Greg Koch of Stone at The Wine and Cheese Place

Here are some pictures of Greg Koch at The Wine and Cheese Place for the Stone kick off party.  About 80-100 people arrived to meet the man behind Stone Brewing Co.  Stone started off with a strong week as we sold 70-80 cases of their amazing beers.   I posted a few more pictures on our facebook page

Greg Koch was kind enough to autograph some extra bottles for us -- I have some back in my office while supply lasts.

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Genesee is back!

Back in stock at Forsyth.

Genesee Cream Ale...$6.29 / 6pk

In the old days, there were ales and there were lagers. Ales were flavorful. Lagers were smooth. And never the twain did meet.

Until Genesee Cream Ale. And then the twain met head on to form an American Original with the flavor of an ale and the smoothness of a lager.

Cream Ale is unique. Then. Now. Always.
•We skillfully warm-ferment Genesee Cream Ale with our own signature top-fermenting yeast.
•During the aging process, every batch of Cream Ale is krausened to achieve an uncommonly smooth character.
•The process results in Cream Ale’s remarkably creamy white head and a body that is far more distinguished than standard American lagers.


1988:  Cream Ale wins its first competitive first place medal—a silver at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver (Cream Ale/American Cream Ale Category).


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Sierra Nevada Summerfest is here!

2011 Sierra Nevada Summerfest
-- in stock now at Forsyth!
Our Summerfest® is a refreshing, pilsner-style lager. Its incredible smoothness comes from an extra-long lagering period. Lighter in body than our ales but just as complex in character, Summerfest® quenches your thirst with big aroma and a tangy hop bite.

GOLD MEDAL WINNER
California State Fair (European Light Lagers: 1999)

alcohol content 5.0% by volume
yeast Bottom-fermenting Lager Yeast
beginning gravity 12.2 Plato
bittering hops Perle & Saaz
ending gravity 2.8 Plato
finishing hops Saaz
bitterness units 28
malts Two-row Pale & Munich

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A new one from Tallgrass

In stock at Forsyth...

Tallgrass Halcyon Unfiltered Wheat....$6.99 / 6pk CANS

(ABV 5.0%, 20 IBU)


"We are in “the wheat state” after all, so the pressure was on us to make a wheat beer, but we knew it had to be great. Halcyon Unfiltered Wheat is the result of that Midwestern angst, an all-American wheat with real Kansas-grown grain in the brew.
We start with raw Kansas white wheat in the mix to give it a nice edge, but what really makes it shine is the hops. We use “hop-bursting” late in the brewing process and this gives Halcyon its palate of tropical fruit flavors & aromas with a bright and refreshing taste like the best days of summer." -- Tallgrass



 

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We are opening a new store on June 1st

PRESS RELEASE:

The Wine & Cheese Place Announces New Store Opening

The Wine & Cheese Place is proud to announce that it will be opening its fourth location in the St. Louis area. The new store, located at 457 N. New Ballas Road in Creve Coeur, will offer the same broad selection of wine, spirits, beer, fresh-cut cheeses, salamis, olives, fresh-roasted nuts, and gourmet candies as their other well-known area stores. The grand opening is slated for June 1, 2011.


“We are very excited about opening this new store,” said Amos Kedmey, owner of The Wine & Cheese Place. “Many of our regular customers live or work in the area and they were hoping that we would remain nearby. Our new store is centrally located, easy to get in and out, and has plenty of parking. The range of wines, liquor, beer, and cheeses that was offered at Provisions will be expanded, and we will still be selling those fresh-roasted nuts and unique gift baskets we’re famous for. Best of all, many of our experienced personnel who have been with us for years will be transferring to our new location, so customer service will be top-notch right from day one.”


The Wine & Cheese Place, a St. Louis retailer since 1982, currently operates stores in Clayton, Rock Hill, and Chesterfield. “Our focus has always been on the wines and cheeses,” said Paul Hayden, wine manager for the chain. “Finding great wines at great prices and bringing them to our St. Louis customers has been a passion of mine for years. Having another sales outlet means more opportunity to bring these products to the attention of our customers. Our tastings at our new store will let customers try some wonderful wines they might otherwise have missed.”

