Erstwhile Mezcal

 

2021 Erstwhile Tepeztate Ancestral Limited...$99.99 / 750ml

Epifania Gómez Mejía & Silverio García Luis

A legacy of the era when Mezcal production was illegal in Oaxaca, this batch of Tepeztate crafted by Silverio García Luis – a 2021 Ancestral Limited Release – rescues a García family tradition that had been forgotten for more than forty years.

Don Lencho, Silverio’s father, used a hollowed out quiote (the flowering stalk of agave plants) instead of a copper turbante, to evade the military that would come and seize his distillation equipment by force.

Erstwhile Espadin...$49.99 / 750ml

Epifania Gómez Mejía & Silverio García Luis

This Espadin stood out from the (many) others we had tasted. It hit that magical sweet spot of taste, complexity, good value and versatility. Elegant. Balanced. Nuanced. Approachable but never boring.

2021 Erstwhile Cucharillo Sotol Limited...$89.99 / 750ml

Lucas García Family

This wild Sotol from Oaxaca’s southern highlands, known as Cucharillo locally, is the most aromatic and botanical from Erstwhile Mezcal’s 2021 Limited Releases. Oregano, lemon balm, and other wild mountain herbs that grow naturally in the same hills make a delightful bouquet in this Cucharillo’s mouth feel and flavor profile.

Today is a very, very exciting day here, we just got in 8 super exciting new single releases!

 

Blackadder

Let's start with the Blackadder Raw Cask releases. Those of you familiar with Blackadder from the world of Scotch may be familiar with their M.O., but for those who aren't, Blackadder is five things: single cask, cask strength, not chill filtered, no added color and no added sugar. Raw cask means they aren't even doing macro filtration to remove the flakes of cask char that fall off of the barrel and into the spirit. Unadulterated.

Blackadder Dominican 10 year... $199.99/700ml bottle

• 60.1% abv, unnamed distillery 
• 6 of 268 bottles available

**And please note, this is product is from Dominica, NOT the Dominican Republic. Two different countries!

Blackadder Australian 13 year...$199.99/700ml 

• 65.5% abv, Beenleigh Distillery 
• 6 of 278 bottles available

Renegade

A brand new producer just hit, focused entirely on terroir-driven agricole rums from Grenada. I encourage you to read their whole story on their website, but in an effort to be somewhat concise, I'll give you the bullet points:

Mark Reynier of Bruichladdich and Waterford Irish turns his attention to rum. Always cane juice, no molasses. Batches highlighting single varietals of sugarcane. Pot still for intensity and integrity of flavor. Terroir is emphasized, so even the same type of cane from different plots on the island will be made into different batches and clearly labeled. Traceability is central, so each bottle has a code you can enter on the website to see all the technical details on the batch, cane type, land on which it was grown. These four rums we have from them today are all their white rums, which they call pre-cask.

I know I promised concision, but here I go...

As an idea of the sort of information you can get with their traceability codes, I can see the date the cane was planted, the date of harvest, the exact length of fermentation (3 days in the case of the Lower Crater Lake South bottling), and a map of where on the plot Lower Crater Lake South is compared to the other terroir plots. Too much more to mention. If you want to nerd out, these are your people and your rums.

Renegade Hope [Boulders]...$59.99/700ml

On the island’s south-eastern flank, sheltered from the Atlantic Trade Winds by a narrow mangrove belt, stands this distinctive terroir. Bright, iron-red clay & pyroclastic boulders & rich, alluvial soil & its cool, high water table ensures a humid microclimate with lush cane in the driest season. For this rum we harvested the oldest of our varieties, Cain, from Mamo Field, which stands on the terroir known as Boulders.

6 bottles available

Renegade Lake Antoine [Lower Crater Lake South]...$59.99/700ml

At Lake Antoine, intriguing terroirs wrap around the steep, seaward-facing slopes of a volcanic crater lake, where cane grows on granular Woburn clay loam – sparse & dry at the summit, deep & rich at the foot – fully exposed to the desiccating salt-laden Atlantic trade Winds. For this rum we harvested the sucrose-rich variety we call Purple Tallboy from Ball Pasture Field, which stands on the terroir known as Lower Crater Lake South.

