Month: December 2018

The story of the Best Liqueurs and Schnapps

Liqueurs:

Liqueurs are an alcoholic beverage flavored by variety of sources such as fruit, herbs, flowers spices nuts and various cream in combination with distilled spirit. These are commonly heavily sweetened but not aged beyond production stage. Liqueurs are historical derived from herbal medicines.

The group of liqueurs is broad. Liqueur is a spirit and may encompass any spirit from whiskey, vodka or rum that is sweetened with sugar and natural or artificial flavoring. Some of the most popular flavors include orange, berry, coffee and almond. The commercial liqueurs on the market are generally lower in alcohol than a standard 40 percent ABV. However, there can be a lot of variation in the alcohol content between the various brands.

Schnapps:

Schnapps or schnaps is an alcoholic beverage that may come in a variety of formats including distilled fruit brandies, herbal liqueurs, and infusions. This would also include “flavored liqueurs” made by adding fruit syrups, spices, or artificial flavorings to neutral grain spirits.

The English word for ‘schnapps’ is from the colloquial German word Schnaps which was used to describe ‘spirit drinks’. The word Schnaps stems from Low German language and is related to the German term ‘schnappen’. This refers to the fact the spirit drink is usually consumed in a quick shot of beverage from a ‘shot glass’

This is usually divided into German and American Schnapps. There are significant differences between German and American Schnapps, primarily where the spirit originated.

German schnapps are made by fermenting fruit juices from any fruit such as pear, apple, cherry, mint or herbs into a clear spirit. In America, schnapps are commonly made by mixing fruit flavors into neutral grain alcohol.

The main difference between best liqueurs and schnapps is that liqueurs are generally sweeter. Liqueurs are generally mixed into cocktails while schnapps are generally taken straight up.

A fine selections of the Best Liqueurs and Schnapps:

Baileys Irish Cream Almande Liqueur 750ml

  Grand Marnier Orange Liqueur 750ml

Disaronno Italian Liqueur 750ml

Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur 1L

Romana Sambuca Liquore Classico 750ml

Grand Marnier 100 year 750ml

  Damiana Guaycura Liqueur 750ml

  Cinnabon Cream Liqueur 750ml

  Absinthe Ordinaire Herbal Liqueur 750ml

Chambord Raspberry Liqueur 375ml

  Dekuyper Triple Sec 1L 750ml

  Bols Amaretto Liqueur 1L

DeKuyper Creme De Menthe

  99 Bananas SchnappsLiqfueur 750ml

  Kahlua Coffee Liqueur 1L

Ouzo #12 Specialty Liqueur 750ml

Grand MarnierTitanium Fruit

  Soho Lychee Liqueur 750ml

Gifard Pamplemousse Rose Specialty Liqueur 750ml

Blue Chair Bay Coconut Spiced Cream Rum 750ml

  Campari Liqueur 750ml

  Berentzen Apfelkorn Apple Schnapps 750ml

Slow & Low’s Rock and Rye Specialty Liqueur 750ml

  Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur 750ml

  Marie Brizzard Parfait Amour Liqueur 750ml

  Pimm’s English Liqueur 750ml

All About Brandy, Cognac or Armagnac

Brandy is a product produced by distilling wine, which leads to an ABV typically between 35 and 60 percent and fruit brandies are created from wines made of such fruits as apples, cherries, plums, pears. After the distillation process brandy is usually aged in a wooden cask which may have been previously used for other liquors thus resulting in the creation of a more complex flavor for the brandy.

Brandy is named as either Brandy, Cognac, or Armagnac. Those produced in the Cognac region of France receive the designation of Cognac. Those sourced in a specific region of southwestern France are designated as Armagnac.

Brandy is generally rated by age, but this can vary according to the country.

• VS (Very Special): aged at least three years. This brandy is most commonly used for mixing cocktails.

• VSOP (Very Special Old Pale): aged at least four years.
• XO (Extra Old): aged six and a half years or more.
• XO (Extra Old): aged six and a half years or more.