With almost thirty years in the business, The Wine & Cheese Place has built a reputation for having the area’s best selection of wine and liquor, especially single-malt scotch. In the past three years it has expanded its offerings of beer to become one of the largest in the area. Imported and domestic cheeses and salamis are all fresh-cut and the stores offer the only fresh-roasted nuts in St. Louis.


PRESS RELEASE

Provisions Gourmet Market Announces Restaurant Closing

Avid patrons of Provisions Gourmet Market foods will be disappointed to learn that the restaurant portion of its operation will be closing on May 14, 2011. After more than ten years in its CityPlace location in Creve Coeur, the restaurant has announced that it will no longer be offering its signature soups, salads, and sandwiches.

Owner Amos Kedmey explained that “Costs have steadily increased to a point where we cannot continue to offer the high quality foods at the affordable prices our customers have come to expect. Increasing our prices to meet increasing operating expenses would not have solved the problem. The return on investment no longer met our minimum goals for that location, and so we made the very difficult decision to close the restaurant operation.”


The retail portion of the store, originally known to its customers as The Roasting House, will continue to operate within the new location of The Wine & Cheese Place, soon to open next to St. Louis Bread Company at 457 N. New Ballas Road in Creve Coeur. “The wine, spirits, beer, cheeses, nuts, candies, and gift baskets that have been so popular at Provisions will continue to be offered and will be available beginning June 1, 2011,” stated Mr. Kedmey. “We are fortunate in that many of our most experienced employees at Provisions will be transferring to our new location. Customer service will immediately reflect the depth of knowledge that they bring.”

Formed in 1986, The Roasting House is a family-owned and operated corporation. Originally located at Olive and Graeser Roads, it purchased Provisions Gourmet Market in 2001 and moved its operations there. The corporation also owns and operates The Wine & Cheese Place in Clayton, Rock Hill, and Chesterfield. “We very much appreciate the loyalty of our long-time customers, many of whom have patronized our store since we first opened. We are excited to be opening our new location in Creve Coeur where we will be able to continue to offer the selection, prices, and service that The Wine & Cheese Place is known for,” said Kedmey.


For more information contact
Amos Kedmey, Executive Vice President
The Wine & Cheese Place
314.962.8150
amos@wineandcheeseplace.com


or


Paul Hayden
The Wine & Cheese Place
314.727.8788

paul@wineandcheeseplace.com

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Boulevard Collaborates with Deschutes - WHITE IPA

BIG NEWS from Boulevard!!

Collaboration with Deschutes!

(Deschutes has announced that it plans on distributing in Missouri this year)

Coming this Summer to The Wine and Cheese Place- watch for it

Boulevard Brewing (Kansas City, MO) has teamed up with Deschutes Brewery (Bend, OR) to produce a Collaboration beer---actually two!  (This rumor has been out there for awhile).  Each brewery will brew the same recipe for the "White IPA" at their respective breweries.  Boulevard will release theirs in the 750ml Smokestack Series and Deschutes will release theirs in 22oz Conflux series.

The big question -- will Deschutes be distributing in Missouri by the time this beer is released so that we can get both beers?

Boulevard Smokestack Series Collaboration No.2.

"Boulevard Brewing Company and Deschutes Brewery are jointly crafting a beer described as a "White I.P.A.," slated for release in Summer 2011.  Combining Boulevard's expertise at making Belgian-style witbiers with Deschutes' skill at brewing hop-forward ales, the beer puts a new spin on the idea of collaborative brewing.   Working from a single recipe, brewmasters Steven Pauwels of Boulevard and Larry Sidor of Deschutes are producing two separate beers, more than 1,600 miles apart.

