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 Grab Bag Returns

Although we're only here covering for our regular blogger, we thought we'd dust off some of our old favorite titles. This blog post has not theme, but that never stopped us before.

New Products

Rampur Single Malt Whisky. This will be your new favorite whisky from India. Rampur Distillery was the original name for Radico Khaitan, India's fourth largest spirits company. It has been making whisky for more than half a century, and started producing malted barley for its blends in 1990, but only launched its first single malt for export in 2016. This is a creamy and malty whisky with notes of vanilla, apricot and apple. Available in very limited quantities.


Maker's Mark, 200ML. It's the same Maker's Mark Bourbon that you love, but in the "half-pint" size. Limited availability, during the holiday season.




Holiday Gift Sets. Yes, the first of our holiday gift sets have started to arrive. In this initial wave, we have the Crystal Head Vodka gift set. We'll keep you posted as more arrive, but we always recommend shopping early for the best selection.

                           Ripped from the Headlines                    

Workers strike at the Jim Beam Distillery. Click here for the story.


So we didn't have a lot of time to prepare this post, but there's useful information all the same. Stop back tomorrow for the Craft Beer Corner.

On The Shelves, On Sale

We'll discuss a few new products today, and some items that are back in stock. Even with the approaching holidays, we are receiving new products on a regular basis.

Did we mention "sale" in the headline? Why yes, yes we did. Today, we launched sales that carry through to the end of the month only. Click on the appropriate link below:
Lawrenceville Sale Ad
Lawrenceville Wine Sale
Woodbridge Sale Ad
Woodbridge Wine Sale

To save even more money, use the coupons we publish every Tuesday. Click here for the Lawrenceville coupons, and click here for Woodbridge.

We still have a nice selection of gift packs in stock. Click here for the Lawrenceville site; click here for Woodbridge.

Barefoot Bubbly. Barefoot Wine has such a nice backstory, and they remain popular choices across their varietal range. Barefoot Bubbly is returning to our shelves after a brief absence. Look for the trusted label with our sparkling wines.

Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection 1838 Style White Corn. This was created by adjusting the whiskey’s first source of flavor – grain. The use of white corn instead of traditional yellow corn complements additional grains in the whiskey and allows for a sharper whiskey that’s lighter in body with a softer, sweeter, fruit-forward profile.

Color: Light golden honey.

Aroma: Soft and nutty with a malty grain note sweetened with apple fruit, hints of spun sugar, cooked sugar and vanilla. Glimpses of cedar and clove spiciness through a delicate veil of oak smoke.

Flavor: Shortbread and a subtly cool lemon custard note are lightly spiced and dried with a dash of white pepper.

Finish: Long and slightly dry with a lingering sweet, buttery texture.

This is available in extremely limited quantities, and we may not be able to get more once we sell out. $89.99 in the Bottle Club®.

Winnings Riesling. Winnings is not sweet, nor is it sharply dry. It threads the needle, walks the tightrope; it is all about balance. Everything in equilibrium with no more and no less than necessary. Acid, fruit, minerality, density: every element in its right measure. Only $13.99 in the Bottle Club®.

Riesling is a great choice to pair with ham or turkey for Christmas.

Red wines from Spain have been especially hot over the last couple of years, and the whites are right there as well. We've just added the Burgans Albarino. It's a pale yellow, with notes of lemon, peach and tropical fruit aromas. Round, ripe and savory with a slightly exotic personality. It’s nicely textured and over-delivers in the finish. Excellent minerality. Only $11.99 in the Bottle Club®. This is from the Martin Codax cooperative. 89 points from Wine Enthusiast.

