Category Archives: Learn About Spirits

Bourbon 101

Whether we’re turning neophytes onto bourbon or introducing new finds to long-time aficionados, we at Bottles love talking about bourbon. We love talking about it, writing about it, sipping it, mixing it, discovering new distillers and re-discovering old distillers. We just flat out heart bourbon.

To spread the love to team members that are new to the store, we give them a crash course in the beloved brown spirit. A “Bourbon 101” to prime their palates for the joys ahead.

And given the sheer volume of questions we get in-store about bourbon we’re sharing our primer with you. What follows is meant to give you the basics on what it is and how it’s made. Once you’ve got that down, come in to the store or give us a call for the fun stuff: the flavor differences between styles and producers, which is sweetest, which is strongest, how best to enjoy bourbon and which makes the best Manhattan (just our opinion , of course).

Did we mention we love talking about bourbon?

Cheers!

A Pair of Pear Cocktails

This time of year we’re always on the lookout for easy-drinking, flavorful cocktails that don’t pack a killer wallop, i.e., those that we can sip on all weekend long. This pair of pear cider cocktails make great companions for strenuous Sunday relaxation activities such as marathon sessions of book-reading, Netflix binge-watching, and backgammon-playing.

The following recipes were created by our newest team member, Lilian Rogers, a truly skilled cocktail-crafter whose passion for the culture of cocktails is infectious. Enjoy these, and stay tuned for more from Lily!

The Smoking Mule (photo above)
This drink is earthy, smokey and creamy with tart pear notes. The ginger beer ice cubes take their time to melt, making it a great slow-sipper. Makes 1 cocktail.

4oz Sonoma Cider’s “The Pitchfork” Pear Cider (hard cider)
1oz mezcal
.5oz freshly-squeezed lime juice
.75oz vanilla simple syrup (or, regular simple syrup with 2 drops of vanilla extract)
4 – 6 ice cubes made from ginger beer
1 fresh pear, for garnish

Fill a high-ball glass with the ginger beer ice cubes. Pour in mezcal, lime juice, and vanilla simple syrup, and stir once gently to combine. Top with the pear cider, and garnish with a slice of ripe pear and a straw.

The Garden Trowel
Ethereal with beautiful, complex botanicals, this cocktail is creamy and balanced by crisp pear notes. Makes 1 cocktail.

4oz Sonoma Cider’s “The Pitchfork” Pear Cider (hard cider)
1oz botanical gin (such as Uncle Val’s Botanical, Hendrick’s, Farmer’s Organic Botanical)
.75oz freshly-squeezed lemon juice
.75oz vanilla simple syrup (or, regular simple syrup with 2 drops of vanilla extract)
1 fresh pear, for garnish

Combine gin, lemon juice, and vanilla simple syrup into a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake until slight film of condensation forms on the outside of the shaker. Strain into a rocks glass (8oz or larger), top with 4 oz pear cider. Garnish with a slice of ripe pear.

Cheers and Enjoy!

The Bitter Peruvian

The popularity of aperitif-based cocktails — those with Campari, Aperol, etc., such as the Negroni — shows no sign of abating anytime soon. And we’re good with that, as we very much like their balanced sweet/savory combination, and their grown-up (aka, bitter-ish) finish.

Our version here is modeled on these aperitif cocktails in that it has as its main ingredient “Baladin Ginger,” a bitters-based Italian soda that interestingly enough does not have ginger in it. (Oh those wacky Italians.) Rather, it’s made with natural brown sugar, lemon, herbs, bitters and orange zest – aromatics similar to those used in bitter liqueurs, minus the alcohol. We mix it with pisco – the Peruvian wine-based spirit – to create an easy-drinking, delightfully tart cocktail. It’s low in alcohol, and has a lovely bitter finish.

INGREDIENTS
1oz pisco
1oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
.5 oz simple syrup
1 bottle (100ml) of Baladin Ginger Italian soda
3 dashes Fee Brothers Rhubarb bitters

INSTRUCTIONS
Combine pisco, lemon, and simple syrup over ice in a pint glass and stir gently to combine.
Top with Ginger soda and 3 dashes of bitters.
Garnish with lemon slice.

