Category Archives: Learn About Spirits

All About Absinthe!

So, what is the deal with Absinthe? The notorious spirit is known for its tumultuous history and its fluctuations in legality throughout the years, its associations among some of the most famous artists and writers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries (particularly those who called Paris home), and of its supposed hallucinogenic qualities, especially of ‘la fée verte‘ – or ‘the green fairy.’

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Find Absinthe in the cordials section of our shop—we even carry traditional Absinthe spoons, sugar cubes, and the perfect glass!

History and Definition

Absinthe originated in the canton of Neuchâtel in Switzerland in the late 18th century and is historically described as a distilled, highly alcoholic (45–74% ABV / 90–148 proof) beverage. True absinthes are carefully distilled from a variety of all natural herbs. Some of these herbs are regional and can include: sweet flag, angelica, dittany, marjoram, peppermint, tansy, melissa, sage, coriander, veronica, angelica, and hyssop, but will always include: green anise, fennel and the most important being, grande wormwood or Artemisia absinthium.

Absinthe traditionally has a natural green color but may also be clear. All absinthes are clear until they are soaked in natural herbs to color them after the initial distillation process. Although it is sometimes mistakenly referred to as a liqueur, absinthe is not traditionally bottled with added sugar; it is therefore classified as a spirit. Due to its high level of ABV, Absinthe is typically served diluted with water and sugar if served in the traditional fashion.

Owing in part to its association with bohemian culture, the consumption of absinthe was opposed by social conservatives and prohibitionists. By 1915, absinthe had been banned in the United States and in much of Europe, including France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and Austria-Hungary.

Although absinthe was vilified, it has not been demonstrated to be any more dangerous than ordinary spirits. Recent studies have shown that the absinthe’s psychoactive properties (apart from that of the alcohol) have been exaggerated.

What does Absinthe taste like?

The core of absinthe lies with anise, fennel and grande wormwood. These 3 herbs combine to give what is usually explained as an herbal and anise taste and smell, and NOT that of black licorice, as many inaccurately describe. Originally used as a digestive to settle one’s stomach, absinthe is a refreshing drink, especially when prepared correctly!

Preparation

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What is perhaps the oldest, and thought of as the purest method of Absinthe preparation is often referred to as the ‘French Method.‘

The preparation involves placing a sugar cube on top of a specially designed slotted spoon on top of a glass filled with a measure of absinthe. Iced water is poured or dripped over the sugar cube to slowly and evenly distribute the water into the absinthe. The final preparation contains 1 part absinthe and 3-5 parts water.

As water dilutes the spirit, those components with poor water solubility (mainly those from anise, fennel, and star anise) come out of solution and cloud the drink. The resulting milky opalescence is called the louche (French for opaque or shady). The release of these dissolved essences coincides with a perfuming of herbal aromas and flavors that “blossom” or “bloom,” and brings out subtleties that are otherwise muted within the neat spirit.

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So though you may not see the green fairy, this delicious historic drink is most definitely worth a try, come check out our great selection in store!

Cheers!

 

 

Featuring Bully Boy Distillery!

Bully Boy Distillery in Boston

Located in Boston and owned and operated by brothers Will and Dave Willis, Bully Boy is a New England craft-method distillery you should know.

Will and Dave Willis were inspired by their childhood home and fourth-generation working family farm, where a basement vault of local artisan spirits was discovered roughly 70 years after Prohibition. This inspired the idea for an artisan distillery named after Bully Boy, a favorite farm workhorse. Paying particular attention to the caliber of ingredients used in its product, Bully Boy hand-produces premium spirits, carrying on the tradition of small-batch distilling and emphasizing quality over quantity.

We’re featuring all Bully Boy bottles in-store this winter, just look for our large spirits display. Also, you’re in luck if you’re on a budget, because they are all on sale for $5 off their regular price!

Cheers!

Bully Boy White Rum

White Rum

Continuing Boston’s legacy as the center of rum production, Bully Boy’s signature White Rum is made with Blackstrap Molasses. Using techniques handed down from Cognac distillers, they use a blend of cuts to create white rum that has both depth and a remarkably smooth finish. Enjoy straight up or mixed in your favorite cocktail.

