Marble Brewing - England

Very limited release.

Marble Brewing Decadence Imperial Russian Stout....$17.99 / 750ml
Rated 99/100 RateBeer
ABV: 8.7%
Style: Imperial Russian StoutDouble mashed Russian Imperial Stout, barrel aged for 9 months results in satisfying viscosity holding dark and firm bitterness, with black forrest fruits and a hopped aroma.

Marble Brewing Dobber...$8.99 / 500ml

Rated 97/100 RateBeer

Rated 96/100 RateBeer IPA Style
ABV: 5.9%
Style: IPA
The biggest Marble in the pack, this dark golden India pale ale is ‘Pint’ grown up, we are proud of its pronounced New Zealand hop character and smooth biscuit base offset by fruit aroma. This beer just keeps on giving.
(Oct 17 best by date - Fresh)

Marble Dubbel...$18.99 / 750ml
ABV: 8.5%
Drink in: Cask, Keg, Bottle
Style: DubbelWe make this as our take on a traditional Belgian style. Dark malts produce a wort that is fermented with Westmalle yeast and are complimented with our signature love of quality hops.

Marble Emelisse Earl Grey IPA...$19.99 / 750ml
ABV: 6
Style: IPA
Brouwerij Emmelisse’s Kees Bubberman joined us originally to make this mouth watering India Pale Ale. With timed additions of earl grey during fermentation, heavy infused hopping and traditional cask maturing. the result is a citrus fruit aroma , smooth sleek texture, hop notes are brilliantly complimented by bergamont and a light tannic finish.

"The Marble Brewery is a microbrewery in Manchester, England which makes cask ale from organic and vegetarian ingredients.
The brewery consists of a five barrel plant, designed and installed by Brendan Dobbin, former proprietor of the West Coast Brewing Company. The copper and hot liquor tank are situated in the back of the Marble Arch pub behind glass observation windows. The fermenters and conditioning tanks are in the cellars.
In 2000 the beers became strictly organic and later the same year they became strictly vegan. Marble's ingredients are sourced from non-intensive agriculture and they do not use isinglass finings, usually made from the swim bladder of the sturgeon, to clear the beer. Despite this the beer is seldom cloudy. Marble's head brewer, James Campbell, has said "We're busier than ever. The beer sells because it tastes good, but the vegetarian side is proving good for business. I've had people tell me that they hadn't been able to drink a pint of beer since they became vegetarians 10 years before. Then they found us." -- Wikipedia

Stillwater Jaded

In stock now at Forsyth!

Stillwater Jaded....$7.49 / 375ml
Brewed with good friend, Urbain Coutteau of De Struise Brouwers. Urbain describes this work as "Dark chess-nut coloured ale with a nice steady off-white head. Aroma is all about finesse, loads of blossoms and spring flowers. The mouth-feel is refined, playful and complex with Saison like peppery flavours. Soft nutty after taste with a bite."

Rated 96/100 RateBeer




Now in 4 packs!

Stillwater Artisanal Existent....$10.99 (4pk 12oz bottles) 

Rated 95 on RateBeer

"an existentialist commentary on a brewer imposing his own view on the beer universe. "
"...picture schwarzbier / ipa / saison melange." -- Brian from Stillwater
"Existent represents the philosophy behind Stillwater Artisanal. We strive to define ourselves through our passion and sincerity while accepting that not all aspects of life are readily explainable. To manifest this ideology we present an ale of intrigue. Deep & dark though deceptively dry, braced by a firm yet smooth bitterness and accented with an earthy hop and mild roast aroma. This is an ale for you to define..
’and if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.’ –Nietzsche"

Stillwater Blog

Evil Twin - some new ones

Order Evil Twin online

Evil Twin / Local Option / Westbrook Plasticman $9.99 / 22oz

Collaboration with Local Option and Westbrook Brewing

Taste the Colors, Hear the Aromas, Smell the Carbonation.

Some info about the other breweries...

Westbrook Brewing:  Mt. Pleasant SC

Westbrook Brewing is a craft brewery in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Our mission is to make the most interesting, drinkable, and generally awesome beer possible. We love experimenting with different ingredients and brewing techniques, and we hope you’ll have as much fun drinking our beer as we do making it.

Local Option : Chicago ILBierwerker is Local Option’s brewing division. We are not gypsies. We have a home and it’s the Local Option. We don’t play mandolins: we rock SGs. We don’t read palms: we put beers in them. We don’t storm into your village unwanted and filthy, we are summoned by your leaders to deliver intoxicating elixirs and purloin your sobriety. If you take our picture YOUR soul will be stolen.

