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Friday, May 14, 2010

North Shore Spirits from Chicago

From Chicago, Illinois
Order North Shore online now

A Rare Creation - U.S. Made Aquavit
North Shore Aquavit....750ml

Most common in Scandinavia, aquavit is a truly enjoyable spirit. In that part of the world, you can find many small and large-batch aquavits with widely varying flavors. In the U.S., the selection is far more limited. In Chicago, we have only found five aquavits (and only 3 are common), all of which are imported. We thought it was high time one was produced on this side of the ocean.

By the U.S. government's definition, aquavit's dominant flavor must be caraway seed (most commonly found in rye bread). Beyond that, the distiller uses his or her own artistic flair to add additional flavors and qualities to the spirit.

Aquavit - Private Reserve has a complex balance of spices and flavors. We begin with hand-selected botanicals from all over the world, including caraway, cumin, and coriander. These botanicals are macerated and distilled with the alcohol, and we age the spirit in new American oak to soften and meld the flavors. Unlike other aquavits, we do not add caramel coloring. All of the flavor and color is natural, and are the direct result of our process.

Enjoying Aquavit - Private Reserve
Aquavit is traditionally enjoyed chilled and straight, but it can also be sipped neat. Being avid mixologists, we have some fun and savory cocktail recipes with it as well. Visit our Cocktail Repository to find some favorite recipes with Aquavit - Private Reserve.

This spirit received 95 points - Exceptional Rating from the Beverage Testing Institute in November 2008 and was the Highest Rated Aquavit

Tasting notes: "Yellow straw color with a chartreuse cast. vibrant and stimulating aromas of pink peppercorns, cardamom, lemongrass, medicinal roots and herbs, and sandalwood follow through on a silky entry to a dryish medium-to-full body with a touch of tilled earth a long, spicy fade. Excellent flavor, purity and depth.
This spirit also received a Gold Medal in the 2007 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and in July 2008 the folks at Spirits Review awarded it a 9 out of 10, and described it as "[i]ncredibly smooth and seductively aromatic - especially for an aquavit."







North Shore Absinthe Verte....750ml
Introducing Sirène Absinthe Verte
Like the sirens of Greek mythology, Sirène will tempt you. With a beautiful, nuanced aroma and flavor, Sirène embodies the rich tradition and history of absinthe.

Absinthe has always been a favorite spirit at North Shore Distillery - first as a curiosity on our world travels, then as a fascination. We have tasted many variations and have been working on our own recipes for years. Now that is possible to actually introduce one to the market, we are excited to share this incredible absinthe with you.

Creating Sirène
We take a traditional approach to creating Sirène. We use the traditional trinity of absinthe ingredients along with a proprietary blend of additional herbs and spices to create Sirène's richness and complexity. The process requires a significant amount of time, preparation and botanicals, but the result is worth the effort.


Enjoying Sirène Absinthe
Absinthe is traditionally enjoyed in a drip. Pour about an ounce of absinthe in to an absinthe glass or a rocks glass. Then place an absinthe spoon on the glass and place a sugar cube (optional) on the spoon. If you do not have an absinthe spoon you can just add simple syrup to your absinthe. Then you drip ice cold water over your sugar cube and in to the absinthe. You can use an absinthe fountain or simply a carafe of ice water. We recommend having your first drip with three parts water and one part absinthe. Then adjust the water next time to your personal taste.









Eggs

Sorry, we have sold out of our Farm Fresh Eggs for the week.
We will have more on Tuesday


Fresh Centennial

Founders Centennial IPA new batch
Bottled May 10 -- only 4 days old!!!




