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SUPERBOWL SUGGESTIONS: Strong Stuff….In Case They Lose

SUPERBOWL SUGGESTIONS: Distilled Beer

Kiuchi No Shizuku Distilled Hitachino White Ale (86 Proof) (Japan) - 200 ml:

We can’t sell you beer. But we can sell you distilled beer. Which is really a whiskey that uses the Hitachino Nest White Ale as its base. It’s distilled and infused with orange peel and coriander, resulting in a light, floral, subtly aromatic whiskey. And the bottle is really cool too.

Price: $18.37 (that’s a straight $20 with tax)

SUPERBOWL SUGGESTIONS: Distilled Beer

Heller-Trum Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbierspirit (80 Proof) (Bamberg, Germany): 

Distilled Rauchbier, which is a style of German beer that has a distinct smoky flavor which comes from using malted barley which is dried over an open flame. From Schlenkerla, one of the best known Rauchbier producers, this is a distilled Rauchbier which is then smoked again post-distillation, imparting an extra smokey flavor reminiscent of sitting alongside a campfire. It is not inexpensive, but a fantastic and super interesting product for any whiskey fan. Also quite rare, with only 24 bottles total brought into the New York market until mid-2012. We have 2 of them.

Price: $119.99

WHISKEY

Hirsch American Whiskey 20 Yr Special Reserve (96 Proof) (Illinois):

The Hirsch 20 Year is a tremendous value in American whiskey. My (as well as many others) standard for American whiskey with this age and development is the Pappy Van Winkle 20 year. This is just as good as the Old Pappy for half the price. If you’re thinking of a gift in this price range for someone who drinks American whiskey and/or bourbon, whether their whiskey of choice is usually Maker’s Mark, Evan Williams, or even Pappy Van Winkle, you can’t go wrong with the Hirsh 20 Year.

Price: $69.99

COGNAC

WHISKEY

Auchentoshan Three Wood Single Malt Scotch (86 proof) (Lowlands, Scotland):

One of the last three remaining Lowlands distilleries. Aged in oloroso sherry as well as Pedro Ximenez sherry casks, which gives it additional notes of roasted pecans and raisins toward the finish.

Price: $69.99

WHISKEY

Kiuchi No Shizuku Distilled Hitachino White Ale (86 Proof) (Japan) - 200 ml:

Distilled craft beers are the newest cool kids on the whiskey block. Which makes sense, since before distillation, whiskey starts out as basically an unhopped beer. However, committing to a bottle of the newest cool kid on the whiskey can be prohibitively expensive. The solution? – A 200ml bottle of a distilled craft beer that costs only a few dollars more than 12 oz of the undistilled version. For those unfamiliar with Hitachino Nest White Ale, it is a fantastic German-style weissbier from Japan. This shipped in quantity to Germany, where it is distilled and infused with orange peel and coriander – the perfect accompaniment to any weissbier. How does it taste? Exactly like a distilled weissbier should. Why are you still reading this and not trying it yourself? Buy one for yourself and one as a stocking stuffer for your favorite beer or spirits geek while youre at it! The bottles are adorable too.

Price: $18.37

COGNAC

Bache-Gabrielsen Cognac VS 3 Kors (Cognac, France): 

When most people think cognac they immediately think of the big houses - Hennessey, Remy Martin, Courvoisier, etc. The reality is that with big house cognac, you’re partially subsidizing an expensive marketing campaign with each purchase. Bache-Gabrielson is a tiny producer with a tiny marketing team, and they focus their efforts on producing on producing quality cognac rather than trying to sell boatloads of cognac. With the B-G VS 3 Kors, you get better quality for much less cost than an entry level VS from one of the big houses.

Price: $27.99

WHISKEY

New England Corn Whiskey (86 Proof):

RUM

Gosling's Black Seal Black Rum (151 Proof) (Bermuda):

Many people question why we only carry the 151 version of the original Dark and Stormy rum. The reason is quite simple – I feel like it is much more versatile in almost any cocktail that calls for Gosling’s. Cut the rum ration in half (or a little more if you’re feeling adventurous), and the cocktail will have the same amount of alcohol, its taste will be on par with the original, and the sweetness will be a bit more balanced. If you want an 80 proof dark rum for sipping, try the Blackwell.