Pauwels and Sidor first began exploring the idea of working together after they frequently crossed paths at the craft beer events around the country.  The two have much in common in their brewing philosophies, each pushing the envelope whenever possible, yet remaining dedicated to the time-honored traditions that keep them consistent and grounded.
Despite the beers' shared recipe, each of the two versions will develop a distinct, unique identity, to be reflected in their naming and packaging.  Boulevard's half of the equation, christened Collaboration No.2, will be distributed throughout their 20-state region in kegs and 750ml bottles, as part of the Smokestack Series seasonal lineup.  Brewed at their Bend, Oregon facility, Deshutes' effort will be the second beer in their new Conflux collaboration series, and will be distributed throughout their 18-state region in kegs and 22-ounce bottles.


order other Boulevard beers online now

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Stone Brewing Tasting! Meet Greg Koch

Stone Beers are in stock at The Wine and Cheese Place


The big Stone beer tasting is TODAY!  (4/21)!
Meet Greg Koch CEO of Stone Brewing and get his autograph on your favorite Stone Beer Bottles!

(here is his picture I took when he visited the Tap Room here in St. Louis this year)
The Wine and Cheese Place 7435 Forsyth Blvd, Clayton, MO 63105

Thursday -- April 21, 3 -- slight time chagne (I am told it could be 3:30-5:15pm)
The schedule got tighter, they are hoping to arrive at 3:30
You will need to bust out of work early, schedule a "sick day" now!
He will be on hand to autograph bottles of Stone brews and lead you through a tasting of all of their great beers! 

Bbecome a friend of Stone in Missouri on Facebook and show your support. 

 We will taste the full lineup
Stone IPA....$9.69 / 6pk
Stone Levitation Ale...$9.69 / 6pk
Stone Pale Ale....$9.69 / 6 pk
Stone Ruination IPA...$14.99 / 6 pack
Stone IPA and Smoked Porter...$3.79 / 22oz
Stone Cali Belgique IPA...$5.49 / 22oz
Stone Ruination IPA....$5.49 / 22oz
Stone Sublimely Self Righteous Ale....$5.49 / 22oz
Oaked Arrogant Bastard...$14.99 / 6pk
Arrogant Bastard...$3.99 / 22oz 


 

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More Fresh Bells....

Maybe I should just report when we have old Bells Two Hearted because it is always FRESH!!!

Bells Two Hearted Ale bottled 4/15/11

Bells Oberon bottled 4/14/11

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Sam Adams Summer 12 pack

Sam Adams has released their Summer 12 pack mixer

It includes Boston Lager, Light, Summer Brew, Latitude 48 plus two brand new beers that you will only find in the 12 pack box. 

Sam Adams Rustic Saison (only in 12 pack mixer)

"Samuel Adams Rustic Saison is an incredibly complex yet refreshing beer in the classic style of Belgian farmhouse ales. These blonde ales were traditionally brewed to quench the thirst of farmers throughout the summer months. The unique character of our brew comes from its Belgian yeast that imparts floral, fruity, and spicy flavors. These are layered with a slight earthiness and a citrusy, herbal hop character for a bright and satisfying summer brew. "

Sam Adams East-West Kolsch (only in 12 pack mixer)

Light and fragrant, Samuel Adams® East West Kölsch has a floral and herbal character that balances the refreshing German Kölsch style. A classic Kölsch is less bitter than a pilsner with a slightly fruity and sweet biscuit note. For our version we wanted to create a bright fresh flavor by using Alsatian Strisselspalt hops for a subtle lemon and grassy hop note. We added another layer of flavor by aging the beer on a bed of Jasmine Sambac, a fragrant night blooming flower from Southeast Asia. The jasmine creates a delicate floral aroma and flavor for a wonderfully complex and refreshing brew.

 

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Goose Island Big John

We are tasting the super rare Big John tonight - plus we will have a few bottles for sale.

Goose Island Big John...$8.99/ 22 oz
Imperial Stout with Cacao Nibs Added

Brewmasters Notes:

Inspired by the epic skyline of Chicago, Goose Island’s brewers set out to craft Big John; a tall, bold slugger of a stout that stands out vividly against the little soft beers out there. Epic amounts of roasted malt and an addition of cacao nibs give Big John a massive chocolate flavor and aroma. With a body as substantial and black as the building to which it pays homage, Big John is sure to inspire a sense of awe with every sip.



