Bacon and Egg Martini
The Meatequita
The Pizza Cocktail
These were all bar or restaurant specialty cocktails, and they weren't sharing the exact measurements for each drink. But we think you'll have some fun by trying different proportions.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Weird Cocktails
These were all bar or restaurant specialty cocktails, and they weren't sharing the exact measurements for each drink. But we think you'll have some fun by trying different proportions.
Friday, March 28, 2014
Grab-Bag Friday
We round out the week with an assortment of items that you should know about, but won't fill a blog post on their own.
Each new season of Game of Thrones is partnered with a special, limited release from Ommegang. This season's brew, Fire and Blood, will be available Monday. Call the stores for direct purchase information, which is limited to one bottle per person. Lawrenceville is 609-520-0008, and Woodbridge is 732-726-0077.
In Lawrenceville, the wine tastings are on the regular schedule of 4-6pm Friday, and 2-4pm Saturday. The specialty tapping tonight is DuClaw Serum Double IPA, at 5pm.
In Woodbridge, tonight we're tasting Dad's Hat Whiskey, from 5-7pm. The specialty tapping, normally at 6pm, is moved to 7pm just for tonight. And we're also tapping DuClaw Serum Double IPA. The Saturday wine tasting will be at the normal time of 1-3pm.
Starting in April, the Lawrenceville specialty tapping will move to Thursdays at 6pm. For both stores, the featured brewery in April is the Clown Shoes Beer Company.
Although we've already highlighted several new products this week, we want to bring some others to your attention.
Unico Pinot Grigio is now available in both Lawrenceville and Woodbridge. It's a delicious, crisp, fruity white wine. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and perfectly balanced, supple and refreshing. This is a versatile wine that matches well with a great variety of dishes, but is also excellent served on its own as an aperitif. Delicious with seafood linguine or grilled tuna. Only $13.96 in the Bottle Club®.
Both stores have also received very limited quantities of the latest addition to the Robert Biale line, the 2012 Bedrock Vineyard Sonoma Zinfandel.
The Biale family, immigrants from Northern Italy, began growing grapes in Napa in the 1930’s – Zinfandel only. Zinfandel, California’s adopted grape, was widely planted by immigrants throughout the state’s history as a highly flavorful red grape well-suited for its expansive range of arid climates and diverse soils. In the 1940’s Aldo Biale sold bottles of illicit homemade Zinfandel known as “Black Chickens” over his party line phone service.
Their Bedrock Vineyard has quite a history, as people ranging from General Tecumseh Sherman to William Randolph Hearst to the Parducci family have either owned the property, or made wine there. This vintage is Biale's first at the property.
The wine itself is aromatic, finely textured, and expressive of warm blackberries, cherry pie, stony minerals and baking spices. Its elegant and hedonistic style can be enjoyed now, or cellared for a long future. Only 300 cases were produced, and it's priced at $48.99.
And one for the whisky lovers...
Tullibardine Aged 20 Years
Matured in first fill Bourbon Barrels, this is a wonderful, charming, single malt that delivers vanilla, cocoa, honey, and oatmeal in equal measure, while finishing smooth and dry on the palate. There is a complexity from its age, but there is still that hint of subtle sweetness that Tullibardine has in its malts. Only about 3 bottles will be available in each store, priced at $136.99 in the Bottle Club®.
And while you're thinking about a single malt, look for the Tullibardine 225 (Sauternes finish) and Tullibardine 500 (Sherry finish), each priced at only $54.99 in the Bottle Club®.
Every week, we're happy to assist people looking to stock their home bar with quality spirits, beer and wine. But you can't forget the bar tools, if you want to make quality cocktails at home. Click to read what you might be missing.
Waiting for a $100 cocktail? It's in Boston. Click for the article.
Have a great weekend, everyone.
Ommegang Game of Thrones Fire and Blood
Each new season of Game of Thrones is partnered with a special, limited release from Ommegang. This season's brew, Fire and Blood, will be available Monday. Call the stores for direct purchase information, which is limited to one bottle per person. Lawrenceville is 609-520-0008, and Woodbridge is 732-726-0077.
Weekend Tasting Schedule
In Lawrenceville, the wine tastings are on the regular schedule of 4-6pm Friday, and 2-4pm Saturday. The specialty tapping tonight is DuClaw Serum Double IPA, at 5pm.
In Woodbridge, tonight we're tasting Dad's Hat Whiskey, from 5-7pm. The specialty tapping, normally at 6pm, is moved to 7pm just for tonight. And we're also tapping DuClaw Serum Double IPA. The Saturday wine tasting will be at the normal time of 1-3pm.
Starting in April, the Lawrenceville specialty tapping will move to Thursdays at 6pm. For both stores, the featured brewery in April is the Clown Shoes Beer Company.
Additional New Products
Although we've already highlighted several new products this week, we want to bring some others to your attention.
Both stores have also received very limited quantities of the latest addition to the Robert Biale line, the 2012 Bedrock Vineyard Sonoma Zinfandel.
Their Bedrock Vineyard has quite a history, as people ranging from General Tecumseh Sherman to William Randolph Hearst to the Parducci family have either owned the property, or made wine there. This vintage is Biale's first at the property.
The wine itself is aromatic, finely textured, and expressive of warm blackberries, cherry pie, stony minerals and baking spices. Its elegant and hedonistic style can be enjoyed now, or cellared for a long future. Only 300 cases were produced, and it's priced at $48.99.
And one for the whisky lovers...
Matured in first fill Bourbon Barrels, this is a wonderful, charming, single malt that delivers vanilla, cocoa, honey, and oatmeal in equal measure, while finishing smooth and dry on the palate. There is a complexity from its age, but there is still that hint of subtle sweetness that Tullibardine has in its malts. Only about 3 bottles will be available in each store, priced at $136.99 in the Bottle Club®.
And while you're thinking about a single malt, look for the Tullibardine 225 (Sauternes finish) and Tullibardine 500 (Sherry finish), each priced at only $54.99 in the Bottle Club®.
News You Can Use
Every week, we're happy to assist people looking to stock their home bar with quality spirits, beer and wine. But you can't forget the bar tools, if you want to make quality cocktails at home. Click to read what you might be missing.
Waiting for a $100 cocktail? It's in Boston. Click for the article.
Have a great weekend, everyone.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Dinner Time
Since we're faced with maybe a little rain over the weekend, we wanted to highlight some recipes from our partner wineries. A nice, home-made meal with a good bottle of wine sounds about right to us.
3 pounds lean stewing beef, cut into large cubes
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon thyme
2 bay leaves
1 clove garlic, sliced
2 cups Vietti Barbera d'Alba
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 onion, diced
1 tablespoon lard (you can substitute an equal amount of vegetable shortening or butter)
1/2 cup water
Combine all ingredients except onion, garlic, lard and water and marinate 4 hours or, if possible, overnight. When ready to cook, brown the onion and garlic in a tablespoon of lard in a stewing pot. Add the marinated meat, setting aside the marinade, and left it brown slowly and thoroughly. Strain the marinade and add it to the stewing meat. Then add the water, cover and cook for about an hour or until the meat can be pierced easily with a fork. Serves 4 to 6. And have another bottle of Vietti Barbera d'Alba on hand.
Whenever our team members have had the opportunity to travel to Argentina, the food item that is universally raved about is the simple Empanada. Courtesy of Casa Lapostolle, we recommend this recipe. Feel free to experiment with other fillings.