6 bottles available

Renegade Lake Antoine [Upper Crater Lake South]...$59.99/700ml

At Lake Antoine, intriguing terroirs wrap around the steep, seaward-facing slopes of a volcanic crater lake, where cane grows on granular Woburn clay loam – sparse & dry at the summit, deep & rich at the foot – fully exposed to the desiccating salt-laden Atlantic trade Winds. For this rum we harvested the sucrose-rich variety we call Purple Tallboy from More Field, which stands on the terroir known as Upper Crater Lake South.

6 bottles available

Renegade Nursery [Upper La Calome]...$59.99/700ml

The genesis of our pioneering project to propagate entirely clean & healthy heritage cane varieties began at our nursery farm. Nestled in La Calome Valley, with its almost terraced valley floor, it is made up of Hartman & Woburn clay loam soils & a profusion of volcanic boulders. For this rum we harvested the sucrose-rich variety we call Yellow Lady from big pumps field, which stands on the terroir known as Upper La Calome.

6 bottles available

Rest & Be Thankful

From another new brand, this one an independent bottler, I have two very exciting offerings from the Jamaican Monymusk estate [Clarendon distillery]. You may know that our previous Monymusk cask from Blackadder was one of my personal favorite rums ever, so I'm almost drooling over here. One single cask, one small vatted batch. They don't explicitly say no added sugar, but "Our small batch and single cask bottlings are always free of additives and colourings and are un-chill filtered to deliver the true identity of the matured spirit." leads me to believe that to be the case. Starting with the single cask, it was distilled and casked in 2000 and bottled in early 2022, so more than 21 years old. Split maturation, some tropical in Jamaica and some continental in Scotland. 456.6gr/hlAA of volatile substances, 80.9gr/hlAA of esters specifically. It's an MBK marque (light pot still, avg 70-80 esters) and bottled at cask strength.
The vatted is 24 casks, filled in late 2012 and blended and bottled in early 2022, clocking in a little over 9 years in barrel. Split maturation again, continental and tropical. They don't list the ester and volatiles content on this one, but the marque is MDR, which is another light pot still marque, but one with a standard ester content between 145-150gr/hlAA esters, so expect it to be significantly funkier/punchier in that regard.

Rest & Be Thankful Monymusk 2000 Single Cask...$269.99/700ml 

• 61.7% abv
• 6 of 164 bottles available

Rest & Be Thankful Monymusk 2012...$79.99/700ml

• Batch #01 
• 46% abv
• 6 of 6076 bottles available

Two new super cool Zero/Zero orange wines from Ruth Lewandowski!

2021 Tatto Skin Contact White Blend...$26.99 / 750ml

The 2021 marks vintage number 3 with this wine for RLW and we couldn’t be more proud to say “this is what we’ve been working towards.” When we first set out to make this wine in 2019, we only had limited availability with aromatic white fruit. Looking towards the future, however, we worked on sourcing or grafting other blocks over to this now dazzling array of bombastically scented, yet still finely structured varieties to make this really pop on all levels. 2021 employs the same fruit as the 20 and the 19 (Friulano, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and a skosh of Muscat) but we’ve now added Kerner, Malvasia Bianca, Gruner Veltliner and a bit of Trebbiano Toscano to the mix. All of these are very lightly, gracefully, tactfully (hence the Italian term “Tatto’) skin fermented to amplify aromatics and provide a not overwhelming but persistently gentle measure of structure on the palate. Is it bright, floral, fruit loops, citrus insanity? Yes. Is it deep, spicy, textural and somehow still a refreshing late summer / early fall sunset? Also yes.That my friends, is Tatto.

2020 Chilion Skin Contact Cortese...$29.99 / 750ml

Two acres of Cortese are farmed at Fox Hill Vineyard. That's roughly 1/6th of all Cortese planted in the United States. Cortese will always be a rarity here, but Cortese with 6(+) months of skin contact doubles down on the uncommonness of it all. Chilion is a chance for all to see just how incredibly complex this variety is...due mainly to the extended maceration on skins which provide amplified spice, herbs, and phenolics than we're all accustomed to with this particular grape.

