In case you are wondering what happened to the May newsletter, your Editor, Alison was away "doing research" so we are jumping right into June. Read about my research trip below...
Yeah June! .... the beginning of long, long, evenings of sunshine on the patio, planning summer breaks & BBQ's and time off with friends and family.
Speaking of breaks and getaways and things to do coming up in the next several months.....
Father's Day is June 21st. Spoil Dad with his favourite scotch or rum this year. Check out some great ideas below. Or why not consider one of our numerouse assortment of beverage accessories? Single Barrel Whisky Glasses made of Titanium Crystal, a sporty black and tan back-pack insulated to carry 2 bottles of wine and include two glasses, napkins,cheese board, knife and corkscrew, or a set of the latest wine glasses "Go Vino" stemless, pharmaceutical grade plastic designed for proper wine appreciation, but in a pool and hot tub safe acrylic type glass. Lots of great ideas in store.
July 1st is our 2nd Anniversary! We will be celebrating in the store on Saturday 4 July with all kinds of give-aways, tastings, and fun things going on. If you are in town, or have friends and familiy visiting Edmonton in early July, be sure to visit and see what all the fun is about.
"60 Great Wines, 10 Fabulous Days, 1 Good Time" - be sure to check us out at The Taste of Wine tent at Edmonton's 25th Annual Taste of Edmonton Festival July 17-26th. This year's theme is "More for Less" featuring 60 great wines under $20.00. As we are always saying, it's not difficult to find a great $50.00 wine, but to find a fabulous one under $20.00 takes some work. We've take the work out of it so you can enjoy this annual popular event and discover some dellicious reds, whites and roses which will be available for sale in our store later this summer. Watch the Edmonton Journal and Global TV for updates, features and interviews on The Taste of Edmonton.
Only a few spaces left in our "Jewels Of Scotland Whisky Tour" scheduled for September 23 - October 1, 2009.
Use up some of your Aeroplan points and join us for a trip of a lifetime as we discover the Scottish countryside - tasting whiskies, exploring castles, searching for the Loch Ness Monster, etc. This is a first class fully escorted trip led by a local Scottish Whisky and History expert. No worries about where to stay, or whether you should indulge in that second sip....everything is taken care of! BONUS - A pre-tour complimentary whisky tasting lesson will be held at our store for those departing from Edmonton. we will also reviewr the details of the exciting itinerary with a travel expert from Paull Travel.
Makes a great Father's Day gift this month!
It's Wedding Season...let us help you with your beverage planning, liquor license, customized bottle labels, gift registry etc.
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What's New in
RUMS, VODKAS, WHISKIES, ETC.....
CAMITZ SPARKING VODKA Add some pzazz to your summer martinis and cocktails.......
Camitz Sparkling Vodka is 40% alc/vol and has been continuously distilled five times before its carbonation. The all natural source of carbonation is specially filtered and is documented to be the cleanest gas of its kind in the world.
Try it in your next martini.
SHANGO RUM LIQUEUR
An exotic rum named after the African King of Lightning, Prosperity and Romance.....
Shango Rum Liqueur is a nice change of pace from your typical rums. It is made entirely of sugar cane spirits infused with the aphrodisiac herb, damiana, and the natural energy source, guarana, along with a touch of coconut and vanilla. Shango is a rum that is equally fantastic chilled and on the rocks or in any of your favorite sweet, rum cocktails. It is truly a rum that should be part of your summer cocktail menu. Many tasty Shango Rum cocktail recipes are available at www.shangorum.com
EL CONDE AZUL TEQUILA
Blanco, Reposado & Anjeo
100% Blue Agave Tequila is produced from only the finest Blue Agave plants obtained from the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. It provides a pleasing combination of great flavor, smooth taste and a clean finish. Its presentation is truly unique. The exquisite bottles, hand-blown by Italian artisans, is combined with hand-lettered 24 Karat gold label.
Just in! FIRESTARTER VODKA
Ultra smooth vodka has a touch of honey added
to give the ultimate silky finish. The eye catching, very
unique bottle looks like a fire extinguisher, complete with a locking pin, trigger and nozzle in which Firestarter Vodka is
poured through. Firestarter Vodka, though a new comer to the vodka market, has been a hot selling vodka in California,especially in the club scene.
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What about Beer?
We can barely keep this in stock it's so popular!
BUD LIGHT LIME just arrived in Alberta!