Brasserie de Cazeau

Available online along with other beers from 12 Percent Imports

Belgian Ales

"With Brasserie de Cazeau, we introduce to you some superb craft beers from a small town brewery that’s been there for a long, long time. From the town of Tournai in south Belgium, close to the French border, the brewery’s property records suggest that it began operations at least by 1753, most likely earlier. On a recent visit to the brewery, as we wandered through the cavernous, rustic farmhouse, our friend Cory, who caught me gawking at the resplendent nostalgia shining from every corner of the place, acutely suggested the following to Laurent Agache (brewer, owner): "I’m pretty sure Brian’s thinking about how to import your entire brewery." Well said, Cory. The grounds and brewery at Brasserie de Cazeau abound in history - from walls lined with crates and beer bottles two hundred years old, to the tasting room replete with historical photos, to a perfectly preserved, century-old bar game. Oh, the bar games. But alas, we concede that history should not be tampered with, and so we settle on the beers. And remarkable beers they are." -- importer

Brasserie de Cazeau Tournay Black...$9.99 / 750ml

  • Style: Belgian Stout, refermentation in bottle
  • Abv: 7.6%
  • Color: pitch black; creamy off-white head
  • Tasting Notes: roasted malt, coffee, bitter chocolate, earthy, cigar ash
  • Other: Originally brewed as a winter ale known as Tournay de Noel. The beer was so well received that brewmaster Laurent Agache decided to make it a year-round brew. We nudged him in this direction too, of course. At 7.6%, it's a bit lighter than the original of 8.2% - all the better to enjoy in warm weather as much as cold.

Brasserie de Cazeau Tournay Farmhouse Blonde...$9.99 / 750ml

  • Style: Farmhouse Blond Ale, refermentation in bottle
  • Abv: 7.2%
  • Color: pale gold, lingering head – off-white cotton
  • Tasting Notes: floral, faintly bitter aroma; soft mouthfeel; straw, earthy, light sweetness, straightforward, refreshing
  • Other: The first beer made by the brewery since it re-launched commercial operations just a few years ago. The intent was to focus on perfecting a single blond ale before doing anything else. Check.


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Brasserie La Botteresse de Sur-Les-Bois

Available online along with other beers from 12 Percent Imports
Belgian Ales
"The second largest brewery in Jupille. The largest and only other being Inbev. From the French-speaking Wallonian region in Belgium, we bring you the unique creations of hobby brewer Jose Poncin, whose La Botteresse line of beers have us giddy with delight. Monsieur Poncin has a flair for the experimental. And as such, he's a bit more industrious in his occasional use of non-traditional ingredients than are many of the other brewers with whom we work. You'll sometimes find spice. Sometimes lots of it. In October, you may think you're drinking pumpkin. And that's because you are. But make no mistake, the beers we bring you from Jose are no experiments. They are sharp, superbly crafted creations from a master brewer who deserves to be discovered." -- importer
La Botteresse Blond....$4.99 / 11.2oz
  • Style: Blond Ale, refermentation in bottle
  • Abv: 7.5%
  • Color: hazy blond, creamy, lacy white head
  • Tasting Notes: spicy, citrusy aroma of sweet fruit; sparkling, vibrant mouthfeel, sweet & crisp citrus, herbal, butterscotch

La Botteresse Noire...$4.99 / 11.2oz

  • Style: Belgian Strong Ale, heavily spiced, refermentation i n bottle
  • Abv: 10.5%
  • Color: near pitch black, rich beige head
  • Tasting Notes: complex but balanced - liquorice, black pepper, burnt sugar, roasted malt, winter


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Brouwerij Contreras

Available online along with other beers from 12 Percent Imports


Gavere. East Flanders, Belgium
"A small regional brewery from East Flanders, Brouwerij Contreras has been in operation since 1818. Originally Brouwerij Latte, the farmhouse brewery was bought by the Contreras family in 1898 and they've run it ever since. Until very recently, the brewery was content to produce a couple of modest ales – focusing primarily on their local chain of family-owned cafes. But in 2004, enter brewmaster Frederick De Vrieze, and along with him a virtual 180 on the beer produced by this centuries-old brewery. Frederick has masterfully merged the innovation of his new craft beers with the ample history of their small Flemish region. His Valeir line of beers get their name from a local legend – a warrior by the name of "Valeir," who fought in the battle of Gavere in 1453. Valere Latte is also the brewery's original founder, so regardless of the war legend's accuracy, there's appropriate history in the name. So now, we introduce you for the first time to the superbly crafted Valeir beers. Four straightforward styles, uniquely crafted: blond, bruin, tripel, and IPA." -- Importer