(in stock, but not online yet)

Evil Twin 9th Symphony $10.99 / 11.2oz

Style: Belgian Strong Ale
ABV: 9%
When Austrian based composer Beethoven made his masterpiece the 9th Symphony ‘Ode to Joy’ he was completely deaf. Same kind of genius, yet insane and overexcited happened when Evil Twin composed this highbrow beer – a delicate joyful blonde spend some time in a crisp Austrian white wine barrel and orchestrated this 9% ‘Ode to Joy’ – the most vinous blonde the world of beer has ever seen.

Evil Twin Aun Mas Cafe Jesus $8.99 / 11.2oz
Very limited!

Back in stock!
Evil Twin Femme Fatale Blanc..$9.99 / 22oz

Dry Hopped Saison Dupont

Limited!  Call 314.727.8788 to reserve.

Saison Dupont Dry Hopping 2013....$12.99
After 5 years of making Belgians extremely happy with their special seasonal release a dry-hop version of Saison Dupont, Vanberg & DeWulf and Brasserie Dupont are now able to make American drinkers equally happy.

Saison Dupont Cuvée Dry Hopping 2013 will be available this Spring, featuring the famous Triskel hop varietal from Alsace. Triskel is bred from the French Strissespalt and English Yeoman hops. Dupont’s master brewer, Oliver Dedeycker, describes it as “combining the aromatic notes, mainly floral, of Strisselspalt with the fruity character of Yeoman.” The unusual name, Triskel, was apparently inspired by triskelion, the symbol of the Gauls, those beer drinking ancestors of the French, which represents the three elements: Earth, Air and Water.

Recipe of the Week : Tribeca Baguette Pizza

Quick and easy recipe!

• 1 Tribeca Baguette Frozen   ***
• 1 jar San Marizano Marinara Sauce    ***
• 18 slices Usinger Pepperoni quartered    ***
• 3 cups Mozzarella and Fontina Cremalpina (shredded)   ***

 *** In stock at The Wine and Cheese Place Forsyth

Preheat oven to 385 degrees
Cut Baguette in half and then cut halves lengthwise to make 4 quarters
Spread Marinara sauce on all four pieces
Sprinkle 1 1/2 cupps shredded cheese on all pieces and add pepperoni on top
Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cupps of shredded cheese on top
Place on cookie sheet and bake 8-10 minutes.

Customize any toppings you like, add olives from our deli, artichoke hearts..... 

Wine Education - Viognier

Wine Tasting at all FOUR locations

Taste a few wines made from Viognier at all four of our locations this Saturday, June 1 from 11am-4pm.

 (each store will also have other wines out to taste)

A little more education: We are going to try to feature either a grape or a wine region each week at our stores. We will give you some background information on the grape or region and feature a wine that highlights what we are featuring. We will taste that wine on Saturday at all four of our locations. We will post it here in our blog and send it out in our emails - click here to sign up for our emails

I have started a new label "Education" that you can hit to read all the education articles (see the right column under the heading "labels".

Grape: Viognier

image from Wikipedia

Grape: Viognier

Making it’s historical home in the Northern end of France’s Rhone River Valley , specifically the appellations of Condrieu and Cote Rotie, the finicky Viognier grape produces wines with great aromatics and intense flavors. Though difficult to grow and relatively small yielding Viognier has experienced quite a resurgence in world wide popularity over the last half century. As late as 1960 just 40 acres of Viognier vines were planted in the entire world in fact it took the interest of Australia’s Yalumba winery to breathe life back into this almost extinct varietal. Now Viognier is grown the world over and has a style and price point to match almost any taste.

Come taste at all four locations:

Peyna Viognier:

Offers an exotic nose of citrus, pineapple, mango and peach, with light floral notes. Light, lively and very refreshing on the palate.

Each store will have other wines to taste: At Forsyth, we will also taste these.

Yalumba Viognier
Domaine St Amant Viognier

Green Jack from England

In stock at Forsyth and online

Green Jack Rippa English Triple Ale...$12.99 / 750ml

This 8.5% ABV English triple was named Supreme Champion Winter Beer of the UK by CAMRA in 2007, this is an amber ale redolent of peach and grape with an herbal, tropical bittersweet taste and a fruity bitter finish.  RIPPA is brewed with pale ale malt, caramalt, maize, wheat, and sugar. UK Challenger hops lend a black pepper spice aroma, and Slovenian Celeia hops add bitterness.

