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Saturday, April 30, 2016

Planter's House 3rd Annual Best Bar Tales Event

This event was incredible last year ----



Celebrate with our friends at
Planter's House
3rd Annual Best Bar Tales Event

For the third year we are proud to host William Grant and Sons Best Bar Tales Event. Come taste cocktails and spirits from William Grant and Sons diverse and eclectic portfolio. Highlights include: Hendrick's Gin, Reyka Vodka, Milagro Tequila, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, The Balvenie Scotch, Glenfiddich Scotch, Hudson Whiskeys, and Tullamore DEW Irish Whiskys. Other things include:

  • LIve Music by Steve Ewing
  • Food from Planter's House
  • Original Cocktail Creations from William Grant Brand Ambassadors and Planter's House Staff
  • Whiskey tastings
  • Meet and chat, learn from Brand Ambassadors 
  • Support Gateway Housing with portion of ticket sales and a boozy raffle 


WHEN:  Sunday, June 5, 2016 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM (CDT)


The Macallan Single Malt Scotch No. 6 in Lalique



The Macallan Single Malt Scotch No. 6 in Lalique....$2,999.99
No. 6 brings together the art of The Macallan Whisky Maker with Lalique's exquisite craftsmanship to create a stunning whisky encased in the finest, and most stylish, crystal decanter. This rich, complex single malt takes its unique natural colour and character from the first fill Spanish sherry seasoned oak casks handcrafted by the master craftsmen of Jerez de la Frontera's, the home of sherry. The cooperage exclusively creates Spanish oak casks which, once seasoned with sherry, give the unique, rich flavour of this exquisite whisky. It is from the one single cooperage that theses casks are taken in order to ensure the infinite quality and character at the heart of The Macallan. An enticing, rich dark walnut colour delivers classic Macallan character, a celebration of richness, spice and dried fruit with a layer of heady orange groves.

Cheese Features




Rock Hill location cheese feature:
Spring Brook Farm Tarentaise
Tarentaise incorporates alpine traditions of European cheese making while exhibiting a distinct flavor unique to the Vermont pastures in which the cows graze. Once the milk flows from the milk house to the make room, it takes over 10 months of care and aging by the cheese makers at the Farm before it reaches a peak flavor profile. No preservative, synthetic flavors, additives or waxes are used. Tarentaise uses a natural aging process in which the cheese makers encourage the growth and development of beneficial live cultures on the rind. This produces a complex flavor and imparts a warm caramel color to a rind which develops over this time. By the time Spring Brook Farm Tarentaise is ready for sale, each approximately 20 pound wheel of cheese has been turned and washed at least 60 times in the state-of-the-art aging room.

2014:Best in Show (Tarentaise Reserve), American Cheese Society, California
1st Place in Category, American Cheese Society, California
Good Food Awards, California - click to see more awards

Farms For City Kids Foundation, Inc
.
All funds from the sale of Spring Brook Farm Tarentaise and Reading go to support the Farms For City Kids Foundation. - click here to read more






Ballwin location cheese feature
Naked Goat

The cheese is aged 9 months, and offers a robust, piquant, and earthly complex flavor profile that smacks of a bright minerality and the dry grasses of the Spanish plains.
Naked Goat® is a Murcia Curado PDO cheese. It is a mild and creamy cheese without goatiness. The finish is rather sweet. This cheese is perfect for melting. For cheese plates, pair with almonds in honey, fruit and mustard sauce, and a crisp white wine.





Forsyth and New Ballas Cheese Feature - Jasper Hill
Jasper Hill Farm Moses Sleeper

from Greensboro, Vermont.
We are big fans of Jasper Hill Farms and Moses Sleeper is an amazing cheese from them. If you like Fromage d'Affinois, take the next step and try Moses Sleeper. It is buttery like the Affinois, but it has so many more layers of complexity. Come in for a free taste while it lasts. This cheese begs for a glass of Champagne!!  Let the party begin!




Forsyth and New Ballas Cheese Feature - Jasper Hill
Jasper Hill Farms - Willoughby
WILLOUGHBY is an original creation of Marisa Mauro’s Ploughgate Creamery, a Cellars collaborator that ceased production of the cheese after a creamery fire in 2011. With Marisa’s blessing we resurrect this pudgy little washed-rind and have continued to develop the recipe at Jasper Hill Creamery.