Recipe Information:
Style: Imperial Stout
Alcohol by Volume: 11.5%
International Bitterness Units: 60
Color: Slate Black
Hops: Columbus
Malts: 2-Row, Munich, Chocolate, Caramel, Roasted Barley, De-bittered Black


Serving Suggestions:
Preferred Glass: Snifter
Cellaring Notes: Develops in the bottle up to 5 years

info from Goose Island



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Stone arrives at The Wine and Cheese Place Forsyth!!

In stock at all four of our locations!

Stone is available online also - click here

Check out this beautiful display

Stone at The Wine and Cheese Place

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Stone Beers

In stock at all four of our locations

Available online also

Stone Brews IN STOCK
 at The Wine and Cheese Place Forsyth now!

I will post bottling dates soon!
There is no special St. Louis back label though on the IPA??

Stone IPA....$9.69 / 6pk

Stone IPA...$3.79 / 22oz

An "India Pale Ale" by definition is highly hopped and high in alcohol - you'll find our Stone India Pale Ale to be true to style with a huge hop aroma, flavor and bitterness throughout. If you're a hop-head like us, then you'll love our Stone India Pale Ale! Medium malt character with a heavy dose of over the top hops! Generous "dry hopping" gives this beer its abundant hop aroma and crisp hop flavor.

Hop Variety:Columbus, Chinook & Centennial
ALC/VOL 6.9%, 77 IBUs
Rated 100/100 RateBeer

Stone Levitation Ale...$9.69 / 6pk

It's been said that "Gravity Sucks." Simple enough. Well, we at Stone have identified gravitational forces in the beer world. And we have come to the conclusion that they, well, see above. So we avoid these less-than-desirable gravitational forces. We avoid dumbed-down flavor profiles and the vigorous pursuit of the lowest common denominator. We avoid big dollar marketing mentalities. We avoid additives, cheap adjuncts, stabilizers and chemical preservatives. So in the defiance of gravity we bring you Stone Levitation Ale. This deep amber ale has rich malt flavors, a big hoppy character, citrus overtones (courtesy of the hops and our special brewers yeast) and modest alcohol.

Rated 94/100 RateBeer

Stone Pale Ale....$9.69 / 6 pk
Our flagship ale, Stone Pale Ale is our Southern California interpretation of the classic British pale ale style. Deep amber in color, Stone Pale Ale is robust and full flavored. A delicate hop aroma is complemented by a rich maltiness. This is an ale for those who have learned to appreciate distinctive flavor. Stone Pale Ale is great by itself, or with food that requires a beer of character.

Rated 96/100 RateBeer
Hop Variety:Columbus & Ahtanum
ALC/VOL 5.4%, 41 IBUs



 

Stone Ruination IPA...$14.99 / 6 pack
Stone Ruination IPA....$5.49 / 22oz 
So called because of the "ruinous" effect on your palate! This massive hop monster has a wonderfully delicious and intensely bitter flavor on a refreshing malt base. One taste and you can easily see why we call this brew "a liquid poem to the glory of the hop!" Those who seek, crave and rejoice in beers with big, bold, bitter character will find true nirvana in Stone Ruination IPA!

Rated 100/100 RateBeer
Hop Variety: Columbus & Centennial
ALC/VOL 7.7%, 100+ IBUs

Stone Smoked Porter...$3.79 / 22oz
So you think you don't like dark beer? Prepare to believe. This is no ordinary porter. And if you are already among the enlightened who appreciate a fine ebony-hued ale, we think you will find Stone Smoked Porter to be a poignant addition to your repertoire. This beer pours a gorgeous deep mahogany crowned by a creamy head. Dark, smooth and complex, with rich chocolate and coffee flavors balanced by a subtle smokiness, this brew is equally delicious with meats or fine chocolates.