"There is no doubt about the importance and deliciousness of British Ales. However, we have always shied away from importing them because as good as they are, they’re difficult shippers. Most British Ales are not re-fermented in the bottle (re-fermentation being very important to reducing oxidation) and they are lighter under 6% ABV, (alcohol being an effective flavor preservative). Our whole raison d’etre is to select beers that offer 99.9% the same flavor experience in the US that they do in their home market. The most happy news is in Green Jack Rippa we have found a true, great, British tasting ale that does just that. It ships in bottle as well as any Belgian beer we import." - importer"All Green Jack beers are brewed with Flagon winter barley, all grown and malted in Norfolk (which Dunford says is in most growing seasons the best barley in the world.) Moreover all are fermented with the same four strains of English ale yeast which can be traced back over 100 years and use whole flower hops. 90 percent of production is cask, 10% in swing top bottles. This is a stupendous little brewery and we think you are going to be delighted by every one of their very special beers! Let us know what you think!" - importer

Firestone Walker Glasses

We got in some great new glasses from Firestone Walker....

In stock now at Forsyth, but we can get some transferred to our other stores, just let us know.

Firestone Walker Proprietor's Reserve Series Tulip...$5.99 / stem

This Rastal glass shape promotes full enjoyment of any beer. Features our "Proprietor's Reserve" logo on one side and our signature "FW" on the opposite side.

Firestone Walker Nonic 10oz Pint....$3.99

Firestone Walker Nonic 20oz Pint....$4.99

New Bruichladdich in stock now

In stock now at Forsyth and online now - click here to order

Bruichladdich Port Charlotte 10 Year Heavy Peated Islay...$55.99

Now this spirit has reached its first landmark age – ten years.  Ten slow years maturing in our Islay warehouses, soaking up the “ozone”-rich marine air that blows in off the Atlantic.  And, significantly, this is the first time that we have had the luxury of being able to offer an age-statement Port Charlotte as part our core portfolio, rather than just a limited edition.  This 10-year-old is now here to stay – the classic, elegance and finesse of Bruichladdich seamlessly married with the power and presence of heavy peat, left to mature slowly and un-hurried for 10 Islay years. very special.

Bruichladdich Port Charlotte PC7 “Sin An Doigh Ileach” ...$89.99

Now in the seventh year of our odyssey we, the family of Bruichladdich, wish to recognise and pay respect to some friends and stalwarts who have supported and helped to steady the ship through the many squalls we have encountered on our journey so far. they are local hard working people who answered the call regardless of their own situation, without them and many others in our small community we would have struggled longer and travelled less far. We offer them our gratitude and heartfelt thanks.

“Sin An Doigh Ileach” – it’s the Islay way, and may it never change.

Bruichladdich The Laddie 22 Year Old...$179.99

Continuity. Ageless values. Time is simply immaterial for the artisan distiller. Years pass by. The grist is ground, the mash steams, the wort simmers, the spirit trickles. and the angels get their share. The baton may get passed on, a new generation’s ideas, but Bruichladdich – the heart and soul of Bruichladdich – always remains reassuringly immune to time. 

This spirit, stowed away in our Loch-side warehouses, has slumbered for over two decades, respiring the invigorating marine air of the wild Atlantic. This is classic spirit, with the “laddie” 10 and the 16, it shares a genealogy, a lineage and a philosophy that is the very essence of Bruichladdich.

From Bruichladdich...
Fantastic purity with a satiny smooth texture. Soft & mellow, the American oak has nourished the spirit well, its strength has made the 22 year journey a very pleasant experience, as you will discover

Nose: I cannot recall many single malts which have such a disarming and elegant bouquet. Sweet yellow fruits, drizzled with honey and crushed almonds, intertwine wonderfully with freshly picked summer flowers; together they rise serenely on the first pass. It’s a beautiful experience. Then, with a little aeration, it's custard cream and toasted barley, banana bread and vanilla fudge. Marzipan continues to rise, now mingling with a citric twist created by the big sleep beside the Atlantic ocean. The final notes are of the malt and oak, evolving together over 22 years, with the aromatics hinting at the natural beauty of this special place called Islay.
Palate:  At first you feel the power of the spirit. Its taste spectrum is intriguing, with flavours coming together like the threads of a fine tweed. The harmonious aromatics have merged superbly to give a mouth-feel that is the absolute single malt taste experience. The vanilla oak and lemon and honey lead on the first sips, with the soft, yogurt-like fruit flavours a heartbeat behind. Then it’s that brilliant Abernethy Biscuit, a vanilla wafer, and then sparkling like a firecracker all around the taste buds comes that marine citrus meringue flavour. The palate is experiencing an all-time high, and boy is the heart uplifted. The soul is rejoicing and the spirits are soaring. This is truly a rarespirit of exceptional quality. To call it a classic does notcome close; one of the best Laddies I’ve ever evaluated.