The Countdown Started Grab Bag

Christmas is in exactly 3 weeks. Hanukkah starts is in exactly 2 days. Please plan accordingly. To accommodate those who need to shop closer to December 25, please note our holiday hours:

Sunday, December 20, 9am-9pm
Wednesday, December 23, 8am-10pm
Thursday, December 24, 8am-7pm
Friday, December 25, Closed
Thursday, December 31, 8am-8pm
Friday, January 1, noon-4pm

New Products/Holiday Gifts

Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve is the perfect blend for an indulgent celebration. Luxurious, creamy and honeyed, it is a wonderful tribute to the harmonious partnership of Speyside and Highland Whiskies, with just a hint of smoldering embers from the West Coast. Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve is made for those unforgettable nights out with amazing friends. We recommend Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve with soda water.

We made a special purchase of the 1 liter size of the Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve. We are able to sell it for the same price as the 750ML bottle, $65.99 in the Bottle Club®. This was available to us on a one-time only basis, so when these 1 liter bottles are gone, we will not be able to get more at that price.

Midnight Moon Apple Pie Moonshine Gift Set. Moonshine and apple pie - it doesn't get

more American than this. Midnight Moon Apple Pie is a mix of Midnight Moon, apple juice and a cinnamon stick. As these ingredients blend and age, they create a 70 proof spirit that tastes just like homemade apple pie. No fork necessary.

Midnight Moon is inspired by Junior Johnson’s legendary moonshine recipe. It's distilled from American corn to be ultra-smooth and clean tasting. And boy is it ever. So pop a jar open and pass it around, you’re gonna love our high-quality moonshine.

The Gift Set includes a classic glass Mason jar, if you're inclined to share. Only $19.99 in the Bottle Club®. Midnight Moon on its own is currently $21.99, so the Gift Set saves you money!

Slo Down Sexual Chocolate. It’s hard not to be aroused by the sensual trio of Syrah, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. The burst of intense fruit, dark chocolate and spice will do things to your palate you’ve only read about on sites that require credit cards. It starts off all innocent with a triple kiss of plum, cherry and cola, but then things escalate quickly as a daring duo of mocha and blackberry take your taste buds on a smooth ride they’ll be journaling about for months.

That's the actual front label for the wine, and it even includes the founder's cell phone number. Available for $20.99 in the Bottle

Club®. Please note that this is a red table wine, and not a wine beverage like the Eurpoa Chocovine.

Schlafly Tasmanian IPA. Our Tasmanian IPA is brewed with 100% Australian hops. The Tasmanian hop, Galaxy, is a strong, aromatic variety that is different from traditional strains of the Pacific Northwest. Our brewers developed a recipe that showcases the hop’s unique flavors of citrus and pineapple. 7.2% ABV, 65 IBU's.

For a quick look at some of our other Holiday Gift Sets, click here and here. All of our Gift Sets are available in limited quantities.

Store Events

We're having our regular wine tasting today in Lawrenceville, 4-6pm. Click here for the tasting menu. Tomorrow, 2-4pm, we're hosting a special tasting of Stella Artois. Also tomorrow, at 2pm, is the Goose Island BCBS event. Click here for details.

At Woodbridge, it's a Celebration of Stout all day today. Click here for details. We're also having a special tasting of Sean Minor wines today, 4-6pm. Finally, also today, is our Goose Island BCBS event. Click here for details.

Saturday is another big event day in Woodbridge. We have our wine tasting, 1-3pm, the Hennessy VSOP bottle engraving, noon-3pm, and the Johnnie Walker Blue Label engraving, 2-4pm. For all the details, click here.

Ripped from the Headlines

Will posting calorie counts for craft beer in restaurants limit choices? The New York Post says yes, yes it will.

Tomorrow is Krampusnacht! "Nacht" means night in German, so it's basically Krampus Eve. In certain parts of Europe, particularly the Alpine areas, they celebrate the Feast of St. Nicholas on December 6. That's Christmas to them. But, over there, St. Nicholas has a traveling companion called Krampus. And while St. Nicholas brings gifts and treats to the good children, Krampus brings coal to the bad children.

The custom of celebrating Krampusnacht the evening before the Feast appears to go back centuries, and has been resurgent for quite some time. It's kind of a fun excuse to party in that part of the world, and schnapps plays a role in the festivities.