INGREDIENTS
Dough
(You can substitute a good quality store-bought pastry dough)
3 1/2 ounces vegetable shortening
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
2/3 cup warm water
3 cups flour, plus extra for rolling out dough
Filling
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 1/3 cups onion, minced
12 ounces button mushrooms, stems removed and caps minced
3 tablespoons dry white wine
Salt and fresh black pepper, to taste
Empanada dough (see above)
6 ounces Gouda cheese, shredded
1 egg, lightly beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Vegetable oil for deep-frying
Add the onion and sauté on medium heat until soft. Add mushrooms and sauté until ingredients start to brown. Add the wine and cook until the liquid evaporates. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper.
Lightly flour a surface and roll dough out as thin as possible. Cut 3-inch circles out of the dough, saving the scraps, which can be re-rolled only one time. Place a small pinch of cheese on one half of each circle and top with about 1/2 tablespoon of the mushroom mixture, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the lling. Brush egg wash around the edges and fold the dough over to make a half-circle. Tightly crimp edges by folding them over or using the tines of a fork.
Heat vegetable oil in a 2-inch deep fryer, sauté pan, or wok. When the oil reaches 375 degrees, slowly drop in empanadas, six at a time. Cook a few minutes on each side, until lightly browned. Drain on paper towels and allow to cool brie fly before serving.
Serve with Casa Lapostolle Sauvignon Blanc. This is totally worth the effort.
Rombauer Chardonnay is one of the most popular domestic selections, and they offer some seasonal recipes on their web site. This particular springtime recipe can be finished on the grill or in the oven, because we like choices, and because we need a reason to get our grills ready for the season.
Combine in a food processor or blender and puree:
-1⁄3 cup fresh lime juice
-Up to 10 habanero or Scotch bonnet peppers (three is fine for most everyone, six is not, eight is probably too many)
-2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
-2 tablespoons fresh orange juice-3 scallions, coarsely chopped
-2 tablespoons dried basil
-2 tablespoons dried thyme
-2 tablespoons yellow mustard seeds (highly recommended) or 1 tablespoon dry mustard
-2 teaspoons ground allspice
-1 teaspoon ground cloves
-1 teaspoon salt
-1 teaspoon black pepper
The mixture should have the consistency of thick tomato sauce. If necessary, thin with additional: lime juice, vinegar, or orange juice.
Brush the jerk mixture over:
-8 whole chicken legs or 8 bone-in chicken breast halves
You can slap it on the grill right then and there, or refrigerate and let marinate in a bowl or plastic bag for 1 hour or more (preferably three, ideally twelve). The flavor payoff is worth planning ahead.
To grill, lightly oil the grill rack and prepare a medium-hot charcoal fire. Spread the hot coals on one side of the grill. Arrange the chicken pieces skin side down on the side of the grill away from the coals. Cover the grill and cook for 20 minutes. Turn the chicken and cook 15 to 20 minutes more.
To cook in the oven, preheat the broiler. Arrange the leg quarters skin side down on a broiler tray. Place the pan 8 inches beneath broiler for 12 to 15 minutes. Turn chicken skin side up and broil until browned and crisp and the meat registers 170°F on a thermometer, about 8 to 10 minutes. If the skin begins to char before the chicken is done, move the pan farther from the heat. Remove to a platter and let stand 10 to 15 minutes.
Serves about 8 people, so you might need two bottles of Rombauer Chardonnay.
Beef Stew with Vietti Barbera d'Alba
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon thyme
2 bay leaves
1 clove garlic, sliced
2 cups Vietti Barbera d'Alba
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 onion, diced
1 tablespoon lard (you can substitute an equal amount of vegetable shortening or butter)
1/2 cup water
Combine all ingredients except onion, garlic, lard and water and marinate 4 hours or, if possible, overnight. When ready to cook, brown the onion and garlic in a tablespoon of lard in a stewing pot. Add the marinated meat, setting aside the marinade, and left it brown slowly and thoroughly. Strain the marinade and add it to the stewing meat. Then add the water, cover and cook for about an hour or until the meat can be pierced easily with a fork. Serves 4 to 6. And have another bottle of Vietti Barbera d'Alba on hand.
Cheese and Mushroom Empanadas
Whenever our team members have had the opportunity to travel to Argentina, the food item that is universally raved about is the simple Empanada. Courtesy of Casa Lapostolle, we recommend this recipe. Feel free to experiment with other fillings.
INGREDIENTS
Dough
(You can substitute a good quality store-bought pastry dough)
3 1/2 ounces vegetable shortening
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
2/3 cup warm water
3 cups flour, plus extra for rolling out dough
Filling
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 1/3 cups onion, minced
12 ounces button mushrooms, stems removed and caps minced
3 tablespoons dry white wine
Salt and fresh black pepper, to taste
Empanada dough (see above)
6 ounces Gouda cheese, shredded
1 egg, lightly beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Vegetable oil for deep-frying
Prepare the Dough
Heat the shortening in a small saucepan over low heat. When it begins to melt, immediately add the salt and warm water. Remove from the heat, and place the flour in a food processor. While the machine is running, pour half of the liquid through the feed tube. Stop the machine, turn it to pulse, and slowly add the remaining liquid, scraping down the sides if necessary. Turn dough out onto a lightly fl oured surface and knead briefly until smooth. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate until cool, at least 30 minutes.
Final Preparation
Heat oil in a 12-inch skillet. Add the onion and sauté on medium heat until soft. Add mushrooms and sauté until ingredients start to brown. Add the wine and cook until the liquid evaporates. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper.
Lightly flour a surface and roll dough out as thin as possible. Cut 3-inch circles out of the dough, saving the scraps, which can be re-rolled only one time. Place a small pinch of cheese on one half of each circle and top with about 1/2 tablespoon of the mushroom mixture, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the lling. Brush egg wash around the edges and fold the dough over to make a half-circle. Tightly crimp edges by folding them over or using the tines of a fork.
Heat vegetable oil in a 2-inch deep fryer, sauté pan, or wok. When the oil reaches 375 degrees, slowly drop in empanadas, six at a time. Cook a few minutes on each side, until lightly browned. Drain on paper towels and allow to cool brie fly before serving.
Serve with Casa Lapostolle Sauvignon Blanc. This is totally worth the effort.
Grilled Jamaican Jerk Chicken
Rombauer Chardonnay is one of the most popular domestic selections, and they offer some seasonal recipes on their web site. This particular springtime recipe can be finished on the grill or in the oven, because we like choices, and because we need a reason to get our grills ready for the season.
Combine in a food processor or blender and puree:
-1⁄3 cup fresh lime juice
-Up to 10 habanero or Scotch bonnet peppers (three is fine for most everyone, six is not, eight is probably too many)
-2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
-2 tablespoons fresh orange juice-3 scallions, coarsely chopped
-2 tablespoons dried basil
-2 tablespoons dried thyme
-2 tablespoons yellow mustard seeds (highly recommended) or 1 tablespoon dry mustard
-2 teaspoons ground allspice
-1 teaspoon ground cloves
-1 teaspoon salt
-1 teaspoon black pepper
The mixture should have the consistency of thick tomato sauce. If necessary, thin with additional: lime juice, vinegar, or orange juice.
Brush the jerk mixture over:
-8 whole chicken legs or 8 bone-in chicken breast halves
You can slap it on the grill right then and there, or refrigerate and let marinate in a bowl or plastic bag for 1 hour or more (preferably three, ideally twelve). The flavor payoff is worth planning ahead.
To cook in the oven, preheat the broiler. Arrange the leg quarters skin side down on a broiler tray. Place the pan 8 inches beneath broiler for 12 to 15 minutes. Turn chicken skin side up and broil until browned and crisp and the meat registers 170°F on a thermometer, about 8 to 10 minutes. If the skin begins to char before the chicken is done, move the pan farther from the heat. Remove to a platter and let stand 10 to 15 minutes.