SENSORY NOTES - This succulent and buttery washed-rind cheese has aromas of peat, roasted beef and onions – a strong and complex front for the subtle milky, herbal, ripe-peach flavors within. Willoughby has a thin, tender, rosy-orange rind, which adds earthy dimension to the texture and flavors of the gooey interior.

2014 Carlisle




2014 Carlisle
We try a lot of wines before buying them, or sometimes we wait for a professional critic to review a wine before buying and often that is a good idea for us and our customers. I will usually ask a sales rep to bring a sample to taste if a wine is switching vintages or if a wine is new to the market. Carlisle however is a different story, I buy all that is offered to me as soon as it is offered (we recommend you do the same). Whether it is scored yet our not, the score is coming and being Carlisle it will be high. I haven't tried it yet, but I will be buying a bottle to take home and enjoy over the course of an evening. Don't hesitate to buy these wines year after year as you will be rewarded either in time or tonight. -- Aaron

2014 Carlisle Rossi Ranch Zinfandel...$47.99
A very worthy follow-up to the otherworldly 2013, Phil Coturri and his peeps continue to work their mojo on these now 105-year-old vines. Picked October 6th, this was the last lot of the year. The fruit was fully destemmed and cold soaked for 6 days before indigenous fermentation began. Pressed on October 21st to all French oak, 13% new, and bottled unfined.
Tasting Note: Medium-dark to dark ruby-purple. Piercing aromas of macerated cherries and raspberries with hints of white pepper and bramble (the typical Rossi garrigue). Full-bodied on the palate with a pleasing creaminess, flavors of boysenberry and peppery spice persist through the long and gently tannic finish. Enjoy this organically-farmed Zinfandel between late 2016 and 2024.


2014 Carlisle Montafi Ranch Zinfandel... $46.99
I’ll just briefly summarize the 2014s. It was the earliest vintage ever for Mike Officer and probably he’ll beat that early harvest record in 2015. In this case, he was finished by October 6, which was a first, and it will be interesting to see if he eclipses that in 2015, which was looking even earlier. The production levels were relatively abundant for Mike Officer and the wines fruit-forward, although softer and less reserved than some of the 2013s. While not quite as opaque in color, they are loaded with fruit, supple and luscious. The only white wine, the Grüner Veltliner Steiner Vineyard, makes an appearance in 2014, and it’s another beauty – it’s crisp and the only wine in bottle. The other wines all stood out and will, no doubt, merit outstanding ratings across the board for their intensity, richness, and full-bodied power. If you already know what Mike Officer does, and the style of his wines, you won’t be disappointed in his 2014s. You may even like them as much as any vintage, given the fact that this year shows a lot of up-front fruit and charm.
Rated 93-95/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate


2014 Carlisle Petit Sirah Palisaes Vineyard...$49.99
I’ll just briefly summarize the 2014s. It was the earliest vintage ever for Mike Officer and probably he’ll beat that early harvest record in 2015. In this case, he was finished by October 6, which was a first, and it will be interesting to see if he eclipses that in 2015, which was looking even earlier. The production levels were relatively abundant for Mike Officer and the wines fruit-forward, although softer and less reserved than some of the 2013s. While not quite as opaque in color, they are loaded with fruit, supple and luscious. The only white wine, the Grüner Veltliner Steiner Vineyard, makes an appearance in 2014, and it’s another beauty – it’s crisp and the only wine in bottle. The other wines all stood out and will, no doubt, merit outstanding ratings across the board for their intensity, richness, and full-bodied power. If you already know what Mike Officer does, and the style of his wines, you won’t be disappointed in his 2014s. You may even like them as much as any vintage, given the fact that this year shows a lot of up-front fruit and charm.
Rated 95-97/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate


