Introducing...

Over the last few weeks, many of the wholesalers that we buy from hosted portfolio tastings. Our staff attended many of these events, so that we can better understand what we're currently carrying, and so that we can consider new products. Here's a look at a few of our newest additions:

Hewitson Baby Bush Mourvedre

Taking cuttings from the 1853 planting of the Hewitson Old Garden vineyard, the oldest Mourvèdre vines on Earth, Hewitson grew, then crafted a wine from Baby Bush vines that takes a new look at an old treasure.

The 2012 Baby Bush is a wonderful expression of this variety. The aromas display classic Mourvèdre richness, ripeness and rusticity. The dark, brambly, blueberry aromas are matched with the sage, earth and undergrowth. These aromas carry right through the palate which delivers a rich, velvety mouth feel, backed by very soft and fully ripe tannins. The structure, balance and youthful poise of 2012 Baby Bush Mourvèdre ensures the wine is extremely enjoyable now. It will also reward with time in the cellar.

Rated 94 points by James Suckling. Only $17.49 in the Bottle Club®.

Michter’s Barrel Strength Rye Whiskey

Michter's is known for producing limited edition whiskies that are highly collectible, and highly enjoyable. That's what we have with this cask strength version of its rye whiskey. It is a stronger version of their US*1 Single Barrel Rye, which rings in at 84.8 proof.

The barrel entry proof for this was 103 proof, a strength that Michter’s believes will yield a richer, smoother product than a higher entry proof would. After aging, the barrel proof for the majority of barrels of this first release ranged between 108 proof to 110.8 proof. The single highest proof barrel reached a strength of 113 proof. Available for $74.99.

Fattoria dei Barbi Brunello 2010

Fattoria dei Barbi is among a prestigious group of estates that has played an integral part in writing the history of Italian wine. The Colombini family, one of region’s most influential families, founded the estate in 1790. The family has owned land in Montalcino since 1352. The estate is currently owned and managed by the 20th generation heir, Stefano Cinelli Colombini.

"Fattoria dei Barbi's 2010 Brunello di Montalcino starts with a tightly wound personality that begins to unravel slowly, one delicate layer at a time. As it does, you become aware of dried fruit, cigar box, crushed mineral, plum, tar and cola. The wine puts on a beautiful display. I also loved the mouthfeel of this beautiful wine: It is tonic, tight and brimming with energy. Well-integrated oak notes give the wine a spot of softness and velvety spice. This is one beautiful Sangiovese." Wine Advocate, 94 points. Available only in Woodbridge (but we can transfer a bottle to Lawrenceville, upon request), for $54.99.

Six Saints Caribbean Rum

The devout islanders of Grenada have been quietly hand crafting rum for over 200 years. Named after the Caribbean isle’s six saintly parishes, we distill divine natural rum, the way it has always been.

Using only the most hallowed ingredients, the rum is matured in once used bourbon barrels and presented at 41.7% ABV, the perfect sipping strength. You might say Six Saints is a truly immaculate conception!

Golden and light-bodied, this small-batch rum mixes honey and oaky vanilla notes with fresh apples, pears and pineapple. The slow-building alcohol heat makes this an ideal rum for tropical drinks. Only $32.99 in the Bottle Club®.

A New Products "Hat" Trick

As the holidays approach, Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville and Woodbridge are finding spaces on our shelves for some great new products. And the gift sets can't be far behind!

In keeping with our "Hat" theme, let's first turn to one of the most famous hat wearers of all: New Jersey's own Frank Sinatra. New to our stores is the Jack Daniel's Sinatra Select.

Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select is bottled at 90 proof and gains its rich character from specially crafted “Sinatra Barrels” mingled with Jack's classic Tennessee Whiskey. The Sinatra Barrels are handcrafted with the addition of deep grooves on the inside of the barrel staves. This exposes the whiskey to extra layers of oak which imparts a rich amber color, bold character and a pleasant smokiness, followed by an incredibly smooth vanilla finish. The smooth, bold character of the whiskey embodies the smooth, bold character of the man himself, Frank Sinatra. This is a very limited availability whiskey, priced at $179.99.

Our theme continues with our next new product, Dad's Hat Port Wine Finish Rye.

Dad's Hat is distilled in nearby Bristol, Pennsylvania. Rye has been coming on strong as a category, and PA is an historic home for distilling the grain into a beautiful whiskey. The rye is double finished (for an additional three months) in separate barrels which previously contained port wine, made with red grapes and known for a fruity, pleasant sweetness. Dark, robust color with a nose of deep florals, fruit and spices. Forward pepper yields to the port fruit on the mid-palate, complemented by cinnamon and cloves. Coats the tongue and finishes with black cherry. Well-balanced and smooth, pairing perfectly with fine cheeses and charcuterie. Dad's Hat Port Wine Finish is available at $42.99.

Our third new product, filling out the hat trick, is Gozio Amaretto. We received so many special requests for Gozio Amaretto that we've finally added it to our shelves. Gozio is made from a secret formula that yields a smooth pale liqueur. Gozio is produced using only the highest quality natural ingredients: alcohol, burnt sugar and the pure essence of various selected fruits coming from four continents, left in infusion for at least 60 days. And it's 100% natural.

Gozio Amaretto liqueur is available for only $22.99.

Whether you need something as an everyday treat, or something special as a gift item, our new products or our current inventory offer you outstanding selections at value prices. Stop in to Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville or Woodbridge today!

A Classic Comeback!

Rye whiskeys have enjoyed a return to popularity of late. As a base for classic cocktails, the distinctively crisp taste of rye will make your Manhattan or Sazerac that much better. But, sometimes, a Rye is really best served as a sippin' whiskey. That's the case with Lock, Stock & Barrel, a 13 Year Old Rye Whiskey currently available in Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville and Woodbridge.

"Angel's Share" is the term that refers to the amount of whiskey that is lost to evaporation as the spirit ages. American whiskeys generally age for around 4 years, because the angels seem to very much like the product. At 13 years, between the Angel's Share and the additional time in the barrel, Lock, Stock & Barrel provides a rich, lasting flavor that's hard to beat.

You'll find aromas of salted caramel, buttered popcorn and toffee. There are complex notes of sweet vanilla, milk chocolate, roasted coffee and honeyed oak, which are nicely balanced with a subtle spicy undertone, and lead a sweet, elegant finish.

This classic American Rye will be an outstanding addition to the collection of any whisk(e)y lover.