NEW BLACKADDER RELEASES…VERY LIMITED!!!

 

NEW BLACKADDER RELEASES…VERY LIMITED!!!

Blackadder Raw Cask Peat Reek Embers Single Malt Scotch Amontillado Sherry Cask Finish. 60.2% abv….$169.99 / 700ml

This Special Reserve -Single Malt Scotch Whisky is rare, with only 126 bottles worldwide. This Peat Reek Embers has an Amontillado cask finish. It was drawn at cask strength from a single cask and was bottled in Scotland in March 2022. There is no chill filtration and no colour added.

Only 12 bottles available

Blackadder Raw Cask Peat Reek Embers Single Malt Scotch Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish. 59.2% abv….$169.99 / 700ml

This Special Reserve -Single Malt Scotch Whisky is rare, with only 126 bottles worldwide. This Peat Reek Embers was peated at 50ppm and finished in a Oloroso cask. It was drawn at cask strength from a single cask and was bottled in Scotland in March 2022. There is no chill filtration and no colour added.

Only 12 bottles available

Blackadder Raw Cask "Smoking Islay" 9 Yr Islay Blended Malt Scotch 60.5% abv….$159.99 / 700ml

Smoking Islay is an exclusive Blackadder Brand. Described as a "Very Smokey, Very Peated Whisky," this release is a blend of 2 of Islay's Iconic Distilleries, married and aged together for 9 years in ex-Bourbon barrels.

Only 6 bottles available

2011 Blackadder Mitonduff 10 Year Raw Cask Speyside Single Malt Scotch PX Sherry Finish 57.1% abv….$159.99 / 700ml

This 10 year old Speyside single malt whisky is rare, with only 126 bottles worldwide. It was drawn at cask strength from a single Hogshead cask with a PX cask finish. It retains all of its natural cask sediments as well as all of its natural oils and fats. There was no colour added and no chill filtration. It was distilled in March 2011 and bottled by Blackadder in January 2022. Miltonduff is a key component in the Ballantine's blend, but also part of the Chivas Regal line of blended Scotch.

Only 6 bottles available

2007 Blackadder Macduff 14 Year Raw Cask Highland Single Malt Scotch 59.7% abv….$169.99 / 700ml

This 14 year old Highland single malt whisky is rare, with only 126 bottles worldwide. It was drawn at cask strength from a single Hogshead cask. It was distilled in November 2007 and bottled by Blackadder in February 2022. The Macduff distillery, also known as Glen Deveron is a key component in the Dewars blend.

Only 6 bottles available

OTHER BLACKADDER EXPRESSIONS IN STOCK

Blackadder Chimera Cask Strength Blended Malt Scotch...$139.99/ 700ml

Bottled February 2021 333 bottles produced

59% ABV

Chimera 01 is a mix of four different Single Malt Whiskies. One is a Single Islay from refill cask, One is from First Fill ex Bourbon cask, one is a Sherry Cask Highland and one is a Sherry Cask Speyside. This is an amazing malt!!

Blackadder Peat Reek 10 Year Islay Single Malt Scotch 57.7 abv…$159.99/700ml

Blackadder's Peat Reek is an exclusi/ve 10 year old Islay single malt scotch whisky. This exclusive USA release is a Glass Revolution Dram Hunter selection.

For Blackadder Peat Reek, we select only casks of whisky produced using malted barley that has been heavily impregnated with the phenols and creosols of a gently-smouldering peat fire. On the front label, you will see that this offering has an official analysis of 20 PPM -which lets you know just how peaty your dram is!

Only 5 bottles available

Jack Daniels Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey Barrel Proof

More in stock

Jack Daniels Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey Barrel Proof...$62.99
current batch is 127.9 proof
It’s whiskey as nature intended it—bottled straight from the barrel at its full proof. Intense, smooth, and remarkably varied, Barrel Proof is bottled at anywhere from 125 to 140-proof, taking Jack’s trademark vanilla and toasted oak flavors to bold new levels.