Serves about 8 people, so you might need two bottles of Rombauer Chardonnay.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Midweek News
Here's a quick whip-around look at some of our newest products:
Bruichladdich has some of the most interesting whiskys on the market now.
The wild west Atlantic-facing coast gave birth to this third release in Bruichladdich's uber-provenance Islay Barley series.
Harvested in 2006 and distilled in 2007, the grain for this iconic whisky was grown for Bruichladdich in the Minister’s Field at Rockside Farm by Mark and Rohaise French.
A painfully slow distillation to gently coax the delicate oils and flavor compounds from the barley, coupled with casks carefully selected to preserve those flavors, has resulted in a whisky of exceptional complexity.
Bruichladdich believes terroir matters. Distinctive, authentic and unique, this is land and dram united. 50% ABV.
The texture is rich and robust with the maltiness of the barley very much at the fore. There is a natural innocence and purity to this spirit that brings an unbelievable depth and complexity to the palate. For a spirit so young it is outstanding.
The oak has been waiting patiently and now it cradles all of the aromatics. This malt is in so perfect a place at this time that one cannot ever recall such a pleasurable taste experience. The flavors of this Island detonate across the palate. Made and matured by the ocean by real artisans, working with Victorian equipment. It’s the start of a journey that few have ever dreamed about and now it’s possible to walk with this young Ileach as he challenges the shaman and their marketing myths.
Available at $60.99.
While walking through a new vineyard for his now famous Cherry Pie Single-Vineyard Pinot Noir, Winemaker Jayson Woodbridge was struck with a new concept: applying his “micro fermentation” technique used on Cherry Pie to three vineyards, in order to create a “Multi-Single-Vineyard blend”. Utilizing the unique taste and flavor profiles of three single vineyards, combined with the artisan micro winemaking approach of its namesake Cherry Pie, small individual lots are micro fermented in puncheon barrels. The result: Cherry Tart redefines artisan Pinot Noir.
Cherry Tart Pinot Noir exhibits notes reminiscent of cherry pie, plums, cranberries and a hint of wild strawberries. This beautifully rich, pure Pinot Noir offers abundant aromas of cloves, sweet apple skins and Rainier cherries. Full bodied, a rich texture with fresh flavors of Bing cherry and red plum lead to a long finish. Vanilla oak and lively acidity round it out and leave you wanting more.
Only $17.49 in the Bottle Club®.
SVEDKA Strawberry Lemonade is a contemporary twist on the wistful, classic lemonade drink. Infused with aromatic, ripe berries, the blend boasts notes of juicy lemon pulp with a crisp, refreshing finish. Just in time for the warmer weather that will arrive any time now.
SVEDKA Mango Pineapple retains a tropical island aroma, as the infused vodka is mingled with warm, tangy notes that produce a bold entry of juicy, sweet pineapple and succulent mangoes trailed by layers of a sweet tropical fruit bouquet.
Each new flavor comes in the 750ML size, and is priced at $12.99.
Your new everyday red. From the heart of Chianti, at a site where they've been making wine for 250 years.
The wine has a ruby red color tending to garnet with aging. Intensely vinous with violet profumoda, has a dry, fruity, harmonious and slightly tannic feel, which over time will be soft and velvety. 95% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo.
Only $9.96 in the Bottle Club®.
When you're next in Joe Canal's, please take a moment to find these great new items, and enjoy them at home.
Bruichladdich Islay Barley Rockside Farm 2007
The wild west Atlantic-facing coast gave birth to this third release in Bruichladdich's uber-provenance Islay Barley series.
Harvested in 2006 and distilled in 2007, the grain for this iconic whisky was grown for Bruichladdich in the Minister’s Field at Rockside Farm by Mark and Rohaise French.
A painfully slow distillation to gently coax the delicate oils and flavor compounds from the barley, coupled with casks carefully selected to preserve those flavors, has resulted in a whisky of exceptional complexity.
Bruichladdich believes terroir matters. Distinctive, authentic and unique, this is land and dram united. 50% ABV.
The texture is rich and robust with the maltiness of the barley very much at the fore. There is a natural innocence and purity to this spirit that brings an unbelievable depth and complexity to the palate. For a spirit so young it is outstanding.
The oak has been waiting patiently and now it cradles all of the aromatics. This malt is in so perfect a place at this time that one cannot ever recall such a pleasurable taste experience. The flavors of this Island detonate across the palate. Made and matured by the ocean by real artisans, working with Victorian equipment. It’s the start of a journey that few have ever dreamed about and now it’s possible to walk with this young Ileach as he challenges the shaman and their marketing myths.
Available at $60.99.
Cherry Pie Cherry Tart Pinot Noir
Cherry Tart Pinot Noir exhibits notes reminiscent of cherry pie, plums, cranberries and a hint of wild strawberries. This beautifully rich, pure Pinot Noir offers abundant aromas of cloves, sweet apple skins and Rainier cherries. Full bodied, a rich texture with fresh flavors of Bing cherry and red plum lead to a long finish. Vanilla oak and lively acidity round it out and leave you wanting more.
Only $17.49 in the Bottle Club®.
Two New SVEDKA Flavors!
SVEDKA Strawberry Lemonade is a contemporary twist on the wistful, classic lemonade drink. Infused with aromatic, ripe berries, the blend boasts notes of juicy lemon pulp with a crisp, refreshing finish. Just in time for the warmer weather that will arrive any time now.
SVEDKA Mango Pineapple retains a tropical island aroma, as the infused vodka is mingled with warm, tangy notes that produce a bold entry of juicy, sweet pineapple and succulent mangoes trailed by layers of a sweet tropical fruit bouquet.
Each new flavor comes in the 750ML size, and is priced at $12.99.
La Tancia Chianti 2011
The wine has a ruby red color tending to garnet with aging. Intensely vinous with violet profumoda, has a dry, fruity, harmonious and slightly tannic feel, which over time will be soft and velvety. 95% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo.
Only $9.96 in the Bottle Club®.
When you're next in Joe Canal's, please take a moment to find these great new items, and enjoy them at home.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Star Winemaker FTW
For example, you can pair 30 Degrees Sauvignon Blanc with seafood dishes, raw oysters and white meats prepared with citrus and herb sauces. For the cheese lovers, pair 30 Degrees Sauvignon Blanc with Crottin, from France, which has a light tangy goat's milk flavor.
As a product line, 30 Degrees wines are great examples of quality wine at a great value. These California appellation wines are sophisticated blends from quality California growing regions, like Monterey, Paso Robles, Clarksburg, and Lodi.
Although the regular price is $14.99, 30 Degrees Sauvignon Blanc is available in the Bottle Club® for only $11.96. You'll want this on hand as the weather warms.
Monday, March 24, 2014
Cocktail Madness
Clinton Kelly's Slam Dunk Punch
1 cups Cointreau (or your favorite Triple Sec)
1/2 gallon Orange sherbet
2 liter Ginger ale
6 ounce Frozen orange juice concentrate (optional)
Orange slices for garnish
Place sherbet and frozen orange juice concentrate in a punch bowl. Allow to thaw for 10 to 15 minutes.
Stir in ginger ale, Camarena tequila and Cointreau. Garnish with orange slices and serve.
While these are portioned out as individual cocktails, they're worth making in quantity.