Bully Boy Boston Rum

Boston Rum

Boston Rum grew out of a desire to resurrect the city’s storied history of rum production, which dates back to 1667. Colonial Americans had a healthy appetite for rum, and much of the original spirits were distilled in Boston. Made with blackstrap molasses, Bully Boy Boston Rum has a bold flavor, which is created using deeper cuts on the still. It’s aged in a blend of used bourbon and red wine barrels, and the final product has a fruity complexity, a subtle vanilla note, and a bit of sweetness.

Bully Boy Vodka

Vodka

Bully Boy’s USDA certified organic vodka is made with wheat on a 600 liter copper still. Wheat was chosen as the base for the vodka because it creates a spirit with a subtle sweetness that aids drinkability. Distilled only once, the spirit presents a silky texture and clean, chiseled finish. Enjoy neat or mixed.

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White Whiskey

All whiskey comes off the still as a clear spirit; it is the aging process that imbues whiskey with its deep brown hue and oaky taste. A popular spirit during prohibition, white whiskey (moonshine) was manufactured using primitive techniques and inferior ingredients making it harsh and undrinkable. Times have changed. Bully Boy’s USDA certified organic white whiskey is clean and mellow. It’s akin to vodka, but with bolder flavor notes. You can enjoy it neat or use it in place of vodka in your favorite mixed drink.

Bully Boy Whiskey

American Straight Whiskey

Bully Boy’s aged whiskey uses corn, rye, and malted barley as its primary ingredients, and is aged in new American Oak. The corn makes for subtle sweetness, and the high rye content creates a dry spiciness; the flavors are further refined through the barrel-aging process, which imparts both a prominent caramel note and a nutty finish. An excellent sipping whiskey! As with all Bully Boy’s spirits, their American Straight Whiskey is made in small, numbered batches, so you know you are getting a truly unique spirit.

Bully Boy Hub Punch

Hub Punch

Inspired by the original Hub Punch recipe popular in the late 1800’s, Bully Boy Hub Punch, a barrel aged rum infused with fruits and botanicals, revives a historic Boston tradition that was a casualty of Prohibition. Originally concocted at the now defunct Hub Hotel, Bostonians typically enjoyed Hub Punch mixed with soda water, ginger ale, or lemonade. Bully Boy consulted a variety of historical accounts of Hub Punch to craft a spirit that pays homage to the traditional recipe and spirit of the pre-prohibition era Boston. Bully Boy Hub Punch is fruit forward with the botanicals providing tea-like undertones ideal for mixing with both dry and sweet mixing agents.

Favorite Bottles: Top Holiday Spirits

Liquor Gift Ideas

If there’s a time of year when you need a special bottle of something, it’s the holidays. Whether you’re looking the perfect gift for those you really appreciate, or need a memorable bottle to open up and share with family and friends, we’ve made sure to bring in our favorite picks to feature in the shop. 

Here is our selection of Gin, Vodka, Rum, Mezcal, Whiskey, Scotch, and even Chartreuse that we find especially delicious and interesting. Plus, they’re easy on the eyes! Cheers!

Gin

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GIN

Uncle Val’s Botanical Gin – A delightfully dry gin made with cool, crisp cucumber & aromatic citrus. As well suited to a Gin & Tonic as a dry Martini, this bottle is a real treat for the gin lover in your family.  Make a Botanical Spritzer

St. George Botanivore Gin – A remarkably well balanced gin in the London Dry style. Deeply aromatic, its juniper flavors blend seamlessly with note of citrus & herbs. Try it in a Dorflinger

St. George Terroir Gin – This heady gin is made with botanicals that grow in California. It has a big nose of spruce tips, with a finish of laurel & oranges. Our recommended cocktail: Terroir Martinez

St. George Dry Rye Gin – Rye is super spicy! This gin is electric with bright, spicy, dry rye flavors. Perfect for a Dry Rye Negroni.

Vodka

VODKA

Karlsson’s Gold – Made from seven separate distillations from virgin Norwegian potatoes. Incredibly smooth, with a rich mouthfeel and a creamy, lingering finish. Neither Eric or Liam are allowed to bring it home anymore – it goes too fast. Try it in a Black Gold (Karlsson’s on the rocks with a crack of black pepper).

