It's been a long week, no? Stop in this weekend and pick up your favorite adult beverages! While you're here, enjoy complimentary samples of these awesome wines our Wine Managers have chosen for you.
Here's what our staff will be pouring for you in Woodbridge, Friday 4-6pm and Saturday 1-3pm:
Andretta - Esa Toscana
A blend of 50% Merlot and 50% Sangiovese which delivers aromas and flavors of blackberries and dark cherries followed by leather, spices and a hint of cedar. This possesses a medium to full body with a velvety texture that ends with another layer of dark berries and spices
Price: $19.99 / Bottle Club® Price: $15.97
Lazos - Malbec
A fresh palate of ripe raspberry, blueberry & plum with hints of truffle, mocha & vanilla. Velvety tannins are balanced with a hint of spice & toasted oak. Pair with ribs or BBQ chicken.
Price: $11.99 / Bottle Club® Price: $8.97
Nightstar - Dornfelder
A semi-sweet red wine with red cherry, raspberry and blackberry aromas. Medium-bodied with ripe red fruit flavors balanced with a lively acidity and clean finish. Serve slightly chilled with roasted chicken, pork, or chocolate-based desserts.
Price: $9.99 / Bottle Club® Price: $7.97
Wakefield Bay - Sauvignon Blanc
This is a fresh, fruity rendering of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Ripe, peachy notes on the nose give way to hints of nectarine and citrus on the palate. It's plump and round in feel, with a moderately long finish.
Price: $17.49 / Bottle Club® Price: $11.97
And here's what will be available for you to try in Lawrenceville, Friday 4-6pm and Saturday 2-4pm:
Orin Swift - Fragile Rose
Pale salmon in color with a cherry blossom fringe, the wine brims with perfumed floral notes, blood orange zest, and a hint of wild aniseed. Casually acidic with soft saline notes upon entry, the wine is vibrant and bright with dense red currant flavors, crystalized strawberries, and a pink grapefruit core. An incisive finish with red berry skin extract is balanced with clean and lifting acidity.
Price: $20.99 / Bottle Club® Price: $17.99
Vandori Prosecco
Crisp and refreshing with a pleasing bouquet of apple, citrus and mineral notes. The crowd pleasing palate is balanced and fresh with persistent bubbles and a tasty finish. Enjoy on its own, or pair with a multi-course meal.
Price: $14.99 / Bottle Club® Price: $10.97
Laudun & Chusclan - Clos de Taman Cotes du Rhone Villages
Rich, dark berries and anise on the nose, full bodied on the palate. Dark fruit layers, savory herbs, and a touch of iodine.
Price: $16.99 / Bottle Club® Price: $13.96
Andretta - Brunello di Montalcino
Elegant in nature with an inviting bouquet of blackberry, spice, leather and hints of vanilla. The palate is medium-to-full bodied with a velvety texture, polished tannins and a long finish. Aged for 36 months in French oak. Pair with roasted meats, wild game, or aged cheeses.
Price: $48.99 / Bottle Club® Price: $39.97
Showing posts with label wine tasting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wine tasting. Show all posts
Friday, September 30, 2016
Thursday, June 18, 2015
All-in-One Calendar
Because so many people will travel to one store or the other for our special events, it's been pretty useful for us to list all of our upcoming events in this one place. That, plus the fact that the store calendars are filled in quite nicely.
We start the weekend on Friday, 5-7pm, with a special tasting of Haig Club Single Grain Scotch Whisky. This is a new Single Grain Scotch whisky, developed in partnership with Diageo and global sporting icon David Beckham and British entrepreneur Simon Fuller.
The House of Haig is built on nearly 400 years of distilling heritage and the House of Haig can trace its whisky producing roots back to the seventeenth century.
Haig Club™ is made at Cameronbridge distillery in Scotland. The whisky has been crafted using a unique process that combines grain whisky from three cask types. This creates a fresh, clean style that showcases butterscotch and toffee for an ultra-smooth taste.
Haig Club™ is hugely versatile and delicious served neat or in a cocktail. The whisky's subtle taste pairs very well with food, especially seafood.