The Bloody Bull
2 oz Tomato juice
2 oz Prepared beef bouillon.5
oz Fresh lemon juice
3 dashes Worcestershire sauce
2 dashes Tabasco Sauce
pinch Kosher salt
pinch coarsely ground black pepper
Lemon wedges for garnish
Add all the ingredients to a Collins glass. Mix well, then top with ice. Garnish with lemon wedge. Add celery for an early game.
The Brown Suit
Named for the late Coach Adolph Rupp, who always wore a brown suit.
1.5 oz Makers Mark Bourbon
1 oz Corsair gin
Sprite
Fill a tall glass with ice. Add bourbon and gin. Top with with Sprite.
The Kentucky Colonel
1.5 oz Makers Mark Bourbon
.5 oz Benedictine
Fill a shaker half way with ice. Add bourbon and Benedictine. Shake for 30 seconds. Strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with lemon peel.
Even though there are no local teams left in the tournament, these cocktails will help you find a new favorite in no time.
Friday, March 21, 2014
Friday Grab Bag
A look at industry news and Joe Canal's updates that we couldn't fully cover earlier in the week.
There are laws that spell out the requirements for a Tennessee whiskey. The elements include the mashbill, the specifics of the barrel used for aging, and so on. Lawmakers in Tennessee are considering changes to the current law. Read about it here.
A trailer-load of a rare Canadian whiskey is missing. That's 1532 cases of Mastersons 12 year old, with a value of about $700,000. Read the whole story here, which includes tasting notes on a 12 year old whiskey that we'll probably never see.
Hungary abolishes three and four Puttonyos Tokaji grades, effective later this year. While this change won't have an immediate impact, if your favorite Tokaji falls in that range, you might want to stock up. The Puttonyos scale refers to sugar levels. Read about it here.
In California, a warehouse worker was arrested, accused of stealing over $400,000 worth of wine. That's about 350 cases. The story, with snark, is here.
We're covering all of our product categories in Lawrenceville this weekend. On Friday, from 5:00 to 7:00pm, we're offering a complimentary tasting of Dad's Hat Whiskey. Based in nearby Bristol, PA, Dad's Hat is made by hand, in small batches, using only natural, local ingredients and the most careful methods. It's crisp, smooth and delicious, and is produced in the original home of American Rye Whiskey.
Also at 5:00pm, we have our weekly specialty Growler tapping. Our featured brewery in March is DuClaw Brewing Company, and we're tapping Naked Fish.
Like most traditional Stouts, Naked Fish is medium-bodied and nearly black in color, with a light tan head. But where Naked Fish turns the stout style upside down is in its flavor profile. Gourmet Chocolate Raspberry Coffee is added to the grain bill to produce a taste experience you’ll never forget.
Finally, we have our regular weekly wine tasting on Saturday, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. You can find the tasting menu here.
We've just added a Lost Distillery Scotch Whisky tasting for Friday, April 11, from 4:00 to 6:00pm. In their words: "The Lost Distillery Company is an independent boutique Scotch Whisky company. We are obsessive about our craft and uncompromising when it comes to whisky quality. Our mission is to create present day expressions of legendary whiskies that belonged to the craft of whisky distilling almost a century ago."
There's also plenty to taste in Woodbridge. The normal wine tasting schedule is in force, with the Friday hours 4:00 to 6:00pm and 1:00 to 3:00pm on Saturday. Friday's tasting is themed to the arrival of Spring, as suggested by the staff. You can find both Friday and Saturday tasting menus here.
And the Woodbridge specialty tapping of DuClaw Naked Fish will be at 6:00pm on Friday.
Both stores have received a limited amount of the Canal's Family Selection Elijah Craig 12 Year Old Single Barrel Canal's Family Selection. A genuine small batch Bourbon, it's named after the Rev. Elijah Craig, the man who discovered the method of making true Kentucky Bourbon when he stored his wares in barrels that had been charred in a fire. Single Barrel means that the Bourbon is bottled exclusively from one hand-selected barrel, rather than from a blending of 70 barrels for a typical Bourbon. This leads to uniquely rich and distinct flavors.
Due to arrive today is a new Canal's Family Selection product: Maestro Dobel™ Tequila. This tequila is sourced from single estates and is distilled from 100% blue agave and bottled in Jalisco, Mexico. Each bottle of Dobel™ Tequila is double-distilled, matured in Hungarian White Oak barrels, and filtered for exceptional smoothness and clarity.
Ripped From The Headlines
There are laws that spell out the requirements for a Tennessee whiskey. The elements include the mashbill, the specifics of the barrel used for aging, and so on. Lawmakers in Tennessee are considering changes to the current law. Read about it here.
A trailer-load of a rare Canadian whiskey is missing. That's 1532 cases of Mastersons 12 year old, with a value of about $700,000. Read the whole story here, which includes tasting notes on a 12 year old whiskey that we'll probably never see.
Hungary abolishes three and four Puttonyos Tokaji grades, effective later this year. While this change won't have an immediate impact, if your favorite Tokaji falls in that range, you might want to stock up. The Puttonyos scale refers to sugar levels. Read about it here.
In California, a warehouse worker was arrested, accused of stealing over $400,000 worth of wine. That's about 350 cases. The story, with snark, is here.
In-Store Tastings
Also at 5:00pm, we have our weekly specialty Growler tapping. Our featured brewery in March is DuClaw Brewing Company, and we're tapping Naked Fish.
Like most traditional Stouts, Naked Fish is medium-bodied and nearly black in color, with a light tan head. But where Naked Fish turns the stout style upside down is in its flavor profile. Gourmet Chocolate Raspberry Coffee is added to the grain bill to produce a taste experience you’ll never forget.
Finally, we have our regular weekly wine tasting on Saturday, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. You can find the tasting menu here.
We've just added a Lost Distillery Scotch Whisky tasting for Friday, April 11, from 4:00 to 6:00pm. In their words: "The Lost Distillery Company is an independent boutique Scotch Whisky company. We are obsessive about our craft and uncompromising when it comes to whisky quality. Our mission is to create present day expressions of legendary whiskies that belonged to the craft of whisky distilling almost a century ago."
And the Woodbridge specialty tapping of DuClaw Naked Fish will be at 6:00pm on Friday.
Now In Stock
Both stores have received a limited amount of the Canal's Family Selection Elijah Craig 12 Year Old Single Barrel Canal's Family Selection. A genuine small batch Bourbon, it's named after the Rev. Elijah Craig, the man who discovered the method of making true Kentucky Bourbon when he stored his wares in barrels that had been charred in a fire. Single Barrel means that the Bourbon is bottled exclusively from one hand-selected barrel, rather than from a blending of 70 barrels for a typical Bourbon. This leads to uniquely rich and distinct flavors.
Due to arrive today is a new Canal's Family Selection product: Maestro Dobel™ Tequila. This tequila is sourced from single estates and is distilled from 100% blue agave and bottled in Jalisco, Mexico. Each bottle of Dobel™ Tequila is double-distilled, matured in Hungarian White Oak barrels, and filtered for exceptional smoothness and clarity.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Survey Says...
At the end of February, we launched a customer survey in one of our Bottle Club® emails. The response was tremendous, and we'll post the Amazon Gift Card winners shortly. Meanwhile, we'd like to address some of the issues raised in the survey responses. We appreciate all of the kind words that were offered, and we'll share them with our store associates. This blog post, however, will deal with questions or concerns that you've brought to our attention.
One concern came from a customer who was looking for a warm case of a specific brand of beer. We do stock this beer, but we only sell it cold. The customer really didn't have room to keep a full case of beer in the refrigerator, and preferred buying a warm case, to be able to chill only as many beers as needed.