Durham's Tracklements Salmon is finally back

Fresh batch just  landed at Forsyth!
It has been since about a month and a half since our last batch!

Smoked Salmon from Ann Arbor, Michigan

Durham's Tracklements

OUR ORIGINAL HIGHLAND SMOKED SALMON - half pound packages

Inspired by a stay in the Northwest Highlands and Islands of Scotland, a genuine hand-rubbed dry cure of salt with a bit of brown sugar, lightly smoked over our own blend of select hardwoods. Mellow fresh flavor with moist, firm yet buttery texture 

Best of the Best in 20 years of Tasting

"unanimous...no comparison" - Marian Burros, The New York Times

Salmon just doesn’t get any better than this.

--Sylvia Rector, Detroit Free Press

More info on Durham's Tracklements

Custom smoked provisions using the finest ingredients available, Since 1992. 

We cure and smoke in small batches with the careful, hands-on attention essential to providing outstanding freshness, flavor and texture. For our Salmon Specialties we use only farmed Atlantic salmon raised in the cold waters of the Bay of Fundy, where strong tides assure excellent growing conditions and make the regular use of antibiotics and algaecides unnecessary. Salmon are selected at the optimal size, and flown fresh direct to us each week!

 No additives of any kind, always dated for superior fresh flavor. The finest genuinely hand-crafted quality available--anywhere.

Back in stock - Clase Azul

Premium Mexican tequilas Clase Azul Reposado Tequila in a fine ceramic bottle, and Clase Azul Plata, produced by Tequilas Premium, Jalisco, Mexico.

Clase Azul Plata Tequila....$69.99
"Tequila Clase Azul Plata unites seven basic elements that make it an exclusive element.     Organic agaves that have matured for at least nine years, slow cooking of the agave hearts in traditional ovens, fermentation using the company's secret combination of yeasts, careful distillation to ensure the highest quality possible, water refined in a five step process and triple tequila filtration to ensure superior quality.  Clase Azul is bottled in unique decanters that are hand-made by artisans in local communities.
Clase Azul Reposado Tequila....$79.99
in a Fine Ceramic Bottle
Tequila Clase Azul Reposado unites seven basic elements that make it an exclusive product.  Organic agaves that have matured for at least nine years, slow cooking of the agave hearts in traditional ovens, fermentation using the company's secret combination of yeasts, careful distillation to ensure the highest quality possible, triple tequila filtration and aging in top-quality fine oak barrels.  Clase Azul is bottled in unique decanters that are hand painted and individually numbered by artisans in local communities.  

June 5 : Wednesday - Verite and Cardinal Tasting - Forsyth

Make sure you do not miss this tasting!!

A very special tasting of The Spire Collection

The Wine and Cheese Place

7435 Forsyth Blvd, Clayton MO 63105

314.727.8788

$45 per person
Reservations Required

click here to make reservations
call 314.727.8788


June 5, 2013

5:30pm - 7:00pm

Taste some world class wines from California, Bordeaux, and Tuscany with a Master Sommelier!

Meet John Blazon, Master Sommelier, with The Spire Collection - Jackson Family Wines.
"Blazon received his master sommelier diploma from the International Court of Master Sommeliers, during a fall 2004 exam in London, England...In 2008, Blazon was elected to serve on the board for the Court of Master Sommeliers and was also appointed board member to the American Guild of Sommeliers." -read full bio on The Court of Master Sommeliers

Here is what you will taste...

(not all wines will be in stock, we will be taking pre-arrival orders)

2009 Cardinale Cardinale......$229.99 *

2009 Verite Le Desir....$399.99 *
2009 Verite La Muse....$399.99  *
2009 Verite La Joie....$399.99  *
2008 Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder....$66.99
2007 Chateau Lassegue St. Emilion...$44.99
2007 Chateau Vignot St. Emilion....$35.99
2008 Chateau Lassegue Cadrans....$26.99
2011 Galerie Sauvignon Blanc....$26.99
2007 Arcanum Red.....$89.99
2007 Arcanum Valadorna....$66.99
2007 Arcanum Il Fauno....$21.99  
* until they are gone, there will be only 1 bottle to pour of these

A little press on a few of the wines...
Preview the 2009 Verite
2009 Verite La Joie....$399.99
The 2009 La Joie is dazzling. Firm yet well-integrated tannins frame an expressive core of dark red and black fruit, graphite, cassis, mocha and minerals. This is one of the more structured wines in the lineup, and it will require a few years in bottle for the tannins to soften. I especially like the energy and focus here. In 2009 the blend is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029.
Rated 96/100 The Wine Advocate