Cheers!
-Lilian

6 Cool Stocking Stuffers!

With so many incredibly fun options available, there’s no reason why the stocking can’t steal the show on Christmas morning.

1. Some call them nips, some call them travelers, miniatures, or airplane bottles. Whatever term you use to refer to the small, usually 50ml (one serving) bottles of liquor, they are superb stocking stuffers for spirits enthusiasts. Load up their stocking with their favorite — or introduce them to a new brand — we have over 60 different bottles in store.

2. Canvas Pocket Flasks. Collapsable and totally cool. For hiking, tailgating, picnic-ing and all other occasions when you want to take a little taste with you.

3. Artisanal bitters, syrups & tonics. Standard packaging for these must-have items for the home-bartender are perfectly sized for stocking stuffing.

4. Cup Sake. The Japanese really have packaging down to a science. We love the individual servings offered in adorably-designed glasses, particularly the Akishika glass “Panda” cup.

5. A single bottle of Christmas beer. We have stacks and stacks of individual, seasonal brews that will say “It’s OK to Pop Open a Beer on Christmas Morning!”

6. Wine Tools That Work. From the best bottle opener out there (Bottles approved!), to vacuum savers, we have enough accessories to fill a wine-lovers stocking, and then some.

Merry Christmas!

Don’t Let Your After-Dinner Drinks Be An Afterthought

An easy and impressive way to elevate any meal – especially Thanksgiving Dinner – is to offer your guests an after-dinner drink, served alongside – or in lieu of – dessert. And all that’s required for this elegant and delicious end-to-a-meal is a thoughtful bottle choice (we can help with that), and clean glassware. Baking not required.

Though there are many mixed drinks that are popular after dinner (ie. Irish Coffee), we’re focusing on one-bottle postprandial sippers: those that you merely need open and pour to enjoy. Here are the 4 styles we like to serve during Thanksgiving season.

1. Sweet Dessert Wine ranging from fruit-sweet (Sauternes, Moscato D’Asti) to sugar and nut-sweet (Madeira, Port). One small glass does a body good either by itself or paired with pungent cheese.

2. Amari bitter (and sometimes sweet) liqueurs originally produced to calm upset bellies. despite — or perhaps in light of — their at-times super-bracing bitterness, an increasing number of folks are enjoying Amari after dinner – stomachache or not.

3. Liqueurs / Cordials traditional european liqueurs made with flavors of almonds, coffee and mint (just to name a few) are now being produced in small batches by American artisans. these new bottles are an outstanding treat.

4. Bubbles popping a bottle of sweet (sec) or semi-sweet (demi-sec) sparkling wine is an elegant and festive way to put a celebratory cap on a merry holiday meal.

Call or visit the store for help in finding the perfect bottle to end your feast.

Cheers!

Sons of Liberty Spirits: Craft Whiskey, Vodka & Gin Made in Rhode Island

Sons of Liberty Spirit

It was a warm, early Autumn day a few years back, and some of the staff at Bottles were on their way to Peacedale. We had been speaking with Mike Repucci, founder of the fledgling Sons of Liberty distillery, and he had invited us down to fire up the still and make some whiskey. How could we say no?

Mike explained the Sons of Liberty philosophy to us. If all whiskey starts as beer (true), then why not make great beer and turn it into fantastic single malt whiskey? As he spoke, he let us taste the creamy, cocoa-laced flavors of the raw spirit coming out of the still, and we were hooked.

Mike has continued to innovate since those early days, and has produced an authentic line of Whiskeys, Vodkas, & Gin that have received accolades from all around the globe. We’re so proud to have this kind of home-grown spirit here in Rhode Island, and we’re excited to share Sons of Liberty with you.