2014 Carlisle Syrah Papa's Block... $43.99
I’ll just briefly summarize the 2014s. It was the earliest vintage ever for Mike Officer and probably he’ll beat that early harvest record in 2015. In this case, he was finished by October 6, which was a first, and it will be interesting to see if he eclipses that in 2015, which was looking even earlier. The production levels were relatively abundant for Mike Officer and the wines fruit-forward, although softer and less reserved than some of the 2013s. While not quite as opaque in color, they are loaded with fruit, supple and luscious. The only white wine, the Grüner Veltliner Steiner Vineyard, makes an appearance in 2014, and it’s another beauty – it’s crisp and the only wine in bottle. The other wines all stood out and will, no doubt, merit outstanding ratings across the board for their intensity, richness, and full-bodied power. If you already know what Mike Officer does, and the style of his wines, you won’t be disappointed in his 2014s. You may even like them as much as any vintage, given the fact that this year shows a lot of up-front fruit and charm.
Rated 92-94/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

Friday, April 29, 2016

Stone Encore



20TH ANNIVERSARY ENCORE SERIES: STONE 6TH ANNIVERSARY PORTER

Stone Encore 6th Anniversary Porter...$7.49 / 22oz
We celebrated our first five years in business by releasing anniversary India pale ales, with each subsequent IPA brewed to be hoppier and more intense than the previous. For our 6th anniversary in 2002, we extended this concept by making an intensified version of Stone Smoked Porter. We cranked up the malts and hops a notch or three and conditioned it on French and American oak, which accentuated our porter’s distinctive smokiness and amplified its chocolate and roast coffee flavors while also adding subtle notes of toffee, cherries, dried berries and vanilla. We’re proud to give those who missed out—as well as those who didn’t—a fresh shot at experiencing this smoky, dark-as-night wonder.

Oskar Blues Beerito


This beer will be at our Beer Fest - read more

Oskar Blues Beerito...$8.99 / 6 pack
Beerito (4% ABV, 21 IBUs) is a light bodied, amber Mexican lager brewed with premium German and coloRADo sourced craft malts and featuring a crisp accent from noble hops. The mouth feel is incredibly smooth with flavors of walnut, toasted bread, plum, honey and cocoa - 4% ABV doesn't always come with this kind of character.

Logboat Brewing Bear Hair



Logboat Brewing Bear Hair...$6.49 / 22oz
6.5% ABV
30 IBU
Bear Hair is a Belgian-style Blonde Ale with a hazy, straw-colored hue. Our yeast provides a light, refreshing citrus character and a spicy finish.
Pairs well with herb cheese, shrimp cocktail and bratwurst. Light dishes like fresh fish and chicken would go great with a Bear Hair as well.



Plus more arrived....
Logboat Brewing Imperial March Stout...$11.99 / 22oz

An imperial stout aged on oak.  Aromas of leather, oak, and vanilla join on the palette to enhance the toffee and coconut notes.

Abita 22 oz new releases



Abita Cofee Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels....$4.49 / 22oz
This dark Coffee Stout is brewed with pale caramel, chocolate and roasted malts and oats.  Willamette hops balance the malt sweetness.  After fermentation and first aging, the beer is aged again in oak bourbon barrels.   Espresso Dolce beans from PJs Cofee are added to the beer for a blend of flavors including coffee, malt, wood and hints of vanilla.  





Abita Shotgun Double IPA....$4.49 / 22oz
The shotgun house is a New Orleans classic. Fire a shotgun through the front door and it will pass out the back and never touch a wall...or so the story goes. Shotgun Double IPA is wall-to-wall hops with plenty of pale malt. Hopped in the brewhouse with multiple varieties including Amarillo and Centennial, then dry hopped with Simcoe, Citra and Cascade. A blast of intense flavors and aromas of pine, citrus and tropical fruit.









Plus back in stock....
Abita Triple Haze Raspberry Lager....$4.49 / 22oz
Triple Haze is a take on one of our most popular year round offerings, Purple Haze. It is a strong golden lager made with malted barley and wheat. It is hopped with German Perle hops to give the beer a delicate hop flavor. After the beer is filtered, a generous amount of fresh raspberry puree is added. This gives the beer a tartly sweet taste and aroma as well as a bright purple color and haze.

Triple Haze is a great dessert beer. It pairs well with fruit desserts or sorbets. It is also excellent with chocolate dishes or cheeses such as St. Andre, mascarpone and brie.