Jewel of Russia ‘Ultra’ – Each unique, hand-painted bottle contains one of the purest spirits we’ve ever encountered. It’s almost like drinking nothing at all. How do you drink this? Shake over ice & strain. That’s it.

Mezcal Tequila

MEZCAL

Xicaru Silver – Made from 100% Espadin agave, smoked over mesquite, and crushed in the traditional Tahona method, this is a Mezcal of distinction. From its earthy start to its finish of light citrus notes, this is the perfect bottle for the Mezcal lover in your life, or for someone longing to be introduced to the world of Mezcal. Fantastic in a Mezcal Paloma – Pour 1 oz. of Xicaru in a highball glass with ice, and top with grapefruit soda.

Pierde Almas Coñejo – This remarkable Mezcal is only made once a year, and in very limited quantities. It’s produced by wrapping fruit, almonds, and anise in a rabbit & hanging it in the still, rather like a gin is produced. The final product is akin to drinking a big, beautiful, smoky, citrusy roast. Made for sipping.

Rum

RUM

Grand Ten Medford Rum – Grand Ten Distillers, in Boston, has brought back a lost, forgotten style of rum with their Medford. Made from a sour mash of blackstrap molasses, it’s creamy, buttery, & hugely aromatic. This is a whiskey lover’s sipping rum. Looking for a cocktail featuring Medford Rum? Make a Palmetto.

Clement 6 Year Grand Reserve – A true sipping rum, the Grand Reserve is a blend of rums aged for years in different oak casks – some in French Limousin, some in charred new American oak. The resulting blend of finish rums has flavors of almonds & biscotti, hazelnuts, tarragon, & green tea. Delicious as is.

Chartreuse

CHARTREUSE

Chartreuse Green – Truly in a class of its own, Chartreuse is the creation of Carthusian monks, who have been passing down & perfecting their recipe for centuries. Trying to describe the flavor of Chartreuse is like trying to describe your first kiss. It’s strange & wonderful, ethereal & delicious all at the same time. If you need a Chartreuse cocktail, we recommend a Chartreuse Smash.

Chartreuse Green V.E.P. – As if a bottle of Chartreuse wasn’t good enough, the monks also make an extra aged version. As far as we can tell, it’s made from unicorn tears, ambrosia, and the laughter of children. It’s a rare treat, and a stunning example of the heights people can achieve when they put their minds to it.

Cognac

COGNAC

D’Usse – This is a newcomer for us, and we were impressed with its intense flavors (of cinnamon & clove) and its light, creamy mouthfeel. This is a great bottle for the Cognac drinker in your life who’s looking for something new. D’Usse makes an impressive Vieux Carre.

Cognac Louis XIII

Remy Martin Louis XIII – This legendary blend contains no spirit less than 50 years old. It has subtle & nuanced flavors of hazelnuts, truffles, & prunes. Distinct & impressive, this is truly a gift for someone very deserving.

Whiskey - Tin Cup

WHISKEY

Tin Cup – American Whiskey at its finest, Tin Cup is a new release from Jess Graber out of Colorado. Distilled from grain and a generous amount of rye, it’s light & lively on the palate, with a dry finish that makes it equally as suited to cocktails as it is to a few cubes. Wonderful in a classic Old Fashioned.

Michters Celebration Bourbon Whiskey

Michter’s Celebration – Hand selected by Master Distiller Willie Pratt, this extraordinary blend of 20 – 30 year old Bourbons & Ryes is going to make one very lucky person very, very happy. It could be you!

Bruichladdich Scotch Whiskey

SCOTCH

Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie – Previously known as the ‘Laddie 10’, this unpeated Single Malt is made from 100% Scottish barley, carefully distilled, and aged in American Oak. It’s equal parts fruity, malty, biscuity, creamy, & delightful. The perfect bottle for the Whiskey lover in your family.

Macallan 25

Macallan 25 Year Sherry Oak – One of the highest rated & consistent Single Malts in the world, the Macallan 25 Year exhibits deep & profound notes of cinnamon, wood smoke, dried fruits, and a touch of citrus. The kind of gift that lets people know what you really think of them.