If you check the available photos, Krampus is a pretty scary guy. This photo is from a parade near Salzburg, Austria:

This explanation comes from krampus.com: Krampus is celebrated on Krampusnacht, which takes place on the eve of St. Nicholas’ Day. In Austria, Northern Italy and other parts of Europe, party-goers masquerade as devils, wild-men, and witches to participate in Krampuslauf (Krampus Run). Intoxicated and bearing torches, costumed devils caper and carouse through the streets terrifying child and adult alike. Krampusnacht is increasingly being celebrated in other parts of Europe such as Finland and France, as well as in many American cities.

Your blogger started talking about Krampus in 2013. With the Krampus movie opening today, it's nice to see that Hollywood finally caught up with the Joe Canal's team!

Have a great weekend!

Drink or Hold?

That's the dilemma often faced by wine lovers-do we enjoy a particular wine now, or do we wait for it to age a bit. Your blogger often solves that delightful "problem" by buying two bottles; one for now, and one for later. At this time of year, of course, we might have to turn it up to three, so we can give one bottle away.

Here are some additional gift sets, along with other new deliveries, that we recommend.

Campo Viejo Gift Set. This includes two outstanding Spanish wines. The Tempranillo has rich aromas with a pronounced intensity. The initial scent of red, ripe fruit is followed by gentle, sweet notes of vanilla and spices. On the palate, it is perfumed, soft and fresh with a long finish that leaves memories of red fruit, vanilla and cocoa.

The Garnacha has a red color with purple flashes. Very bright and lively. Complex nose: floods of fruit – strawberry, raspberry, cherry, blackberry, enhanced with floral notes of violet and lilac. Subtle notes of sweet spices and toast enhance and wrap the fruit. Soft, silky, fresh and intense.

The Tempranillo sells for $9.99 in the Bottle Club®. The Garnacha is only available by special order, and sells for around $15. However, the 2-bottle set is only $18.99 in the

Bottle Club®. So, in the end, this could easily be a "one for you, one for me" kind of purchase.

Flying Dog Naughty. Brewed with habanero peppers and orange peel, Naughty packs heat and subtle citrus sweetness. Aunt Judy's fruitcake will never taste the same. 9.0 ABV, 35 IBU's.

Flying Dog Nice. Toasty and sweet, this beer will be quite nice light proteins, cream-based soups and all of your favorite holiday desserts. 8.3% ABV, 30 IBU's.

Both are available in limited quantities.

Baileys Original Irish Cream. The perfect marriage of fresh, premium Irish dairy cream, the finest spirits, aged Irish whiskey and a unique chocolate blend. The Gift Set include four glasses, since Baileys is typically enjoyed with friends. Best of all is the Gift Set, which includes a 750ML bottle of Baileys, is priced at $21.09 in the Bottle Club®, and that's the same price as Baileys on its own.

Click here to get drink recipes from the Baileys website. Many of the featured drinks will fit beautifully in the glasses found in the Gift Set.

Opus One, 2012. Perhaps the ultimate American Bordeaux. The wine effuses dark fruit aromas accentuated by subtler notes of forest-floor and graphite. The wine’s round mouthfeel and satiny tannins wrap around classic flavors of cassis, blackberry and black cherry. This refined and age-worthy wine offers lively acidity and a sturdy structure with a long lingering finish.

Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon 79%, Cabernet Franc 7%, Petit Verdot 6%, Merlot 6%, and Malbec 2%.

We have a very limited quantity of Opus One, available at $209.99 in the Bottle Club®.

Ready to Wrap

We'll cover multiple new products in today's blog post, with a focus on gift-giving. We hear it's the season for that. With today being December 1st, you have some important deadlines coming up.

If you're giving a gift for Hanukkah, that celebration starts at sundown this Sunday, December 6, and goes for eight days. Our stores will be closed on Christmas Day, and we'll close early on Christmas Eve, so we encourage you to shop early.