Contreras Valeir Extra $4.49 / 11.2oz
  • Style: Belgian IPA, refermentation in bottle
  • Abv: 6.5%
  • Color: yellow-gold; dense, white head
  • Tasting Notes: spicy, citrusy nose; fruity palate, orange, yeasty, floral; growing, pleasant bitterness
  • Rated 95 Percentile on RateBeer





Brouwerij De Dochter Van De Korenaar

Available online along with other beers from 12 Percent Imports


Brouwerij De Dochter Van De Korenaar
Baarle-Hertog. Antwerp, Belgium
"De Dochter Van De Korenaar. Or in English, “the daughter of the corn ear” - an old Flemish synonym for beer dating back to the 16th century. Now reincarnated as the moniker of a new, tiny craft brewery from the Belgian enclave of Baarle-Hertog (actually located about 10 kilometers across the Dutch border). And when De Dochter opened its doors in 2007, folks immediately started taking notice. Despite its recency, the beers turned out by this little gem suffer from no lack of experience. Brewer/owner Ronald Mengerink tells us he’s been brewing beer since he was 16, and we believe it. What you get from each of his three creations thus far is a stunningly well-honed focus; a vision that’s clearly been years in the making. Stylistically, Ronald’s beers are virtually impossible to categorize – borrowing characteristics in each of multiple styles and regions. The Noblesse, the first beer from the brewery, is an ultra-crisp, bone-dry session ale of 5.5% with explicit bitterness given off by its Magnum hops. And then his newest creation - the Embrasse. A beer that we had to have at all costs when it debuted this year at the Kerstbier festival in Essen. A stunning achievement from a small house brewery deserving of your attention. And Ronald now promises us there’s one more to come. We’ll soon see; but the bar’s been set awfully high with these…" -- importer



Embrasse....$11.99 / 500ml

  • Style: Fully-malted Strong Dark Ale - brewed with a unique combination of 8 different malts; refermentation in the bottle
  • Abv: 9%
  • Color: rich brown, lasting khaki head
  • Tasting Notes: aroma of chocolate malt, coffee, & smoke; vanilla, cocoa, toffee, smoke, full-bodied, richly complex


Noblesse....$4.49 / 11.2oz

  • Style: Belgian Pale Ale, refermentation in the bottle; Session beer
  • Abv: 5.5%
  • Color: pale orange, lasting white head
  • Tasting Notes: earthy, funky nose with a hint of sourness; super-light, crisp, bone-dry, citrusy, sharply bitter, thirst-quenching


Brouwerij Het Alternatief

Available online along with other beers from 12 Percent Imports

Brouwerij Het Alternatief
Izegem. West Flanders, Belgium
The Alternative. Exactly the goal of (master) hobby brewer Piet Salomez. We first experienced Piet’s beers at our favorite place to drink beer in Belgium – 't Kroegske – a tiny, homey place run by a husband and wife team (yes, we work with a lot of those) on the weekends with a sizeable beer list devoted to high quality, interesting stuff. A perfect summation of Piet’s beers - high quality, interesting stuff. Always the consummate and outspoken beer critic, it’s quite common for him to utter these words after tasting something most consider quite good: "It’s too perfect." Why, whatever do you mean, Piet? Here’s what he means. The science is there, the art is not. The taste can be good; very good, in fact. Balanced, smooth, dare I say quaffable. But not unique; common. So with Het Alternatief, we bring you some genuine, artisinal creations from someone who really cares about brewing the traditional way, but with the yield of original results. Just like their brewer, these beers defy category.

Eerwaarde Pater....$4.99 / 11.2oz

  • Style: Belgian strong ale, fully malted, matured on oak
  • Abv: 9%
  • Format: 11.2 oz bottle
  • Color: deep, rusty brown; thick beige head
  • Tasting Notes: spicy, fruit nose; smooth, roasty palate balanced by tart fruit; complex, spicy and unusual

The Bitter Truth...$4.99 / 11.2oz

  • Style: Triple IPA, refermentation in bottle
  • Alcohol Content: 11%/vol
  • Format: 11.2 oz bottle

Brouwerij 't Broukot

Available online along with other beers from 12 Percent Imports


Some new Belgian beers just arrived .... in stock at Forsyth only at this point
here come posts...