2009 Verite La Muse....$399.99
The 2009 La Muse is a rich, sumptuous wine bursting with dark plums, black, cherries, graphite, espresso, spices and licorice. It shows gorgeous balance from start to finish. Persistent veins of minerality frame the long, beautifully articulate, creamy finish. This is a deceptively accessible wine today, but there is so much underlying power and sheer structure that I will not be surprised if it shuts down in the bottle. The 2009 is 86% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 5% Malbec. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029.
Rated 96/100 The Wine Advocate

2009 Verite Le Desir....$399.99
The 2009 Le Desir blasts across the palate with layers of deep, sumptuous fruit. This is an especially deep, plush wine packed with fruit. Hints of mocha, espresso, licorice and tar wrap around the finish in this muscular wine as varietal Cabernet Franc notes take shape in the glass. Today this comes across as understated and not as expressive or fully realized as the other wines here. The 2009 Le Desir is 74% Cabernet Franc, 13% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Malbec. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029.
Rated 94/100 The Wine Advocate

2009 Cardinale Cardinale......$229.99
The 2009 Cardinale is a gorgeous, beautifully balanced wine endowed with gorgeous textural finesse and depth. Dark red fruit, spices and mint are woven together beautifully in this supple, engaging wine. Bright floral notes add lift, freshness and vibrancy on the finish. There is enough finesse to make the 2009 approachable early, but also enough richness to suggest the wine will drink early for a number of years. Winemaker Chris Carpenter creates the blend from a number of vineyards, including Veeder Peak, La Jota, Spring Mountain, Andrew-Geoffrey and Clem Cardinalli. In 2009 the final blend is 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Merlot, predominantly from hillside sites, aged in 100% new French oak barrels. This is a remarkable level of quality considering the 1,300-case production. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029.
Rated 93+/100 The Wine Advocate

2008 Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder....$66.99
Dense and chewy, this is a wine of muscle and finesse, with a tight focus on concentrated currant, mineral, exotic spices and green olive flavors, gaining on the finish. New from Kendall-Jackson, from the former Chateau Potelle estate on Mount Veeder. Best from 2013 through 2025. 1,100 cases made. –JL
Rated 92/100 The Wine Spectator

Stunning value.....

2010 Domaine Cabirau Malgre Les Funtionnaires...$11.99

"91 pts. Also superb and much more deep and concentrated, the 2010 Domaine Cabirau Côtes du Roussillon Malgré LesFonctionnaires is an off the hook value that drinks well above its price point.   A blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Carignan, it is locked and loaded with notions of black currants, smoked duck, lavender, and graphite on the nose. The palate doesn’t lose a beat either and is medium to full-bodied, beautifully fruited, and has a clean, deft texture that keeps you coming back to the glass. As with the ’10 Serge & Nicolas, buy this by the case, and consume it over the coming 5-6 years.

Rated 91/100 Jeb Dunnuck’s Rhone Report (now of The Wine Advocate)

May 31 : Friday Wine Tasting Foley Wines - Rock Hill

Special Wine Tasting!

This Friday, May 31

from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM 

The Wine and Cheese Place

9755 Manchester Road

ROCK HILL, MO 63119

314.962.8150

We will taste these 4 spectacular wines.

2 wines from Robert Foley who started his career making 15 amazing vintages at Pride Mountain..

2009 Robert Foley Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon at its finest from a great expressive vintage, this 100% varietal combines the firm character of mountain-grown fruit with the more lush and supple fruit grown in warmer conditions at lower elevations. Well-defined aromas and flavors of ripe cherry, Logan berry and vanilla flood the palate. Full bodied but carefully balanced, each taste lingers on and on with seamless texture in a very long finish.
$86.00 suggested retail

2010 Robert Foley Griffin Napa 

Berries & spice! The 2010 features black currant and allspice flavors with a big mid-palate. The gentle grip of fine tannins lingers for a long while. Have fun pairing this with food! We’ll be enjoying this wine for years to come. The 2010 blend is 52% Merlot, 32% Petite Sirah, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Syrah, and 1% Petit Verdot. A winemaker’s dream is to be artistically free to combine characters into wine that is purely hedonic and non-compliant with varietal regulations, so the Griffin's blend will change with every vintage. Stock up if you find a favorite, as next year’s bottle will be a surprise.
$35.00 suggested retail

