Road Trip!

Over the years, your blogger had had the opportunity to visit about a dozen different breweries, from local craft brewers like River Horse and Weyerbacher to the national brands like Coors and Anheuser-Busch. Every visit, official or not, has been a lot of fun, and sampling fresh beer is a great way to spend an afternoon.

We've just had the opportunity to visit Ballast Point, at their flagship location in Miramar. While it's located in a not-very-scenic corporate/industrial park, the inside is ultra modern, reflecting the fact that this particular venue (one of six Ballast Point locations in the San Diego area) is only a couple of years old. There is a restaurant and gift shop, to go along with the brewing facility.

What was particularly interesting was the more than a dozen R&D beers on their menu. These may or may not actually be available for sale one day, but they are delicious. Among our samples were the Manzanilla Pilsner, Twelve Guinea Wee Heavy, California Kolsch and Sour Wench, which is a Berliner Weisse with Blackberry.

Following our tasting, we took a tour of the brewery. Southern California brewers benefit from being able to have fermenters outside the building, and Ballast Point takes full advantage of this added space. While our shelves have been missing some of their selections, we can tell you that they are working at capacity to replenish the stock. We also made sure to let them know of the Sculpin shortage. Their canning (pictured here) and bottling lines were humming right along.

The Southern California weather might not have been pleasant on our trip, but the warm hospitality of the Ballast Point team made up for that.

Later in the day, during a stop at San Diego's Liberty Public Market, we discovered a Stone Brewing restaurant/micro brewery, which meant more beer!

Since this was an unexpected discovery, we limited ourselves to simple choices: the brown ale and Xocoveza! It was cold enough that the outdoor tables had portable heat lamps, so these two heartier choices were perfect. And a quick trip to the bottle shop gave us something to look forward to later.

In our view, the best road trips balance the planned activities (our visit to Ballast Point) with time for new discoveries (the Stone Brewing venue). Whether you're doing a weekend out here in New Jersey, or something a little more exotic, there are great breweries (plus wineries and distilleries) waiting for you.

Happy New Year Corner

We'd like to wish you a Happy & Healthy New Year, from everyone on the team at Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville and Woodbridge. We work hard to make sure that you have a great place to shop for the best, freshest craft beer, and we appreciate seeing so many familiar faces stopping in every week.

While we have no brand-new craft beer deliveries this week, we do have plenty to discuss. First on the agenda is New Year's Eve. We know that you might enjoy some sparkling wine this Saturday night. Click here for a basic outline of sparkling wine types and a few staff suggestions. With all the college football bowl games coming up, we also suspect there will be pizza on many tables in the coming week. Click here for craft beer and wine pizza pairing suggestions.

Statistics show us that roughly 1000 people visit this blog every Friday, and we're glad that you do. We'd like to crowdsource some additional suggestions. Please use the Comment section below to let us know what your favorite craft beers were in 2016. We know that some of the allocated items aren't currently available, but maybe you can help someone find a new favorite from the year-round portfolio of Ballast Point, Lagunitas, River Horse, Stone, Weyerbacher, or any one of our other fine craft brewers.

Our distributors and the local brewers who self-distribute will continue to surprise us, so please ask a member of the beer team if you're looking for something that we might have to hide in the back. We hear that the Maine Beer Company might be a little more aggressive about deliveries in 2017, so we're hopeful on that.

Thank you for continuing to read our blog, and thank you for shopping with us at Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville and Woodbridge.

Welcome to Sparkling Wine Week

Not as dramatic as Shark Week, but we think that Champagne Sparkling Wine Week is much more delicious. With New Year's Eve just a few days away, we thought we'd offer some thoughts on the bubbly. How about some basic definitions to start?

Champagne is a specific type of sparkling wine, made a certain way, from specific grapes, in the Champagne region of France. There are still a few products that use the name "California Champagne" (like Korbel), to prevent any possible confusion.

Cremant is the name associated with sparkling wines from other regions of France, such as Alsace or the Loire. We have a nice selection of these sparkling wines, which are typically at a very affordable price.

Prosecco is Italian sparkling wine. Principally made from the Glera grape, from northeastern Italy.

Asti/Asti Spumante/Spumante are essentially interchangeable categories of sweet sparkling wines from Italy. Verdi and Martini & Rossi fit here.

Cava is Spanish sparkling wine, from Catalonia. Cava can be rose or white, and is made from indigenous grapes like the macabeu.

Domestic Sparkling Wine. Many of our domestic producers (Gruet, Mumm Napa, Schramsburg and others) do make their sparkling wine in "Methode Traditionelle," which mimics the way Champagne is made (secondary fermentation in bottle, etc.). There are a number of Champagne producers, such as Mumm, Roederer and Tattinger, who product Methode Traditionelle sparkling wines in California, in the $20 range.