Rated 99/100 RateBeer
 
 

Stone Cali Belgique IPA...$5.49 / 22oz
When reading the name "Stone Cali-Belgique IPA", "Cali" hints that it is a California-style IPA, and this brew has an undeniable Belgian influence, indicated by the word "Belgique" (which is how Belgium's French-speaking population says the word "Belgian"; the Dutch-speaking Belgians say "België"). We carefully selected a Belgian yeast strain that illuminates a fascinating new aspect of the beer that is otherwise quite simply Stone IPA. The result is both completely new and different, while still being recognizable as a Stone brew—and Stone IPA in particular. Think of it as an otherwise identical twin to Stone IPA that was raised in a Belgian culture. Literally.
Rated 98/100 RateBeer



 

Stone Sublimely Self Righteous Ale....$5.49 / 22oz
"Black IPA"
We're brewers whose substantial mettle and idiomatic approach to brewing allows us to consistently create works of art such as this justifiably self-righteous ale. Its bitterness hits our sweet spot. Its blackness lightens our hearts. Its liquid dichotomy pulls it all together in this sublimely sacrosanct ale. Yes, we damn well know our stuff here at Stone, and it would be irresponsible of us not to acknowledge how remarkable this heavenly creation of ours is. Thus the name we are compelled to give it --- Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale --- serves as a reminder of just how good we are, in both liquid and verbal form.


We're certainly not perfect. Too often, we allow our modesty to get the best of us as we're simply not inclined towards senseless braggadocio. When you're good, you're good. And when you do something great, the least you can do is acknowledge it. Others benefit from knowing. In this case, we find that we are compelled to point out how amazing this ale is that we rightly call the Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale.

First brewed in 2007 as the Stone 11th Anniversary Ale, this ale was an instant hit. With us. Other folks with great taste loved it too, but we were focused on how much we liked it, and we felt it was truly sublime. That euphoria didn't last long though, as it was soon replaced with the grim reality that when we sold out of it there wouldn't be any more. For us. And that was simply unacceptable. So, we are now blessing ourselves, and you the enlightened, with this ale. Thusly, you may now revel in your own self-righteousness as you see fit with this glorious example of ours. You are genuinely welcome, as it is our pleasure.
Rated 100/100 RateBeer

Oaked Arrogant Bastard...$14.99 / 6pk
This is an aggressive beer. You probably won’t like it. It is quite doubtful that you have the taste or sophistication to be able to appreciate an ale of this quality and depth. We would suggest that you stick to safer and more familiar territory --- maybe something with a multi-million dollar ad campaign aimed at convincing you it’s made in a little brewery, or one that implies that their tasteless fizzy yellow beer will give you more sex appeal. Perhaps you think multi-million dollar ad campaigns make a beer taste better. Perhaps you’re mouthing your words as you read this.


Too many strive towards complacency as a goal. We grow up thinking that the ability to become complacent is the equivalence of success in life. True Arrogant Bastards know that this could not be further from the truth. The real beauty, richness and depth in life can only be found if the journey through life itself is looked upon as a constant chance to learn, live and find life’s passion. Passion threatens the complacent, and fills them with fear. Fear of the new, the deep and the different. We, on the other hand, seek it out. Endlessly, joyously...and aggressively. To this end we bring you the “OAKED Arrogant Bastard Ale.” Another reward for those seeking new sources of passion, and another point of dissension for those who are not.
Rated 99/100 RateBeer

Arrogant Bastard...$3.99 / 22oz
This is an aggressive ale. You probably won’t like it. It is quite doubtful that you have the taste or sophistication to be able to appreciate an ale of this quality and depth. We would suggest that you stick to safer and more familiar territory–maybe something with a multi-million dollar ad campaign aimed at convincing you it’s made in a little brewery, or one that implies that their tasteless fizzy yellow beverage will give you more sex appeal. Perhaps you think multi-million dollar ad campaigns make things taste better. Perhaps you’re mouthing your words as you read this.


At Stone Brewing, we believe that pandering to the lowest common denominator represents the height of tyranny - a virtual form of keeping the consumer barefoot and stupid. Brought forth upon an unsuspecting public in 1997, Arrogant Bastard Ale openly challenged the tyrannical overlords who were brazenly attempting to keep Americans chained in the shackles of poor taste. As the progenitor of its style, Arrogant Bastard Ale has reveled in its unprecedented and uncompromising celebration of intensity. There have been many nods to Arrogant Bastard Ale…even outright attempts to copy it… but only one can ever embody the true nature of liquid Arrogance!
Rated 99/100 RateBeer






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Napa Valley Merlot with St. Louis connection...