2010 Hedges Red Mountain

Flagship wine of the estate, the HFE Red Mountain consistently displays dense color, firm tannins, and well-defined acidity. Always a majority blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this wine is suitable for drinking upon release, but will reward those with the patience to age it. This wine represents all vineyard blocks farmed within the Hedges Family Estate vineyard portfolio. A true chateau-production bottling, the HFE Red Mountain is the epitome of classic style, and one that represents the Terroir of the Red Mountain AVA in a pure and elegant form.
$25 suggested retail

Consulting wine maker is Paul Hobbs at Laird
2009 Laird Family Chardonnay Cold Creek 

The complex aromas of hazelnut, spice, fig, peach and honeysuckle are elegant, delicate and expansive, gaining depth and nuance on the persistent finish. Drink now through 2019. 1,500 cases made. –JL
$30 suggested retail

Meantime Coffee Porter is back!

Back in stock now at Forsyth!

also online

Meantime Coffee Porter....$4.39 / 11.2oz

Our first formulation of this beer was the first UK brewed beer to carry the Fairtrade logo, and although we have reformulated it to create an even better blend better the malt and roast coffee flavours and can no longer get enough coffee in each bottle to qualify for Fairtrade status, we are still using the same Faitrade Araba Bourbon beans from Rwanda’s Abuhuzamugambi Co-operative. At the Meantime Brewing Co we love flavour, so it wasn’t exactly difficult for us to see how the scents and aromas of coffee and barley would create a perfect match like just like mint and lamb, toffee and banana, peaches and cream, peanut butter and jam. Serve lightly chilled with as many chocolate truffles as your conscience allows.

Rated 91/100 RateBeer

Recipe of the Week

Come in and taste them at Forsyth while they last today

Classic Gougères
(Adapted from Bon Appetite April 2009)

• 1 cup water
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced
• 3/4 teaspoon salt    ***
• 1 cup unbleached all purpose flour
• 4 large eggs, chilled     ***
• 1 cup (packed) coarsely grated Gruyère cheese (about 6 ounces)  ***
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper    ***

 *** Available at The Wine and Cheese Place Forsyth

Preparation
Position 1 rack in top third and 1 rack in bottom third of oven; preheat to 400°F. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
Bring 1 cup water, butter, and salt to simmer in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat, whisking until butter melts. Add flour; stir rapidly with wooden spoon until flour absorbs liquid and forms ball, pulling away from sides of pan. Stir vigorously until film forms on bottom of pan and dough is no longer sticky, 1 to 2 minutes longer. Remove pan from heat; cool dough 2 to 3 minutes. Using electric mixer, beat in eggs 1 at a time. Stir in cheese and pepper.
Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets, spacing about 3 inches apart. Using damp fingertip, press down any peaks of dough.
Bake gougères until golden brown, about 30 minutes, reversing position of pans halfway through baking. Using small sharp knife, pry open 1 gougère to check for doneness (center should be slightly eggy and moist). Serve hot or warm. DO AHEAD: Can be made 3 hours ahead. Transfer to racks; cool. Rewarm in 350°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes.


Wine Pairing: 

2011 Las Valles Viura/Chardonnay

2011 Pesquier Las Terrasses Red

Stone Enjoy By coming back to The Wine and Cheese Place

According to Stone Enjoy By IPA website --

We should see this new batch at The Wine and Cheese Place 

around June 5 -- stay tuned, we will update when we have an exact date.

Stone Enjoy By 07.04.13 IPA

Style: Double IPA

ABV: 9.4%

Bottling On: 05.31.13

Enjoy By Date: 07.04.13

You have in your hands a devastatingly fresh double IPA. While freshness is a key component of many beers - especially big, citrusy, floral IPAs - we've taken it further, a lot further, in this IPA. You see, we specifically brewed it NOT to last. We've not only gone to extensive lengths to ensure that you're getting this beer in your hands within an extraordinarily short window, we made sure that the Enjoy By date isn't randomly etched in tiny text somewhere on the label, to be overlooked by all but the most attentive of retailers and consumers. Instead, we've sent a clear message with the name of the beer itself that there is no better time than right now to enjoy this IPA.

On twitter, make sure you tweet to @StoneBrewingCo and add the hashtag #EnjoyBy #MO 
This will keep us in the running for more batches.

Tanqueray Malacca Gin

It is back!!!

We have not seen Tanqueray Malacca Gin in a few years!

Limited Edition return....