Cheers,
– Liam Maloney

THE WHISKEYS

Sons of Liberty Spirits Distillery - Uprising Whiskey

Uprising

The first Sons of Liberty spirit we tasted on that autumn morning. It starts life as a creamy & decadent chocolate stout, and you can taste it in the finished product. Look for light notes of vanilla and caramel, complemented by toasty spice flavors from American & French oak. This is a Scotch drinker’s whiskey.

Sons of Liberty Spirits Battlecry Whiskey

Battle Cry

A Bourbon drinker’s whiskey, Battle Cry starts off as a Belgian ale. Utilizing both rye and honey malts, to achieve a balance of dry spiciness & sweet grain flavors, Battle Cry is aged in new American oak before bottling. They also use a strain of Trappist ale yeast to ferment, which adds notes of dark fruits and anise to the dry finish.

Hop Whiskey - SOL Spirits

Hop

Brewers have long used a method called ‘dry-hopping’ to add aroma and flavor to their beers. The same method is used here, when Sons of Liberty distills an IPA and ages the finished spirit in oak with whole flower Citra & Sorachi Ace hops. Herbal & aromatic when young (and the perfect choice for a whiskey & tonic), it mellows with age, becoming more minty & oaky. A whiskey for the cocktail enthusiast, that is as good in a gin cocktail as it is in a whiskey-based one.

Pumpkin Spice Whiskey by Sons of Liberty Spirits Distillery

Pumpkin Spice

When you think about it, what would make more sense than turning a warming, spice-laced pumpkin beer into whiskey? This is a craft beer & spirit drinker’s whiskey, as the roasted flavors of pumpkin, clove, & allspice are subtle, and secondary to the flavors of the whiskey. Sons of Liberty uses tons of locally grown pumpkins each year, scooping & roasting them all by hand, and carefully aging the finish whiskey on the pumpkin & spice until just the right amount of flavor is achieved. This is a true New England original that we can all be proud of.

THE VODKA

Loyal 9 Vodkas

Loyal 9

Loyal 9 is exceptionally smooth vodka, made from corn, and distilled 99 times to achieve a sterling clarity. You’ll often find it in our home bars, where we like it on the rocks with a splash of bitters, or in any number of cocktails.

Loyal 9 Mint Cucumber

Sons of Liberty doesn’t do anything if they’re not going to do it right. So when they say mint & cucumber, they mean it. The base spirit of Loyal 9 is blended with subtle, cooling cucumber, and a fresh blast of mint. It’s very refreshing in a vodka tonic, or when blended with lemon juice & simple syrup.

Loyal 9 Dark Chocolate Vanilla Bean

Loyal 9 Chocolate Vanilla

Rather than being a fudgy, milk chocolate kind of vodka, Sons of Liberty continues their style of reserved, appropriately flavored spirits with this expression. Flavors of dry cocoa and a strong undercurrent of real vanilla beans make this vodka the perfect choice for chocolate martinis and white russians.

THE GIN

True Born Gin - The Belgian Wheat Act - Sons of Liberty

True Born Gin

True Born is a new staff favorite here at Bottles. Sons of Liberty starts by making truly excellent Belgian Wheat ale, brewed with lemongrass & coriander. It’s a beer that could stand on its own as is. When distilled, however, and seasoned with a touch of juniper, citrus, & other botanicals, it completely shines in the glass. We like to shake it on ice & strain it into a chilled cocktail glass, where the lemony flavors really shine. It also makes a memorable Negroni, and a very refreshing gin & tonic.

Masko’s Manhattan Recipe

Masko's Manhattan - Cocktail Recipe

Looking for a magical Manhattan cocktail recipe? John Masko (a friend of Bottles) has concocted this special drink that features White Ginger Infused Simple Syrup from Sonoma Syrup Company.

To make their White Ginger Simple Syrup, Sonoma Syrup Co. infuses fresh white ginger in pure cane syrup, resulting in a peppery, sweet taste. It can enhance loads of cocktails, but is especially ideal for Masko’s Manhattan, a combination of Knob Creek Bourbon, Ramazzotti Amaro, and the amazingly delicious Luxardo cherry.