Brandy can be consumed in a multitude of ways. It has very good flavor and aroma when consumed neat, preferably from a sniffer or mixed in wide variety of cocktails. My favorite is a Stinger, brandy and creame de menthe.

Please review review and samples our selections of Brandy, Cognac, or Armagnac:

Xante Pear Brandy Liqueur Armag

De Ville Imported French Brandy 750ml

  Frapin Cognac 750ml

Bas Armagnac Delord 750ml

Hartly  Bandy 80 750ml

E&J Brandy Apple 750ml

  Deschutes Abyss Brandy Russian Imperial Stout 22oz

Domecq Azteca De Oro  Brandy 750ml

E&J VSOP Brandy 750ml

Christian Brothers Brandy 750ml

Lairds Apple Jack Brandy 750ml

Monteru Cabernet Eau De Vie Brandy 750ml

Pisco Porton Brandy 750ml

Cardenal Mendoza Brandy De Jerez 750ml

Metaxa Greek Liqueur 7 Star Brandy 750ml

Kammer Pear Williams Brandy 750ml

  German-Robin XO Brandy 750ml

Remy Martin 1738 Royale Cognac 375ml

  Marolo Mila Camomile Grappa Brandy 375ml

  Comandon XO Cognac 750ml

  Christian Brothers Honey Brandy 750ml

The blue agave plant is the source to tequila’s unique flavor and by law, tequila must be at least 51 percent agave to be considered tequila. The World Best Tequila uses 100% agave in production. To be considered tequila, it must be produced in one of five Mexican states. The agave plant takes about 10 years to fully mature for harvest. The heart of the agave, which can weigh over 100 lbs is used to produce this fine liquor. Almost 85 percent of all tequila produced is consumed in the United States and Mexico.

Gold Tequila: Considered to be the premium and refined tequila. Gold Tequila demonstrates the fruit, pepper, and spice flavor of the agave plant. It adopts the golden color as it ages.

Margaritaville Gold Tequila 750ml

Flavored Tequila: Many successful attempts have been done to add delightful flavors to the basic tequila creating additional great flavored products. Some of these include coconut, lime, strawberry, and jalapeno. These have been great additions to the tequila mystique.

Patron Citronge Mango 750ml

Anejo Tequia: This is considered a high quality and expensive product, which must be aged for a minimum of 3 years. Having a bottle of Anejo Tequila on your table impresses your guest with your knowledge of a fine tequila.

Roca Patron Anejo 750ml

Silver Tequila: This is tequila in its earliest and purest form being aged for only a few months, so it typically remains perfectly clear and an absolutely great drink.

Don Julio Blanco Silver Tequila 750ml

Reposado Tequila: This is quiet and calming drink. As a tequila it is mild in flavor and does not lead to a significant hangover.
Cazadores Reposado 750ml

Please go to any of our great selections below for a suburb Tequila:

Nosotros Tequila Blanco 750ml

Cazadores Reposado 750ml

Roca Patron Anejo 750ml

Herradura Anejo 750ml

Zignum Silver Mezcal 750ml

Espolon Tequila Reposado 750ml

Don Julio 1942 Anejo Tequila 750ml

Zignum Mezcal Anejo

Casamigos Anejo 750ml

Cazadores Blanco 750ml

Don Julio Anejo Tequila 750ml

Don Julio Blanco Silver Tequila 750ml

Patron Citronge Mango 750ml

Expolon Anejo 750ml

Herradura Silver Tequila 750ml

Milagro Silver 750ml

  1800 Reposado Tequila 750ml

1800 Silver Tequila 750ml

Sauza 901 Silver Tequila 750ml

Corralejo Reposado Tequila 750ml

El Jimador Reposado Tequila 750ml

Xicaru Silver Mezcal 750ml

Patron Reposado Tequila 750ml

Xicaru Reposado Mezcal Tequila 750ml

Don Julio Real Anejo Tequila 750ml

 

The basis for the worlds best gin and gin’s unique flavor is the infusion of juniper berries as well as other potential botanicals giving way to a pine like aroma. The result is commonly high-proof, light-bodied and clear drink. Gin has been often associated with the classic martinii with an olive.