Right now, we have the best selection of gift sets. All of them have limited availability, so you need to act. Here's a look at some of the 2015 gift sets.

Samuel Adams Holiday Pack. Four different beers from the brewer that started the craft brewing renaissance.

Merry Maker: This rich dark gingerbread stout entices with the aromas of the holidays. The flavor of gingerbread comes alive, beginning with the smooth sweetness and heartiness of dark roasted malts and a touch of wheat. But it’s the intensity and spices of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, & ginger that add a wicked kick for a jolly playful brew full of merry mischief.

White Christmas: A special time of year calls for a special brew.  For us, this brew combines the crispness of a white ale with the warmth of familiar holiday spices.

Winter Lager: Bold and rich, with a touch of holiday spice, Samuel Adams Winter Lager is a wonderful way to enjoy the cold evenings that accompany the season.

Boston Lager: This Go To Beer™ started it all. Samuel Adams Boston Lager helped lead the American beer revolution, reviving a passion for full-bodied brews that are robust and rich with character. Since 1984, Samuel Adams Boston Lager has used only the finest hand-selected ingredients to create this perfectly balanced, complex and full-bodied original brew.

Courvoisier VSOP. Discerning, elegant and complex, VSOP Fine Cognac develops exceptional aromas of jasmine, peach and toasted almond. This cognac is intricately crafted and exquisitely balanced.

Perfect harmony and balance of aromas. Aroma is everything for cognac. The character of each individual note is shaped by its terroir, grape, cask and years of maturation.  This is why Courvoisier takes great care to nurture every possible aroma at every possible stage of the cognac-making process.

The gift set includes two glasses, priced at $35.99 in the Bottle Club®. Compare to the regular price of $40.49!

The Whisk(e)y Table. While this display is in Lawrenceville, nearly every product featured on the table is also available in Woodbridge.

Here, we're featuring whisk(e)y-related gift items. There are gift sets from Jameson, Knob Creek and Glenmorangie, among others. "Tasting Whisky," the book we referenced yesterday, is also available.

If you're undecided, we also have Gift Cards available, in any denomination, at every register.

Cork cages and other gifts. We have an eclectic collection of other gift items available. Cork cages are popular display items. This Ice Luge will help chill your beverage. Ceramic "shoes" let you show off a particular bottle of wine. We also carry a range of meats and cheeses that will pair perfectly with your wine, beer or spirits selections.

As we move through the holiday season, we'll feature more gift items. There's sure to be something in your price range.

Mid-Year Gift Giving Time

We're going to offer a gentle reminder that Father's Day is this coming Sunday. Even if you missed our bottle-engraving events this past weekend, we still have great gift choices available.

2013 Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most sought-after ultra-premium California wines. We've just received a shipment of the latest vintage, the 2013. Caymus Napa Valley delivers big aromas and flavors that include cocoa, cassis and vanilla. Caymus prides itself on producing wines that are as approachable in youth as well at maturity.

Like all wines of this stature, availability is fairly limited. Priced at only $64.99 in the Bottle Club®. We always sell out of the Caymus, so we recommend getting your bottle, or bottles, as soon as you can.

For those who prefer a Scotch whiskey, we can recommend the Laphroaig 15 year old. Laphroaig 15 year old was first created 30 years ago. Barrels were individually selected for their particularly mellow rounded flavor, then batch bottled at the higher export strength of 43% ABV. The resulting flavor soon became a firm favorite, winning many awards. Its highlight was being chosen for the famous ‘Erskine Charity Bottling’ in 2000, when 270 bottles were drawn from a single 15 year old cask signed by HRH The Prince of Wales for this charity of which he is a patron.

On the nose, there are initial scents of grapefruit and fresh mint. A touch of water releases salted caramel, with signature Islay peat smoke underlying sweet orchard fruit aromas. On the palate, enjoy pink peppercorns, light peat smoke with a soft dryness, before a finish of tobacco and faint sea salt.