Brouwerij 't Broukot
Gullegem. West Flanders, Belgium



The tiny brewery Brouwkot began a few years back as an annex and house brewery for the well-known beer restaurant 't Rusteel in West Flanders. Prior to it’s launch, young brewers Bjorn & Kim worked various jobs at 't Rusteel. They worked there for years while still in school, but all the while with a budding passion for craft brewing. After perfecting the experimentation of a single golden ale, Bjorn & Kim finally caught the owner’s attention. Realizing this as no ordinary homebrew - that Bjorn & Kim really had something – the owner outfitted a garage beside the restaurant with a small brewing installation. Brouwerij 't Brouwkot was born. Some years have since passed, Bjorn & Kim now have other duties beyond the restaurant (Bjorn an electrical engineer, Kim a biochemist), but the brewery remains in full swing under the sole auspices of these two young, brilliant brewers. Indeed, what began as a tiny operation churning out great house brews for the restaurant, has morphed into a tiny operation churning out world class beers that must be discovered beyond their small village. That’s where we come in. To start, three beers – Netebuk, Manten, & Kalle. All presented in paper-wrapped, 75cl format. All strikingly original, crystal clear, crisp, clean unfiltered ales. It’s high time these remarkable beers get their notice.

Manten...$14.99 / 750ml


  • Style: Fully-malted Belgian Blond Ale, refermentation in bottle
  • Abv: 5.5%
  • Format: 750 ml, paper-wrapped bottle
  • Color: dull yellow, bright white head
  • Tasting Notes: malt sweetness, honey, caramel, lemon, light-bodied, easy-drinking

Kalle....$14.99 / 750ml

Kalle....$14.99 / 750ml

Style: Tripel, refermentation in bottle

  • Abv: 8.5%
  • Format: 750 ml, paper-wrapped bottle

  • Color: crystal-clear light orange, creamy white head
  • Tasting Notes: brilliant aroma – spicy, earthy, minerals; full-bodied, complex palate; spicy, vegetal, honey-suckle, pepper, dry





Pedigree

"The Official Ale of England"
Marstons Pedigree Classic English Pale...$8.99 / pint

"Marston’s Pedigree has always been crafted using the finest natural ingredients to ensure you receive a truly exceptional beer. We only use natural Burton spring water and traditional varieties of barley and hops (Maris Otter barley, Fuggles and Goldings hops), rather than less expensive, commercially grown modern hybrids.

Unique in the world, it is still brewed in the oak casks of the Burton Unions to preserve its unique character, consistent quality and taste.

Many brewers have abandoned this traditional method of brewing over the years due to its extra cost and labour intensive maintenance, which requires a skilled cooper to constantly service the wooden casks.

It has been the commitment and belief of each Marston’s Head Brewer to preserve the extra effort that goes into each brew that makes Marston’s Pedigree such an exceptional beer.

When you want a truly exceptional premium ale, Don’t Compromise, choose Pedigree." -- brewery






2010 Matilda

Available online

2010 just arrived


2010 Goose Island Matilda.... $6.99 / 22oz

Brewmasters Notes:
Wild in character, with a slightly fruity aroma and a spicy yeast flavor that is as unique as it is satisfying – Matilda is an intriguing choice for beer and wine lovers alike. Dry and quenching, it’s the perfect accompaniment at the dining table or for casually socializing at the bar.
Recipe Information:
Style: >Belgian Style Pale Ale
Alcohol by Volume: 7%
International Bitterness Units: 32
Color: Golden Sunrise
Hops: Styrian, Saaz
Malts: 2-Row, Caramel


Serving Suggestions:

Preferred Glass: Wide Mouth Glass
Preferred Serving Temperature: 40º

Food Pairings: Matilda pairs with many foods. Its spicy yeast flavors compliment fresh mussels and contrast rich pork belly.

Cheese Pairings: Camembert, Washed Rind Cheeses
Cellaring Notes: Develops in the bottle for up to 5 years






Odell St. Lupulin

Odell Seasonal is back!