On Saturday, enjoy our regular wine tasting, from 2-4pm. In the same time slot, we're offering complimentary Gift Tag Wax Sealing on Dewar's Higher Marques. Click here for more information on that perfect last-minute gift idea.
We're extending the weekend to Monday, June 22, with our Bourbon Dinner at Vidalia Restaurant in Lawrenceville. Hosted by Toni Carver, our Store Manager, you'll enjoy a delicious dinner paired perfectly with an assortment of bourbons. And since it's the day after Father's Day, a ticket (or two) to this dinner would be an amazing present for the bourbon-loving dad in your life. Click here for details.
Looking ahead, July will include tastings from Cooperstown Distillery and Flying Fish Brewing Co., as well as a mixology event, featuring Crop Vodka. In addition, look for Christmas in July, which will be all about Growler station specials. More details will be available shortly.
We start the weekend early in Woodbridge, with tonight's free tasting from Flying Fish, 5-7pm. Established in 1996, Flying Fish is New Jersey's largest craft brewer.
Tomorrow is a tasting double-header. We offer our Friday wine tasting a little earlier than usual, from 3-5pm. Click here for the tasting menu.
The second half of our Friday agenda is a tasting of Guinness Blonde, from 5:30-8pm. Guinness Blonde is an American Lager.
On Saturday, we'll have overlapping events. Our wine tasting will be held at the regular time, from 1-3pm, with the same tasting menu as Friday. From 2-4pm, we're offering the Gift Tag Wax Sealing on Dewar's Higher Marques.
In addition to our wine tastings, July brings a number of other special events. Look for a Senor Sangria tasting on July 2, and a tasting from Cooperstown Distillery on July 11. We're having an after-hours event on July 12, our Christmas in July Toy Drive & Tasting. Details will be available shortly for that fun evening.
And there's more. We'll host tastings of Troeg's and Shiner Beers later in July. We'll close out July with a Weyerbacher Small Plates Dinner on July 31. Four courses will be expertly paired with five beers. Additional details will be coming soon.
We hope to see you this weekend!
Events in Lawrenceville
The House of Haig is built on nearly 400 years of distilling heritage and the House of Haig can trace its whisky producing roots back to the seventeenth century.
Haig Club™ is made at Cameronbridge distillery in Scotland. The whisky has been crafted using a unique process that combines grain whisky from three cask types. This creates a fresh, clean style that showcases butterscotch and toffee for an ultra-smooth taste.
Haig Club™ is hugely versatile and delicious served neat or in a cocktail. The whisky's subtle taste pairs very well with food, especially seafood.
On Saturday, enjoy our regular wine tasting, from 2-4pm. In the same time slot, we're offering complimentary Gift Tag Wax Sealing on Dewar's Higher Marques. Click here for more information on that perfect last-minute gift idea.
Looking ahead, July will include tastings from Cooperstown Distillery and Flying Fish Brewing Co., as well as a mixology event, featuring Crop Vodka. In addition, look for Christmas in July, which will be all about Growler station specials. More details will be available shortly.
Events in Woodbridge
We start the weekend early in Woodbridge, with tonight's free tasting from Flying Fish, 5-7pm. Established in 1996, Flying Fish is New Jersey's largest craft brewer.
Tomorrow is a tasting double-header. We offer our Friday wine tasting a little earlier than usual, from 3-5pm. Click here for the tasting menu.
The second half of our Friday agenda is a tasting of Guinness Blonde, from 5:30-8pm. Guinness Blonde is an American Lager.
In addition to our wine tastings, July brings a number of other special events. Look for a Senor Sangria tasting on July 2, and a tasting from Cooperstown Distillery on July 11. We're having an after-hours event on July 12, our Christmas in July Toy Drive & Tasting. Details will be available shortly for that fun evening.
And there's more. We'll host tastings of Troeg's and Shiner Beers later in July. We'll close out July with a Weyerbacher Small Plates Dinner on July 31. Four courses will be expertly paired with five beers. Additional details will be coming soon.
We hope to see you this weekend!