Rare Pegau White!!

We got in a few cases in December and it sold out immediately.  We were able to score 15 more bottles (they come in 3 bottle wood cases).    Direct from the cellars of Pegau - we pre-paid for them months in advance just to convince them to sell us some more.

One of the best white wines we have ever tasted.



Only 100 - 3 bottle cases made -- 300 bottles - that is it for the world!

2014 Pegau Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee A Tempo...$189.99
The finest white ever produced at this estate is unquestionably the 2014 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée A Tempo. Made by assistant winemaker Andreas Lenzenwoger, who’s increasingly leading up the white program here (for the better), it comes all from the Mont Pertuis lieu-dit located just to the east of the village, and was farmed all organically/biodynamically. I actually visited this vineyard last year prior to harvest and it was noticeably more healthy and vibrant than just about every other vineyard in the area. A blend of equal parts Grenache Blanc, Clairette, and Roussanne that was vinified and aged five months in equal parts stainless steel tanks and French oak, there’s a tiny 100 cases to go around. It offers incredible notes of lychee, subtle pineapple, mint and hints of exotic herbs to go with a medium to full-bodied, ultra-pure, layered and concentrated feel on the palate. Hats off to Andreas for busting his butt in the vineyard and he’s made a sensational white that can be enjoyed today or cellared for a decade.
Rated 95/100 The Wine Advocate

Farro and Fish Sauce Recipe



Farro, a grain, is an unhybridized form of wheat. It has a firm, chewy texture. Cleaned and pearl shaped, Roland Farro is a product of Italy. Farro is the first grain made from wheat, and dates back to the ancient Egyptians.


Farro and Tomato Salad with Fish-Sauce Vinaigrette

We are always looking for new recipes to use our amazing Red Boat Fish Sauce and this Salad is perfect for you next BBQ or large gathering. The Farro really makes this healthy and hearty. Feel free to make well ahead in order for the flavors to come together.



For the vinaigrette:
1 garlic clove, grated
3 tablespoons Red Boat Fish Sauce 
***
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar 
***
1 tablespoon sugar

Farro 
1 cup Roland Farro  
***
Sea Salt   
***
1 tablespoon olive oil  
***
1 bunch scallions, trimmed
8 ounces small tomatoes, preferably heirloom, cut into 1/2" wedges
8 ounces cherry and/or pear tomatoes, halved
2 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced
1/2 cup parsley leaves
1/2 cup tarragon leaves

Freshly ground black pepper
*** In stock at The Wine and Cheese Place Forsyth

PREPARATION
Vinaigrette:

Whisk garlic, fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, and 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl until sugar dissolves.  Vinaigrette can be made 1 week ahead. Cover and chill.

Farro
Cook Roland Farro according to package directions.  Drain; transfer to a large bowl.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Cook scallions, turning occasionally, until charred all over, about 4 minutes. Transfer to bowl with farro. Add both types of tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, and tarragon and toss to combine. Add vinaigrette and toss again to coat; season with pepper.

Barbi Brunello scores 94 points





2010 Fatoria Barbi Brunello di Montalcino...$46.99
Fattoria dei Barbi's 2010 Brunello di Montalcino starts with a tightly wound personality that begins to unravel slowly, one delicate layer at a time. As it does, you become aware of dried fruit, cigar box, crushed mineral, plum, tar and cola. The wine puts on a beautiful display. I also loved the mouthfeel of this beautiful wine: It is tonic, tight and brimming with energy. Well-integrated oak notes give the wine a spot of softness and velvety spice. This is one beautiful Sangiovese.
Rated 94/100 The Wine Advocate

Barrel Aged products



Barrel Aged...back in stock


Bourbon Barrel Worcestershire Sauce...$5.99 / 100ml
Our Bourbon Barrel Aged Worcestershire Sauce is a unique take on the traditional all-purpose seasoning. We developed a sauce that utilizes the flavors of Kentucky’s Bourbon country. It’s sweetened with sorghum, blended with pure Kentucky limestone spring water, and mellowed in bourbon barrels that were used to age some of the Bluegrass State’s finest Bourbons. It also is vegetarian and contains no anchovies. Check out our recipe link for more ideas.