Price: $29.99

COGNAC

GIN

Anchor Distilling Junipero Dry Gin (98.6 Proof) (San Francisco, California):

From the people behind Anchor Steam beer, Junipero is pot-distilled in San Francisco. Made in the style of a London Dry. Hands down, it is the best domestically-produced gin.

 Price: $31.99

LIQUEUR - the fun stuff

The King's Ginger Liqueur (82 Proof) (Holland):

Full proof (41% ABV) ginger liqueur formulated by Berry Bros & Rudd in London as a fortifying tonic for King Edward VII in 1903. It tastes like liquid candied ginger, and is fantastic by itself, served with soda, or in various cocktails. We served it with a drop of Bitter Truth Jerry Thomas Decanter bitters and a float of ginger ale on top. A great cold weather sipper.

Price $39.99

COGNAC

Fevrier Cognac Fin Bois Saveur NV (Cognac, France):

Aromas of pecan pie and potpourri, with notes of caramelized brown sugar and roasted cashews on the long finish.

Price: $55.99

WHISKEY

High West Silver Whiskey Western Oat (80 proof) (Park City, Utah):

White whiskey is usually quite harsh, and a scary recollection of the days of bootlegging. However, once in a while, something exceptional comes along that changes your entire perception of its category. The High West Silver Oat is one of those. It’s 100% white oatmeal whiskey from the best legal distillery in Utah (also the only in the state, but that doesn’t change the fact that they’re incredibly good at what they do). The oatmeal gives it a lovely smooth, lush mouthfeel, with almost a creamy texture, and none of the harshness that one tends to expect from a white whiskey. It has aromas that almost remind one of sake in some ways, with also notes of freshly milled grain, coconut milk, and chamomile blossoms, with finish that is very clean and smooth throughout.

Price: $42.99

VODKA

Karlsson's Gold Potato Vodka (80 Proof) (Sweden):

Super smooth premium potato vodka. Made from virgin new potatoes, which are harvested before a skin forms on the potato, which allows them to use the entire potato without milling off the outer skin. This gives it more of a potato character than other potato vodka. Extremely smooth with lovely character. Perfect on its own with a crack of black pepper. Add a little salt and it’s like drinking French fries.

Price: $34.99

VODKA

42 Below Vodka (80 Proof) (New Zealand):

New Zealand isn’t just for good Sauvignon Blanc. They also make some good vodka. Smooth character and its affordable price make it an appropriate vodka for all situations.

Price: $21.99

VODKA

Ketel One Vodka (80 Proof) (Holland) - 1 Liter:

Sometimes, nothing but the best will cut it. If you’re going to buy a premium-priced vodka, this is the one you should be drinking (if you’re not already). Yes, it's made from grain. You want vodka from grapes...go ask the French about that. We're sticking with good old grain.

Price: $38.99

ABSINTHE

The elicit absinthe. Let’s get one thing straight – no, it doesn’t make you hallucinate or go crazy (well I guess maybe if you drink enough of it, but that’s true for any alcohol). Yes it is legal to buy – or else we couldn’t sell it. Yes it is real absinthe – and probably tastes better than the stuff your friend smuggled over from Spain or the Czech Republic. This absinthe is made in Pennsylvania, but it’s made with grand wormwood – hence the real absinthe part. It is 120 proof , so this is NOT something you can drink straight. However, mixed with a bit of water (no sugar cube necessary), it is wonderfully complex, with lovely spice notes from the star anise and other herbs. There is no longer a reason to still be drinking Pernod. (Note: if you want to discuss the minutiae of absinthe further (or any of our spirits really), come speak to Nick. He is a bit of an absinthe geek, and can give you the full story on absinthe (depending on how much time you have).

VODKA

Wodka Vodka (80 Proof) (Poland):

Wodka is excellent Polish vodka that should cost much more than it does. It is classic Polish vodka – made from a rye base and designed to have some character to it. Is it as smooth at Ketel One or Stolichnaya? No, but it’s not supposed to be either. This is more suited for vodka martinis than fruity vodka-based cocktails. Then again, if you’re mixing it with a bunch of fruity flavors and sugar, people probably aren’t going to notice the vodka you chose anyway. 

Price: $12.99

RUM

Rhum JM VSOP Rhum Agricole (90 Proof) (Martinique):

Rhum Agricole from the island of Martinique. The production process is regulated by French law, similar to a French AOC wine. It must be made from pure, freshly pressed sugar cane juice – no molasses allowed. This is the crème de la crème of rum.