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Here's What's Happening
It seems like there's always something going on at Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville and Woodbridge. From celebrity appearances to wine and spirits tastings, specialty Growler tappings to special events, plus free food and other give-aways, you're sure to find something interesting at our stores. As if our state-leading low prices and excellent service wasn't already reason enough to bring you in.
This coming Sunday, April 27, both stores are hosting after-hours events that you really should know more about.
In Lawrenceville, it's Ladies' Night Out. Running from 7:30 to 9:30pm, Ladies' Night Out features wine tastings, free food, and much more. The advance registration is $8, and $10 at the door, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Womanspace.
There will be 20 wines available for tasting, with wine experts on hand to guide you through the selections. You can sample Di Bruno Bros cheese, and see demos from Mary Kay, Thirty-One Gifts and other vendors. You'll also be able to shop anywhere in the store in a more relaxed environment.
To RSVP, please call the store at 609-520-0008, or email Store Manager Toni Carver. Click here to visit our web site for additional details.
In Woodbridge, it's the Ladies' Night Wine Tasting and Art Show. There will also be 20 wines to sample, as well as exhibits from local artists that you can also purchase. You can sample cheese from Di Bruno Bros and enjoy music by WDHA. Cocktails will also be available for purchase. Advance registration is $15 ($20 at the door), with all proceeds being donated to Angel PAWS of Colonia.
Take advantage of the opportunity to shop on a Sunday night. With Mother's Day, Father's Day, Memorial Day and graduations coming soon, you can have a fun night and get important shopping out of the way at the same time.
To RSVP for the Ladies' Night Wine Tasting and Art Show, please call the store at 732-726-0077, or email Wine Manager Debbie Miller Nelson. Click here to visit our web site for additional details.
Whether you attend Ladies' Night Out in Lawrenceville, or the Ladies' Night Wine Tasting and Art Show in Woodbridge, you'll have a fun and memorable evening.
There are other events coming up in the next few weeks that we'd like to bring to your attention, since they're new to our calendar.
There will be Cinco de Mayo margarita samples in Lawrenceville on Saturday, May 3, from 10am to 2pm.
Lawrenceville will host a tasting of Michter's whiskey on May 23. Michter's is one of the oldest whiskey brands on the market, having been established circa 1750. Michter's is now distilled in Kentucky, where the climate and water are perfect for whiskey. Joe Canal's carries Michter's Small Batch, Sour Mash, and Straight Rye.
For Memorial Day weekend, both stores will have food give-aways, on Saturday, May 24, from 1-3pm, while supplies last. You can grab hot dogs in Lawrenceville, and soft pretzels in Woodbridge.
Except for May 23 in Lawrenceville, we will have our regular Friday/Saturday wine tastings in each store.
This coming Sunday, April 27, both stores are hosting after-hours events that you really should know more about.
In Lawrenceville, it's Ladies' Night Out. Running from 7:30 to 9:30pm, Ladies' Night Out features wine tastings, free food, and much more. The advance registration is $8, and $10 at the door, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Womanspace.
 |
| Ladies' Night Out in Lawrenceville, 2013 |
To RSVP, please call the store at 609-520-0008, or email Store Manager Toni Carver. Click here to visit our web site for additional details.
In Woodbridge, it's the Ladies' Night Wine Tasting and Art Show. There will also be 20 wines to sample, as well as exhibits from local artists that you can also purchase. You can sample cheese from Di Bruno Bros and enjoy music by WDHA. Cocktails will also be available for purchase. Advance registration is $15 ($20 at the door), with all proceeds being donated to Angel PAWS of Colonia.
Take advantage of the opportunity to shop on a Sunday night. With Mother's Day, Father's Day, Memorial Day and graduations coming soon, you can have a fun night and get important shopping out of the way at the same time.
To RSVP for the Ladies' Night Wine Tasting and Art Show, please call the store at 732-726-0077, or email Wine Manager Debbie Miller Nelson. Click here to visit our web site for additional details.
Whether you attend Ladies' Night Out in Lawrenceville, or the Ladies' Night Wine Tasting and Art Show in Woodbridge, you'll have a fun and memorable evening.
 |
| Ladies' Night Out in Lawrenceville, 2013 |
There will be Cinco de Mayo margarita samples in Lawrenceville on Saturday, May 3, from 10am to 2pm.