Another great Artisanal Soy Sauce
Bluegrass Soy Sauce...$6.99 / 100ml
Our Bluegrass Soy Sauce is microbrewed in small batches using only whole Kentucky grown Non-GMO soybeans, soft red winter wheat, and the purest limestone filtered Kentucky spring water. We ferment and age the soybean mash in re-purposed bourbon barrels. It’s smoky and brothy with hints of oak and a mild sweetness reminiscent of fine Kentucky bourbon.  Bluegrass Soy Sauce was featured on Bizarre Foods America,America’s Heartland, and How It’s Made. Read about Bluegrass Soy Sauce in The New York Times, Southern Living, Garden and Gun, and Food and Dining.




Kentuckyaki - Kentucky Style Teriyaki with Bourbon...$9.99 / 375ml
Kentuckyaki is Kentucky style Teriyaki sauce. It’s flavored with Kentucky bourbon, sweetened with Kentucky sorghum, and is flavored with fresh ginger and garlic. It’s all natural and preservative free…it’s vegetarian but tastes great on meat!




Bourbon Smoked Paprika...$8.39
There is smoked paprika, but this is the only one bourbon smoked paprika. This is sweet, piquant, and smoky. It’s a staff favorite on popcorn and a summer staple for corn on the cob!



Kentucky Pure Cane Sorghum...$9.99 / 8oz
Our Pure Cane Sweet Sorghum is estate grown, harvested by hand, and processed by our friend Danny Ray Townsend from Townsend’s Sorghum Mill. Mr. Townsend is a 5th generation Sorghum grower and processor and his sorghum has won more than a few blue ribbons at the national level! We’re proud to know him and love his sorghum!





Woodford Reserve Bourbon Cherries


Back in stock


Woodford Reserve Bourbon Cherries...$13.99 / 11oz
Muddle, garnish, and top your favorite cocktails with Woodford Reserve® Bourbon Cherries. Gorgeous deep ruby color with a long stem and no pit. Made from natural ingredients, these cherries bring a brightness along with hints of Kentucky’s finest bourbon to recipes.
Refrigerate after opening




Woodford Reserve® Mint Julep Sugar...$8.99 / 5oz
What is more fitting than one of the world”s best bourbons paired with the Kentucky Derby”s official drink? Woodford Reserve® Mint Julep Sugar combines natural mint flavors with Demerara sugar to make a sugar that is perfect for cocktails, desserts, or rubs.
Woodford Reserve Aromatic Bitters....$13.99 /100ml
Though aromatic bitters are no stranger to well-stocked liquor cabinets and bars, Woodford Reserve Aromatic Bitters are carefully crafted to pull out the essential flavors of your favorite cocktail. Try making a martini or Manhattan with Woodford Reserve® Aromatic Bitters.
Alcohol is 45%


Woodford Reserve Sassafras and Sorghum Bitters...$13.99 / 100ml

Sorghum was once America’s preferred sweetener, and it is still a Kentucky staple. By combining the earthy and unforgettable flavors of Kentucky sorghum with the natural sweetness of sassafras, Woodford Reserve Sassafras and Sorghum Bitters creates brightness in any cocktail. Use Sassafras and Sorghum Bitters in a classic Manhattan for a Rootbeer Manhattan, or add a dash to an Old Fashioned.


Woodford Reserve Spiced Cherry Bitters...$13.99 / 100ml

The distinct, natural flavors of Woodford Reserve Spiced Cherry Bitters highlights flavors of any cocktail, while also adding distinct cherry notes. Try making a Spiced Cherry Manhattan with Woodford Reserve® Spiced Cherry Bitters.
Spiced Cherry Flavor

Alcohol is 45%



Woodford Reserve Mint Julep Simple Syrup...$6.99 / 100ml
Featured in Woodford Reserve’s 2014 $1,000 Mint Julep Simple Syrup. This simple syrup is rich and minty. Made from a raw Demerara sugar, the unique taste of this simple syrup is perfect in cocktails, coffee, and other drinks.