Gin was very popular in the 19th century England where it could be produced essentially by anyone and without any type of license. This resulted in many early social problems causing the governing bodies in institute heavy taxes to decrease availability.

London Dry Gin is the default definition of spirit, but there are many styles, including:

• London Dry Gin: By definition the juniper berry must be the prime flavor. However, this gin does not need to be made in London or in the UK.  
•     Tanqueray London Dry Gin 750ml

 

• Modern Gin: This Gin emphasizes botanical dominance other than predominately juniper berries such as lavender, cucumber, rose coriander and citrus. This appeals to those that don’t like the strong flavor of the juniper berries.  
• Citadelle Gin de France 750ml

 

• Plymouth Gin: must be made in Plymouth, England and has a slightly sweeter flavor. 
•    Plymouth English Gin 750ml

 

• Barrel-Aged Gin: This Gin is aged in oak barrels, unlike other gins, giving it a malty flavor. This one is acceptable to drink neat.

         Barr Hill Gin barrel-aged 750ml

 

Most Gins taste the best when mixed. Gin and Tonics, Martinis, Negronis, Singapore Slings, Gimlets and more.

Enjoy reviewing and sampling this exclusive selection:

Bombay Original Dry 750ml

The Botanist Islay Dry Gin 750ml

Boodles Gin 750ml

Hendrick’s Scottish Gin 750ml $37.35

  St Geoge Terroir Gin

Farmers Botanical Gin  750ml  $33.70

Bombay Sapphire London Dry Gin 750ml $27.25

  No 209  London Dry Gin  750ml $34.70

Junipero Gin 750ml $39.20

New Amsterdam Gin  750ml $17.50

  Uncle Val’s California Botanical

Cap Rock Orgainic Gin 750ml $36.40

Dry Fly Gin  750ml

  Barr Hill Gin 750ml

Fords Gin 750ml

Cap Rock Organic Gin 750ml

Venus Blend 1 750ml

Uncle Val’s Botanical 750ml

Beefeater 24 Gin 750ml

Oxley English Gin 1L

Nolet Reserve Gin 750ml

Venus Gin Blend #2 750ml

Oxley English Gin 1L

Bluecoat American Dry Gin 750ml

 

Damrak  Amsterdam Gin 750ml

Best American Whiskeys

There are quite a few of the best American whiskeys available with their own unique flavors, These whiskeys require they must be distilled from a fermented mash of cereal grain and water, aged in charred-oak barrels and contain no more than 80 percent alcohol by volume (ABV). The list below describes several of the Best American whiskeys, varieties and general description of their unique flavor contributions. Please review the selections below and take the time to sample and make a selection to meet your taste.

• Bourbon: A smooth sweet taste, with 51% corn mash, plus aged in a charred oak adds a smoky aftertaste.
• Rye: Sample a rye for a strong and spicy flavor.
• Malt: Go single malt if you wish to try a high quality drink.
• Rye malt: This is another high quality malt whiskey, with a nut flavor.
• Wheat: This type of whiskey must contain at least 51 percent wheat which is accompanied by a taste of honey and grain.
• Corn: Another sugary option with a few notes of syrup and honey.
• Straight Whiskey: The description says it all. It must remain unblended.