Lawrenceville will host a tasting of Michter's whiskey on May 23. Michter's is one of the oldest whiskey brands on the market, having been established circa 1750. Michter's is now distilled in Kentucky, where the climate and water are perfect for whiskey. Joe Canal's carries Michter's Small Batch, Sour Mash, and Straight Rye.
For Memorial Day weekend, both stores will have food give-aways, on Saturday, May 24, from 1-3pm, while supplies last. You can grab hot dogs in Lawrenceville, and soft pretzels in Woodbridge.
Except for May 23 in Lawrenceville, we will have our regular Friday/Saturday wine tastings in each store.
No purchase is necessary to sample the items listed above. 21 and over, with proper ID, for all events and tastings.
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, February 27, 2014
Weekend Head Start
Since we're at the cusp of the weekend, it's a good time for us to review our Friday-Saturday agenda. That way, when you see the events that you're interested in, the schedule is right here for you. And if your Saturday night includes wine or beer with dinner, you'll be able to stop in and sample. Oh, and don't forget that these tastings are free*!
On Friday, both the Lawrenceville and Woodbridge store will have a wine tasting that runs from 4-6pm. Click here to see the tasting menu for both stores. In Lawrenceville, 3 out of the 4 wines have Bottle Club® prices under $10.00, with the fourth wine priced under $25.00, making them all great choices for any day of the week. One of those sub-$10 wines, the Charles & Charles Red Blend, rated 90 points from Wine Spectator.
In Woodbridge, two of the wines are Bottle Club® priced under $11.00, and another wine is one of the absolute best values in the store (Ridgeline Napa Cabernet Sauvignon).
The action next moves to the Growler station at both stores. At 5pm in Lawrenceville, the final Goose Island specialty tapping of the month will be the Bourbon County Stout. In Woodbridge, the 6pm tapping will be Slumbrew Snow Angel. Both stores will have new featured breweries for March, so keep watching the web site for the important details.
We welcome you back on Saturday, for another round of tastings. Here, Woodbridge goes first, with the wine tasting running from 1-3pm. The tasting menu will be the same on both Friday and Saturday. The scenario, however, is different in Lawrenceville.
The Saturday tasting in Lawrenceville will run from 2-4pm, as usual. The tasting menu, on the other hand, will be completely different, as we welcome 90+ Cellars for a tasting of their wines. 90+ Cellars are known for delivering Saturday night taste for a Tuesday night price. To see the tasting menu, please click here.
Make sure to mark your calendar for our upcoming tastings and events. In addition to our regular Friday/Saturday wine tastings, here's the agenda just for March:
In Lawrenceville:
Friday, March 14, tasting of Punzone Lemoncino and Originale Liqueur
Friday, March 21, tasting of Dad's Hat Whiskey
Thursday, March 27, tasting of Shiner Ruby Redbird & Shiner White Wing
In Woodbridge:
Friday, March 28, tasting of Dad's Hat Whiskey
*As we noted above, these tastings are free; 21 & older, with valid ID, of course.
On Friday, both the Lawrenceville and Woodbridge store will have a wine tasting that runs from 4-6pm. Click here to see the tasting menu for both stores. In Lawrenceville, 3 out of the 4 wines have Bottle Club® prices under $10.00, with the fourth wine priced under $25.00, making them all great choices for any day of the week. One of those sub-$10 wines, the Charles & Charles Red Blend, rated 90 points from Wine Spectator.
In Woodbridge, two of the wines are Bottle Club® priced under $11.00, and another wine is one of the absolute best values in the store (Ridgeline Napa Cabernet Sauvignon).
We welcome you back on Saturday, for another round of tastings. Here, Woodbridge goes first, with the wine tasting running from 1-3pm. The tasting menu will be the same on both Friday and Saturday. The scenario, however, is different in Lawrenceville.
Make sure to mark your calendar for our upcoming tastings and events. In addition to our regular Friday/Saturday wine tastings, here's the agenda just for March:
In Lawrenceville:
Friday, March 14, tasting of Punzone Lemoncino and Originale Liqueur
Friday, March 21, tasting of Dad's Hat Whiskey
Thursday, March 27, tasting of Shiner Ruby Redbird & Shiner White Wing
In Woodbridge:
Friday, March 28, tasting of Dad's Hat Whiskey
*As we noted above, these tastings are free; 21 & older, with valid ID, of course.