If you're inclined toward the Laphroaig 15, please note that we have a coupon posted on our website for an additional saving. Please click here to view the coupon. Only $69.99 in the Bottle Club®, before the coupon savings.

While there's no time for a bottle engraving, a purchase of Dewar's Higher Marques offers you the option of a wax seal gift tag. Click here for more information on this, which will run from 2-4pm on Saturday, at both stores.

Maybe a shared special dinner interests you. On Monday, June 22, we are hosting a Bourbon dinner at Vidalia's in Lawrenceville. Great Bourbons, like Elmer T. Lee, Basil Hayden and more will be paired with some of Vidalia's exceptional dishes. Lawrenceville's Store Manager Toni Carver will be your host for the evening. Please click here for information.

Of course, if you don't want to make a final decision yourself, a Joe Canal's Gift Card is available from any cashier, in any denomination.

At Joe Canal's, we have hundreds of items that will make great gifts. If you're not sure, just ask any store associate for assistance.

Early Weekend Grab Bag

Your blogger will be unavailable for the next couple of days, so we're wrapping up the week a little early.

Events in Lawrenceville

This weekend features a modified wine tasting schedule. We're exclusively tasting wines from Josh Cellars, and there will be custom labeling available, making this a great gift opportunity. The tasting hours are expanded: 3-6pm on Friday, and noon-3pm on Saturday.

Please click here to see the full Event calendar.

Events in Woodbridge

It's a pretty big weekend in Woodbridge. We start with our regular Friday wine tasting, which runs from 4-6pm. Click here for the menu.

The main event, of course, is on Saturday. We're hosting a Skinnygirl Cocktails In-Store Bottle Signing with Bethenny Frankel, the founder of Skinnygirl Cocktails, Wine and Vodka, from 3-5pm. Please see our website for important updates.

Before we link to the full calendar, we want to note that one of the big events for next week is the Bridal Show and Wine Tasting on Wednesday, June 10. This in-store event is being produced by Elegant Bridal Productions. Please click here for more information on this fun evening.

Next week also includes a beer tasting and a Bloody Mary tasting. Yes, it's a week that you definitely want to make time to visit our store. Click here for the full Event calendar.

New Products

Pitagora Red Wine Blend. When Francis Ford Coppola’s grandfather, Agostino, was a child growing up in the small town of Bernalda in Southern Italy, he often played among ancient Greek ruins in nearby Metaponto, where thousands of years earlier stood a school run by the legendary Greek scholar Pythagoras — Pitagora in Italian. Known today for his mathematical theorem (a2 + b2 = c2), Pythagoras was more than a mathematician; he was a philosopher who sought new ways of understanding the world through mathematics, astronomy, and music theory.

Growing up in the footprint of this legend, Agostino developed a talent for mathematics and music, and his Pythagorean curiosity about the nature of how things work went on to influence each generation of the Coppola family.

With flavors of briary blackberries, juicy plums, and black currants, Pitagora is a robust red blend of Syrah, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petite Sirah. Selected lots were aged in a combination of French and American oak for 15 months, with the blended wine aged for 12 months.

Limited availability, at $20.99 in the Bottle Club®.

Infinity Cabernet Sauvignon is produced in the Alexander Valley, which is part of Sonoma County, CA. It's a rich and profound Cabernet that has hints of cocoa and cassis in the nose with a superb intensity, and yet it is very elegant on the palate. Infinity shows well integrated tannins and a finish that is long, lingering and oh so satisfying.

Available for only $17.96 in the Bottle Club®.

Neshaminy Creek Highwater Hefeweizen. Our version of an authentic Bavarian wheat beer. Brewed with nearly 60% white wheat, Pilsen malt, and a touch of Munich for color and flavor, we ferment this beer with an authentic German Hefeweizen yeast that gives it a distinctive

fruity banana flavor and aroma matched with a light spicy clove finish. German Hallertau and Tettnanger hops are used exclusively in this brew making this beer as truly German and authentic as possible for a beer brewed outside of Munich. Extremely limited availability.