 
Price: $59.99

RUM

Denizen Light Rum (80 Proof) (Trinidad & Tobago):

A superior bargain in white rum. Distilled in Trinidad and Tobago, it is then sent to Holland to be blended and aged for 2 years in small oak barrels to smooth out its character, then charcoal filtered to remove any color gained from the barrel aging. A lovely  burst of red fruit and fresh sugar cane on the palate. A perfect mixing rum, but it has enough character and smoothness for sipping. Much better than anything that gets filtered through bat guano.

Price: $16.99

GIN

Brokers Premium London Dry Gin (94 Proof) (England):

An excellent value priced gin. Typical London dry style, and it regularly beats gin that costs twice its price in tastings.

 Price: $19.99

RUM

Blackwell Black Gold Special Reserve Rum (80 Proof) (Jamaica):

An excellent dark Jamaican rum with subtle spice notes. Not quite dark enough to be a black rum, not enough spice to be a full spiced rum. Dark in color and taste, with notes of blackstrap molasses and just a hint of mulling spices and vanilla. An extremely versatile rum that’s equally suited for sipping neat on its own or for use in various cocktails. Can be substituted in almost any cocktail that calls for dark or spiced rum.

Price: $29.99

COGNAC

Pasquet Couer de Grande Champagne 5-10 (Cognac, France):

A fresher style focused on primary fruit and floral notes, with a little grapeyness to give the impression of slight sweetness (although Pasquet adds no sweeteners or flavorants). A high-quality alternative to a VS or VSOP from the large cognac houses. 

Price: $49.99

AMARO

Campari (Italy):

CALVADOS

Domaine de Montreuil Calvados du Pays d'Auge (Normandy, France): 

Fantastic apple cider from the heart of the Calvados region, the Pays d'Auge. Using all four categories of apple (sweet, bittersweet, acidic, and bitter), it is blended from 3 barrels with an average age of 7 years, which is much higher than the minimum legal aging requirement of 2 years. Combines vibrant apple notes of fresher styles of calvados with added depth and complexity from the additional aging.

Price: $44.99

BITTERS

The Bitter Truth Jerry Thomas' Own Decanter Bitters(60 Proof) (Germany) - 200 ml:

TEQUILA

Riazul Silver Tequila (80 Proof) (Mexico):

You may not have heard of Riazul yet, but you probably will start to soon. They make some fantastic tequila that will likely impress you if tasted next to some of the larger brands that retail for the same price or even a bit more. Plus they come in lovely bottles. If you’re a tequila drinker, you should definitely try this.

Price: $46.99

TEQUILA

Riazul Anejo Tequila (80 Proof) (Mexico): 

You may not have heard of Riazul yet, but you probably will start to soon. They make some fantastic tequila that will likely impress you if tasted next to some of the larger brands that retail for the same price or even a bit more. Plus they come in lovely bottles. The Anejo has a lovely unique spice notes reminiscent of Mexican hot chocolate. If you’re a tequila drinker, you should definitely try this.

Price: $54.99

VERMOUTH

WHISKEY

The Belgian Owl Single Malt Whisky (92 Proof) (Belgium):

 Single malt whiskey from… Belgium?! Why yes… and it’s quite fantastic! Most people think that when it comes to single malts that the older it is the better; this flies in the face of that thinking. Aged for 36 months, this would be a baby if it were made in Scotland, but that’s not what it’s aiming for. More elegant, with lots of primary fruit notes on the palate. There’s a certain delicate freshness to it, but lots of depth and complexity at the same time, and a lovely finish that lasts for a length of time approaching eternity. Granted, this whiskey is not cheap, and it’s nothing like a very old single malt Scotch, but it’s is quite fantastic, and quite unlike any other whiskey I’ve come across.

Price: $99.99

KIRSCH

LIQUEUR

Pierre- Marie Chermette Creme de Cassis Domaine de Vissoux (France):

WHISKEY

WHISKEY

High High West Whiskey Double Rye (92 Proof) (Utah, USA):

LIQUEUR

GIN

Ransom Spirits Old Tom Gin (88 Proof) (Oregon, USA):

An old school, pre-Prohibition style of gin, which is quite different from your typical London dry. It’s pot distilled from a rye base, which gives it a lot of character, then barrel aged, which lends it its copper tone. It’s almost like a cross between rye whiskey and gin. If “smooth” is the operative word you look for to describe your spirits, then this is not for you. If you like your spirits to have some character, then this is definitely worth a try. It’s fun to use in a negroni, or for a new twist on cocktails that usually call for rye whiskey, such as a Manhattan.