Sidral Mundet Apple Soda

New, in stock at Forsyth now!
Sidral Mundet Apple Soda....$1.29 / 12oz
In 1902, a Catalan cork manufacturer named Arturo Mundet came to Mexico and created an apple flavored soft drink called Sidral Mundet. The soda was inspired by Mexico’s traditional “aguas frescas” drinks.

Schlafly Stout Bout

Schlafly Stout Bout....$16.99 / 12pk mix
Our Stout Bout seasonal variety pack is back with two new stouts to try: 

• Chai Latte Stout
• Coconut Coffee Stout, made with local Goshen Coffee.
• Oatmeal Stout and returning favorite
• Mexican Chocolate Stout

Lagavulin 16yr

This one has been tough to get, grab some now!

Lagavulin 16yr Single Malt....$84.99

Compare to $95.99 Total Wine and More Brentwood

43% ABV

A much sought-after single malt with the massive peat-smoke that's typical of southern Islay - but also offering a dryness that turns it into a truly interesting dram. Lagavulin is an intense, smoky-sweet single malt with seaweed flavours and a huge finish, aged in oak casks for at least sixteen years.

Uncle Nearest Rye 100 Proof

NEW RYE!
Uncle Nearest Rye 100 Proof....$59.99
This was a lofty experiment that worked. The results of this 100-percent rye mash bill, matured in used Uncle Nearest barrels before being bottled at 100-proof, keeps with our tradition of creating some of the most awarded whiskeys in the world. This is rye whiskey, elevated, hitting every mark with its rich flavor profile, incredible balance of spices, and extraordinarily smooth finish.


Plus back in stock
Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey....$39.99
Compare to $42.99 at Total Wine and More
Uncle Nearest 1884 is the proud legacy of the best whiskey maker the world never knew, Tennessee distilling legend, Nearest Green.
Each small batch has its barrels hand-selected by our founders with each blend curated by descendants of Nearest Green. The signature of the descendant who curated each batch is embossed on the back.

Uncle Nearest 1856 Tennessee Whiskey....$49.99
Compare to $59.99 at Total Wine and More
Uncle Nearest 1856 is a blend of premium aged whiskies between 8 and 14 years old. It has a caramel color with a beautiful deep golden hue. On the nose, baled hay and pumpkin seeds with subtle notes of ripe stone fruit and caramel corn. Bold and spicy upfront then mellows with sweet caramel and maple, like biting into an oatmeal raisin cookie. The finish is long and rich. It lingers pleasantly sweet on the palate with notes of vanilla after the spice dissipates.

Switchgrass Spirits Tasting at Spirit Wine and Craft TONIGHT!

 

SWITCHGRASS SPIRITS TASTING
FRIDAY DECEMBER 2ND FROM 4PM-6PM
AT SPIRIT WINE AND CRAFT 
5760 CHIPPEWA ST

We officially started our efforts in 2016 with a goal of creating an equitable craft distillery that manufactured high quality whiskey and brandy. We spent the next few years honing our skills as distillers and rebuilding a historic American Legion Hall on the north side of Saint Louis. We focus on creating and aging only our own product using Midwestern labor and ingredients. Even our glass bottles are produced less than an hour away from our distillery. In February of 2020 we released our first aged and bottled cocktail to the public and have steadily worked since then to offer a variety of popular whiskies, fruit brandies, and collaborative experiments.

So why the name Switchgrass Spirits? There was a time when you could visit one of the ubiquitous Midwestern prairies and be greeted by some truly amazing native grassland scenery. One of the most striking views you would have taken in were the oceans of deeply rooted switchgrass that stretched as far as the eye could see. A single blade of grass might not have looked like much, but all together, they created one of nature’s most beautiful and simple masterpieces. Switchgrass Spirits was made possible by so many people coming together to create something bigger than themselves. Only through the investments of our friends and family, and support from our community was it possible to move forward with our vision of creating a worker-owned, environmentally conscious company. Our name is a nod to our local environment and everyone involved in getting us to where we are today. 

Heavy Riff Dear Agony Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout

We have been waiting 2 years for these!

Amazing Bourbon Barrel Aged Stouts!

