinction of a breed would mean the irrevocable loss of the genetic resources and options it embodies.

Therefore, to draw attention to these endangered breeds, to support their long-term conservation, to support efforts to recover these breeds to historic levels of productivity, and to re-introduce these culinary and cultural treasures to the marketplace, the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy is defining Heritage Chicken. Chickens must meet all of the following criteria to be marketed as Heritage.






Avery Black Tot

Avery Brewing Company --
Order Avery online now


Avery Brewing Co- Recently rated the #5 All-Time Top Brewery in the world by Beer Advocate!!

In stock now at Forsyth
(call Paul at 314-727-8788 if you want to pick some up at another one of our stores)


Avery Black Tot Barrel Aged Imperial Oatmeal Stout....$7.99 /12oz




As reported on BeerNews.org
(Boulder, CO) – Details about the Avery Black Tot release from Avery Brewing’s newsletter sent out this afternoon:


“No. 3 in our Barrel-Aged Series will release on January 15th 2010 at the Avery Tap Room

Be present at the release to make sure you get some bottles of this incredible and indelibly unique brew: Imperial Oatmeal Stout aged in Gosling’s Rum barrels. Huge. Chewy. Endlessly deep. Smooth beyond belief with plentiful amounts of subtle flavors that work their way out as you sip. This beer is so good that you can quaff a pint or sip and savor a few ounces with equal ease. The only difficult part is deciding what you want to do with it!

We’ll have just a tad over 300 cases of this beer (24/12oz.) to go around. Limited one time release, with a few cases being sent to select states after the release date. Coming to Black Tot Day at the Avery Tap Room is the only way to GUARANTEE that you get your hands on some bottles! We’ll also have unoaked, rye barrel and bourbon barrel versions of the Imperial Oatmeal Stout on tap just for the release. No door charge." --Avery

Barrel Aged Great Divide

Sold out already-sorry

Great Divide -- order online
Ranked 8th in Ratebeer.com’s 2010 “The Best Brewers in the World”
Ranked 7th in Beer Advocate’s 2009 “All-Time Top Breweries on Planet Earth.”



Very limited "Barrel Aged" Series
Limit 1 bottle per person (only 12 bottles of each came to STL)


Only 1,188 BOTTLES made
Great Divide Barrel Aged Old Ruffian....$24.99 / 750ml
BARREL AGED OLD RUFFIAN BARLEY WINE This special release
of our acclaimed, hefty barley wine has been aged for 9 months in Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey barrels. The process tempers Old Ruffian’s edges for a mellowed version with heady whiskey flavors and subtle oak notes. Bottle conditioned, it’ll age nicely for years. If you can resist it that long. 85-90 IBU’s. 12.7% ABV." -- Great Divide







Only 1,104 BOTTLES made
Great Divide Barrel Aged Yeti...$24.99 / 750ml
"BARREL AGED YETI IMPERIAL STOUT This unique version of our
monstrous Yeti Imperial Stout is aged for 9 months in Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey barrels and then bottle conditioned. The spirited aging process produces a hugely complex but mellowed Yeti, with its signature roasted flavors, hints of vanilla and oak, and a whiskeyed finish. Who says you can’t tame a beast? 75 IBU’s. 12.2% ABV." -- Great Divide

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Consecrator

Order Bells online now

Bells Consecrator Doppelbock in stock now!

A traditional dopplebock fermented with a Bohemian lager yeast. Reddish brown in color, with a mild hop profile, Consecrator is a well balanced, full bodied beer with hints of caramel and molasses in its smooth, malty finish.
8% ABV
Brewed for a Fat Tuesday release (our distributor released it the day after?)
Fat Tuesday through November

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Paitin - Italy

Order online now It is not often you find a Barbaresco at this price and to find one with these amazing scores from both The Wine Advocate and The Wine Spectator!
2005 Paitin Sori' Paitin Barbaresco...$34.99

(The Wine Advocate retail $50)
"Unfortunately I was only able to taste one Barbaresco from Paitin this year, but it is a gem. The 2005 Barbaresco Sori Paitin is a gorgeous wine redolent of flowers, ripe red fruit and subtle French oak nuances. This Barbaresco offers lovely overall balance, with well-integrated tannins and superb purity. Today the wine is bursting with primary fruit and needs at least a few years in bottle to develop its tertiary aromas and flavors. This is a terrific effort from Paitin. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025."
Rated 93/100 The Wine Advocate
"Dense and concentrated, with lots of berries and cherry, with a cut wood note. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a mouthpuckering finish. Needs lots of time in the bottle to come around, but should be really outstanding in the end. Best after 2013. 2,000 cases made. –JS"
Raetd 93/100 The Wine Spectator