With that brief outline, here are some sparkling wines that we think will rule this New Year's Eve. Or any time you want some bubbly.

Vollereaux Brut Champagne. "Rich and refined, with layers of pear pastry, black cherry, hazelnut, lemon cream, honey and floral notes. A spicy thread of minerality winds through this wine, as does the precise and seamlessly integrated acidity." - Wine Spectator, 92 points.

This is a very recent addition, and we have a limited supply. Only $28.99 in the Bottle Club®.

Isabelle Brut Classique. Lawrenceville Senior Wine Manager Brandon Bartfalvi's review: "A deliciously tempting sparkling wine from New Mexico. This full-bodied sparkler offer flavors green apple and pear with a bit of toastiness on the finish. Dry, crisp and refreshing!"

Isabelle is made in the traditional Champagne style. One of our Preferred Selection wines, Isabelle is available for only $16.97 in the  Bottle Club®.

Fioretti Prosecco. A classic prosecco showing a light and refreshing palate filled with apple and pear flavors and a hint of floral notes. The persistent bubbles are refreshing and delicate ending in a clean finish.

Please check our Bottle Club® email this week, as we'll have special offers on other sparkling wines in this lead-up to New Year's Eve.

It's The Last Minute

If you haven't started your holiday shopping yet, you either are very busy, or have nerves of steel. Maybe there are other options, but we're still going to tell you that it's time to get that list checked off. We still have quite a few choices in gift sets and other items that are holiday-appropriate, but some are running out. Here, we'll take a look at some new products, and some holiday specials, so you have even more options.

Bellissima Brut Prosecco, from Christie Brinkley, is now in stock-just in time for gifting or enjoying.

Given Christie Brinkley's commitment to creating and preserving beauty-in herself, in others, and in the natural world—it's no surprise that her line of 100% organic Prosecco and sparkling wines are imbued with her Bellissima spirit. As she says, "Dream big Bellissima dreams, and may they all come true!"
Brut is the driest (i.e. least sugary) version of Prosecco, and ours is aromatic and elegant, with delicate scents of green apple and freshly baked bread.

Uncorked at the very last minute, Bellissima Brut is fabulous to sip alongside seafood, particularly shellfish, sushi, and sashimi.

Made from 100% organic Glera grapes.

Acqua Della Vigna Pinot Grigio. Did we mention holiday specials? if you're having a party or other gathering, grab a case of this at under $5/bottle, priced in the Bottle Club®.

This refreshing Italian Pinot Grigio is one of the best values in the store!  Bright citrus fruit and subtle peach and pineapple flow seamlessly from nose to palate.  Medium-bodied with crisp acidity, grab a case of this to have on hand to enjoy with poultry dishes, seafood scampi, or fresh summer salads.  At this price, you just can't go wrong!

Robert Mondavi Private Selection Bourbon Barrel-Aged Cabernet Sauvignon. Did you miss out on this spectacular wine earlier this year? Don't miss it again. It's due to arrive Wednesday or Thursday, and we'll have a very limited supply.

It’s about 2,500 miles from Kentucky Bourbon country to our Coastal California vineyards. But one sip will tell you, it’s one long-distance relationship that was always meant to be.

SEE: Deep cherry red
SMELL: Toasty vanilla, brown sugar
TASTE: Black cherry, blackberry
PAIR: Bourbon glazed grilled ribs, charcuterie board

Beelgara Estate Shiraz 2015. The Brolga (Grus rubicunda) formerly known as the "native companion", represents our Beelbangera origins with our proud Australian heritage.Originally situated in the village of Beelbangera, the place name derived from the local Aboriginal word meaning "native companion", the Beelgara Winery has a history that dates back over 80 years.

This Shiraz has generous plum fruit aromas enhanced with a hint of cracked pepper and sweet French oak. This full bodied wine is well balanced with sweet plum and elegant soft tannins on the finish. Enjoy with richer foods such as roast beef or mushroom risotto.

The Original Craft Beer Corner

No, we're not going to re-run that very first post. We are, however, proud to be your source for the latest in craft beer news. Please note that the following items are not necessarily available at both of our stores, so please check with us before making a special trip.

UPDATE: Our email that was originally scheduled for December 16 was postponed, so this post will run in the December 23 email instead. Our wholesalers didn't have anything new for  us this week anyway. But because we're in a festive mood, we're unlocking the doors on some of our allocated items, so it's still a great time to be a craft beer lover.

Founders Imperial Stout. Brewed with ten varieties of malted barley, this stout is smooth as silk, yet complex and rich in body. Serve this guy at cellar temperature. Put another log on the fire, sit back and enjoy the friendship of this ultimate winter warmer. 10.5% ABV, 75 IBU, and 100 points from RateBeer.