Tanqueray Malacca Gin....$29.99 / liter bottle

Bird Dog Whiskey

3 flavors in stock at Forysth

Blackberry Whiskey

Peach Whiskey

Hot Cinnamon Whiskey

Wine Education - Grape: Viura

Wine Tasting at all FOUR locations

Taste a few wines made from Viura at all four of our locations this Saturday, May 23 from 11am-4pm. (each store will also have other wines out to taste)

A little more education: We are going to try to feature either a grape or a wine region each week at our stores. We will give you some background information on the grape or region and feature a wine that highlights what we are featuring. We will taste that wine on Saturday at all four of our locations. We will post it here in our blog and send it out in our emails - click here to sign up for our emails

I have started a new label "Education" that you can hit to read all the education articles (see the right column under the heading "labels".

Grape: Viura

image from Wikipedia

Viura:
As we head into this holiday weekend we thought it would be a good idea to highlight one of our favorite summer white wine varietals Viura. Quite often we head to a friends house for a BBQ or a potluck and need a versatile wine to match both the weather and the food, that’s where the Spanish grape Viura (also known as Macabeo) comes in handy.  It is always a crowd pleaser and quite food friendly in both it’s still form and Sparkling form (Viura is one of the main grape varietals used in the production of Spanish Cava).
Viura is the synonym used in the Spanish DO of Rioja for Macabeo, which is the most popular grape of northern Spain. High in production, the Viura takes well to hot and dry regions. It also buds late which makes it less likely to be harmed by frost. Together with the varietals Parellada and Xarel-lo it is used in the production of the sparkling Spanish wine Cava. Both still and sparkling wines from Viura are dry, medium in acidity, and have notes of delicate wildflowers and bitter almonds. Viura is best consumed young.
Come taste great example of still and Sparkling Viura this weekend and grab a bottle of a case for you long weekend.
2011 Las Valles Viura/Chardonnay....$6.99
NV Segura Viudas Aria Cava....$9.99

Charcoal is in stock now!

In stock at all 4 locations - pick some up for the holiday weekend


"Highly Recommended" - Dragon Breath - $16.99 / 20 lbs - read review
compare to:
"Recommended" -- Big Green Egg Lump Charcoal - $23.99 / 20 lbs at Straubs - read review

Dragon's Breath Lump Charcoal....$16.99 / 20lbs
From Missouri
Made from Hickory and Oak
This is one of the top rated and one of the few "Highly Recommended" Lump Charcoals by the Naked Whiz's Lump Charcoal Database

"The charcoal is quite easy light, taking 3 sheets in our chimney starter test. This is low compared to other charcoals. There was very little sparking and no popping while the charcoal burned in the chimney starter. The smoke had the classic smell of American hardwood charcoal.


In our maximum temperature test, the charcoal burned at 980 degrees which ranks very high compared to other charcoals. The fire spreads quickly and there was very little sparking and no popping while the charcoal was burning full tilt. When using a MAPP torch to start the charcoal, we did observer moderate sparking AND popping, so you should exercise care in using a torch to start this charcoal.


Finally, in our burn time test, Dragon Breath burned a very long time ranking Very High compared to other charcoals. In fact, it is one of the longest burning charcoals we've encountered. The ash production was Low compared to other charcoals.


In conclusion, we were very impressed with this charcoal. It is easy to light, has that great American hardwood smell, burns hot, burns long, and produces a low amount of ash. 
Review from the Naked Whiz's Lump Charcoal Database

May 30 : Thursday Wine Class Blends - Forsyth

Click here to make reservations online or call 314.727.8788

Wine Classes

Thursday, May 30th (7pm-8:30pm)

$20 per person

Red Blends from Around the World

The art of the blend is what separates a winemaker from a grape grower. Great wine of course starts in the vineyard, but once the grapes are in and fermentation has stopped, the winemaker takes over crafting his master blend. Come taste 8 great blends from around the world.  Red blends are one of the hottest categories in wine right now.
Wines you will taste:

2010 Domaine de la Janasse Terre de Bussiere 
(65% Merlot, 35% Syrah) 
Southern Rhone France

2011 Les Darons by Jeff Carrel 
(60% Grenache, 25% Carignan, 15% Syrah) 
Languedoc France

2011 Penfolds Bin 2 
(81% Shiraz, 19% Mourvedre) 
South Australia

2009 Cuvelier Los Andes Colleccion 
(59% Malbec, 16% Merlot, 15% Cabernet, 5% Syrah, 5% Petit Verdot)
Mendoza Argentina

2009 Chateau La Rousselle 
(65% Merlot, 35% Cabenet Franc) 
Fronsac Bordeaux

2009 Tenuta Monteti Caburino 
(55% Cabernet, 25% Alicante Bouschet, 20% Merlot) 
Tuscany Italy

2010 Ridge Geyserville 
(64% Zinfandel, 20% Carignane, 12% Petit Sirah, 2% Alicante Bouschet, 2% Mataro) 
Alexander Valley California

