Wine Talk by Art of the Table
December 7, 2010
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Things have certainly changed over the past couple of years
in the Michigan wine/beer/liquor market.
Quality beer has become far more common,
I even saw a Bell's Oberon sign hanging above a bar in a high budget movie the other day with a few Bell's tap handles at the bar as well. I thought, "cool" - and even cooler that
it's a Michigan brew.
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As the classic cocktail becomes more and more popular,
speakeasy styled restaurants and bars are pouring signature drinks with unique liquors and modern takes on the classic favorites, the influx of rare liquors being distributed has opened up a lot of options for bars and retailers like us.
St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur was unknown about a year ago, now it's one of our best selling liqueurs and commonly seen on drink menus and martini lists around Grand Rapids and other
cities around the country.
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Many of these options can enhance your holiday season. Not only can you pour interesting cocktails, beers, wines and other fun things for parties, family and friend get-togethers, company parties and other soirees, but the giving of a unique bottle of something makes for a memorable gift.
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We can't write about all our selections nor do you have the time to read about all of our things, so stop in and chat next time you are around the area. We'll be glad to suggest gifts for
those on your list.
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Liquors with a Statement
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Like we said, we can't select them all, so here's just a small smattering of our fun liquor items:
Bluecoat American Dry Gin
An artisanal gin produced in Philadelphia, 5 times distilled in a custom built, hand hammered copper pot still. All ingredients used are organic and all impurities are discarded, leaving only the purest alcohol to be used for consumption. Bluecoat's character is smooth and botanical with juniper highlights. Notice we said highlights, it's no juniper bomb, making it one of the best mixing gins on the market. A must try for any gin connoisseur.
Rifino Valentine Handcrafted Vodka
 Based in Detroit, Michigan and distilled and bottled in Webberville, MI, believe us, this isn't the last time we're talking about this one! Just in the winner's circle for some awards, this isn't just some gimmicky vodka in a flashy labeled bottle, it's the real deal. A throwback to prohibition times when Detroit was the cornerstone for bootleggers and illegal distribution of alcohol. Valentine vodka is one of the only multi-grain vodkas produced on the market and uses locally sourced red wheat, barley and corn.
Truly a vodka with class and character.
In stock in 200mL and 750mL bottles!
The Balvenie 21 Year Portwood Single Malt Scotch
A truly wonderful masterpiece with the understated class one should expect from fine Scotch. The Balvenie produces brilliant single malt scotch with care and dedication in its Speyside castle, rich with history and tradition. The 21year Portwood is, in my opinion, the finest of the Balvenie line and one of the finest single malts available in today's market. During the final process of aging, the whiskey is transferred to barrels used for aging port, giving a slightly fruity character and a extra smooth finish.
This bottle defines balance.
A few other crazy selections from our shelves:
Fernet-Branca
Aperol
Belle de Brillet
Pisco
Cacacha
Ouzo
Flor de Cana Rum
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Mixers, Dessert & Aperitifs
| Carpano Antica Formula Red Vermouth, Italy
Oozing with class and history, this vermouth is an exact reproduction of the original Antica Formula produced from Benedetto Carpano's recipe in 1786. It is best served chilled on the rocks, and will make any cocktail calling for sweet vermouth take on a whole new meaning. Notes of vanilla with spice and dried fruit, dates and orange rind. Bittersweet with a persistent finish.
Even the hand blown glass bottle is true to the original.
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Note: We've been big into vermouth as we're Manhattan fiends! We also stock Vya (both sweet & dry) and Sperone (both sweet & dry)
Chartreuse Liqueur, France
Produced only by Carthusian Monks of La Grande Chartreuse near Grenoble, France. Still to this day made from 130 alpine herbs and carefully crafted to an ancient formula from 1605. The recipe is so tight lipped, only 3 Carthusian brothers know it and it is protected by a vow of silence. The flavor is quite undefinable, though it can be described as sweet with a building spice and pungency. It could be closest compared to Galliano, but it's a stretch. By far, a very unique liqueur worth attention and respect. Try the drink called "The Last Word" which blends equal parts gin, maraschino liquor, chartreuse and lime. Shaken & strained.
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For your straining needs, we've got really fun cocktail shakers and jiggers for measuring as well as cool glasses and garnishes!
Royal Oporto 10 year Tawny
I mention the Royal Oporto port not because it is rare, unique or hard to find. It's special because it's delicious and stands up to others in it's price, and quite frankly, those above its price point. A simple tawny port aged 10 years with residual plum and raisin sugars, spice tones and earthy cedar flavors. I find it to be perfect this time of year. It's the one port I'll always go back to.
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Ports of the tawny and ruby variety grace our shelves along with sherries and dessert wines like the Niege, an apple cider dessert wine that is amazing!!
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Reminder that this Wednesday, December 8
YES, THAT'S TOMORROW!
is our annual Bubbles tasting
(not Champagne, mind you...that's next week!)and you're still in luck as there are some seats left!
*** It will be tons of fun and the wines are stellar!However we need to know if you're coming by tonight
Call over to Amy @ 301.1885
Sincerely,
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