Central Waters Bourbon Barrel Stout. The brewery's most highly sought after beer, this imperial stout is aged to perfection in oak bourbon barrels. Look for this tasty treat to contain hints of bourbon and vanilla with toasted overtones that is sure to please and connoisseur's palate. Serve this beer at cellar temperature from a snifter glass and enjoy this expression of our passion for brewing. Very limited.

Coney Island The Plunge. Our homage to the fearless souls who bravely charge into icy, watery depths each winter to experience a thrill and exhilaration like no other. Come on in, take the plunge!

The Plunge is a slightly hazy, golden, Belgian-style ale with a big, citrus aroma. This full-bodied, malty beer has big spice character that comes to life at first sip. 6.9% ABV, 30 IBU.

Look also for new deliveries from Knee Deep and Lost Abbey.

Also, especially for our new readers, we post coupons to our website every Tuesday that will save you money on craft beer. Click here for the coupon page (valid at Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville and Woodbridge only). Cheers!

Holiday Shopping Primer

The calendar is moving pretty quickly now, so we can only suggest that you get your holiday shopping done at your earliest opportunity. Lets talk a little more about holiday shopping.

Store hours. We will maintain regular store hours until December 24, Christmas Eve. As a reminder, that means 9am-10pm Monday through Saturday, and 9am-7pm on Sunday. On Christmas Eve, we'll be open from 9am to 7pm. Looking ahead, we'll be open 9am-8pm on New Years Eve.

Some of our Beer gift sets

Gift Sets. We still have a great selection of gift sets in all product categories. And for most (not all) of our gift sets, the item is priced the same as that product is regularly. What's not to love about that? Most gift sets are available in limited quantities, which is another reason to get our holiday shopping finished (started?) as soon as you can.

Gift Cards. Visit any cashier for a Gift Card purchase, which are available in any denomination that you choose.

New Products. We'll continue to get new products on a regular basis, although there will be a bit of a slowdown through the end of December. Here's a look at some of our newest arrivals:

Clos du Bois Rouge. Deep ruby red in color, this charming red blend opens with aromas of black cherry and plum, with hints of sandalwood, vanilla, and brown spice. A mouthful of sweet fruit and full-bodied lushness follows, with a juicy, concentrated blackberry fruit entry balanced by milk chocolate and spice on the finish.

This rich, jammy blend will pair nicely with a wide range of foods, including steak, ribs, and hamburgers off the grill. 52% Syrah, 21% Zinfandel, 13% Petite Sirah, 7% Merlot, 7% Other.

Winery price is $15. Our regular price is $11.99, and our Bottle Club® price is only $9.99.

Calamares Vinho Verde. Calamares comes from the heart of the "Vinho Verde" wine region from a single estate of the "Quinta da Devesa."

The name "Calamares" was developed to create an association with the unpretentious and relaxed nature of the region and its wines. It is closely tied with the local cuisine and lifestyle.

The wines are young with high acidity and moderate alcohol, and are meant to be enjoyed at any occasion.

Crisp and refreshing, this white is the perfect accompaniment to all kinds of seafood, salads, mild cheeses, or simply on its own. The Bottle Club® price is too low to publish, so please take a moment to find this amazing value when you're shopping with us.

Not in the Holiday Spirit. Someone deliberately dumped the equivalent of 400,000 bottles of wine at an Italian winery. Click here for the story.

Cold Weather Corner

Your blogger is not a fan of the colder weather that we're starting to deal with here in New Jersey. We usually have to leave our car outside, and we're not thrilled at starting our day by scraping ice off the windshield. So that's enough of our whining for today, because you came here to find out about our freshest craft beer deliveries.

Allocated

These beers all feature extremely limited availability, and may not be on display. If you don't see them, ask for assistance.

Allagash Hibernal Fluxsus. The name Fluxus is Latin for continuous change and every summer we’ve brewed a different recipe under the Fluxus name. This year, we’re introducing Hibernal Fluxus: a winter sibling to the Fluxus tradition. The first annual Hibernal Fluxus is a Belgian-style stout brewed with figs. Its taste straddles the rift between roasty and sweet with notes of bitter baking chocolate, espresso, biscuit malt, and mocha—a chewy, creamy inauguration of a new tradition. In 750ML bottles at 8% ABV.

Stone Stygian Descent. Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Black IPA practically named itself. The perfect melding of dark malts with a downright indecent amount of hops forges a complex flavor profile of assertive dark roastiness and big, bright hop notes for a singularly sublime experience.