Odell St. Lupulin Extra Pale Ale....$9.89 / 6pk
A mystical legend echoes in our brewhouse – that of St. Lupulin (loop-you-lin) the archetypal hophead. He devoted endless summers to endless rows of hops, tending to the flowers and the beloved resin within – lupulin. Extraordinary oils in this yellow resin provide this dry-hopped extra pale ale with an undeniably pleasing floral aroma and clean, crisp finish. One sip of this seasonal summer ale and you too, will believe.





Oberon Mini Kegs

Great new look for the 5 liter can....
The can pays tribute to the Salvador Dali Painting The Persistence of Memory (Dali image from Wallpapers-diq.net)

2010 Bell's Oberon Mini Keg..$21.99 / 5 liter
This is Bell's #1 seller and it accounts for about 50% of their sales

"An American wheat ale brewed with Saaz hops. Spicy and fruity, Oberon is the color and scent of a summer afternoon." -- Brewery








Great Divide new release...

New from Great Divide...
Order Great Divide online


Great Divide Dunkel Weiss....22oz


Think of it as hefeweizen’s older brother. A hearty mix of wheat and dark German barley malts gives it a medium body and muddy brown hue, while our proprietary yeast strain provides the signature notes of banana and clove. If you like wheat beers, come to the Dunkel side. You won’t be disappointed. Just don’t put a lemon in it. 6.4% ABV





Thursday, May 13, 2010

Fresh Mozzarella

Just a quick note from our cheese department....

Fresh Mozzarella is in stock now at Forsyth!





Southern Hemisphere...

In stock now at Forsyth and Ballwin now!
2010 Sierra Nevada Southern Hemisphere...$3.59 / 24oz
Fresh Hop Ale
Bottled April 23.

Also online now








Anchor Summer is here!

Sorry, I am having trouble keeping up....Anchor Summer also arrived this week!



Anchor Summer Beer...$9.99 / 6pk
Anchor Summer is the first American wheat beer in modern times. Our first brew of this light and refreshing beer was in the summer of 1984.

Anchor Summer is an all-malt beer, and over 50% of its malt comes from malted wheat. It is fermented with a traditional top-fermenting "ale" yeast because we prefer the clean flavors developed by this yeast. We believe that this style best celebrates the refreshingly light flavor of malted wheat. You may notice that the head on this beer is unusually abundant, with a consistency similar to whipped egg whites. This is due to protein contributed by the wheat.

The brewers at Anchor are proud to have revived not only rich hearty dark beers, but also this light crisp style of a modern American wheat beer.


Wheatmalt contributes to an unusual lightness and dryness to the palate, and this—combined with the distinctive flavor of the wheat—makes for a perfect thirst-quenching beverage. It is the ideal drink for beer lovers who appreciate tradition and character in their beer, but also seek a lighter, refreshing style, perfect for warm weather.
From Anchor's Website





Wednesday, May 12, 2010

O'Fallon news...

Looks like O'Fallon brewing has joined facebook -- become a fan of O'Fallon.
(also become a fan of The Wine and Cheese Place if you have not yet)

Look what we have learned from O'Fallon on their facebook page:
a picture of the Hemp Hop Rye being bottled!!
Looks like we will see it soon.







Plus the first of their "Brewer's Stash" --
Wee Heavy was posted that they will be bottling it next week!!!





Schlafly Cans


Schlafly Cans in stock at forsyth now--$12.99 / 12pk pack --
Schlafly posted some pictures on their facebook page.
!









Watch the video of the canning process for Schlafly Summer Lager




Tequila Tasting/Class with Ed Kohl

May 25 (Tue) Tequila Tasting/Class (6-7:30)
Spirits expert, Ed Kohl
, will be on hand to conduct this Tequila Tasting/Class

Come taste and maybe even learn a little bit:
Azteca (this is a mixto for example. Not for sale)
Ranchero Silver 100%
Ranchero Gold 100%
El Ultimo Blanco
El Ultimo Reposado
El Ultimo Anejo
Hacieda Vieja Reposado
Tierras Blanco
Tierras Reposado
Tierras Anejo


Reservations required - click here

or call 314-727-8788

The Wine and Cheese Place Forsyth
7435 Forsyth
Clayton Mo 63105






Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Scottish Microbrew....