Friday, January 31, 2014
Big Game Hype Ends, After More Fun!
We can't let the Big Game get here before we empty the prize cabinet, tap more specialty kegs, and taste some wine. Here's a quick summary of the weekend events.
In Lawrenceville, we have our regular free wine tastings tonight, from 4-6pm, and tomorrow, from 2-4pm. Tonight's specialty tapping, at 5pm, is Dogfish Head American Beauty. And tonight's free raffle drawing is for a pair of tickets to the 2014 Philadelphia Eagles home opener. No purchase is necessary to enter the raffle, but you must submit your entry in person.
On Saturday, in addition to the wine tasting, the 5pm specialty tapping is Dogfish Head Worldwide Stout Vintage 2012. The evening comes to a close with a raffle for a Jason Avant autographed Philadelphia Eagles football.
Sunday, while you're taking care of the last-minute details before settling in to watch the game, we'll offer you a few reasons to stop in at Joe Canal's. From 1-3pm, we're giving away hot dogs (while supplies last), and we're also having a visit by two Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders. And we're raffling off one last autographed Philadelphia Eagles football. The store will remain open until 7pm, as susal.
Things are just as busy at our Woodbridge store. The regular wine tastings have a football theme, and will be held from 4-6pm tonight, and 1-3pm tomorrow. There will be TWO specialty tappings at 6pm tonight, Founders Imperial Stout and Sly Fox Pale Ale Firkin. Tonight's free raffle prize is a portable Yuengling grill.
Saturday will include the regular wine tasting, and the 6pm specialty tapping will be
Weyerbacher Insanity Vintage 2012. That ends the Big Game Growler series. Saturday night wraps up with a free raffle drawing for an Antonio Cromartie autographer NY Jets helmet.
There will be food to whet your Big Game appetite on Sunday, as we'll have a food truck featuring sliders (while supplies last) from 1-3pm. But the final free raffle drawing, being held at 5pm, might be the best. We're raffling off a pair of tickets to the New York Giants 2014 home opener. As in Lawrenceville, the Woodbridge store will remain open until 7pm, as usual.
Even though the Big Game will be history, Joe Canal's will still be here, offering amazing values on exceptional products. And as soon as we clean up all of the displays from the Big Game, we'll move on to helping you prepare for Valentine's Day!
In Lawrenceville, we have our regular free wine tastings tonight, from 4-6pm, and tomorrow, from 2-4pm. Tonight's specialty tapping, at 5pm, is Dogfish Head American Beauty. And tonight's free raffle drawing is for a pair of tickets to the 2014 Philadelphia Eagles home opener. No purchase is necessary to enter the raffle, but you must submit your entry in person.
On Saturday, in addition to the wine tasting, the 5pm specialty tapping is Dogfish Head Worldwide Stout Vintage 2012. The evening comes to a close with a raffle for a Jason Avant autographed Philadelphia Eagles football.
Sunday, while you're taking care of the last-minute details before settling in to watch the game, we'll offer you a few reasons to stop in at Joe Canal's. From 1-3pm, we're giving away hot dogs (while supplies last), and we're also having a visit by two Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders. And we're raffling off one last autographed Philadelphia Eagles football. The store will remain open until 7pm, as susal.
Things are just as busy at our Woodbridge store. The regular wine tastings have a football theme, and will be held from 4-6pm tonight, and 1-3pm tomorrow. There will be TWO specialty tappings at 6pm tonight, Founders Imperial Stout and Sly Fox Pale Ale Firkin. Tonight's free raffle prize is a portable Yuengling grill.
Saturday will include the regular wine tasting, and the 6pm specialty tapping will be
Weyerbacher Insanity Vintage 2012. That ends the Big Game Growler series. Saturday night wraps up with a free raffle drawing for an Antonio Cromartie autographer NY Jets helmet.
