Rainy Day Booze News from Charlotte’s Best Liquor Store

22 Apr, 16 /  Uncategorized /  southernsc /  Comments Off on Rainy Day Booze News from Charlotte’s Best Liquor Store

From this throne in the tasting room, the King of Gin, Keith Haze, brings you all the liquor news of the week!

“Hey there booze fans, gin season has officially kicked off!  Much like Whiskey tastes better ever five degrees colder it gets, gin gets better with every 3 degrees warmer it gets!  The boozeletter in Keith’s brain says, “GIN GIN GIN”, but I refuse to order drinks while I am out. (I do go out sometimes!)  I cannot pay 12 dollars for a decent gin and tonic and eight for a lame one!  Even if the Gin is good, the vermouth or the tonic is bad.  I know people think that vermouth and tonic do not matter, but they sooooo very much do.  Once you have had one of my martini’s or gin and tonics you will not be able to go back to Schweppes or Gallo.  My passion should not be interpreted as a criticism.  I am certain that it can come off as preachy and judgmental, but I promise that is not the intent.  If you love gin and tonic with Schweppes I am happy for you! (and a little bit jealous)  My point is just that there is a difference between vermouths, tonics, mixers etc.  Why buy an expensive gin or vodka and then pollute it with a bottom shelf mixer?  I cannot stress enough that what I love about this store is that we try our best to be inclusive rather than exclusive.  My good friend John Ignowski was one of the best I have ever seen at this “get in on this” he would say with genuine enthusiasm.  We want you to be part of what we are doing here.  We certainly appreciate your business, but it is much more than that.  The number of items that have been brought in based off your guys suggestions is well over a hundred and counting.  That is not even mentioning the fact that your continued support has allowed us to explore harder to find items and make this the best store out there!”

TASTINGS

FRIDAY 

CHARLOTTE’S BEST WINE STORE TASTING 4:00pm-6:00pm

SELBACH OSTER: RIESLING SPATLESE-Riesling has really gotten a bad reputation that it simply does not deserve.  Between Alsace, Germany, and Washington there are some amazing Rieslings that will redefine your entire concept of the grape.

Dr. Pauly-bergweiler:  RIESLING SPATLESE-I brought this on a date the other night and we both liked it very much.  (Yes sometimes I go on dates!)

BARBARESCO ASILI:  This is another example of an ignored Italian varietal.  Everyone knows Barolo, but Barbaresco is the other wine made from the wonderful Nebbiolo grape!  This is a single vineyard expression which can easily be put away for the next 15 years!

BARBARESCO PAJE:  Right next door to the Asili vineyard, this is a great chance to see how much difference there is from vineyard to vineyard and why you should seek out single vineyard wines.

SATURDAY

HIGH WEST WHISKEY TASTING 3:30-6:30

WHISKEY AMBASSADOR, JOE ZIEGLER, (what a great job title!) IS BACK AND HE HAS BROUGHT SOME AMAZING whiskey with him!

American Prairie:  A delicious bourbon, that is easy drinking, a good value, and all around winner!!

DOUBLE RYE:  This makes an amazing manhattan or can be enjoyed on its own!

RENDEVOUS RYE:  One of the best rye whiskey’s on the planet!

BOURYE:  This once a year release is one of my favorite bottles ever!  This is what I bought my Father for his birthday.

KEITH’S CABINET:  What Keith is drinking now.

HANGAR 1 MAKRUT LIME:  The Kaffir lime is no mas, but fear not because the Makrut is quite tasty!  Still the best lime vodka out there.

UNCLE VAL’S RESTORATIVE GIN:  Wow, this was outstanding!  I made an amazing Gin and Tonic with this.

STRONACHIE 18:  Mian and Eric teamed up to buy me this for my birthday.  It has already sold out but when it comes back do not delay buying one!!!  Because it is awesome!

GREEN FLASH PACIFIC GEM:  Still loving this beer a whole lot!

DON FULANO 5YR:  I treated myself to this amazing tequila for my birthday!  It is hard to ever say anything is better than Don Julio 1942, but I believe this to be at worst, every bit its equal.

VERY OLD BARTON:  The gift that keeps on giving.  The best buy in bourbon!

NEW ARRIVALS:

SPEYBURN ARRANTA:  This is going to be a lot of peoples new favorite scotch.  A great combination of price and quality.  I enjoyed this.

PENDLETON MIDNIGHT:  Another expression from an Oregon distillery that gets its juice from Canada.  Very smooth, on the sweeter side, but not dull like some other purpled box whiskies from Canada.

OLD PULTENEY NAVIGATOR:  I love everything about this Scotch and was sad to see it come and go in the blink of an eye last time it was here.  My guess is that it will go just as fast this time!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK:

GREEN MULE

2 oz of St. Green Chile vodka

4 oz of ginger beer (fever tree, Q, fentimans)

Splash of vanilla

Garnish with lime