MASKO’S MANHATTAN

Ingredients:
— 3 oz Knob Creek Bourbon
— 3/4 oz Ramazzotti Amaro
— 1 1/2 teaspoons (1/4 oz) White Ginger Infused Simple Syrup from Sonoma Syrup Company (shake the syrup well before dispensing)
— Luxardo cherries

Directions:
Add the three liquid ingredients to a shaker 2/3 full of ice. Shake longer than usual with ice (I shake to a slow count of 40) and strain into a chilled cocktail glass; because of the intense flavors of all of the ingredients, prolonged shaking is necessary. Garnish with one or two Luxardo cherries and lightly pull a Luxardo-syrup-coated fork through the cocktail after you place the cherry, leaving a fading swirl of syrup.

(The measurement of Bourbon and Ramazzotti is not as critical as that of the ginger syrup: under or over-measuring the syrup can give a very different character to the cocktail.)

Recipe by John Masko

Hillrock Estate Distillery: An Exclusive Whiskey Pairing for Father’s Day, Only at Bottles

Hillrock Estate Distillery. Grain to Glass. Barrel to Bottles.

Bottles is proud to announce the release of our private barrel of Hillrock Estate Double Cask Rye just in time for Father’s Day. Barrel No. 40—personally selected earlier this year at the Hudson Valley distillery, by our own Eric Taylor and Liam Maloney—was bottled last month. Each bottle is individually numbered and signed by Hillrock’s Master Distiller, Dave Pickerell, and bears a special label signifying it as a “Bottles Special Edition.”

On a beautiful winter day at Hillrock, Dave shared with us his philosophy of distilling (“Play with your whiskey. You can’t be lazy with it. You’ve got to get your glasses steamy.”) and his thoughts on what makes the estate so distinctive. And of course, we tasted. After sampling more than 8 single barrels, we settled on Barrel No. 40. We were charmed by its full, creamy and smooth mouthfeel, the Hillrock characteristic hints of clove and cinnamon, and its warm, long finish.

Limited quantities of The Hillrock Estate Double Cask Rye – Bottles Edition, are on sale now exclusively at Bottles. Make it the perfect Father’s Day gift this year by pairing it with an AVO No. 9, a mild-to-medium cigar with a smooth and slight spicy flavor. $100 for the pair, while supplies last.

Show your dad he’s one of a kind and give him this one-of-a-kind whiskey, available only at Bottles.

Cheers,
Katie

Learn How to Infuse Your Booze (A Helpful Infographic)

Learn how to infuse! Infusions are a great way to personalize cocktails, use fresh ingredients, and create fantastic handmade gifts. Just follow this infographic!

Though it’s easy to experiment with different combinations of herbs, fruit, and alcohol, here are our directions on how to make a basil infused vodka. It’s perfect in a martini!

BASIL INFUSED VODKA

INGREDIENTS & SUPPLIES
– 1 cup lightly packed basil leaves, rinsed and towel dried
– 1/2 750ml bottle of Prairie vodka
– swing top bottles or mason jars (stop by Bottles for swing top bottles)
– mesh strainer
– cheesecloth
– cool, dark cupboard to store infusion

DIRECTIONS

Wash basil leaves and lightly dry with a towel. Pour vodka into swing-top bottle or mason jar. Add basil leaves. Attach cover and shake. Place in cupboard. Let it sit a day, and after the first day of infusion, open up your infusion and pour yourself a sample. The longer you leave the basil in, the stronger the flavor will be. If you’re satisfied with the infusion on the second day, strain away! Strain once with mesh strainer, strain twice with mesh strainer, strain third time with cheesecloth.

Note: Extracting (straining) is the most laborious part about infusing. The herbs or berries do most of the work by imparting their delicious nature into the vodka. The key to straining is multiple passes and patience. Put an episode of the Barefoot Contessa on as you strain your infusions and start brainstorming your next dinner party!