There will be food to whet your Big Game appetite on Sunday, as we'll have a food truck featuring sliders (while supplies last) from 1-3pm. But the final free raffle drawing, being held at 5pm, might be the best. We're raffling off a pair of tickets to the New York Giants 2014 home opener. As in Lawrenceville, the Woodbridge store will remain open until 7pm, as usual.
Even though the Big Game will be history, Joe Canal's will still be here, offering amazing values on exceptional products. And as soon as we clean up all of the displays from the Big Game, we'll move on to helping you prepare for Valentine's Day!
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Tasting with the Stars
Having the opportunity to taste great wines is one of the good things about this job. Our wholesale suppliers offer large-scale portfolio tastings annually, and other trade groups have tastings throughout the year. Few other industries have professional development opportunities that are as tasty.
It is, of course, necessary to distinguish "tasting" from "drinking". If you're a professional, attending a tasting event to improve your own palate while learning more about your portfolio, then "tasting", spitting out the wine, is what's required. Really, when there are a few dozen participating wineries, each offering samples of two or three different wines, "drinking" would render you unable to stand before too long, let alone be able to evaluate the nuances of the wines.
That's the background to my experience at the Benvenuto Brunello tasting event in New York City on January 27. Hosted by the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino, the Italian trade group for Brunello producers, the tasting was pegged to the release of the 2009 vintage Brunello and 2012 Rosso. And with very few exceptions, that's what was available for tasting among the 50 or so participating wineries. And, no, that is not a complaint!
There was something of a mix of vintages and styles for the Brunello's. Some 2008's were also available for tasting, as well as some Riserva-level wines from 2004. Quite a few participating wineries had notes stating that they were "looking for an importer," so nearly everyone there was shopping for something!
I was prepared for a long day of tasting, although the crowds presented a challenge at times. The event was held at Gotham Hall, which is at Broadway and 36th Street. While it didn't impact the tasting, ESPN was setting up their music stage in the street right in front of the building, and their TV studio was one block south, also right in the middle of Broadway.Since the game is in New Jersey, some Super Bowl-related activities had to be in New York. I guess.
Entering the ballroom, you found the wineries were arranged more-or-less alphabetically, which gave Banfi the first table on the right. Since we carry about a dozen different Banfi products, including their Grappa, they were on my to-taste list. I was fortunate enough to have visited the Banfi winery in Tuscany, and tasted pretty much everything there. Here, I sampled the Brunello's, and they certainly started me off the right way.
At Joe Canal's, we carry Banfi wines starting at under $10. Especially in this weather, those everyday red wines will help thaw you out.
My strategy for events like this is to first taste wines that we already carry. I want to be as conversant as possible about our brands, and sometimes speaking with the rep will give me some added insights. It can mean circling the room a few times, working my way through the crowds, but it's worth the effort.
Still on my first pass, I next encountered our rep from Folio wines. Paul tasted me through his wines, and also talked up another Italian wine, Dal Forno Romano, in addition to their other wines. The Frescobaldi Giocondo Brunello was one of my top wines of the day.
This is as good a place as any to talk briefly about the process by which many products get to the shelves at Joe Canal's. Our team of buyers evaluates the products before approving them for sale at the stores. The team works exclusively for Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville and Woodbridge, so they also know the similarities and differences of the shoppers at the two stores. Maybe my palate is just aligned really well with theirs, or maybe they're good at their jobs, but with one exception, my favorite wines of the day were wines that we already carried. And the one that we didn't carry is one of the wineries looking for an importer.
I didn't have the opportunity to get pictures of the fruit & cheese trays that the organizers had set in the middle of the tasting area. The area was always crowded when I went past, and I never saw the displays looking anything other than picked-over. But you needed a bit of a palate-cleanser as you went through the tasting. Most wineries did have small bits of bread at their tables, and many offered olive oil samples as well.
