The flavored rum category is very popular and dominating in the market; Captain Morgan spiced rum, for example, is one of the most well-liked spirits in the world. Spiced rums often have additional flavors such as vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and sugar. Traditionally this was done to mask inferior spirit, but flavored rums have become a drink in their own right – Foursquare and Sailor Jerry are both excellent.
While we love our whiskey, we also have a passion for spirits of all shapes and sizes from around the world. As such, we have a wide variety of everything, from Rum, Vodka and Gin, Tequila, brandies including Cognac, and many other spirits from across the globe. We have absinthes, grappa, mezcal, pisco, and even pre-mixed drinks, all here for your perusal.
One of the best ways for our staff to serve you in finding that perfect bottle, is to actually know what we’re talking about. Novel concept, isn’t it? Our selection is hand curated by our wine director, while staff members go through extensive training and tasting to make sure your needs are met.
Our Staff Picks table is a proverbial “Who’s Who” of wines that are not only unique, but favorites of our team members. We showcase these wines front and center, with our reputations firmly behind them.
In Sweden, vodka was originally made from grapes and grains. Then the potato took over as did a government monopoly on production (except for a little export product called Absolut). Absolut vodka was a brand dating to 1879, named for being "absolutely pure." The brand was resurected by Vin & Sprit for its centennial anniversary, and in 1979 was made from grains rather than potatoes. This was allowed because Absolut was solely an export product. Obviously, Absolut was a huge success and in 1985 it was the largest-selling imported vodka in the USA. But when Sweden joined the European Union they sold off V&S. Vin & Sprit was bought by Pernod-Ricard in 2008 for 5.69 billion euros.
How many non-French varietals have seen their popularity rise in America faster than Tempranillo? Few, we say. Known best for its use in Rioja and Ribera del Duero, there is no better value in fine wines. Enjoy Tempranillo with tapas, anything pork related, or even on its own. It shines no matter the occasion.
It was the Irish and Scottish distillers who brought the wonderful libation to America. Often, American whisky possesses a rustic quality, a sort of tangy top note too. This is down to the widespread use of virgin oak for the majority of their whiskeys. Tennessee whiskey differs only slightly from bourbon. It is a sour mash whiskey that is filtered through sugar maple charcoal prior to aging. This technique is known as the Lincoln County Process. There are only two brands that produce Tennessee whiskey: George Dickel and, of course, Jack Daniel's.
Tequila is a Mexican spirit, made with the blue agave or “agave tequilana” from where the drink gets its name. Tequila is produced in the area surrounding the city of the same name, and in the Mexican highlands.Tequila was first produced in the 1500s, near what is now the city of Tequila. The agave plant had been used in the preparation of alcoholic drinks for centuries; in fact the Aztecs had made a fermented drink from it called octli. In around 1600, the Marquis of Altamira, Don Pedro Sánchez de Tagle, first mass produced tequilas in a factory he founded in Jalisco.The agave plant is still harvested by hand, by workers called "jimadores" They work carefully to harvest the small Agave offspring without damaging the parent plant. The exact time of the harvest is very important, because if the agave plants are gathered too early in the season, the natural sugars will have yet to develop, and if it is gathered too late, the natural sugars will have already been used up by the plant.The agave plants are then shredded and pressed and the juices are fermented in vats. More traditional companies still crush the plants with an old-fashioned stone wheel.The fermented juices are distilled, usually twice, though sometimes three times. Tequila is often barrel aged, and this helps develop the flavors and aromas of the drink.
After aging for at least 1 year, Tequila can then be classified as an "Añejo". The distillers are required to age Añejo Tequila in barrels that do not exceed 600 liters. This aging process darkens the Tequila to an Amber color, and the flavor can become smoother, richer, and more complex.
Añejo Tequilas are also referred to as "aged" and "extra-aged".
Blanco Tequila (also known as White, Plata, or Silver Tequila) is any tequila which is either unaged, or aged for less than 2 months in stainless steel or oak barrels. This is the Blue Agave spirit in its purest form. It is clear and typically un-aged, where the true flavors and the intensity of the Agave are present, as well as the natural sweetness. It can be bottled directly after distillation, or stored in stainless steel tanks to settle for up to 4 weeks. There are some Blanco products that are aged for up to 2 months to provide a smoother or "Suave" spirit.
Reposado ("Rested" in Spanish) refers to Tequila which is aged for a minimum of 2 months in oak barrels, but less than 1 year. The spirit takes on a golden hue and the taste becomes a good balance between the Agave and wood flavors. Many different types of wood barrels are used for aging, with the most common being American or French oak. These often offer the finest balance of youthful vigor, and the complexity of age. Some Tequilas are aged in used bourbon / whiskey, cognac, or wine barrels, and will inherit unique flavors from the previous spirit.
This year there’s lots to be thankful for, particularly for the exceptional recent vintages that offer a spectacular selection of wines to pair with your Thanksgiving feast. We’d like to introduce you to some classic wine choices for Thanksgiving as well as a few new intriguing options that you might not have considered.