TWCP Single Barrel Editions!
Heavy Riff Dear Agony Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout "Makers Mark"...$19.99 / pint
Heavy Riff Dear Agony Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout "Bulleit"...$19.99 / pint
Very special editions!
These were aged for over 2 years in Bourbon barrels. One in a Makers Mark Private Selection barrel and one in a Bulleit Bourbon Barrel.
These are exclusive releases to The Wine and Cheese Place.  We sent them these barrels over 2 years ago, the beer has been ageing gracefully and now they decided they are ready to be released!!

90+ Point Rated White Wine Sampler

90+ Point Rated WHITE Wine Sampler
1 bottle each of the wines below = $97.94
Special Sampler price = $85 / for the 6 bottles!

1. Daou Chardonnay Paso Robles (91/100)
2. Beringer Napa Valley Estate Chardonnay (92/100)
3. Mount Fishtail Sauvignon Blanc Sur Lie (94/100)
4. Casas del Bosque Sauvignon Blanc Reserva (90/100)
5. John's Bay Sauvignon Blanc (90/100)
6. Rieslingfreak Dry Riesling Eden Valley No. 44 (93/100)

click on the wine name to order individually
2021 Daou Chardonnay Paso Robles...$17.99
Compare to $22 at the Winery
There's a guava character to the nose of this bottling, yet it's cut by a river stone edge. A bright sizzle of acidity and a chalky flesh envelop the palate, with plumeria and more guava flavors at play.
Rated 91/100 The Wine Enthusiast

2019 Beringer Napa Valley Estate Chardonnay...$18.99
Lemon curd, baked apple, nutmeg and crushed hazelnut on the nose. Some vanilla, too. It’s full-bodied with a smooth, creamy texture. Layered and delicious. Drink or hold.
Rated 92/100 James Suckling

2021 Mount Fishtail Sauvignon Blanc Sur Lie...$14.99
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Made Sur Lie method - Sancerre style
A NEW style of Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand. Made in the same “sur lie” style as the famous wines of the Loire Valley. Intense and concentrated with classic varietal flavors and a creamy middle palate
Rated 94/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

Intense guava and passion fruit notes mingle with vetiver aromatics on a light, juicy and succulent frame, with citrus and pineapple notes on the crisp finish. Drink now. 10,000 cases made, 9,000 cases imported.
Rated 91/100 The Wine Spectator

2021 Casas del Bosque Sauvignon Blanc Reserva...$13.99
Sliced green apples, lime zest, gooseberries, melon and fennel on the nose. Medium-bodied with a juicy, fruity palate. Creamy texture. Fresh and balanced. Sustainable. Drink now. Screw cap.
Rated 90/100 James Suckling
Rated 90/100 Vinous Media

2021 John's Bay Sauvignon Blanc ...$11.99
Sustainable practices
"Notes of linden and tarragon lead to white grapefruit and high-toned acidity. Honeysuckle and pineapple sneak in mid-palate: sweet, salty, and pretty."
Rated 90/100 The Tasting Panel

2021 Rieslingfreak Dry Riesling Eden Valley No. 44.....$19.99
This hinges to lemon citrus and has an elegant nose with almost essence-like intensity. The palate has a smooth, fleshy and softly round feel. Elegantly fleshy and plenty of fine acidity below the fruit here. Drink over the next three years. Screw cap.
Rated 92/100 James Suckling
Rated 93/100 Vinous Media

90+ Point Rated Red Wine Sampler

90+ Point Rated Red Wine Sampler
1 bottle each of the wines below = $108.94
Special Sampler price = $93 / for the 6 bottles!

• David Finlayson Cabernet Sauvignon (90/100)
• Almarada Uco Valley Malbec (90/100)
• Oak Ridge Winery OZV Zinfandel (92/100)
• Casas del Bosque Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva (92/100)
• Thistledown Cunning Plan Shiraz (92/100)
• Tait The Ball Buster Proprietary Red (91/100)

More info on the wines (or do order them individually)

2020 David Finlayson Cabernet Sauvignon...$19.99
Stellenbosch, South African
90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc
“A perfumed nose of crushed blackcurrants, blackberries, gravel and toasted herbs. Full-bodies with creamy tannins. Black-fruited and rather salty on the palate. Even balance and a mouthwatering finish. Drink now.”
Rated 90/100 James Suckling