Cheers!
– The Bottles Team

Learn All About Heaven Hill Distilleries – Small Batch Bourbons, Bottled-in-Bond, and Beyond!

heavenhillIn the spirit of welcoming in the fall season, we are having a new Bourbon Special at Bottles! We’re featuring a wide range of whiskies by Heaven Hill Distilleries: America’s largest independent family-owned producer of Bourbon, who holds the second largest inventory of bourbon in the country. They make great bourbons like Elijah Craig, Evan Williams 1783, Rittenhouse Rye, and much, much more. Below we’ve outlined some of the featured whiskeys from our display. So take a read, soak it in, and swing by the store today and grab a bottle or 5 off our new display!

henrymckenna1 copyHenry McKenna 10 Year, Bottled in Bond 
By law, a Bottled in Bond whiskey must be bottled at 100 proof, aged for a minimum of four years in a government warehouse, and must contain whiskey from a single season of distillery production. Henry McKenna is one of our all­-time favorite whiskies, from anywhere in the world. Bold without being pushy, and deceptively boozy, you’re gonna want Henry in your corner on a night out (or in)!
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Bernheim Wheat Whiskey
A straight whiskey that utilizes winter wheat to bring out extremely soft, sweet, slightly herbal flavors. Very good on its own and eminently mixable, this is a truly unique whiskey!
elijahcraig_12yrsmallbatch copyElijah Craig 12 Year
These days, you don’t see a lot of 12 year old Bourbon out there, and certainly not at an affordable price. Elijah Craig 12 is a truly small batch bourbon ­ each batch is blended from no more than 70 hand selected barrels. The result is a clean & bracing whiskey, with clear vanilla & oak notes.
evanwilliams_1783_1 copyEvan Williams 1783
1783 was the year the first official distiller opened in Kentucky, and this Bourbon pays tribute to that Kentucky spirit. A small batch version of Evan William’s Black Label, it’s dry & toasty, with a beguiling zesty & spicy finish.

 

evanwilliams_2004singlebar copyEvan William Single Barrel
Bottled from a barrel aged near the top of Heaven Hill’s rickhouse, where the average temperature is much higher. The resulting whiskey has penetrated deep into its barrel, picking up remarkably nuanced flavors of cocoa, black tea, vanilla, cedar, and a light citrus quality.
evanwilliam_whitelabel1 copyEvan Williams White Label, Bottled in Bond
By law, a Bottled in Bond whiskey must be bottled at 100 proof, aged for a minimum of four years in a government warehouse, and must contain whiskey from a single season of distillery production. This antiquated system helped protect farmers and distillers in the past, giving them a government backed cash crop and tax breaks on warehousing. Now­a­days, it just means good, quality Bourbon.
rittenhouserye1 copyRittenhouse Straight Rye
A spicy rye whisky that smells and tastes like running through a field on a warm summer day. This 100 proof expression loves to be mixed, though it can be consumed on the rocks if you want to put some hair on your chest!

Cheers!

 

How to Set Up a Backyard Bourbon Bar

Having a party? Need a fun idea for drinks? Forget that bucket of ice water and beer! Instead, treat your guests to a bourbon tasting bar. And guess what — we’re letting you in on how to set one up at home, right in your backyard.

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Treating your guests to a selection of Bourbons is a fun and civilized way to spend an evening, with the added benefit — whatever they don’t drink stays at your house for later (#winning). After a hot summer day, as the sun sets and the fire is blazing, there’s nothing like a decent bourbon to get you relaxed and ready for the evening.bourbonparty6

To make things easy, here are some free printable signs to put out at the bar, to help your guests choose. Also, check out the printable information sheet for conversation starters! Click the links below to download and print!

Bourbon Tasting Signs >

Information Sheet >

Shopping & Supplies List >

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SETTING UP THE BOURBON BAR

  • Find a sturdy table, and cover with a tablecloth, burlap, or covering if the table isn’t up to snuff in the beauty department.
  • Set your glassware to one side of the bar. You can use Glencairn glasses, rocks glasses, or any smaller-sized glasses you have.
  • Have an ice bucket and tongs for those who want their bourbon the rocks.
  • If you’re feelin’ fancy, have some optional garnishes pre-cut: lemon, lime, or orange peel zest.
  • Are you an avid collector of vintage decanters? Feel free to pour the bourbon into your decanters. Just make sure to line them up with the correct tasting note sign in front.