St. Patrick's Day Beer

Strangford Lough Brewing Company
"Strangford Lough Brewing Company’s Global Head Quarters is located in Killyleagh, County Down, on the shores of the breathtakingly beautiful Strangford Lough. The company was founded in 2004 by Tony Davies and Bob Little, two marketing and business development professionals whose vision was to be “the second most recognisable Irish beer brand in the world"....In addition to having Irish names our beers are also based on traditional Irish recipes. The contents are typical for this part of the world, though we have added a very special local ingredient - Shamrock. This further honours our local tradition. Our aim is to make beers that give enjoyment in appearance, bouquet and taste and by so doing giving you a little of what is best about County Down, a largely undiscovered part of Ireland.
As a relatively new business, our strategy is to bring our beers to the Irish markets around the world, particularly North America, and we have acquired the trademark for ‘St. Patrick’ for ale, beer, lager and stout in the United States. We are currently selling licenses for 42 territories in North America to qualified entrepreneurs who will then brew our beers to the high quality standards we specify, and then market and supply them in their individual territory.
In the meantime enjoy our brews and “experience a taste of Ireland”. -- website


Basically from what I read, the beer is contract brewed here in the U.S. using their recipe and ingredients. This is a way to keep it fresher and to keep costs down.


We have two brews from them just in time for St. Patricks Day next month...
Strangford Lough Legbiter Ale....$8.49 / 6pk

"Legbiter is the other Irish beer in the Magnus range alongside Barelegs. Legbiter is named after King Magnus’ sword. On the day of his death Magnus is described as “regaled with a helmet on his head, a red shield in which was a gilded Lion and girt with the sword Legbiter”. Legbiter’s hilt was tooth (ivory) and the hand grip wound about with gold thread and was extremely sharp!
Strangford Lough Brewing Company has a range of Irish beers associated with County Down characters such as Magnus Barelegs the Viking King - buried in Downpatrick less than two miles from Saint Patrick, another of the company’s brands.

Brewer Notes
Brilliant golden ale with an inviting citrus fragrance of late added Cascade and Glacier hops. The fine hop and light malt aromas carry through to the palate to give an ale that is full but refreshing, with a clean caramel malt bitter finish.
The ABV of Legbiter Ale is 4.8%.


Strangford Lough St. Patrick's Best Ale...$8.49 / 6pk
St. Patrick’s Best is one of three Irish beers from our St. Patrick’s range, alongside St. Patrick’s Ale/Dark and Gold. Here is some information about the man the beers are named after:
St. Patrick set sail for Ireland in 432AD, landing initially at Inver Dee, Co Wicklow and then in Strangford Lough at the village of Raholp. He converted the local chieftian Dichu to Christianity, building his first church at Saul. Returning to Slemish, the scene of his captivity, he made Armagh the primacy of the Christian Church in Ireland.

Brewer Notes
Light and refreshing on the palate, our session best bitter has a classic Irish malt & traditional hop aroma. Light amber in colour, this smooth beer has hints of caramel with a woody bitterness.
The ABV of St. Patrick’s Best has an ABV of 4.2%.


BrewDog Sink the Bismarck

BrewDog has been in a battle with Schorschbrau in Germany to produce the strongest beer in the world. BrewDog came out with Tactical Nuclear Penguin at 32% and then Schorschbrau released the 40% strength Schorschbock and now Sink the Bismarck from BrewDog comes in at 41%.
No, I doubt we will ever see these in St. Louis. We do have BrewDog's DOGMA in stock now.
These guys are irreverent...
"It is important that you be careful with this beer and show it the same amount of sceptical, tentative respect you would show an international chess superstar, clown or gypsy" -James Watt, BrewDog