The Lost Abbey Red Barn Ale. This Farmhouse Ale traces its roots to the small rustic breweries of Southern Belgium. The word Saison comes to us from the French language and it means Season. Lightly spiced with Organic Ginger, Orange Peels, Black Pepper and Grains of Paradise, this brew promises to quench your thirst on the hottest of days.

AROMA: One of the most aromatic beers we make. It's rooted in an explosion of spices (notably the Ginger and Orange Peel) which are partnered with the phenols from our Saison yeast. The nose of the beer is overwhelmingly spicy and fruity from the spice additions. 

TASTE: The first sip always begins with a sweet malt expression that is immediately overwhelmed by the yeast flavors and peppery spices that we have employed. As the beer fades, a slight tartness pervades and develops in a slightly acidic finish making the beer that much more refreshing.

It's gift season. Father's Day and college graduations, for example. For a review of some of our great gift options, please click here.

See you Monday!

(Not Just) Guy Gifts

With Father's Day approaching, and with college graduations happening as well, this is a good time to take a quick look at some of our gift options.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label is a classic Scotch whisky and a perennial favorite gift item. We will soon have an in-store engraving for Johnnie Walker Blue Label purchases. The engraving will be available at our Lawrenceville store on June 13, from 1-3pm, and on June 14, from 2-4pm, at our Woodbridge store. Since Johnnie Walker Blue Label usually lasts a long time, your thoughtful engraving will have an enduring presence.

Some people prefer a Single Malt Scotch. For those palates, we also have an optional bottle engraving event at our Lawrenceville store. Purchases of The Macallan are eligible for engraving on June 12, from 4-7pm.

Throughout history, documents and other items of importance would receive a wax seal to denote authenticity and authority. On June 20, from 2-4pm at both stores, you can have a wax seal gift tag. applied to your purchase of Dewar's Scotch, 12 years or higher. This is another great way to individualize a gift. Click here for more information.

Patrón Añejo, Canal's Family Selection is another great gift suggestion. And we have special gift wrap for this as well.

Patrón Añejo is, for good reason, perhaps the best known ultra-premium tequila. Patrón Añejo combines a variety of tequilas all aged in small white oak barrels for at least 12 months. Similar to winemaking, each vintage of Patrón Añejo is carefully blended to produce a smooth and sweet tasting tequila perfect for sipping. Each bottle is numbered by hand and crafted from recycled glass.

The taste is smooth and sweet, with distinct oak notes complimented by vanilla, raisins and honey, with a hint of melon. Only $50.99 in the Bottle Club®.

We know that the choices can be overwhelming, and there are also times when you need to get in and out of the store quickly. A Joe Canal's Gift Card is a nice option for those situations. Gift Cards are available in any denomination. Simply tell the cashier that you want a Gift Card, and they'll take care

of you right away.

Not Your Father's Root Beer is a brand-new arrival. Not Your Father's Root Beer is an Ale, brewed with spices. At 5.9% ABV, the silky, smooth and satisfying finish is unmatched in flavor. It appeals to craft beer aficionados as well as those who don’t typically drink beer but crave something unique.

We know that there are plenty of baseball fans out there. We have a limited amount of New York Yankees Cabernet Sauvignon (both stores), Philadelphia Phillies Red Blend (Lawrenceville only) and New York Mets Cabernet wines available.

Yule Blog

A Merry Christmas to you and your family from the Joe Canal's family. Our stores will be open until 7pm today, to accommodate your last-minute shopping needs. We will be closed tomorrow, Christmas Day. Thank you for making Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville and Woodbridge your preferred destination for beer, wine and spirits.