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HOW TO CHOOSE BOURBONS

We’ve picked out some of our favorite backyard Bourbons, and we’ve broken them down into five categories to help you make a decision. To make the tasting more varied and interesting, try to find one bourbon from each category – small batch, high-rye, wheated, bottled-in-bond, or single barrel.

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1. Small Batch Bourbon

While there’s no real meaning to the label ‘small batch’ in terms of federal approval, the real small batch bourbons are easy to pick out in a tasting. Most distilleries age their whisky and then, when it’s ready, blend it all together in a big vat to put into bottles. A small batch Bourbon is made from whiskies whose barrels (through whatever blend of alchemy, magic, expertise, & luck) were particularly good, as selected by a master distiller. Some distilleries, like Evan Williams, release both (Evan Williams ubiquitous black label and Evan Williams 1783). Other distilleries, like Elijah Craig, make only small batch whiskies (try Elijah Craig 12 Year), focusing on age & flavor.

Four Roses Small Batch – Made from four of Four Roses proprietary Bourbon recipes (2 corn and 2 high-rye), this well-balanced whiskey has subtle notes of cocoa & spice. Great with richer fare, like sausages & onions.

2. High-Rye Bourbon

By law, Bourbon must be made of at least 51% corn. The other 49% is up to the whim of the distiller. In some cases, the distiller adds a fair amount of rye to the mash, and this is a ‘high-rye’ bourbon. If you think about the difference between cornbread & a rye loaf, you’ll get the idea. Traditional Bourbon with a lot of corn: sweet & heavy. A high-rye bourbon or rye whiskey: spicy & light. A favorite at Bottles is Basil Hayden, but you should also try Bulleit Bourbon, which is a little rough & tumble, with bold flavors that kick!

Basil Hayden – Light & ethereal, this Bourbon makes a great Manhattan, but is equally delicious on its own. Fun fact – the copper band that surrounds every bottle of Basil Hayden is made right here in Rhode Island. Pair with chicken or swordfish kabobs.

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3. Wheated Bourbon

Just like high-rye bourbon, a wheated bourbon utilizes the soft,  herbal flavors of wheat to bring balance to the finished product. Be warned! For many, a good wheated bourbon is a gateway whiskey, opening up a whole new world of brown spirit exploration. Bernheim Wheat Whiskey is a great representative of the category, but if you’d like an alternative, try Rebel Yell, which is a quiet sleeper on the shelves that’s great with amaro and a slice of orange.

Bernheim Wheat Whiskey – Bernheim uses at least 51% winter wheat to bring out extremely soft, sweet, slightly herbal flavors. Very good on its own and eminently mixable, this is a truly unique whiskey! Pair with grilled fish.

4. Bottled in Bond

There aren’t many bonded whiskies left in production. The Bottled-in-Bond act was enacted in 1897 in response to the influx of crummy, adulterated booze on the market that was being advertised as Bourbon. It was an effort by the government to legitimize a home-grown industry and guarantee the quality of the liquid inside the bottle. All Bottled in Bond whiskies must be made by one distillery during one single distillation season. Further, it must be aged in a federally bonded warehouse for at least four years, and must be bottled at 100 proof.

The resulting whiskies are strong, but very subtle, with lots of complex spice, char, & vanilla notes. Henry McKenna is perhaps one of the best bourbons at Bottles. But, if you’re looking for something that will put some hair on your chest, try Rittenhouse Rye, a 100 proof, spicy rye.

Henry McKenna 10 Year – Wow. It’s no exaggeration to say that this is one of our very favorite whiskies, from anywhere in the world. It’s warming & comforting, with a ton of nuance and character. You’re gonna want Henry in your corner on a night out (or in)! Pair with slow roasted, juicy, messy pulled pork.

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5. Single Barrel Bourbon

Much like a single vineyard selection at a winery, a single-barrel bourbon is the ultimate expression of a distillers craft and care. By some unrepeatable blend of alchemy, skill, magic, & luck, these Bourbons are pulled from barrels that are the purest expression of a distiller’s hopes & dreams. Hand selected and bottled out of one barrel, they are usually (but not always) hand numbered with the date of creation, bottling, and the barrel number. Each release will be a little different than the next, but all will showcase the best that American ingenuity has to offer, with clear, clean expressions of corn, oak, toast, spice, & vanilla.