The contest was very close, but my favorite wine of the day was the Sassetti Livio Pertimali Brunello, 2008, pictured above with our sales rep, Amy Ezrin. It's in stock in Lawrenceville and Woodbridge for only $49.96 in the Bottle Club®. Wine Spectator rated it 94 points, saying, "Aromatic, suave and silky, boasting aromas and flavors of flowers, cherry, strawberry and leather, all boosted by bright acidity and firm, well-integrated tannins. Refined and long, with a lingering finish of mineral and spice. Best from 2016 through 2035. 700 cases imported." It was drinking beautifully at the event, and now I have to run over to the store and grab a bottle for myself. Considering that this wine hasn't scored under 90 points since about 1995, the Sassetti team knows how to make a great wine.
While this event was limited to people in the trade, there are similar events throughout the year that are open to the public. Some are listed on web sites like Local Wine Events, others are in Wine Spectator, and you can search the web as well. Being able to taste so many different wines is a great way to improve and expand your palate, while having a great time. And it might be on a smaller scale, but don't forget that Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville and Woodbridge offer wine tastings nearly every Friday and Saturday. Our web site has a specific page devoted to our weekend wine tastings, and we also have special guest tastings during the year. For details about these and our other tastings, please consult our main Events page.
By and large, the Rosso's were drinking well. The Brunello's, beyond the few that were my clear favorites, showed a lot of promise, and are definitely worth buying, provided you can cellar them, or aerate/decant for drinking soon. But now I need to find a big plate of pasta.
It is, of course, necessary to distinguish "tasting" from "drinking". If you're a professional, attending a tasting event to improve your own palate while learning more about your portfolio, then "tasting", spitting out the wine, is what's required. Really, when there are a few dozen participating wineries, each offering samples of two or three different wines, "drinking" would render you unable to stand before too long, let alone be able to evaluate the nuances of the wines.
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| Benvenuto Brunello |
That's the background to my experience at the Benvenuto Brunello tasting event in New York City on January 27. Hosted by the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino, the Italian trade group for Brunello producers, the tasting was pegged to the release of the 2009 vintage Brunello and 2012 Rosso. And with very few exceptions, that's what was available for tasting among the 50 or so participating wineries. And, no, that is not a complaint!
 |
| Amy Ezrin, about to pour Sassetti |
There was something of a mix of vintages and styles for the Brunello's. Some 2008's were also available for tasting, as well as some Riserva-level wines from 2004. Quite a few participating wineries had notes stating that they were "looking for an importer," so nearly everyone there was shopping for something!
I was prepared for a long day of tasting, although the crowds presented a challenge at times. The event was held at Gotham Hall, which is at Broadway and 36th Street. While it didn't impact the tasting, ESPN was setting up their music stage in the street right in front of the building, and their TV studio was one block south, also right in the middle of Broadway.Since the game is in New Jersey, some Super Bowl-related activities had to be in New York. I guess.
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| Banfi |
At Joe Canal's, we carry Banfi wines starting at under $10. Especially in this weather, those everyday red wines will help thaw you out.
My strategy for events like this is to first taste wines that we already carry. I want to be as conversant as possible about our brands, and sometimes speaking with the rep will give me some added insights. It can mean circling the room a few times, working my way through the crowds, but it's worth the effort.
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| Paul Costilla, Folio Wines |
This is as good a place as any to talk briefly about the process by which many products get to the shelves at Joe Canal's. Our team of buyers evaluates the products before approving them for sale at the stores. The team works exclusively for Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville and Woodbridge, so they also know the similarities and differences of the shoppers at the two stores. Maybe my palate is just aligned really well with theirs, or maybe they're good at their jobs, but with one exception, my favorite wines of the day were wines that we already carried. And the one that we didn't carry is one of the wineries looking for an importer.
I didn't have the opportunity to get pictures of the fruit & cheese trays that the organizers had set in the middle of the tasting area. The area was always crowded when I went past, and I never saw the displays looking anything other than picked-over. But you needed a bit of a palate-cleanser as you went through the tasting. Most wineries did have small bits of bread at their tables, and many offered olive oil samples as well.