New Products

We start with a returning item, the 750ML size of Reyka Vodka. Reyka starts with arctic spring water, naturally filtered through local lava rock. The spirit is distilled in a Carter-Head Still (one of only six in the world). Reyka chose it because the high level of copper produces an unparalleled purity of spirit with only one distillation. Each distillation takes about 6 hours and yields 255 preciously small cases. Each bottle contains only natural flavors and extracts. No additives.

Visit their website for great cocktail recipes.

Montgravet Côtes de Gascogne. This wine comes from vineyards located in the Gascony region, near the city of Toulouse in the South West of France. The climate combines the Oceanic and Mediterranean influences, which brings enough sun and humidity to grow rich, concentrated and ripe grapes. Close to the producers, and in order to source

the best vineyards, our winemaker has found some amazing "terroirs" spread on hills. These hills are called "Mont" in French. So as a tribute to the terroir from where the wine comes from we have named in Mont Gravet, "Gravet" being the name of an oval shaped rock commonly found in the area.

Mont Gravet has a pale, bright yellow color, with a very intense and refreshing nose. It displays flavors of citrus fruit and blackcurrant leaf. This wine will express itself best as an aperitif or with any seafood. Serve chilled. Only $7.49, and 88 points from Wine Spectator.

Holiday Wrap-Up

Click here for gift set ideas

Click here for What to Drink for Christmas, ham or lamb edition. Scroll to the bottom of that post for pairing suggestions if you're having turkey.

Click here for What to Drink for Christmas, white wine edition

Click here for Champagne/Sparkling Wine suggestions

Click here for What to Drink for Christmas, goose edition

Merry Christmas. See you here on Friday.

A Celebration

Our Beer Gift Sets make for some of the best sharing opportunities. Today, we're showcasing the Duvel Gift Set, which comes with 4 bottles of their Golden Ale, to share in whatever way the math works for you.

Are you truly passionate about something?  Then you must possess ‘Love-what-you-do-ness.’  Are you willing to take all the time necessary to perfect your passion?  Of course that means you demonstrate ‘Wait-wait-wait-ness.’  Dedicated to absolute craftsmanship without compromise, no matter what?  Then your approach certainly reflects a ‘Devils-in-the-details-ness’ attitude.

Everyone is a master of something in their world and Duvel is keen to celebrate the one-of-a-kind nature and achievements of its fans and lovers – be they achievements or talents grand or small.  Whether you are a beloved bubble-blower or a perfected potato-peeler you’ve achieved mastery in the same fashion Duvel has – with a passion, commitment and dedication to be the absolute best at something.  Our masterfulness is beer. What is yours? Share your #Masterfulness on Twitter!

Many years ago, Duvel boldly went where no other brewers had gone before. We invented our own category of Golden Ale. It takes confidence to stand out from the crowd. So thanks for doing you own thing by drinking our own thing.

If you've ever done something in a hurry, you know it often ends in disappointment. So here's to an unhurried pour.

The Duvel Gift Set includes four bottles of Golden Ale, along with an Art Series Glass. $13.99. While supplies last.

Gift Giving Wrap-Up

We're down to the last two shopping days, so we thought that a quick summary of gift ideas would be a welcome time-saver.

1. Gift Cards. These handy stocking-stuffers are available in any denomination that you choose. Simply ask a cashier for a gift card, and you'll be finished in no time.

2. Gift Sets. Whether you're giving a gift set of beer, wine or spirits, we still have many options for you. Ask a store associate where they're located, if you need that assistance. And as a bonus, many gift sets are priced the same as the item is outside of the gift set.

3. Gift baskets. Our stores have a limited number, and they're only available while supplies last.

4. Food items. As we detailed in the BottleBlog last week, both stores have an amazing selection of cheese, meat, and related products.

5. Outstanding values. At both stores, our associates can help you find the best values, including some highly-rated wines at exceptional prices.

6. The newest products. Please scroll though this blog to find recent postings on our new products. Our associates can help you find these items in the stores.

7. Fun products. Our stores also have items like these candy canes, filled with 50ML spirits bottles.

From our family to yours, we wish you a happy holiday season.