A great choice is Evan Williams Single Barrel – if you can’t find that, we also like Wild Turkey Russel’s Reserve Single Barrel, which has heady flavors of licorice, deep caramel, and a light meringue quality that pair well with dessert, then bedtime.

Evan Williams Single Barrel – Hand selected by Bourbon rock-stars Parker & Craig Beam, this refined whiskey has a load of dark caramel and & toasty char, with a lush & lingering finish. Pair with: after dinner! Don’t muck this one up!

As for food pairings for the bar, bourbon and backyard barbecue are a perfect match. The hot coals and smoke of the fire are akin to the char on a bourbon barrel, while the sweet, caramelized grill marks on your meat mimic the sweet corn & vanilla flavors in your glass.

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We hope this list helps to give you some tools and confidence when it comes to picking out your backyard bourbon. There are so many to choose from, we’ve doubtless left off some of your favorites (and a couple of ours, as well).

For those who absolutely refuse to drink whiskey at your house (the ingrates), urge them to explore some other interesting & fun whiskies to change their mind. For instance, our local distillery, Sons of Liberty, makes a dry hopped whiskey in the summer that makes a killer whiskey & tonic. There are smoked whiskies, ryes, and whiskies made from non-traditional grains that can also liven things up a bit.

Barring that, make sure you have a couple local brews on hand for the hold outs, and plenty of ice for your mother-in-law’s chardonnay. Your backyard bourbon barbecue is sure to be a hit!

Cheers!

Sipping Rum, ‘Agricole Rhum’, and Rhum Clément of Martinique

It’s summertime, and for many, summer time is ‘rummertime’.

Here in Rhode Island, with our rich seafaring history and traditions, ties to colonial trade (both illicit and fair), naval presence, specter of piracy, and general saltiness, rum is a natural choice for the hot summer months.

Sipping Rums - Rhum Clement

Most people have at least one rum cocktail that they break out when the sun is still up at 7:00 pm. Mojitos are very popular these days, and a ‘Dark & Stormy’ (dark rum mixed with ginger ale & lime) has been something of an unofficial state cocktail for some time.

Mixing Rums

In general, the rums people choose for mixing may be light or dark in color, but are most often relatively sweet. It’s sugar, of course – and more specifically, molasses – that lends these saccharine and heady qualities to the spirit, and also what makes these rums such good mixers.

Spiced Rums

Many rums are also spiced, adding vanilla and cinnamon flavors to the already sticky spirit. When mixing with cola, ginger ale, or other sweet/tart mixtures, these rums do quite well, adding a warmth and lushness to the mix. Alone, however, they can be cloying and overwhelming, and you’d be hard pressed to find someone who enjoys a glass of straight rum on the rocks.

Select Agricole Rum

Rhum Clément – Select Barrel

Sipping Rums – Try Agricole Rhums

So what about sipping rums? Is there something out there that would be suitable for sipping over some rocks on a hot summer evening? Of course there is! They are called ‘Agricole Rhums’ (Rhum with an ‘h’, as they are most often produced in French speaking countries), and their distinction lies in how they are processed. Where most rums are made by fermenting and distilling molasses, which can then be colored, spiced, or (in the case of our famous New England rums) aged in oak, Agricole Rhums eschew molasses for a much more direct method.

An Agricole Rhum is made by pressing freshly harvested sugarcane and allowing the collected juice to ferment naturally, after which it is put through a single, gentle distillation, and finally aged for a period of time in oak to mellow. The result is a fascinating interplay of flavors, sweet married with citrus fruits, cocoa flavors intertwined with spicy notes of cinnamon and cardamom, and a unique vegetal aroma reminiscent of freshly mown grass and black tea.

Premiere Canne Rum

Clément Rhum – Premiére Canne

How to Enjoy Agricole Rhums

When young, these rums make a vibrant and daring Daiquiri or ‘Ti Punch (the traditional drink of Martinique).

When aged, these rums hold their own alongside some of the finest cognacs & whiskies in the world. The barrels soften the spirit and the rum, in turn, draws out some of the best qualities of the oak (vanilla, nuttiness, and toast).  Mixing aged Agricole Rhum into a classic cocktail (like a Sidecar) in lieu of whisky is a real treat, and brings out a wonderful interplay of flavors.