Light, not temperature change, is the primary enemy of beer flavor. Bottled beer, green or clear in particular, is susceptible to "skunking" if it's been stored where it's exposed to light. From the time a beer leaves the brewery to the time it arrives at our doors, it's liable to have changed temperature more than once. For more information on beer basics, see Beer Advocate's Beer 101.
The important caveat on the temperature question is about extremes. Leaving beer in your car on a very hot summer day, or a very cold winter night, could negatively impact the beer's flavor.
Someone asked us for more rebate offers. In that regard, we rely on our vendor partners to keep us fully stocked on rebates - and we do remind them frequently. In Lawrenceville, the Rebate Center is near the exit door. In Woodbridge, it's close to the entrance, near Customer Service.
A few people commented on how our wine selections are organized. There's probably no perfect way to organize a store with as many selections as we have, but we think it will make more sense with a brief explanation.
For our international wines, they are first grouped by country, then by region. Our domestic wines are first organized by varietal (counting blends as a varietal), then they are more-or-less alphabetical within the variety. So many of our international wines are blends (Bordeaux and Rhone in particular) that it would be impossible to break them down by varietal.
Thanks again to everyone who participated in this survey. We do enjoy receiving compliments on what we're doing well, and we take seriously the opportunity to improve our service to you.
One concern came from a customer who was looking for a warm case of a specific brand of beer. We do stock this beer, but we only sell it cold. The customer really didn't have room to keep a full case of beer in the refrigerator, and preferred buying a warm case, to be able to chill only as many beers as needed.
Light, not temperature change, is the primary enemy of beer flavor. Bottled beer, green or clear in particular, is susceptible to "skunking" if it's been stored where it's exposed to light. From the time a beer leaves the brewery to the time it arrives at our doors, it's liable to have changed temperature more than once. For more information on beer basics, see Beer Advocate's Beer 101.
The important caveat on the temperature question is about extremes. Leaving beer in your car on a very hot summer day, or a very cold winter night, could negatively impact the beer's flavor.
Someone asked us for more rebate offers. In that regard, we rely on our vendor partners to keep us fully stocked on rebates - and we do remind them frequently. In Lawrenceville, the Rebate Center is near the exit door. In Woodbridge, it's close to the entrance, near Customer Service.
A few people commented on how our wine selections are organized. There's probably no perfect way to organize a store with as many selections as we have, but we think it will make more sense with a brief explanation.
For our international wines, they are first grouped by country, then by region. Our domestic wines are first organized by varietal (counting blends as a varietal), then they are more-or-less alphabetical within the variety. So many of our international wines are blends (Bordeaux and Rhone in particular) that it would be impossible to break them down by varietal.
Thanks again to everyone who participated in this survey. We do enjoy receiving compliments on what we're doing well, and we take seriously the opportunity to improve our service to you.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Please Allow Me To Introduce...
It's been a busy week back at the receiving dock. Let's unpack some of our newest products that are ready for you to enjoy.
In stock now, in both Lawrenceville and Woodbridge, is Beluga Noble Vodka (Beluga Gold should arrive within the next day or two). The Gold and Noble are available in very limited quantities, so act fast.
Beluga Noble was first produced in 2002, and its refined, rich taste is due to the malt spirit and pure water from Siberian artesianal wells. That helps smooth the taste. The vodka is triple filtered and aged for 30 days, softening the aromas and flavors.
Beluga Gold is made similarly, but is filtered five times. The packaging is also upgraded, with a wax seal, and a hammer/brush combo to clean the wax. Beluga Gold has been routinely special-ordered, and it's sure to sell out.
Over in the wine aisles, look for Chateau Jean Faux Bordeaux Superieur. Just outside the appellation limits of Castillon, this property is located on fairly steep slopes protected by pine trees. The 25 year old vines are planted on clay and limestone plateaus. The 2010 vintage is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc.
"This is quite ripe, with almost flashy plum, raspberry and boysenberry flavors, but they stay focused and driven, with mouthwatering anise and apple wood notes that cut through the middle and extend the long, fleshy, polished finish. A latent minerality chimes in at the very end, boding well for the future. Drink now through 2020." - Wine Spectator 92 points. With a regular price of $26.99, the Chateau Jean Faux Bordeaux Superieur is only $23.99 in the Bottle Club®.
Looking at brown spirits, arriving soon will be Jim Beam® Single Barrel Bourbon, the Pride of the Rackhouse.
For those who take their bourbon a bit more seriously, there’s Jim Beam® Single Barrel.
The master distillers carefully select each barrel by hand—less than one percent are chosen for Jim Beam® Single Barrel—ensuring the highest quality and craft. No two barrels are the same, and each is individually bottled, labeled and hand-numbered so that its heritage is unquestionable.
Every glass is full-bodied and smooth, with attributes of oak, vanilla and caramel. Sip it neat or savor it on the rocks. After all, it’s some of the very best bourbon that the Beam family has ever produced. Only $33.99 in the Bottle Club®.
You can collect it, or drink it, or both: Three Olives® Elvis Presley™ Coconut Water Flavored Vodka. It's an incredible blend of imported English vodka and the natural taste of fresh coconut water. The one-liter bottle is priced at $19.99 in the Bottle Club®, and it is currently in stock.
Three Olives® Elvis Presley™ Coconut Water Flavored Vodka makes a spectacular base for easy and imaginative cocktails. Grab a few recipes here.
Beluga Noble was first produced in 2002, and its refined, rich taste is due to the malt spirit and pure water from Siberian artesianal wells. That helps smooth the taste. The vodka is triple filtered and aged for 30 days, softening the aromas and flavors.
Beluga Gold is made similarly, but is filtered five times. The packaging is also upgraded, with a wax seal, and a hammer/brush combo to clean the wax. Beluga Gold has been routinely special-ordered, and it's sure to sell out.
"This is quite ripe, with almost flashy plum, raspberry and boysenberry flavors, but they stay focused and driven, with mouthwatering anise and apple wood notes that cut through the middle and extend the long, fleshy, polished finish. A latent minerality chimes in at the very end, boding well for the future. Drink now through 2020." - Wine Spectator 92 points. With a regular price of $26.99, the Chateau Jean Faux Bordeaux Superieur is only $23.99 in the Bottle Club®.
For those who take their bourbon a bit more seriously, there’s Jim Beam® Single Barrel.
The master distillers carefully select each barrel by hand—less than one percent are chosen for Jim Beam® Single Barrel—ensuring the highest quality and craft. No two barrels are the same, and each is individually bottled, labeled and hand-numbered so that its heritage is unquestionable.
Every glass is full-bodied and smooth, with attributes of oak, vanilla and caramel. Sip it neat or savor it on the rocks. After all, it’s some of the very best bourbon that the Beam family has ever produced. Only $33.99 in the Bottle Club®.
Three Olives® Elvis Presley™ Coconut Water Flavored Vodka makes a spectacular base for easy and imaginative cocktails. Grab a few recipes here.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Our Value Proposition
A wide range of microclimates, the magnitude of thermal fluctuations, soil and elevation diversity contribute to a unique ecosystem suitable for the growth of high quality Malbec grapes.
The grapes are hand-picked in boxes, at the peak of maturity, with cluster selection in vineyard and cellar.
On the nose, this wine is the maximum expression of elegance: ripe fruit jam, balsamic notes, subtle floral contributions, typical Malbec of their vineyard. The oak aging appears in a classic way, with prominent toasted notes. On the palate, the wine has sweet attack, firm structure, balanced tannins, alcohol and acidity. It has a persistent finish. The winery recommends decanting 40 minutes before serving. Ideal with beef ribs, flame grilled vegetables and orange and chocolate marquise.
