Product Details

WORLD BEST RUM

Rum was an accidental byproduct of the sugar cane industry in the new world during Colonial times. Sugar production created huge amounts of molasses as a by-product which was discovered that it could be fermented and distilled into the fantastic product known as rum.  The world best Rum has been the traditional drink in the Caribbean and because of its popularity among sailors and other seafaring people the popularity of rum quickly has spread across the world and is enjoyed in nearly every country.

The first distillation of rum in the Caribbean took place on the sugarcane plantations there in the 17th century. Plantation slaves discovered that molasses, a byproduct of the sugar refining process, could be fermented into alcohol. Later, a distillation of these alcoholic byproducts concentrated the alcohol and removed impurities, producing the first and steps to fine modern rums. Tradition suggests this type of rum first originated on the island of Nevis. However, in the decade of the 1620s, rum production was also recorded in Brazil.

Rum is produced or distilled in numerous different ways alleviating the many restrictions required by many other liquors. This provides an opportunity for a multitude of different varieties to expand the client palates. Rum has become a favorite of many people throughout the world. It is also important to know that not all rums require the same amount of time in the barrel. Climate plays a large role in aging times. The Caribbean’s warm, humid climate can make a rum in just a few years that tastes similar to an American rum that has been aged for a decade or more.

World Best Rum is a very diverse category of liquor with many great brands, labels, and styles available. When you’re looking for something new to mix into your favorite rum cocktails, you will find endless options. You can explore some of the possibilities within the light, gold, aged, dark, and flavored styles of rum and guide you through what defines each style.

White Rum

White rum is clear, usually has a milder flavor and lighter body than gold or dark rums. These light types of rum are most often used to create cocktails that do not have a need for bold rum flavor.

In the U.S., most white rums are sold at 80 proof, or 40% alcohol by volume. They are often aged one or more years, then filtered to remove color.  White rum will be your first choice for mixing the majority of rum cocktails, including favorites like the mojito. It has a sweet, neutral flavor that pairs well with almost any flavor and its clear color doesn’t affect the appearance of the drink.

Check out some great rum selections or go to our main site for a complete selection of Rum as well as all our fine beverages

Bacardi Gold Rum

Kirk & Sweeney Dominican Aged Rum

Bacardi Superior White rum

Denizen Rum reserve 8 Year Aged rum

Meyer’s Jamaican Rum

Malahat Ginger Rum

Pitu Cachaca Rum

Stroh Dark Rum

Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum

Bacardi Raspberry Rum

Ron Botran Rum Reserva Blanca Aged Rum

Ron Centenario 7 year Anejo

Bacardi Limon Rum

Captain Morgan White Rum

Bacardi Coconut Rum

Mount Gay Eclipse Barbados Rum

Pampero Rum Aniversario Aged Rum

Appleto Estate 21 Year Rum

Malahat Spiced Rum

Blue Chair Bay White Rum

Flor de Cana 5 Year Old Anejo Clasico Rum

Blue Chair Bay Banana Rum

Deadhead Cask Aged Rum

Ron Abuilo 7 Year Aged Rum

Don Q Gold Rum

Captain Morgan Private Stock

Wine Coolers Refrigerators and Wine Cellars

Wine Storage Needs

Wine needs to be stored at a constant temperature between 53 and 57 degrees F and away from any direct light source in a vibration-free environment. The moisture levels also need to be between 55-70%. These characteristics define the specifications for the best storage solutions available for premium wine coolers refrigerators and wine cellars.

Refrigerated Wine Cellars:

If you plan to store, drink, and experiment with your wine choices longer than 12 months and want to grow your collection, a refrigerated wine cellar can be an exceptional choice for your household. The refrigerated wine cellars are specially designed and engineered for long term storage. They have the specifications for a larger capacity, moisture level, and vibration control and also may include multiple temperature environments to accommodate different wine types such as reds and whites. Many of these high end refrigerated wine cellars are designed to be built-in models to be artistically including in the kitchen, family, or rec-room décor.

Wine Coolers Refrigerators

Many wine connoisseurs consume their collection of wine fairly quickly or within a year. These individuals do not plan on establishing a long term or aged collection. They may be quite satisfied with a wine refrigerator. These wine refrigerators are designed to be more compact than a wine cellar and tend to be more portable to be located on a countertop, recessed in your cabinetry, or just freestanding. These usually have a capacity to store anywhere from 6 to 48 bottles but will be quite capable of maintaining the necessary environment of zonal temperature environment, moisture level, and vibration control.