Woodford Reserve Sorghum Vinaigrette...$9.99 / 8oz
Woodford Reserve Bourbon Sorghum Vinaigrette salad dressing combines the finest Kentucky canesorghum syrup with the many delicious flavor notes of Woodford Reserve®. Sorghum Viniagrette was developed by Chef in Residence, Ouita Michel of Holly Hill Inn and Woodford Reserve. Try drizzling Bourbon Sorghum Vinaigrette over a baby greens salad, in pasta salad, or as a marinade.





La Trappe OAK AGED Batch #23



La Trappe OAK AGED Quadrupel Trappist Ale...$16.99 / 375ml
New - BATCH 23
For this beer, the following barrels were used in the following proportions:
Type

80% Spatburgunder
10% New Oak Medium Toast
5% New Oak High Toast
5% Acacia Wood
We have meanwhile proudly presented BATCH 23.
Exactly three years ago the famous Oak Aged Spätburgunder was first launched on the market. This second version of the famous German red wine is strikingly different. Both in terms of bouquet and taste the aroma of this pinot noir is very recognisable. There are also notes of sweet apple, banana and dates. The overall taste association produces an effect of spices. The fairly rigorous carbonization ensures a tantalising aroma and flavour. The taste includes a lot of wood tannins. This comes from a subtly sweet red wine that hints at a port wine. The taste lingers and slowly develops with a red-wine aftertaste. With a gentle hint of tobacco, this BATCH 23 from the famous Quadrupel is beery and full-flavoured. The alcohol remains firmly in the background, although the 11% of the Quadrupel is preserved.



Oak Aged
In 2009, Beerbrewery the Koningshoeven decided to restore an old tradition and started to mature La Trappe Quadrupel in barriques (wooden barrels). This traditional way of aging in wooden barrels got more and more into the background in the 20st century. Koningshoeven thought 2010 was the right time for this tradition to be picked up again. Maturing the beer for about 12 months on the wooden barrels creates a unique, complex flavour. The taste varies by the type of barrel that is used.
This beer can be stored for many years and is a treat for the true beer lover. The full, complex flavour with many types of tannin, however, will also surprise many wine drinkers!

Types of barrels
We use different types of barrels, both new and used. The new barrels provide tannins, vanilla and almond associations. The used barrels provide an interesting taste combination which varies according to what fluid the barrels originally were filled with. The first filling / batch of Quadrupel Oak Aged is available from June 18, 2010. The batch number is stated on the back label.

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Uinta Hop Nosh Tangerine IPA



Uinta Hop Nosh Tangerine IPA....$8.49 / 6 pack cans
IPA brewed with Tangerine

Avery Lunctis Viribus Barrel Aged Sour Ale

More arrived, no limit
Avery Lunctis Viribus Barrel Aged Sour Ale....$11.99
50% Aged in Tequila Barrels 
50% Aged in Cabernet Sauvignon Barrels.



Saugatuck Brewing


Saugatuck Brewing Oval Beach Blonde...$9.49 / 6pk
An easy drinking light ale with subtle malt flavors and aroma perfectly paired with a well balanced body. Oval Beach Blonde is a great everyday pint and a perfect gateway into the world of craft beer for inexperienced beer drinkers.



Saugatuck Brewing Starburst Wheat...$9.49 / 6pk
An explosion of tart, fruity flavors will erupt in your senses as you take your first sip of this perfectly balanced wheat beer. The sensation can only be matched by the brilliant aroma from dry hopping with massive amounts of Amarillo and Motueka hops.




Saugatuck Brewing Backyard IPA...$9.49 / 6pk
A refreshing IPA, light-bodied with a hoppy burst of flavor. This 4.5% ABV Session IPA is ‘the perfect beer if you like to do stuff. [Tier 1]
ABV:4.5%

IBU:45
Hops:Simcoe, Warrior, Centennial, Citra, Motueka


SBC Beer Survival Kit...$18.99 / 12 pack
Be prepared for any situation with the SBC beer survival kit!
Included in the Survival Kit is:
3 bottles of the following:

  • Bonfire Brown
  • Singapore IPA
  • ESB Amber
  • Saugatuck Specialty 5ive 4uarter Porter

Plus, with every variety pack comes a special surprise. Want to know what it is? You’ll just have to pick one up and find out.