With a Bottle Club® price of only $19.98, this will be a great weekend wine, but you should also cellar one or two or three.
Monday, March 17, 2014
Guinness Chocolate Cake
Lindsey Daly, Supervisor at our Lawrenceville store, made a cake for the staff today, and we invited her to share the recipe.
1 cup Guinness (dark beer)
1/2 cup butter, cubed
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup baking cocoa
2 eggs, beaten
2/3 cup sour cream
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
TOPPING:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1. Grease a 9-in. springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper; set aside.
2. In a small saucepan, heat beer and butter until butter is melted. Remove from the heat; whisk in sugar and cocoa until blended. Combine the eggs, sour cream and vanilla; whisk into beer mixture. Combine flour and baking soda; whisk into beer mixture until smooth. Pour batter into prepared pan.
3. Bake at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Remove sides of pan.
4. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add confectioners’ sugar and cream; beat until smooth (do not over-beat). Remove cake from the pan and place on a platter or cake stand. Ice top of cake so that it resembles a frothy pint of beer. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 12 servings.
The result:
1 cup Guinness (dark beer)
1/2 cup butter, cubed
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup baking cocoa
2 eggs, beaten
2/3 cup sour cream
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
TOPPING:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1. Grease a 9-in. springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper; set aside.
2. In a small saucepan, heat beer and butter until butter is melted. Remove from the heat; whisk in sugar and cocoa until blended. Combine the eggs, sour cream and vanilla; whisk into beer mixture. Combine flour and baking soda; whisk into beer mixture until smooth. Pour batter into prepared pan.
3. Bake at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Remove sides of pan.
4. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add confectioners’ sugar and cream; beat until smooth (do not over-beat). Remove cake from the pan and place on a platter or cake stand. Ice top of cake so that it resembles a frothy pint of beer. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 12 servings.
The result:
More St. Paddy's Day Cocktails
The Dirty Leprechaun
1/2 oz Bailey's Irish Cream
1/2 oz Jagermeister
For the best visual, layer each ingredient by pouring slowly over the back of a spoon.
The Irish Flag
1 part green Creme de Menthe
1 part Bailey's Irish Creme
1 part Grand Marnier
As with the Dirty Leprechaun, layer each ingredient.
The Green Dublin Apple
1 oz Sour Apple Schnapps
2 oz white cranberry juice
Combine the three ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake for 30 seconds. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with apple slice.
Slainte! Enjoy responsibly.
Friday, March 14, 2014
Friday Grab Bag
We wish all of you a Happy St. Patrick's Day. We do enjoy a fun holiday. This weekend also marks the Jewish holiday of Purim, so enjoy some Hamantashen.
For your St. Paddy's festivities, we do have a great selection of Irish beer and whiskey. In fact, our web site currently includes three money-saving coupons for select Irish whiskeys. Please visit our Special Offers page to view and print the coupons.
Don't miss our tastings and tappings this weekend. Here's the run-down:
Lawrenceville, tonight
5pm Specialty Growler tapping, DuClaw Old Flame
5-7pm special tasting of Punzone Original Liqueur and Punzone Lemoncino
Lawrenceville, tomorrow
2-4pm wine tasting
Woodbridge, tonight
4-6pm wine tasting
6pm Specialty Growler tapping, DuClaw Cocoa Fuego
Woodbridge, tomorrow
1-3pm wine tasting
Woodbridge, Sunday
1-3pm Irish whiskey tasting
Please visit our Events page for complete menus and upcoming tastings.
Ripped From The Headlines:
Should American cheese makers use European cheese names?
It's Pi Day. The math kind, not the dessert or pizza kind. But you can decide otherwise.
It's also National Potato Chip Day. Who knew?
Have a great weekend!
For your St. Paddy's festivities, we do have a great selection of Irish beer and whiskey. In fact, our web site currently includes three money-saving coupons for select Irish whiskeys. Please visit our Special Offers page to view and print the coupons.
Don't miss our tastings and tappings this weekend. Here's the run-down:
Lawrenceville, tonight
5pm Specialty Growler tapping, DuClaw Old Flame
5-7pm special tasting of Punzone Original Liqueur and Punzone Lemoncino
Lawrenceville, tomorrow
2-4pm wine tasting
Woodbridge, tonight
4-6pm wine tasting
6pm Specialty Growler tapping, DuClaw Cocoa Fuego
Woodbridge, tomorrow
1-3pm wine tasting
Woodbridge, Sunday
1-3pm Irish whiskey tasting
Please visit our Events page for complete menus and upcoming tastings.
Ripped From The Headlines:
Should American cheese makers use European cheese names?
It's Pi Day. The math kind, not the dessert or pizza kind. But you can decide otherwise.
It's also National Potato Chip Day. Who knew?
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Making Their Debut
We do love to talk about the new products that we bring into our stores. When you think about how many beer, wine and spirits items that we already stock, we need to make sure that the new products also get your attention. Your new favorite beverage might just have arrived, and you should know about it.
This is actually a good time to pause for a reminder about our tastings. Our regular wine tastings are every Friday and Saturday, and both our Lawrenceville and Woodbridge stores. At our Growler stations, you may sample a limited number of beers before you make your purchase. We also have an assortment of other tastings throughout the year; for example, we have a Punzone tasting in Lawrenceville tomorrow, and an Irish Whiskey tasting in Woodbridge on Sunday. As always, please check our Events page and Bottle Club® emails for complete details.
Back on point, let's talk about some of the many new items we've recently added to our shelves. The critically acclaimed wine from Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt is Château Miraval. For the new season, we've added their white wine, the Château Miraval Varois en Provence Blanc ''Pitt & Jolie''. Château Miraval, located in the heart of the Var, is one of the most beautiful historic domaines of Provence. With investment in the latest wine-making technology and a passion for excellence at every stage of production, Miraval is producing some of the most exciting wines in the Provence. This white blend is 75% Rolle and 25% Grenache Blanc. Rolle (called Vermentino in Italy), imparts vibrant citrus aromas while a touch of Grenache Blanc reminds one of white peach and fresh herbs. The regular price of this wine is $28.99, but it's currently in the Bottle Club® for only $25.99.
Glenmorangie is one of our best-selling Scotch brands. Their different finishes offer some truly interesting -and delicious- single malts. The newest expression to hit our shelves is the Glenmorangie 18.
The Glenmorangie 18 Years Old is a single malt Scotch whisky of serious distinction. Once it has spent fifteen years maturing in American white oak casks, approximately 30% is transferred into Spanish Oloroso casks to spend a further three years maturing. Then, when both elements have reached 18 years, they are blended back together to create a whisky with a rich bouquet and full, rounded flavor.
For a whisky of this age, this expression has maintained, thanks to the delicate floral spirit and fine Oloroso casks, an incredible degree of vibrancy, where the raisiny sweetness of the sherry has been toned down by the nuttiness of the American oak.
The taste is balanced between honey, malt and flowery scents. Dates and figs emerge in the background with a hint of wood smoke. The finish is long and enticing with the sweetness of dried fruit and subtle dryness of Oloroso nuttiness. Glenmorangie 18 is available in very limited quantities, at $116.99 for the 750ML bottle.
The weather just has to warm up, and then everyone will be looking for a white wine. Beat the rush with this newest Italian. You already know the Stella label, as their Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is one of our biggest-selling Italian red wines. The Stella Trebbiano d'Abruzzo just might be your next everyday white wine.