The contest was very close, but my favorite wine of the day was the Sassetti Livio Pertimali Brunello, 2008, pictured above with our sales rep, Amy Ezrin. It's in stock in Lawrenceville and Woodbridge for only $49.96 in the Bottle Club®. Wine Spectator rated it 94 points, saying, "Aromatic, suave and silky, boasting aromas and flavors of flowers, cherry, strawberry and leather, all boosted by bright acidity and firm, well-integrated tannins. Refined and long, with a lingering finish of mineral and spice. Best from 2016 through 2035. 700 cases imported." It was drinking beautifully at the event, and now I have to run over to the store and grab a bottle for myself. Considering that this wine hasn't scored under 90 points since about 1995, the Sassetti team knows how to make a great wine.
While this event was limited to people in the trade, there are similar events throughout the year that are open to the public. Some are listed on web sites like Local Wine Events, others are in Wine Spectator, and you can search the web as well. Being able to taste so many different wines is a great way to improve and expand your palate, while having a great time. And it might be on a smaller scale, but don't forget that Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville and Woodbridge offer wine tastings nearly every Friday and Saturday. Our web site has a specific page devoted to our weekend wine tastings, and we also have special guest tastings during the year. For details about these and our other tastings, please consult our main Events page.
By and large, the Rosso's were drinking well. The Brunello's, beyond the few that were my clear favorites, showed a lot of promise, and are definitely worth buying, provided you can cellar them, or aerate/decant for drinking soon. But now I need to find a big plate of pasta.
Friday, January 10, 2014
Weekend FTW!
Weekends are always the busiest days for us at Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville and Woodbridge. The busy work week doesn't leave much time to relax, so we all need to take advantage of the opportunity presented by the weekend. While the expected rain on Saturday will slow things down a bit, it still will be 50 degrees warmer than Tuesday, so I think we can agree that it's a decent trade-off.
We're also warming up for the Big Game, with the championship game being played in New Jersey for the first time. Please keep checking our emails, social media, web site and this blog to stay current on our activities. There will be special appearances, extra tastings, specialty Growler tappings, free food, and so much more. And with the holidays behind us, we're back on schedule with our regular weekend wine tastings.
In Woodbridge, we have a wine tasting tonight, from 4-6pm. You can find the tasting menu here: http://www.jcanals.com/winetastings.php. We'll also have a tasting from 1-3pm on Saturday, with the same wines.
At 5pm tonight, we'll also tap a Founders Porter at the Growler Station. That will remain at the Growler Station until it kicks, so come in early.
Over in Lawrenceville, our Friday wine tasting will also run from 4-6pm, while our Saturday tasting will be 2-4pm. And instead of Friday tappings, we'll tap a specialty keg every day leading up to the Big Game at 5pm, starting Thursday, April 23. Please note that our Lawrenceville store will close at 4pm this Sunday, January 12, for inventory.
As always, our friendly, helpful staff are around to assist you.
Don't forget to follow us on Twitter:
@jcanalslawrence
@jcanalsiselin
We follow back!
Like us on Facebook:
Joe Canal's Discount Liquors of Lawrenceville, NJ
Joe Canal's Discount Liquors of Woodbridge, NJ
We're also warming up for the Big Game, with the championship game being played in New Jersey for the first time. Please keep checking our emails, social media, web site and this blog to stay current on our activities. There will be special appearances, extra tastings, specialty Growler tappings, free food, and so much more. And with the holidays behind us, we're back on schedule with our regular weekend wine tastings.
In Woodbridge, we have a wine tasting tonight, from 4-6pm. You can find the tasting menu here: http://www.jcanals.com/winetastings.php. We'll also have a tasting from 1-3pm on Saturday, with the same wines.
At 5pm tonight, we'll also tap a Founders Porter at the Growler Station. That will remain at the Growler Station until it kicks, so come in early.
Over in Lawrenceville, our Friday wine tasting will also run from 4-6pm, while our Saturday tasting will be 2-4pm. And instead of Friday tappings, we'll tap a specialty keg every day leading up to the Big Game at 5pm, starting Thursday, April 23. Please note that our Lawrenceville store will close at 4pm this Sunday, January 12, for inventory.
As always, our friendly, helpful staff are around to assist you.
Don't forget to follow us on Twitter:
@jcanalslawrence
@jcanalsiselin
We follow back!
Like us on Facebook:
Joe Canal's Discount Liquors of Lawrenceville, NJ
Joe Canal's Discount Liquors of Woodbridge, NJ
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