 Price: $35.99

BITTERS

The Bitter Truth Aromatic Bitters (78 Proof) (Germany):

Excellent general purpose bitters.

Price: $16.99

LIQUEUR

Chase Elderflower Liqueur (40 Proof) (Herefordshire, England):

 Premium elderflower liqueur, made from a base of very high quality potato vodka and infused with freshly pressed elderflowers. Chase will make you never want to buy St. Germain again. Try them next to each other and you’ll undoubtedly see why. For cocktails that call for St. Germain, substitute Chase for a more complex cocktail, but reduce ratios by 25% since St. Germain is more watery than Chase: for instance, if it calls for 1 oz. of St. Germain, use ¾ oz. of Chase Elderflower Liqueur.

Price: $32.99

EAUX DE VIE

GIN

Old Cadenhead's Old Raj Dry Gin (110 Proof) (Great Britain): 

 Old Raj has been around forever and is held in regard as one of the premier gins in the world. An older style that’s slightly higher in alcohol (110 Proof) and not as in-your-face aromatically as some newer gins on the market. The addition of saffron at the last stage of distillation adds a subtle yellow tone and lovely floral notes to the finish. This is the Rolls Royce of gin.

Price: $44.99

GIN

Martin Marin Miller's London Dry Gin (80 Proof) (England / Iceland): 

It’s almost slightly ridiculous the steps Martin Miller’s goes through to produce the best London Dry gin possible. Small- batch pot distilled in London, using only the hearts of the distillation. Then it is blended with botanicals and shipped to Iceland, where it is blended with pure Icelandic spring water to bring the alcohol down to 40%. The result is an extremely smooth, elegant, and easy drinking gin.

 Price: $34.99

GIN

Hendrick's Gin (88 Proof) (Scotland):

Hendricks’s Gin is made in Scotland and is a bit different than your typical London dry style. In addition to the traditional London dry botanicals, it is also infused with cucumber and rose petals to put a slightly different twist on gin.  

 Price: $34.99

TEQUILA

Espolon (80 Proof) (Mexico):

Excellent value-priced silver tequila. Made from 100% blue agave with no added sugar, colorants, or flavorings.

Price: $22.99

TEQUILA

Riazul Reposado Tequila (80 Proof) (Mexico):

You may not have heard of Riazul yet, but you probably will start to soon. They make some fantastic tequila that will likely impress you if tasted next to some of the larger brands that retail for the same price or even a bit more. Plus they come in lovely bottles. If you’re a tequila drinker, you should definitely try this.

Price: $51.99

WHISKEY

WHISKEY

WHISKEY

WHISKEY

WHISKEY

WHISKEY

WHISKEY

RUM

Samaroli Caribbean Rum 2003 (90 Proof) (Cuba): 

This is the rum equivalent of a rare single malt Scotch bottling. Samaroli is an independent bottler of Scotch whiskey, who also deals with independent bottlings of rum. He buys individual barrels from rum-producing countries in the Caribbean, and ages them back in Scotland, where the cooler climate is much more suitable for the long term aging of spirits. This rum actually comes from Cuba, but it would be illegal for us to tell you that because of an embargo. So we’re not going to tell you that. No it’s not inexpensive, but it’s a lot cheaper than a ticket for international flight so you can go to a duty free shop.

Price: $97.99

VERMOUTH

PISCO

Barsol Pisco Primero Quebranta grapes (Peru):

LIQUEUR

Fernet Branca Liqueur (78 Proof) (Milan, Italy):

The most famous of the Fernet- style of amari. The perfect after-dinner digestive, served straight, over ice, or with a splash of soda water. Serve it mixed with cola if you’re Argentinian, or in a shot with a back of ginger beer or ginger ale if you’re from the Bay Area, or just sip it very slowly if you’ve just had a rather large meal.

 Price: $29.99

LIQUEUR

Branca Menta (60 Proof) (Italy):

The mint liqueur from the people who brought you Fernet Branca. Slightly lower in alcohol than Fernet Branca (30% ABV), with a distinct menthol aroma and flavor. You could probably brush your teeth with it.

 Price: $29.99

LIQUEUR

Luxardo Fernet Amaro (90 Proof) (Veneto, Italy):

VERMOUTH