Made from 50% Trebbiano d’Abruzzo and 50% Trebbiano Toscano grapes from vineyards near the windy Adriatic coast of Abruzzo, the wine is fermented under temperature-controlled conditions in stainless steel tanks. It is released on the market in the spring following the harvest.
Straw-yellow in color with delicate aromas of green apple and flowers, Stella Trebbiano d’Abruzzo is smooth, clean, dry, versatile, and always refreshing. It's excellent with fish antipasti, pasta with clams, fish-based soups, and other light fares. And it's only $4.96 in the Bottle Club®, making it perfect for both cooking and sipping.
Our food choices almost always put us in the mood for an everyday red wine. Meeting that need is the Tenuta Amalia Dolce Viola Cagnina di Romagna. This was just featured in one of our weekend wine tastings in Woodbridge. The wine is predominantly made from Refosco grapes (locally known as Cagnina, or Terrano, meaning earth), and emerges as a deep purple colored and full-bodied red with sweet fruit intensity, offering notes of strawberry and raspberry, backed by soft tannins. This will go nicely with most pasta dishes, burgers, or sausages. The Bottle Club® price is only $7.96.
As we've noted in earlier posts, Joe Canal's regularly receives new items, and we're not always able to go into each one in depth, no matter how much we'd like to. So the next time you're in one of our two stores, don't hesitate to ask one of associates to show you something new.
This is actually a good time to pause for a reminder about our tastings. Our regular wine tastings are every Friday and Saturday, and both our Lawrenceville and Woodbridge stores. At our Growler stations, you may sample a limited number of beers before you make your purchase. We also have an assortment of other tastings throughout the year; for example, we have a Punzone tasting in Lawrenceville tomorrow, and an Irish Whiskey tasting in Woodbridge on Sunday. As always, please check our Events page and Bottle Club® emails for complete details.
The Glenmorangie 18 Years Old is a single malt Scotch whisky of serious distinction. Once it has spent fifteen years maturing in American white oak casks, approximately 30% is transferred into Spanish Oloroso casks to spend a further three years maturing. Then, when both elements have reached 18 years, they are blended back together to create a whisky with a rich bouquet and full, rounded flavor.
For a whisky of this age, this expression has maintained, thanks to the delicate floral spirit and fine Oloroso casks, an incredible degree of vibrancy, where the raisiny sweetness of the sherry has been toned down by the nuttiness of the American oak.
The taste is balanced between honey, malt and flowery scents. Dates and figs emerge in the background with a hint of wood smoke. The finish is long and enticing with the sweetness of dried fruit and subtle dryness of Oloroso nuttiness. Glenmorangie 18 is available in very limited quantities, at $116.99 for the 750ML bottle.
Made from 50% Trebbiano d’Abruzzo and 50% Trebbiano Toscano grapes from vineyards near the windy Adriatic coast of Abruzzo, the wine is fermented under temperature-controlled conditions in stainless steel tanks. It is released on the market in the spring following the harvest.
Straw-yellow in color with delicate aromas of green apple and flowers, Stella Trebbiano d’Abruzzo is smooth, clean, dry, versatile, and always refreshing. It's excellent with fish antipasti, pasta with clams, fish-based soups, and other light fares. And it's only $4.96 in the Bottle Club®, making it perfect for both cooking and sipping.
As we've noted in earlier posts, Joe Canal's regularly receives new items, and we're not always able to go into each one in depth, no matter how much we'd like to. So the next time you're in one of our two stores, don't hesitate to ask one of associates to show you something new.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Celebrate the Suds
Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville and Woodbridge stocks New Jersey's best collection of craft beers. From the highly allocated to the widely distributed, we take pride in our offerings, which we back up with an extremely knowledgeable staff. Whether it's bottles, cans or Growlers, Joe Canal's can't be beat for selection, price, and customer service.
From time to time, we'll draw your attention to beer festivals that are within a reasonable distance of our stores. After all, if you sample something at a festival that you like, we think it's important that you be able to find that brew at one (or both) of our stores.
You'll have to cross the border into Pennsylvania for this first event, which is happening this weekend. The Great Allentown Brew Works Cask Festival will include some of our favorites, like Fegley's, Flying Fish, Neshaminy Creek, and Weyerbacher. You'll be able to sample from nearly three dozen craft and/or cask creations.
On the first weekend of April, beer lovers will have the opportunity to Do AC, with the Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival. This year is the 9th anniversary of the festival, which hosts three separate four-hour sessions.
About four dozen different sponsors (food and products) will participate, along with well over 100 breweries. Local favorites like Clown Shoes, River Horse and Sly Fox are scheduled to participate, along with national-level breweries like Abita, Anchor, and Kona. The international brewing community is represented by Harp, St. Bernardus and Unibroue, among so many others.
Closer to home, and by that we mean "in our stores", we have our weekly specialty Growler tappings, as well as some additional tastings. We do a specialty tapping at 5pm every Friday in Lawrenceville, and 6pm every Friday in Woodbridge. For the month of March, our featured brewery at both stores is the DuClaw Brewing Company.
In Lawrenceville, we'll have a tasting of Shiner Ruby Redbird and White Wing on Thursday, March 27, from 6-8pm. We'll offer the same tasting in our Woodbridge store on Thursday, April 3, also from 6-8pm. And on Saturday, April 5, there will be a tasting of Miller Fortune at our Woodbridge store, from 5-6:30pm.
At Joe Canal's, we remain your beer, wine and spirits Superstore.
From time to time, we'll draw your attention to beer festivals that are within a reasonable distance of our stores. After all, if you sample something at a festival that you like, we think it's important that you be able to find that brew at one (or both) of our stores.
On the first weekend of April, beer lovers will have the opportunity to Do AC, with the Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival. This year is the 9th anniversary of the festival, which hosts three separate four-hour sessions.
Closer to home, and by that we mean "in our stores", we have our weekly specialty Growler tappings, as well as some additional tastings. We do a specialty tapping at 5pm every Friday in Lawrenceville, and 6pm every Friday in Woodbridge. For the month of March, our featured brewery at both stores is the DuClaw Brewing Company.
In Lawrenceville, we'll have a tasting of Shiner Ruby Redbird and White Wing on Thursday, March 27, from 6-8pm. We'll offer the same tasting in our Woodbridge store on Thursday, April 3, also from 6-8pm. And on Saturday, April 5, there will be a tasting of Miller Fortune at our Woodbridge store, from 5-6:30pm.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
New York State of Mind
Like many great things, Finger Lakes Distilling started with an unusual coincidence. In this case, appropriately, it was at a craft distillers’ conference.
Brian McKenzie, a former Vice President of an upstate New York bank, and Thomas Earl McKenzie, a winemaker, brewer and distiller from Monroeville, Alabama, met at that conference in 2007. They aren’t related, but the two share the passion for craft spirits that led them to build a distillery in the heart of Finger Lakes wine country, on the shores of Seneca Lake.
It might seem like an odd choice, putting a distillery in the middle of a wine region. But if you think about it, it makes sense. For one thing, there is immediate access to the crop of one of the best grape-growing regions in the country. There is even a vineyard in front of the distillery. The Finger Lakes region is also home to quite a few small farms, from which they get their corn, rye, barley, and the other grains and fruits that are use to make the premium spirits.
Finger Lakes Distilling is a NYS Farm Distillery, which means that they’re a small operation making a handcrafted product. It also means they’re able to devote all their attention to every product; there are no shortcuts. The flavored vodkas and liqueurs are made in the traditional manner, by soaking real fruits in the spirit. They don’t add extracts or synthetic flavoring to speed up the process. The whiskies rest in oak barrels for as long as they need to, until they mature into the rich aged spirit that are offered with pride.