It’s the older rums that are made for sipping, either neat or with a few ice cubes, on your front porch swing. After sitting in oak for many years (often 3  and up to 20!) the resulting spirit is not at all sticky or saccharine in nature. They live and breathe in the glass just like a fine Scotch, and can make a hot summer evening pass by in the blink of an eye.

Rhum Clement 

Our friends at Rhum Clément have been making Agricole Rhums for generations, all in their family, and the results are well worth seeking out.

Clement Canne Rhum Blue

Rhum Clément – Canne Bleue

Check out their ‘Premiére Canne‘ white rum, with its sharp & snappy herbal flavors, and also ‘Canne Bleue‘, a single varietal white rum made from one type of blue sugarcane. More nuanced than its brother, Canne Bleue has zesty notes of orange peel and bittersweet cocoa.

We also like their ‘Select Barrel‘ and ‘V.S.O.P.‘ rums, aged for several years in oak, for their seductive vanilla & toffee qualities.

Clement VSOP Rum

Rhum Clément – V.S.O.P.

Whether you mix or sip, make this summer one for trying something new with some Agricole Rhum from Martinique.

It’ll be the next best thing to actually being there.

Stop by Bottles to browse our selection of Rhum Clément and fine sipping rums.

– by Liam Maloney

Don’s Cigar Pick of the Week! Romeo y Julietta 1875 Exhibicion #3 with ‘Oak Cross’ Scotch Whisky

Don-cigarsmoking

Welcome to Don’s cigar pick of the week, just in time for The Masters golf tournament this weekend! Each week this spring we’ll be featuring a new cigar pick from Don Schmidt, our wine, scotch and cigar connoisseur. Don has been in the beverage industry for over forty-two years and is a Rhode Island living legend. One of his favorite pastimes is sipping a wonderful wine or scotch and smoking a fine cigar on a beautiful, breezy Saturday afternoon.

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This week Don is smoking Romeo y Julietta 1875 Exhibicion #3 from the Dominican Republic. A great way to kick off cigar season, this is a medium bodied Toro-shape with rich, smooth flavor and a spicy finish.

Don is pairing it with Compass Box ‘Oak Cross’ Malt Scotch. The Oak Cross Whisky Co. is known for creating small batch Scotch whiskies in an approachable, but experimental way. Oak Cross is a vatted malt, combining French and American oak aging to create a lush vanilla aromas with a touch of clove spice on the palate.

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Together, the Oak Cross and Exhibicion #3 (with maybe some aged cheese, or almonds!) create an excellent springtime digestif full of soft flavors and a slight twist of spice.


Get your ingredients in store – Cheers!

Romeo y Julietta 1875 Exhibicion #3 – $9.99
Compass Box ‘Oak Cross’ Malt Scotch – $49.99

Great Bourbon for a Bargain!

Bourbons for a Bargain

Who doesn’t love bourbon? If you’ve indulged during the holidays, you may be looking for a whiskey that doesn’t decimate your wallet. That’s why we’ve put together a list of great bourbons, all of which are under $20. Stop by our store, shop our bourbon display, and treat yo’ self!

Old Grand Dad Bottled in Bond Bourbon Whiskey
First distilled by Basil Hayden himself, Old Grand Dad is a high -rye bourbon with a spicy, robust finish. $18.99


Evan Williams Bottled in Bond Bourbon
Full of juicy grain & vanilla notes with a long, dry finish. $17.99
Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond Bourbon Whiskey
Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond – 100 proof
A wheated bourbon with a lighter, more floral finish than it’s high-rye cousins. $11.99

What does Bottled-in-Bond mean?
Bottled-in-bond refers to American spirits that have been aged and bottled according to a set of specific US regulations. The spirit must be the product of one distillation season and one distiller at one distillery and stored in a government warehouse for at least 4 years. The purpose of the 1897 Bottled-in-Bond Act was to create a standard of quality for Bourbon whiskey. The Act created incentive by allowing distilleries to delay tax payment until the aging of their whiskey was complete.