Infusing is actually a process called osmosis (remember from middle school science class?). Placing an object in alcohol encourages the herb or fruit’s flavor and color to move outside of the fruit into the alcohol.

ADDITIONAL TIPS & TRICKS

Herb, Citrus & Fruit
– Wash fruit or herbs before infusing.
– Experiment and pair strong flavors with cooling flavors (e.g. jalapeño cucumber vodka) to create a well balanced infusion.
– Citrus piths will create a bitter infusion, make sure you only use the zest.
– For pulpy fruits, strain with a coffee filter after the mesh strainer and cheese cloth step.

Alcohol
– Use a mid-level spirit, one that you would make cocktails with and serve to friends.
– Forget about higher proof alcohol, 90 proof vodka (most spirits are 90 proof) infuse just as well as spirits with higher alcohol content.

Making the Infusion
– Keep your infusions away from sunlight and heat.
– Make sure the seal on your infusion jar is air tight (otherwise your infusion will ferment!).
– Make small experimental batches, infusing is a trial and error process.
– Label your infusions and extraction date, and mark it on the calendar.

HERBAL COCKTAIL RECIPE: Thai Basil Vodka Martini

– 2 oz Thai Bail Infused Vodka
– 1 oz Dry Vermouth
– Splash of lime juice
– Lime Wedge

Pour vodka, vermouth, lime juice over ice in a cocktail shaker, shake and strain into glass. Garnish with lime wedge.

Cheers & Happy Infusing!

– Joanna Laird

Featuring Compass Box Whisky Co.

Compass Box Whisky Co. is a specialist Scotch whisky-maker that produces a whole world of small batch Scotch whiskies, made in a variety of styles to appeal to a variety of tastes. Stop by Bottles to shop our new in-store display!

Great King Street Artist’s Blend – A marriage of delicate Lowland grain and robust, complex Highland malt whiskies. Rich, round and fruity with hints of toasty oak, vanilla and spice.

Great King Street Glasgow Blend – Full bodied, a rich vein of peaty-smokiness, with dried fruit and wine character. A Glasgow icon (the Wellington Statue cheekily topped by a traffic cone) graces the label.

Delilah’s – Created to be perfect served as a shot with a beer! Intense yet subtly complex Scotch whisky with a lovely richness, vanilla character and sweetness.

Aslya – The lightest of the Compass Box whiskies. Aged in first-fill American oak casks, yielding the Compass Box trademark style: soft, rich, vanilla-tinged, and delicious.

The Lost Blend – A new limited edition and a homage to Compass Box’s own ‘lost blend’ – Eleuthera. An elegantly complex union of two fruity Highland single malts and a peaty Islay single malt.

Orangerie – Made from smooth, sweet Scotch whisky infused with the hand-zested peel of Navalino oranges and aromatic spices. Serve over ice with an orange twist. Great with dark chocolate!

Flaming Heart – Every few years, Compass Box blends and bottles a new edition of the award-winning Flaming Heart. A big, smoky malt whisky with rich, concentrated vanilla and spice character.

Oak Cross – Called Oak Cross because it offers the best characteristics of both American and French oak aging. A rich, medium-bodied blended malt Scotch whisky.

Peat Monster – For those who love big, rich, peaty and smoky malt whiskies, this is your whisky. A balanced and approachable monster, but a monster nonetheless.

Peat Monster 10th Anniversary – A special limited edition bottling of The Peat Monster, with intense aromas of peat-reek, smoke, seaside character, burnt ropes and a subtle apple-fruitiness in the background.

Spice Tree – Compass Box’s storied malt whisky aged in custom-made casks fitted with new French oak heads. The result is a big malt whiskey of richness and spice-like complexity.

Hedonism – When good Scotch grain whisky is aged in good quality American oak casks, the results are stunning: a rich, sweet, alluring whisky, redolent of vanilla, pastry cream and coconut.

Drink | A Wine, Beer & Spirit Blog by Bottles

A blog by Bottles in Providence with cocktail recipes, party ideas, and everything wine, craft beer, and spirits