Although we are bringing in three different styles of their McKenzie Whiskey, the season requires us to focus on their Irish-style Pure Potstill Whiskey.
McKenzie Pure Potstill Whiskey is their take on an Irish-style whiskey – soft, smooth and easy drinking. Finger Lakes Distilling uses a combination of locally-grown unmalted barley and malted barley. The whiskey is aged in used bourbon and rye barrels. Master Distiller Thomas Earl says: “Our Potstill Whiskey is a richer version of the commercial Irish whiskies on the market. It’s full of flavor, but smooth as silk stockings.”
Please ask for McKenzie Whiskey on your next visit to Joe Canal's!
Monday, March 10, 2014
Cocktail Perfection
The way we've heard the old saying, in the Spring, a young (or young at heart) person's fancy lightly turns to cocktails. That's the way we heard it, and we're sticking with that. David Rudd, Floor Manager and resident mixologist at our Woodbridge store, brings us a couple of classics to start our week the right way.
The Negroni
We can’t all travel to Florence, Italy and take in a late spring sunset at the Arno – but we can all enjoy a cocktail whose origins may have Ponte Vecchian roots. Take an old fashioned glass full of ice and mix equal parts good gin, Campari™ and rosso vermouth, garnished with an orange peel. The bitterness and the sweetness reach out to each other as the ice melts and your inner Italian comes out.
The Long Island Iced Tea
This classic, invented by Robert “Rosebud” Butt on New York’s Long Island in the 1970’s, is a favorite of party people the world over. Equal parts triple sec, vodka, gin, rum & tequila (or brandy) with a ½ measure of lemon/orange and a splash of cola, garnish with a lemon and enjoy.
And with St. Patrick's Day coming up in one week, we would be remiss if we did not offer something to celebrate Irish-style.
Bushmills Irish Buck
1.5 oz Bushmills Original Irish Whiskey
.25 oz Fresh lime juice
2 oz Ginger ale
Lime wheel for garnish
Add the whiskey and lime juice to a Collins glass filled with ice.
Top with the ginger ale and garnish with a lime wheel.
Slainte!
Friday, March 7, 2014
Friday Grab Bag
Weekend Events
We have wine tastings in both our Lawrenceville (Friday, 4-6, Saturday, 2-4) and Woodbridge (Friday, 4-6, Saturday, 1-3) stores this weekend. You can see the tasting menu here.
There will be specialty Growler tappings in both stores tonight. We have a double feature tonight, as both stores will tap DuClaw Hellrazer IPA and DuClaw Sweet Baby Jesus. Tapping is at 5pm in Lawrenceville, and 6pm in Woodbridge. DuClaw is our featured brewery at both stores this month.
Upcoming Events
In Woodbridge, on Sunday, March 16, we'll offer a free tasting of Irish Whiskey. The full tasting menu is here.
We're tasting Shiner Ruby Redbird & Shiner White Wing in both stores; Thursday, March 27 in Lawrenceville and Thursday, April 3 in Woodbridge.
We're tasting Miller Fortune in Woodbridge on Saturday, April 5.
On Wednesday, April 9, we're participating in a Scotch Dinner at Centro Grille in Robbinsville. RSVP to 609-208-9300.
Please check our Events page for additional tastings and special events. Not to mention our regular weekend wine tastings. We've got a couple of things in the pipeline, so check in there frequently!
New Products
 |
| Miraval Rose |
Booker's 25th Anniversary Bourbon is available in extremely limited quantities, and only in Woodbridge. Lawrenceville's allocation is already sold out. What makes this special? Well, this edition was the last bourbon that Booker Noe put into the barrel before his death in 2004. It's a 130.8-proof sippin' whiskey that comes in a unique box. Only one bottle per person, priced at $119.99.
Survey
Lawrenceville Survey
Woodbridge Survey
No purchase in necessary, and winners will be chosen at random during the week of March 17, 2014.
Enjoy the weekend! Please remember that tastings are open to those 21 & older, with valid ID.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
So What's New With You?
Our thoughts are with our neighbors in Ewing and Jersey City, who have endured an awful lot this week.
Because it's important to get back to one's normal routine, today we'll talk about some of the new products at Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville and Woodbridge.
We start off with a really special wine, the Domaine Balandras – Les Gravières Macôn- Serrières. The Mâconnais is the soul of southern Burgundy, celebrated by its native son, the poet Lamartine. It extends over some 40 km of the Côte Chalonnaise as far as the Rock of Solutré. Lying between the rivers Saône and Grosne, its valleys and hillsides seem to make the vines welcome. Indeed, vines have been grown here since Gallo-Roman times and their cultivation received a boost from the powerful Abbeys of Cluny and Tournus.
Intense ruby red, purple reflection. Nose of strawberry, spice and licorice. Soft tannins that still exhibit great length. The terroir influence had a surprising and very pleasant minerality to the great 100% Gamay. Mâcon-Serrières goes marvelously well with fine charcuterie (hams, terrines, pâtés)
whose meaty and mouth-filling texture is offset by his vivacity, matched also with more fibrous and subtle meats such as rabbit, and boiled or braised beef, burgers and tapas. This wine has the ability to age up to 5 years, and is only $9.96 in the Bottle Club®.
Another new wine, and another great value, is the 2008 Urbion Crianza. It rated 91 points from the Wine Advocate, who said, "It has a more -serious- bouquet with blackberry, a touch of burnt
toast and Asian spices. The palate is very well-balanced with fine,
supple tannins. It has superb purity and refinement with lovely
blackberry and licorice towards the finish. Once again, this is
unbeatable value. Drink now-2016." Did we mention great value? Only $11.96 in the Bottle Club®.
We're not forgetting about the interesting developments in the world of bourbon. Look for Jefferson’s Ocean: Aged at Sea. Inspired by the original Jefferson’s Ocean, which was new-filled bourbon barrels, the Jefferson’s Ocean: Aged at Sea takes older bourbon barrels and brings it around the world. Stopping in 5 different continents and crossing the equator 4 times, this bourbon truly is a world beater. It's allocated, which means it's only available in extremely limited quantities, and it's priced at $75.99.
At Joe Canal's, there's always something new on our shelves. Our helpful staff will be more than happy to help you find that perfect bottle.
Because it's important to get back to one's normal routine, today we'll talk about some of the new products at Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville and Woodbridge.
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| Current vintage is 2012 |
Intense ruby red, purple reflection. Nose of strawberry, spice and licorice. Soft tannins that still exhibit great length. The terroir influence had a surprising and very pleasant minerality to the great 100% Gamay. Mâcon-Serrières goes marvelously well with fine charcuterie (hams, terrines, pâtés)
whose meaty and mouth-filling texture is offset by his vivacity, matched also with more fibrous and subtle meats such as rabbit, and boiled or braised beef, burgers and tapas. This wine has the ability to age up to 5 years, and is only $9.96 in the Bottle Club®.
We're not forgetting about the interesting developments in the world of bourbon. Look for Jefferson’s Ocean: Aged at Sea. Inspired by the original Jefferson’s Ocean, which was new-filled bourbon barrels, the Jefferson’s Ocean: Aged at Sea takes older bourbon barrels and brings it around the world. Stopping in 5 different continents and crossing the equator 4 times, this bourbon truly is a world beater. It's allocated, which means it's only available in extremely limited quantities, and it's priced at $75.99.
At Joe Canal's, there's always something new on our shelves. Our helpful staff will be more than happy to help you find that perfect bottle.
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