New microbrewery from Scotland...


Williams Brothers Scottish Joker IPA....$3.79 / pint
India Pale Ale
Joker premium pale is created from a complex blend of malt and hops with the sole purpose of bringing a smile to your face. Joker has a fresh citrusy aroma and bittersweet, full flavour. By the way, you look great. (That's the beer talking!)
ABV 5%
Ingredients: Water, Malted Barley, Malted Wheat, Hops, Yeast. Contains Gluten.





Williams Brother Scottish Midnight Sun...$3.79 / pint

Dark Porter Ale
Midnight Sun is a black Porter style beer, created
from a blend of malted barley, oats, roast barley and chocolate malt,balanced with a generous handful of hops and a wee bit of fresh root ginger. We realy like it and hope you do too!

5.6 vol

Ingredients: Water, Malted Barley, Oats, Hops, Root Ginger, Yeast, Contains Gluten.



Williams Brother Scottish Heavy....$3.79 / pint
Eighty Shilling Beer

80/- A traditional Scottish ale brewed with an emphasis on the malt charachteristics. Lightly hopped, as is true to this style of beer, with fruity malt aromas and a toffeeish mouthfeel.
4.2% vol
Ingredients: Water, Malted Barley, Malted Wheat, Hops, Yeast. Contains Gluten.
Eighty bob is a classic style of scottish ale brewed with less hops than most english beers due to the lack of availablity as well as the Scottish pallette for sweeter tastes - which came first? chicken or lack of hops?






Williams Brother Session Golden Ale....$3.79 / pint
Williams Gold - This premium beer is brewed and bottled by the Williams Bros in Alloa, Scotland. Every care has been taken to ensure that it reaches you in perfect condition. Our award winning ales are produced without the use of artificial preservatives: this may result in a fine settlement or slight haze, which are quite natural, Serve chilled, pour carefully and enjoy.
3.9% vol
Ingredients: Water, Malted Barley, Malted Wheat, Hops, Yeast. Contains Gluten.




Black Bull

A new release from Black Bull...
online also now



Black Bull 12yr Old....$44.99
Black Bull Deluxe Blended Scotch Whisky 12 years old
As a follow up to the release of 30 Year Old BlackBull in 2009, Duncan Taylor Co is releasing a 12 Year Old BlackBull Deluxe Blend. Black Bull contains 50% malt whisky and 50% grain whisky and has not been altered by chill-filtration. This special blend is a marriage of the finest 12 year old single malt and single grain whiskies distilled in Scotland. The selection of whiskies falls true to the Duncan Taylor ethic of unbridled quality, each whisky from each cask is nose and tasted before going into the Black Bull vatting.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Full Amber
Nose: Robust, chunky aromas. Chocolate, toffee, sherry, vanilla and lemon sherbet.
Flavour: Smooth, mellow and rounded. Milk chocolate, treacle toffee, pears, green apples and lots of sweet vanilla.
Finish: Some heavier fruity notes emerge, and lots of creamy notes coming through
Comments: A very creamy whisky with a lot fruity toffee notes.




Black Bull 30yr old.…$149.99 / btl
The last 600 bottles just arrived in the U.S. and then it is gone!

“Well, what have we here? A blend of 50% malt and 50% grain (a very high malt content for a blend), and bottled at 50% too! The whisky was blended first (very unusual), before being aged in sherry cask for its entire life.
Black Bull, 30 year old, 50%, $200
Antique amber/chestnut color. Full sherry impact, but never cloying—the higher alcohol level and grain whisky cut through the sherry and add balance and drinkability. This is a fruity confection delight, with, raisin chutney, fig cake, orange almond scone, and chocolate-covered cherry. Add to the mix richly textured toffee, old oak, polished leather, and a cinnamon-spiced, tobacco finish. A rare treat! A great old blend that malt drinkers will embrace.”
Rated 94/100 Malt Advocate
95 Liquid Gold Award from Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2010