Wine Cellar or Wine Cooler Selection

Wine coolers are available in a larger selection of sizes and styles from large freestanding units to small built-in models. These can be in a variety of styles from fully finished with black or stainless cabinets and insulated dual-pane glass to block out light and UV. Freestanding units can be set on your countertop and tucking in a recess beneath your home bar. Designed for convenient storage in almost any nook or cranny, some built-in wine coolers even feature reversible door hinges. You may also order you unit to function as a wine cooler and a beverage refrigerator have the multi-temperature capabilities to accommodate a variety of different wines as well as a general beverage refrigerator.

You can choose from wine coolers with black, platinum, or stainless steel-trimmed doors for an attractive freestanding unit. Fully finished with black or stainless steel cabinets and insulated dual-pane glass that block out UV rays, freestanding wine coolers provide warranted functionality and style. With the added flexibility of being easy to move, a freestanding fridge can sit directly on your countertop or rest comfortably underneath your home bar.

Engineered for efficiency, wine coolers feature advanced cooling technology to effectively distribute cool air throughout the interior, using powerful circulation fans to prevent hot spots from uneven cooling. These units can be thermoelectric or compressor-based units to provide as high energy efficiency as possible. Insulated double-pane glass not only helps keep the cold air in but also works to block out UV rays and other light sources that can be potentially harmful to the wine. Internal LED lights and electronic control panels make adjusting temperatures very easy.

Of course, all this technology can be expanded into a complete wine cellar as a semi-permanent unit or a complete room conversion in a selected space in your home. These units are manufactured to meet your needs, desires, and how you wish to scale.

Please review the sample selection below there are many more models available. Besides the various storage units, I really love the wine dispensers units, where one or more bottles are attached to a dispenser to dispatch a single glass of chilled wine. A great idea when you are entertaining family and friends.

 

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Wine Coolers / Cellars less than 50 bottles

 

Wine System	Description	Dimensions	Price Range
	Wine Enthusiast 12-Bottle Compact Wine Cooler	19″H x 14″W x 20″D	$
	Wine Enthusiast 18-Bottle Compressor Wine Cooler	32-3/4″H x 13-3/4″W x 19″D	$
	Wine Enthusiast 24-Bottle Compressor Wine Cooler with Upright Bottle Storage	30.5″H x 17″W x 17.75″D	$
	Wine Enthusiast Label Pro 40-Bottle Under-counter Wine Cellar	23.5″W x 22.5″D x 34.25″H	$$

Wine Coolers / Cellars 51 to 100 bottles

Wine System	Description	Dimensions	Price Range
	Wine Enthusiast Classic 80 Wine Cellar	41″H x 23.5″W x 27″D	$
	N’FINITY Double S Dual Zone Wine Cellar 92 Bottle	34″ H x 47″ W x 23″ D	$$
	EuroCave Pure S Wine Cellar 74 Bottles	37.2″ H x 2675” W x 29.52 D	$$$
	EuroCave Professional 6074 Wine Cellar	38″H x 27″W x 27-1/4″D	$$$$

Wine Coolers / Cellars 101 – 200 bottles

Wine System	Description	Dimensions	Price Range
	Wine Enthusiast VinoView 155-Bottle Wine Cellar	72.25″H x 23.5″W x 26.75″D	$$$
	EuroCave Revelation L Wine Cellar 182-Bottle	71.26″H x 26.75″W x 29.52″D	$$$$$
	Wine Enthusiast Classic 200 Bottle Wine Cellar	73.5″ H x 23.5″W x 29.75″D	$$$
	N’FINITY Beverage Station Wine Cellar 178 Bottles	34″ H x 47″W x 23″ D	$$

Wine Coolers / Cellars 201 plus More Bottles

Wine System	Description	Dimension	Price Range
Wine Coolers Refrigerators and Wine Cellars – Wine Cellar	Classic XL 600-Bottle Wine Cellar with VinoView Shelving	80”H x 72”W x 30.38”D	$$$$$
	N’FINITY Double LX Dual Zone MAX Wine Cellar 336 Bottles	72″H x 52″W x 27.5″D	$$$$$
	EuroCave Revelation L Quad Wine Cellar	71.26″H x 108″W x 28.46″D	$$$$$
	Custom Design Wine Cellars	Custom	$$$$$

Wine Dispenser and Preservation Systems

Wine Dispensing	Description	Dimensions	Price Range
	All-In-One Automatic Wine Opener/Preserver and Dispenser/Aerator	8.66″L x 5.67″W x 12.4″H	$
	Model Three Wine Dispenser and Preservation, Short or Long Storage	3.93″L x 1.99″W x 8.46″H	$
	Model Six Premium Wine Dispenser and Preservation, Short or Long Storage	3.86″L x 1.94″W x 8.46″H	$
	WineStation Pristine Plus Dispenser/Preservation Dual Zone Temperature Control System Deluxe	25- 1/2″ H x 19- 5/8″ W x 16″ D	$$$$$
	EuroCave WineBar 8.0 Dispenser / Preservation System, Serving 8 Independent Temperature	24″H x 42.4″W x 18.1″D	$$$$$

Please sign up for our email list below to get the latest information on our latest product descriptions, upcoming sales and special offers. We have some of the best offers in the business so please keep updated and have all questions answered in our COMMONWEALTH NEWS

Check out some great wine cellars, coolers and dispensers available here or go to our main site for a complete selection.