Bolen Family Estate Merlot has a St. Louis connection.  The Bolen family is from St. Louis Missouri.  Eric Bolen, Proprietor and Operations Manager went to school at Chaminade and St. Louis University.

The Bolen Family wanted to make the best Merlot in California and they are doing it right.  They hired the best Merlot winemaker -- Tom Rinaldi.   Tom Rinaldi was the founding winemaker at DUCKHORN!   He crafted some of the most famous Merlots in the world in the 1980s and 1990s for Duckhorn.

2007 Bolen Family Estates Merlot...$49.99

"We do Merlot and we do it well. Our 2nd release is our 2007 Merlot from the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley. This 100% Merlot takes things to a new level for us. The wine highlights bursting black and dark fruits paired with beautiful silky tanins that carry the wine to a lingering exquisite finish. We feel we may have outdone ourselves on this one. Check it out for yourself." -- winery

Stats:

100% Merlot

250 Cases

Tom Rinaldi - Winemaker

"There are a handful of people that can be called pioneers of Napa Valley Merlot. Tom Rinaldi is one of them. As the founding winemaker at Duckhorn and now making wines at Provenance, Tom has consistently produced some of the best Merlots in the world. Tom is a great fit on our team. He shares our passion for hand crafting Merlot and truly serves as an inspiration for us all. Tom guides our belief in letting the fruit express itself. "My job is to step in when the wolves are howling at the door." This is great quote that sums up Tom's style. He views himself as a sheppard and makes sure he takes care of the wine and helps it get pointed in the right direction. From there, he only steps in if there is a problem. He truly understands that the grapes are where the great wines come from." -- winery






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Very small release, limited wines.

Bridesmaid Wines 

"This is a brilliant project putting together blends that are declassified from other wineries. In this case, ten wineries contributed to the 2009 white wine blend, which is 63% Sauvignon Blanc and 37% Semillon, and 20 wineries for the 2007 Bridesmaid Red, a final blend of 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot and Malbec. These are impressively put-together wines, and all the credit first has to go to whoever buys the already made juice and, secondly, whoever assembles these blends." -- Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

2007 Bridesmaid Red.....$36.99
A Napa Valley Cabernet Blend
"Cabernet Sauvignon 44%, Merlot 19%, Cab Franc 17%, Petit Verdot 13%, Malbec 7%. Aged in French oak for over 24 months makes this wine is smooth as silk. Alluring bouquet of blackberry, dark chocolate, bing cherry and cinnamon. Flavors that follow true to the aromas. Incredible concentration of ripe Napa fruit with a seamless finish. Bold yet elegant, this Bordeaux styled blend is both approachable and cellar-worthy!" -- winery
"Restaurants/bistros and consumers looking for a sumptuous, ready-to-drink California red should definitely check out the 2007 Bridesmaid. Coming from a top vintage, it’s not surprising that this wine has a dense ruby/purple color, a big, sweet kiss of charcoal, toast, and black currants, sweet, jammy cherries, and a hint of wood spice in a medium to full-bodied, luscious, hedonistic, fruit bomb style. This is delicious wine, and reasonably priced for as good as it is."
Rated 92/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate


2009 Bridesmaid White....$19.99
A Napa Valley Blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon
"This Bridesmaid White brings together a multitude of winemaking techniques from great sources in one savory balanced white wine. Individual vineyards were picked, pressed then fermented in stainless tanks and french oak barrels. Fresh and complex, this blend tastes of white peach, cream and crushed shells. There is a wonderful mineral quality, fresh milled flowers, and a lively acidity which makes this Sauvignon Blanc Semillon blend perfect to pair with food or just on its own!" -- Winery 
 

"The 2009 Bridesmaid White displays loads of spring garden-like floral notes intermixed with some honeysuckle, white peach, pineapple, and melon. This exotic, luscious, dry, mid-weight white should be drunk over the next year."
 Rated 90/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate 





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