Whiskeys are great tasting on their own, but can be served and appreciated with many types of mixes Fine Whiskey Selections: Hibiki Harmony Japanese Blended Whiskey 750ml Suntory Toki Whisky 750ml Gentleman Jack rare Tennessee Whiskey  750ml Seagrams 7 Blended Whiskey 750ml Cyrus Noble Small Batch Whiskey 750ml Wild Turkey 81 Rye Whiskey  750ml Templeton Rye Whiskey 6 year 750ml Dry Fly Wheat Whiskey 750ml Tin Cup American Whiskey 750ml Balvenie 21 Year Portwood Single Malt 750ml Corsair Triple Smoke Small Batch Whiskey 750ml Kavalan Consertmaster Single Malt Whiskey 750ml Clyde May’s Alabama Style Whiskey 750ml   Pendleton 1910 12 Year Blended Whiskey 750ml Whistle Pig 10 Year Straight Rye Whiskey 750ml Amador Double Barrel Whiskey 750ml Kikori Blended Whiskey 750ml Elmer T Lee Single Barrel Whiskey 750ml High west American Prairie Blended Bourbon Whiskey 750ml Mastersons 10 Year Old Barley Blended Bourbon 750ml Calumet Farm Bourbon Whiskey 750ml George Dickel Rye Whiskey 750ml Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey 750ml Bookers Rye Big Time Batch Rye 750ml Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon 750ml Nikka Coffey Grain Whiskey 750ml Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey 750ml Bulleit Rye Whiskey 750ml Yamazaki 12 Year Single Malt Whiskey Masterson’s 10 Year Straight Rye Whiskey 750ml Bear Creek Wheat Whiskey 750ml   Georgia Moon Corn Whiskey  750ml Duke Kentucky Straight Bourbon 750ml

 

 

BEST SCOTCH WHISKEY

Scotland treasures its  best Scotch Whisky and the Scottish government has established several regulations. Each of the roughly 100 distilleries in Scotland must adhere to the rules of the Scotch Whisky Association. These rules include and indicate:

• The entire production process must occur within Scotland.
• The product must be aged for at least three years and one day.
• The product must be a minimum of 80 proof.

Many scotches use barley that has been dried using peat smoke, giving the whisky a natural finish. While most scotch whisky is aged in used bourbon barrels, some distillers use old sherry, wine or rum barrels for flavoring.

Scotch whisky is crafted in six distinct regions, with each incorporating its own characteristics.

• Highlands — light-bodied with a dry finish and a slight note of saltiness
• Speyside — sweet with some note of smoke
• Islands — soft and sweet in its peatines
• Islay — Peaty and smoky as well as the strongest of all
• Lowlands — A mellow dry Scotch
• Campbeltown — A full-bodied Scotch

 

Scotch comes in two varieties; single malt and blends. Single malts are made from 100-percent barley at one distillery. Blended scotch combines single malts from multiple distilleries and also incorporating an aged grain whisky to creating a new unique Scotch.

Scotch purist consider it to be best consumed straight up, but many enjoy Scotch on the rocks or Scotch and water. Adding a little water actually opens up some flavors and aromas.

Fantastic Selections:

Glenlivet 18 Year Single Malt Scotch 750ml

Oban 14 Single Malt, 14 Year 750ml

Macallan 17 Yr Fine Oak Single Malt Scotch

Singleton Glendullan 12 Year Single Malt Scotch 750ml

Macallan Double Cask 12 Year Single Malt Scotch 750ml

Glenkinchie Scotch 12 Year Single Malt Scotch 750ml

Auchentoshan 21 Year Single Malt Scotch 750ml

Ballantine’s 17 Year Single Malt Scotch 750ml

  Glenfarclas Scotch 10 Year Single Malt Scotch 750ml

Aberfeldy 12 Year Single Malt Scotch 750ml

Aberlour 18 Year Single Malt Scotch 750ml

Highland Park 18 Single Malt 18 Year 750ml

Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch 750ml

Dewars Signature Blended Scotch

Dewar’s 15 Year Blended Scotch 750ml

Johnnie Walker Rye Cask Finish Blended Scotch Whiskey 750ml

Buchanan’s Master Blended Scotch 750ml

  Grand Old Parr Blended Scotch Whiskey 750ml

  Compass Box Peat Monster Blended Malt Scotch 750ml

Johnnie Walker Swing Blended Scotch Whiskey

Bank Note 5 Year Blended Scotch 750ml

Great Kind Street Artists Blended Scotch 750ml

Black Bottle Blended Scotch 750ml

Cragganmore Distillers Edition Single Malt Scotch 750ml

Glengoyne Single Malt 21 Year Single Malt Scotch 750ml
Aberfeldy 21 Year Single Malt Scotch 750ml