Bud Light Lime is a premium light beer that combines the superior drinkability of Bud Light with a splash of 100% natural lime flavor.
Whether you are out in the hot sun, throwing a backyard bash or just in the mood for a change of pace, Bud Light Lime is sure to quench your thirst for something fresh, something new, something different. One sip and you'll find the summer state of mind. It's in "The Lime."
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Feature Article.....
The Wine Islands by Alison Phillips
I just returned from a fabulous little getaway that included some of my favourite things: travelling, ocean, good wine, good food, visits to wineries, walks with friends, and adventure. No, I wasn't in the south of France, or the islands of New Zealand. I was on Salt Spring Island, B.C.!
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| GADGETS & GIZMOS It's your turn
We heard from a few of you about how much you like the Vinturi Wine Aerators, as much as we do...but have you found anything really unusual, outstanding and can't wait to share it with others?
We've been reporting to you in previous month's newsletters on various devices that claim to enhance the taste of wine, or speed up the decanting process and we have been impressed that many do just that.
What's been your experience? Is there anything you would recommend to other readers?
Keep us informed. Drop us a line if there's something weird and wonderful you have tried that does work. Or, if there's something you have been looking for and can't find, let us know.
You could win a great prize!
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There are about 400 species of oak,only about 20 are used in making oak barrels. Of the trees that are used, only 5% is suitable for making high grade wine barrels. The average age of a French oak tree harvested for use in wine barrels is 170 years!
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| Volume 2 Issue 5
June 2009 |
| Alison & Grant's
Top Wine Picks
Each month, we will feature our top two favourites from a single country.
Red Bordeaux
Thunevin Bad Boy Bordeaux 2005
".A superb sleeper of the vintage, this Bordeaux blend from Jean-Luc Thunevin delivers everything it should. Loads of plum, cassis, and cherry fruit are found in this silky-textured, medium-bodied, pure, delicious effort. Thunevin has unquestionably hit a home run with this bargain-priced 2005. Enjoy it over the next 3-4 years. Bordeaux needs to make more wines such as this." -Robert Parker
White Bordeaux Dourthe No. 1 Sauvignon Blanc- 2007
Straw coloured with greenish hints and honeyed-citrus aromas with appealing herbal and mineral nuances. On the palate, the Dourthe shows a lovely balance between crispness and a round, smooth texture.
Pair with fresh oysters, chevre and salads with vinaigrettes.
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June 17 Bubbles & Sparkles 7-9pm
Learn the differences between sparkling wine & champagne -learn and taste the differences.
Price $50.00 per person
Please give your names, date and name of tasting, your telephone number. Pre payments required to guarantee your place.
Please register BEFORE the Friday before the event to avoid disappointment.
2nd Anniversary Party Saturday, July 4
In store prizes, entertainment and tastings .
Mark your calendars! 17-26 July Taste of Wine at Taste of Edmonton Festival -Churchill Square
60 Great Wines, 10 Fabulous Days , 1 Good Time
Don't forget our weekly casual in store tastings- Saturday Sippings - Weekly in store from 2pm - 6 pm. Drop by the store and sample some delicious new wine or spirit that we have open that day. Great way to expand your knowledge and try something new.
"A bottle of wine begs to be shared; I have never met a miserly wine lover."
- Clifton Fadiman
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Want to catch up on past month's newsletters? Go to the website and click on ARCHIVES |
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Visiting Edmonton
in 2009?
SPECIAL OFFER FOR OUT -OF -TOWNERS!
Reserve a room at The Comfort Inn ( a Choice Hotel) at 17610 100th Ave. in West Edmonton (only blocks from The Mall)
Call 780 484-4415
SIMPLY QUOTE CODE: ALIGRA when booking & pay only $99.00 per night + taxes (subject to availability).
Present your Comfort Inn room key at Aligra Wine & Spirits in West Edmonton Mall for your in store discount!
Live out of town and can't get to our store? We ship to anywhere in Alberta! Call or email us with your order and we will deliver it to your door.*
* Recipient must prove age 18 yrs or older. Shipping/delivery charges apply.
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We welcome your comments! Let us know your thoughts and ideas.
STORE HOURS
Mon - Thu 12:00 - 8:00 pm
Fri - Sat 12:00- 10:00 pm
Sun & Holidays 12:00 - 5:30 pm
Conveniently located at Entrance 58 bewteen HMV & The Brick . We have 3 reserved parking spaces for our customers too! | |
