First Friday in May Grab Bag

The first few days in May are always celebratory. Maybe we all can get outside for a while this weekend; that alone seems like something we should celebrate. Tomorrow is the Kentucky Derby, and Monday is Cinco de Mayo, so we hope you'll be celebrating responsibly.

Speaking of the Run for the Roses, we still have a small number of the limited-edition 1-liter Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select 2014 Kentucky Derby bottles. These are collectables that will always have value, at least when unopened (but who can do that?).

In earlier posts, we offered some great drink recipes, from traditional Margaritas and Mint Juleps to the more exotic. To search, just click on "cocktails" in the Labels section to the left.

Events

Lawrenceville
Friday, May 2, regular wine tasting, 4-6pm
Saturday, May 3, free Margarita samples, 10am-2pm
Saturday, May 3, regular wine tasting, 2-4pm
Friday, May 23, free Michter's whiskey tasting, 4-6pm
Saturday, May 24, free hot dogs (while supplies last) and a visit from the Bud Light Lime-a-Rita car

Woodbridge
Friday, May 2, regular wine tasting, 4-6pm
Friday, May 2, specialty tapping of Big Muddy Brewing Blueberry Blonde Ale
Saturday, May 3, free Woodford Reserve Mint Julep tasting, 1-3pm
Saturday, May 24, free soft pretzels (while supplies last)

Both stores will have a pre-Father's Day bottle engraving session on Sunday, June 8. The hours will be 2-5pm in Lawrenceville, and 4-7pm in Woodbridge. These products are eligible for the free engraving: Gentleman Jack, Jack Daniel's Single Barrel, Jack Daniel's Sinatra Select, Woodford Reserve, Woodford Reserve Double Oak, and Herradura Tequila.

Ripped From The Headlines

How to start a wine cellar, from the Wall Street Journal.

New craft brewery started, owned and staffed by US military veterans. Read the article here.

Last week, we noted proposed FDA rules on spent grain, the leftovers from brewing and distilling. The FDA issued a follow-up statement here.

The Spirits Business listed their 10 most pioneering US craft distillers. The whole article is here. At Joe Canal's we currently carry products from five of the ten: Balcones, Corsair (which we visited in May, 2013, and blogged about), Clear Creek, Hudson/Tuthilltown, and Tito's.

What's New

We should still have one bottle of The Macallan 1989. The unique single malt is a 1989 sherry butt and gives hints of chocolate orange and date, mixed with sweetness and wood, which perfectly captures the mood of the ‘Gallery’ image it is paired with.

Shot in artist Frederic Edwin Church’s (1826-1900) private gallery in Upstate New York, the indulgent setting is the perfect backdrop to the intense moment that Scottish actor Kevin McKidd shares with his leading lady.  The accompanying 1989 single malt, burnished oak gives out a rich intensity which, like the image, has a dry finish that teases.

Nose: Perfumed, chocolate orange and date. Burnished oak giving out a rich intensity.
Palate: Sweet, fruity, raisin, wood and spices. Then the oak, which shows its hand in a subtle roasted manner.
Finish: Rich finish could stay slightly dry, but teases.
ABV: 56.6%

This is for the serious collector or enthusiast only, as it's priced at $2699.99.

Yesterday, we introduced the new Locations wines from Dave Phinney. We've already offered notes on the wine from France. Here's a little more on the other wines we'll carry:

Spain E-2

For Spain, Priorat, Jumilla, Toro, Rioja, and Ribera del Duero are among the most noble growing regions on the Iberian Peninsula and were purposely chosen for the second release of the Spanish red wine. Super concentrated fruit from old vines with low yields are accented with a judicious oak program for a balanced and distinctive wine.

An alluring cast of blooming crimson and deep red shades are immediately present in the glass. Complimenting the appearance is an impressive intensity on the nose with elevated dark cherry and exotic spice notes. The entry is rich with youthful berry compote, floral, and plum flavors, complimented with bright acidity. The finish is expansive and pleasing with a persistent mocha tinge and silky tannins.

Italy I-1

Beginning in the south near the townships of Torricella and Manduria in Puglia, Locations finished up north at Alba in Piemonte. Diverse components were meticulously assembled that represent the finest from each region. The result is a vibrant wine that captures the spirit of Italy with a touch of new world bravado.

Revealing an attractive color spectrum of crimson and scarlet with a slight magenta band on the rim, the wine explodes with aromas of macerated raspberries, dried lavender, plum tart, and toasty oak accents. The palate is immediately hit with super lush flavors of ripe berries and spice, supported with a dense core that has just the right amount of characteristic acidity. The tannins are already velvety and soft, which provide for a lingering finish with hints of minerality and herbal notes.

Have a great weekend!