"A controversial Scottish brewery has said it has reclaimed the title of the world's strongest beer from German rivals - with Sink the Bismarck at 41%. BrewDog, of Fraserburgh, made headlines last year when it unveiled a 32% beer called Tactical Nuclear Penguin. However, Schorschbrau released the 40% strength Schorschbock. BrewDog said its newly released 41%, Sink the Bismarck, would cost £40 for a 330ml bottle and would only be sold online. Alcohol Focus Scotland had previously expressed concerns about BrewDog's approach. It is important that you be careful with this beer and show it the same amount of sceptical, tentative respect you would show an international chess superstar, clown or gypsy James WattBrewDog Alcohol Focus Scotland chief executive Jack Law said: "Over the past few months BrewDog have continued to produce stronger and stronger beers. "By commenting on this irresponsible brewing practice we only serve to add to their marketing and therefore we have no further comment to make."
But BrewDog's managing director James Watt said the company was doing all it could to promote a new and responsible approach to beer drinking. He added: "Beer has a terrible reputation in Britain, it's ignorant to assume that a beer can't be enjoyed responsibly like a nice dram or a glass of fine wine. A beer like Sink the Bismarck should be enjoyed in spirit sized measures.
"It is important that you be careful with this beer and show it the same amount of sceptical, tentative respect you would show an international chess superstar, clown or gypsy."
BrewDog was previously branded irresponsible for an 18.2% beer called Tokyo, which it then followed with a low alcohol beer called Nanny State, then Tactical Nuclear Penguin."
-- BBC News

Monday, February 15, 2010

Free State Brewing

Free State Brewing Company from Kansas is on its way to Missouri as reported by Evan Benn.


Evan Benn

Scanning the latest Missouri beer label registrations today, I noticed five beers from Free State Brewing Co. in Lawrence, Kansas, had been approved for distribution here.

A quick call to brewery proprietor Chuck Magerl confirmed the news: Free State has signed a distribution contract with Major Brands and will be available on tap in Kansas City next month and in bottles and on tap statewide — including St. Louis — soon after that.

“We’ve been down in St. Louis for the beer festivals in the spring and we’re looking forward to being there this year with bottled products for the first time,” Magerl told me. “St. Louis is a great beer town, so we’re really excited about this. I’ve enjoyed talking with Dan (Kopman, co-founder of Schlafly) and seeing how well they’ve done for themselves.”

The beers that Free State got approved for sale here include its award-winning Ad Astra altbier, Oatmeal Stout and its Stormwatch American IPA, along with two others.

Free State, which is about to celebrate its 21st anniversary, had a major setback in 2008 when a fire gutted its bottling facility, causing $1 million in damage. Magerl said he had hoped to start bottling and distributing earlier, but the fire set him back until now.

“We basically had to start over with the process,” he said. “Our bottling equipment is still being rebuilt but we’re almost there.”

David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox

Hot Sauces from David Ortiz
"Baseball star and fan favorite, David Ortiz launches Big Papi En Fuego, a new lifestyle hot sauce, which is never off season! Ortiz, a lifelong hot sauce enthusiast, was inspired to create the perfect hot sauce that was both spicy and flavorful. Big Papi En Fuego is made from a secret recipe, and while we can't give it away, the sauce does include fresh, natural ingredients such as habanera peppers and fresh lime. Big Papi En Fuego makes a great addition to marinades, cooking and cocktails. It is not just a hot sauce, but a way of life!" -- En Fuego

Click here for some recipes Chef Nookie (Executive Chef of Fenway Park)







Big Papi En Fuego Original Hot Sauce...$5.69 / 5oz
Real flavorful with a mild spice, and goes with just about everything!
Ingredients:
habanero chili, cayenne chili, vinegar, lime juice, carrots, smashed garlic, salt, cilantro, chipotle chili, cane sugar, spices, vitamins


Big Papi En Fuego Montster Double Hot Sauce....$5.69 / 5oz
Green (Verde) Sauce. Real hot with a Jalapeño kick , especially good with Chicken dishes
Ingredients:
jalepeno chili, habanero chili, vinegar, salt, tomatillo, cilantro, smashed garlic, fresh shallots, cane sugar, onion, lime juice, olive oil


Big Papi En Fuego Off the Wall Triple Hot Sauce....$5.69 / 5oz
This one is ‘knock your Sox off’ hot, also turns a good bloody mary great!
Ingredients:
Habanero chili, naga jolokia chili, vinegar, salt, vitamin C

Big Papi En Fuego Grand Slam XXXTRA Hot Sauce....$5.69 / 5oz
In to the bleachers hot, smokin’ and for professionals!
Ingredients:
Habanero chili, cayenne chili, vinegar, salt, pepper extract, soybean oil, smashed garlic, cilantro, chipotle peppers, lime juice, spices, vitamin C

Big Papi En Fuego Sampler Pack get 4 - 2oz bottles

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Bacon

"You are probably familiar with the phrase "bring home the bacon." In the twelfth century, a church in the English town of Dunmow promised a side of bacon to any married man who could swear before the congregation and God that he had not quarreled with his wife for a year and a day. A husband who could bring home the bacon was held in high esteem by the community for his forebearance." -- About.com

Read about everything bacon at our store