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, not to be confused with liquor. They are bold enough to stand on their own but also make great mixers.  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.

The liqueurs encompass a very broad group of beverages and subgroups of these shown below

• Coffee liqueurs
• Berry liqueurs
• Chocolate liqueurs
• Cream liqueurs
• Crème liqueurs
• Flower liqueurs
• Fruit liqueurs
• Herbal liqueurs
• Anise-flavored liqueur 
• Honey lique
• Nut-flavored liqueurs
• Whisky liqueurs

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.

Check out some great liqueur and schnapps selections or go to our main site for a complete selection of great Liqueurs and Schnapps as well as all our fine beverages

 

Baileys Irish Cream Almande Liqueur

  Grand Marnier Orange Liqueur

Disaronno Italian Liqueur

Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur

Romana Sambuca Liquore Classico

Grand Marnier 100 year

  Damiana Guaycura Liqueur

  Cinnabon Cream Liqueur

  Absinthe Ordinaire Herbal Liqueur

Chambord Raspberry Liqueur

  Dekuyper Triple Sec

  Bols Amaretto Liqueur

DeKuyper Creme De Menthe

  99 Bananas Schnapps Liqueur

  Kahlua Coffee Liqueur

Ouzo #12 Specialty Liqueur

Grand Marnier Titanium Fruit

  Soho Lychee Liqueur

Gifard Pamplemousse Rose Specialty Liqueur

Blue Chair Bay Coconut Spiced Cream Rum

  Campari Liqueur

  Berentzen Apfelkorn Apple Schnapps

Slow & Low’s Rock and Rye Specialty Liqueur

  Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur

  Marie Brizzard Parfait Amour Liqueur

  Pimm’s English Liqueur

All About the Best Brandy and Cognac

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.

• Great American brandies are the grape variety and the production is situated is essentially located in California.
• Cognac comes from the Cognac region of France, and is double distilled using pot stills. The European Union and some other countries legally enforce the use of “Cognac” as the exclusive name for brandy produced and distilled in the Cognac area of France. Since this is considered “protected designations of origin”, a brandy made elsewhere may not be called Cognac in these jurisdictions, even if it was made in an identical manner. Popular brands include Courvoisier, Delamain, Hine, Camus, Otard, Rémy Martin, Hennessy, and Frapin.
• Armagnac is made from grapes of the Armagnac region in the southwest of France, Gers, Landes and Lot-et-Garonne. It is single-continuous distilled in a copper still and aged in oak casks. Popular brands are Darroze, Baron de Sigognac, Larressingle, Delord, Laubade, Gélas and Janneau
• Armenian brandy has been produced since 1887 and comes from the Ararat plain in the southern part of Armenia. Bottles on the market are aged anywhere from 3 to 20 years.
• Cyprus brandy differs from other varieties in that its alcohol concentration is only 32% ABV (64 US proof).
• Dried fruit brandy is a potable alcoholic distillate, or a mixture of potable alcoholic distillates, obtained from sound dried fruit. It may contain caramel, fruit and other botanical substances, and flavoring preparations.
• Greek brandy is distilled from Muscat wine. Mature distillates are made from sun-dried Savatiano, Sultana, and Black Corinth grape varieties blended with an aged Muscat wine.
• Brandy de Jerez originates from vineyards around Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia, Spain. It is used in some sherries and is also available as a separate product.
• Kanyak (or konyak) is a variety from Turkey that originated in the Tekel region, whose name means “burn blood” in Turkish.
• In Moldova and Romania, grape brandy is colloquially called coniac, but is officially named Divin in Moldova and Vinars in Romania. After a double distillation, the beverage is usually aged in oak barrels and labelled according to its age (VS is a minimum of 3 years old, VSOP is a minimum of 5 years old, XO is a minimum of 7 years old, and XXO is a minimum of 20 years old).
• In Russia, brandy was first produced in 1885 at the Kizlyar Brandy Factory according to a recipe brought from France. Kizlyar brandy is produced according to the classic cognac technology and is one of the most popular beverages in Russia.
• Pisco is a strong, colorless to amber-coloured brandy produced in specific regions of Peru and Chile.
• South African brandies are, by law, made almost exactly as Cognac, using a double distillation process in copper pot stills followed by aging in oak barrels for a minimum of three years. Because of this, South African brandies are considered very high quality.
• Italian Stravecchio has been produced since the 1700s in the North of Italy, especially in Emilia-Romagna and Veneto, using grapes that are popular in winemaking such as Sangiovese and Grignolino. Color, texture and finish are most resembling those of their French and Spanish counterparts. Most popular brands are Vecchia Romagna, Stravecchio Branca and Stock 84.