2020 Oak Ridge Winery OZV Zinfandel...$11.99

An earthy, doughy aroma shows how fresh this wine is, before revealing layered, indulgent flavors of raspberry syrup, blackberry jam and dark chocolate that coat the mouth. With a full body, smooth texture and lingering finish, it's easy to love.
Rated 92/100 Wine Enthusiast
#10 Best Buy Wine in 2022

2021 Thistledown Cunning Plan Shiraz...$27.99
Aromas of spiced plum, red cherry, thyme and rose. Full-bodied with gentle tannins. Enveloping and even on the palate, with steady intensity and a seamless texture. Black-fruited and well-concentrated, with a subtle, spicy finish. Vegan. Drink now. Screw cap.
Rated 92/100 James Suckling
Rated 92/100 James Halliday (Aussie Wine Expert)
Rated 92/100 The Wine Front

2018 Tait The Ball Buster Proprietary Red..$19.99
77% Shiraz, 15% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon

“Opaque ruby. Smoke-accented aromas of ripe dark berries, pungent flowers and vanilla, along with a hint of white pepper that adds spicy lift. Concentrated, expansive cherry liqueur, blackberry and fruitcake flavors become more energetic as the wine opens up. Round, well-knit tannins frame the appealingly sweet finish, which hangs on with impressive, dark fruit-dominated persistence.”
Rated 91/100 Vinous Media

2020 Almarada Uco Valley Malbec...$13.99
10% of American oak and 90% of French oak (medium plus toast)
Brilliant, complex wine. Intense fruity aromas of black plum give rise to a palate full of freshness, velvety tannins and favors of dried cranberry and chocolate with hint of orange peel. Great balance, complexity and length
Blackberry and cherry with some floral and cedar character. Medium to full body. Medium, round tannins. Shows some tension, though it’s a little heavy in style. Drink or hold.
Rated 90/100 James Suckling

2019 Casas del Bosque Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva....$14.99
Wood treatment: 100% French Oak
Red and black currants, mulberries, bramble leaves, peppermint, spice box and peppercorns on the nose. Medium-bodied with firm, well-integrated tannins. Sleek and classically styled with excellent balance. Sustainable. Drink now or hold.
Rated 92/100 James Suckling

Tait The Ball Buster Proprietary Red

2018 Tait The Ball Buster Proprietary Red..$19.99
77% Shiraz, 15% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon

“Opaque ruby. Smoke-accented aromas of ripe dark berries, pungent flowers and vanilla, along with a hint of white pepper that adds spicy lift. Concentrated, expansive cherry liqueur, blackberry and fruitcake flavors become more energetic as the wine opens up. Round, well-knit tannins frame the appealingly sweet finish, which hangs on with impressive, dark fruit-dominated persistence.”
Rated 91/100 Vinous Media

Perennial / TWCP/ Spirit About Face Hazy IPA

Collab with Perennial, The Wine and Cheese Place and Spirit Wine and Craft!

Almost gone - only about 2 cases left at Forsyth (and I am sure the same at each of the other locations

Perennial / TWCP/ Spirit About Face Hazy IPA...$16.99
Methode Haze
New Hazy IPA with Mosaic, Nelson Sauvin, and Strata hops
Brewed with a blend of Pilsner and 2-row malt, and loads of flaked barley, flaked oats, and unmalted wheat. Dry hopped to oblivion with equal parts Mosaic grown by Haas, Nelson Sauvin grown by Freestyle Hops, and Strata grown by Indie Hops. 6.5%

2018 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge

Great Bordeaux gift!
2018 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge...$159.99
Ripe and seductive, with a caressing wave of cassis, plum puree and blackberry compote flavors that hold sway throughout, but not without support from enticing savory, licorice, warm loam and mineral accents along the way. Cashmere finish lets everything sail on and on. Gorgeous. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2024 through 2040.
Rated 97/100 The Wine Spectator
Rated 97+/100 Wine Advocate
Rated 99/100 Jeb Dunnuck
Rated 98/100 James Suckling