Small Batch Brewer Cecil Menasco thought it would be an ingenious experiment to age our dark and deeply hopped Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Black IPA in rye whiskey barrels…and he was right. This time our small batch crew, never a self-satisfied bunch, added bourbon barrels. The result is transcendent: perfectly balanced dark chocolate, oak, dried fruit and citrus tones. As it warms, the spicy rye and sweet bourbon barrel notes complete this masterful transformation. 11.6% ABV, 90 IBU. Unfiltered and aged 5 months in American Oak Templeton Rye Whiskey Barrels & Kentucky Bourbon Barrels.

Open Availability

You'll find these beers for sale in the refrigerated section, on a floor stack, or on the shelf, or any combination. The only caveat is that the seasonal beers will only be available for a short time. If you want to try something, you should get it now.

Terrapin Krunkles Down Under. Krunkles returns with a new IPA from his time spent on the underside of the world. Brewed with hops exclusively from New Zealand and Australia, the "South Pacific IPA" is packed with so much flavor, it might even make a Kiwi say G'day! 6.5% ABV, 80 IBU.

Great Lakes Blackout Stout. Bold and dark as a power-less metropolis, our Russian Imperial Stout commemorates the infamous 2003 blackout that briefly left some 55 million people utterly unplugged.

This brew is pitch-dark and rich, kindled with black malt and roasted barley, and illuminated by flickers of bitter hops. 9.0% ABV, 50 IBU. Pairs with wild game, caviar, chocolate desserts, and candlelight.

Penn Brewery Chocolate Meltdown. Our Chocolate Milk Stout. A very dark, full-bodied ale.  Hints of roasted caramel malts along with luscious Betsy Ann chocolate mingle with lactose sugar for creaminess in every sip. Cited by Modern Brewery Age as "the most chocolately of them all" in a tasting panel of several chocolate beers. 5.5% ABV, 25 IBU.

Monday Grab Bag

So much to talk about, and so little time. If you're holiday shopping, some of our gift sets have already sold out. We do, however, still have a great variety of beer, wine and spirits gift sets available. For the best selection, please shop soon!

New Products

Ramsay Pinot Noir. A new vintage at an incredible price. Notes from the winemaking team: "This is now our 27th year of producing Ramsay Pinot Noir. I look back over all those vintages and am pleased to see the constant style, and the yearly improvements. Making this wine has been one of the joys of my winemaking life. It has always been good tasting and good value.  Year after year I have been able to improve on my sources of grapes and on my winemaking technique — and year after year I find myself enjoying the wine more."

"2014 was a nice year to grow Pinot Noir. Summer was mild and rain free. Harvest had no hot spells. The grapes came in just the way I like them….juicy and plump with no raisins and no rot. The result was a lovely juicy and plump wine…full of rich Pinot Noir fruit….brambles and roses."

Yards Chocolate Love Stout. Passionately brewed with over 200 pounds of pure, 100% cacao Belgian dark chocolate, this irresistibly smooth stout explodes with the taste and aroma of rich, dark chocolate goodness. This deep black beauty will seduce you with her roasty maltiness and hints of vanilla and caramel. 6.9% ABV, 30 IBU. Limited availability.

Pairings:  Chocolate Love Stout likes long walks on the beach, candlelit dinners, big comfy beds, cabins with fireplaces, scenic overlooks… you get the picture.

Castello Di Gabbiano Toscana Solatio 2012. 89 points from Wine Spectator: "Meaty, offering plum, black cherry and spice flavors, including a hint of black pepper. Balanced, with moderately firm tannins and a tangy finish. Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese." A ridiculously low Bottle Club® sale price that we can't post here. New to Lawrenceville.

The Problem With Pappy

It's not just the various Pappy Van Winkle expressions, it's the many different items in the marketplace where the demand to supply ratio seems like 100:1. If you're not a whiskey drinker, maybe it was one of the Goose Island stouts. If not, maybe it was Screaming Eagle (maybe not-we haven't had a bottle to sell in 6 years). The point is that we want to be as fair as possible in making these kinds of products available to our loyal customers and new customers alike.

Sometimes, items are on display, but in a locked case. Sometimes, we can't even put the product out, for any one of a number of reasons, such as producer requirements (common for craft brewers). If our managers maintain a mailing list for specific categories, it's to allow us to communicate directly with you on the availability of products that interest you. If you are interested in purchasing items are known to be limited (like the ones mentioned above), please sign up for the appropriate list.

We'd love to have enough Pappy or Utopias or Screaming Eagle to fully meet the demand. Until that happy day arrives, we will keep refining our processes. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

News You Can Use

Photo: Time Life Pictures/National Archives/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

Today is Repeal Day, marking the end of Prohibition. Click here for just one of a zillion stories on the topic, which is near and dear to us. maybe raise a glass tonight to Repeal Day.