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.

Check out some great Brandy, Cognac and Armagnac selections or go to our main site for a complete selection of great Brandy, Cognac and Armagnac as well as all our fine beverages

Xante Pear Brandy Liqueur Armag

De Ville Imported French Brandy 750ml

  Frapin Cognac 750ml

Bas Armagnac Delord 750ml

Hartly  Brandy 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 historically defined Mexican states.

The rich, red volcanic soils in the region of Tequila, Mexico are well suited for growing the blue agave, and more than 300 million of the plants are harvested there each year. Agave grows differently depending on the region. Blue agaves grown in the highlands Los Altos region are larger and sweeter in aroma and taste. Only Blue Agaves are used to make Tequila. This is the main distinction from mescal.

Mexican laws state that tequila can only be produced in the state of Jalisco and limited municipalities in the states of Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas. 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. Tequila is recognized as a Mexican designation of origin product in more than 40 countries.

Tequila must have between 35 and 55 percent alcohol content (70 and 110 U.S. proof). It must contain at least 40 percent alcohol (80 U.S. proof) to be sold in the United States and Canada.

Tequila Classifications

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

Margaritaville Gold Tequila

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

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

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

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

Please sign up for our email list below to get the latest information on our latest product descriptions, upcoming sales and special offers. We have some of the best offers in the business so please keep updated and have all questions answered in our COMMONWEALTH NEWS

Check out some great selections of the World Best Tequila from our vast collection or go to our main site for a complete selection of the Best Tequila as well as all our fine beverages.

Nosotros Tequila Blanco

Cazadores Reposado

Roca Patron Anejo

Herradura Anejo

Zignum Silver Mezcal

Espolon Tequila Reposado

Don Julio 1942 Anejo Tequila

Zignum Mezcal Anejo

Casamigos Anejo

Cazadores Blanco

Don Julio Anejo Tequila

Don Julio Blanco Silver Tequila

Patron Citronge Mango

Expolon Anejo

Herradura Silver Tequila

Milagro Silver

  1800 Reposado Tequila

1800 Silver Tequila

Sauza 901 Silver Tequila

Corralejo Reposado Tequila

El Jimador Reposado Tequila

Xicaru Silver Mezcal

Patron Reposado Tequila

Xicaru Reposado Mezcal Tequila

Don Julio Real Anejo Tequila

 

The basis for the world 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 martini with an olive.

Gin originated as a medicinal liquor made by monks and alchemists across Europe, particularly in southern France, Flanders and the Netherlands, to provide aqua vita from distillates of grapes and grains. It then became an object of commerce in the spirits industry. Gin emerged in England after the introduction of the Jenever gin, a Dutch and Belgian liquor that was originally a medicine.

Gin today is produced in different ways from a wide range of herbal ingredients, giving rise to a number of distinct styles and brands. After juniper, gin tends to be flavored with botanical/herbal, spice, floral or fruit flavors or often a combination. It is most commonly consumed mixed with tonic water. Gin is also often used as a base spirit to produce flavored, gin-based liqueurs, traditionally produced by the addition of fruit, flavorings and sugar.

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

• 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

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

• 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

 

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

Check out some great selections of the Worlds Best Gin  from our vast collection or go to our main site for a complete selection of the World Best Gin as well as all our fine beverages.

 

Bombay Original Dry

The Botanist Islay Dry Gin

Boodles Gin

Hendrick’s Scottish Gin

  St Geoge Terroir Gin

Farmers Botanical Gin

Bombay Sapphire London Dry Gin

  No 209  London Dry Gin

Junipero Gin

New Amsterdam Gin

  Uncle Val’s California Botanical

Cap Rock Orgainic Gin

Dry Fly Gin

  Barr Hill Gin

Fords Gin

Cap Rock Organic Gin

Venus Blend 1

Uncle Val’s Botanical

Beefeater 24 Gin

Oxley English Gin

Nolet Reserve Gin

Venus Gin Blend #2

Oxley English Gin

Bluecoat American Dry Gin

 

Damrak  Amsterdam Gin