2008 Trione Red Blend 
(53% Cabernet, 22% Merlot, 11% Petit Verdot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec)
 Alexander Valley California

Wednesday June 12th (7pm-8:30pm)

$20 per person

Wines of the Loire Valley

The Loire Valley produces some of the most stunning white and yes even red wines in the world. Featuring Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc and even Pinot Noir, we will taste through a fantastic array of wines that make this uniquely oriented region such a treat for summer.
Scheduled to taste:

• 2011 Chateau de Sancerre, Sancerre 
• 2008 Chateau de Sancerre Cuvee Connentable, Sancerre
• 2011 Chateau Soucherie “Cuvee Les Rangs de Long” Blanc, Anjou
• 2011 Lunneau Papin Muscadet, Sevre et Maine
• 2010 Pierre Breton Vouvray La Dilettante, Vouvray Sec
• 2007 Domaine Huet Sparkling Vouvray, Vouvray Petillant
• 2011  Plouzeau Rive Gauche, Chinon
• 2011 Weisskopf Le Rocher Des Violettes, Touraine

reservations required - call 314.727.8788

New - Glenburgie Scotch - 1989 Vintage

A new rare Samaroli just arrived - in stock at Forsyth and online with the other Samaroli Scotches

Samaroli 1989 Glenburgie 22 Year Old...$199.99 / 750ml

Producer: Samaroli
Vintage: 1989

Bottled: 2011
Region: Speyside
Country: Scotland
Notes: A fragrant grass and vanilla nose, rather astringent, but delicate and aromatic. Sweetish with a touch of salty aftertaste and pleasantly long finish.

In 1810, William Paul founded the distillery with the name “Kilnflat”; in 1871 it was licensed to Charles Hay and changed its name to Glenburgie. As with many distilleries, it changed ownership several times; in 1936 Ballantines bought it to use the valuable product in its blended whiskies. In the sixties it used a head for the modified still, on which the long neck was replaced by a drum-shaped rectifier in order to produce various styles of whisky according to the number of rectifier plates; this still was named “Lomond”, after the nearby Loch, close to which stood the Inverleven distillery, the first to use this technology. Glenburgie adopted these stills, producing two different malts (Glenburgie and Glencraig) but in 1981 reverted to using traditional stills. This very rare single malt represents Speyside whiskies’ finesse very well. Glenburgie is now controlled by Pernod Ricard (Pernod’s Chivas Bros group).

PennyPacker Bourbon

If you are a Seinfeld fan, you will remember H.E. Pennypacker was one of Cosmo Kramer's aliases as the wealthy American industrialist....the Bourbon is not related, but the name just reminded me of it....

In stock now and online

Pennypacker Bourbon...$19.99 / 750ml
PennyPacker - Invariable Character and Consistently High Quality
Select, mature maize from the cornfields around the distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, is the base for PennyPacker. Three types of grain are used in the distilling process: maize, rye and barley. The maize content in PennyPacker is a high, above-average 70%. The law stipulates a maize content of only a minimum 51% in bourbon. The water used in the distilling is spring water drawn from the deep, broad veins of chalk, or limestone that run through Kentucky. This water is especially pure and soft.

PennyPacker is produced according to the continuous method of distillation. In other words, the distilling process is a long, uninterrupted procedure, the product of which is the desired full-bodied, yet pure distillate. This guarantees PennyPacker’s invariable character and consistently high quality. PennyPacker is always matured, as required by the American bourbon law, in new casks made of American white oak, charred on the inside. The charring allows the whiskey to penetrate the wood more easily and thus take on the vanilla and caramel notes characteristic of PennyPacker. Bourbon - For the Young and the Young at Heart
PennyPacker is stored in these casks over a number of years, far longer than prescribed by law (legal maturity: at least three years). The cellar master alone determines the final maturity and he leaves the bourbon plenty of time. PennyPacker is a straight bourbon whiskey. The term “straight” may only be used to describe bourbon that comes exclusively from one distillery and is not blended with bourbons of other origins.

PennyPacker is a particularly distinguished, full-bodied, yet mild straight bourbon whiskey with a slight hint of vanilla and caramel. The high quality of PennyPacker makes it ideal for enjoying neat. Americans usually drink it with water/soda, on the rocks, as a long drink or in cocktails (e.g. the famous Manhattan). PennyPacker is the bourbon for the young and the young at heart, for those who value high quality and authenticity, for people with a yearning for the true beauty of America, the land of opportunity.