Four Roses Yellow Label Bourbon Whiskey
Produced by blending Four Roses proprietary 10 recipes of bourbon for a full, round, & lush experience. $19.99
W.L. Weller Special Reserve Bourbon Whiskey
A Bottles favorite! A wheated bourbon perfect for mixing; light & floral. $16.99

Watch Liam, our whiskey expert, talk about W.L. Weller Bourbon: http://youtu.be/XNc4LbbEpOw

Old Heaven Hill Very Rare Old 8 yr Bourbon Whiskey
Old Heaven Hill Very Rare Old 8 yr (Liter) – 86 proof
Rare, out of production, and crazy cheap. Get it while you can! $14.99
Rebel Yell Bourbon Whiskey
Rebel Yell – 80 proof
Based on W.L. Weller’s original wheat recipe – it’s long & smooth with a clean finish. $14.99
Hochstadter's Slow and Low Rock and Rye Whiskey
Ok…so this isn’t Bourbon. But, it’s a cocktail in a bottle that uses Rye Whiskey. Basically, an Old Fashioned in a bottle! Serve over ice.  $19.999 – 750ml, $11.99 – 375ml

 
Looking for Bourbon Cocktail Ideas? Click below:
 
 
 

Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Tasting Showdowns at Bottles in Providence, RI


We are excited to announce a free series of Pappy Bourbon SHOWDOWN events where we match up the infamous Pappy Van Winkle whiskies in a blind tasting against a foreboding whiskey competitor! Round One takes place in our Providence liquor store on Thursday, November 21st, 2013 with Pappy 20 Year versus Colonel E.H. Taylor Single Barrel. Free tickets will be handed out at 5:30pm and are limited to the first 100 guests, 21+. Blind tasting and voting will begin at 6pm and the winner will be announced after the tasting has concluded.

THERE WILL BE NO PAPPY FOR SALE

Guests will also be able to enjoy music by local Providence musicians, The Silks starting at 5pm! All tastings are free and open to the public, 21 and over.

THERE WILL BE NO PAPPY FOR SALE

 Round Two will take place on December 12th, sign up for our Newsletter for details!
Type in your email at the bottom of our website, www.bottlesfinewine.com
Julian Van Winkle III at last year’s Bottles tasting & dinner event in Farmstead in Providence, RI

Pappy Van Winkle Bourbons are the most sought-after products in any liquor store. Here at Bottles in Providence, Rhode Island, we receive daily requests for this hard to find bourbon, which speaks to its enormous appeal and superior quality. Last year, we were honored to host Julian Van Winkle III of Pappy Van Winkle Bourbons for an in-store talk and signing, followed by a bourbon dinner at Farmstead later in the evening. 





We have NO Pappy for sale!
We offer the very limited amount of Pappy that we get to our very best, frequent and local customers. We feel the fairest and best way for us to sell this extremely sought after Bourbon is to reward the Bottles’ Loyal — those that support us year in and year out. However, we always carry the most complete selection of Bourbons that are available to us. If you would like a Pappy Alternative, please let us know, we’d be happy to help! 
– The Folks at Bottles www.bottlesfinewine.com


Bottles is located at 141 Pitman Street Providence RI 02906
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Introducing St. George Spirits

For over three decades, St. George Spirits in Alameda, CA has been distilling extraordinary artisanal spirits, from botanical gins to single malt whiskey. These spirits are wonderful all year round, but make for special gifts and housewarming presents during the holidays. Their character and quality are excellent for sipping as well as mixing unique cocktails. Cheers!

St. George produces three different gins, Terroir (shown above), Botanivore and Dry Rye. The Terroir Gin is earthy with notes of pine and chaparral while the Botanivore uses a fresh blend of herbs and flora. One of our favorites is the Dry Rye Gin which is distilled with a 100% rye base, making it the perfect gin for whiskey lovers!

St. George has been distilling (but not selling) their Absinthe Verte since way before 2007, when the ban was lifted in the US. Now, we’re finally able to taste the infused brandy, wormwood, fennel and loud botanicals that make up this delicious concoction.

Rum isn’t just for summer any more! The intensely grassy and earthy St. George Agricole Rum has a strong kick, perfect for sipping through the winter.

Breaking & Entering Bourbon Whiskey is straight up stolen from Kentucky! The St. George crew went down South to grab a couple hundred used barrels from bourbon distilleries. And then created a blend that is uniquely their own with notes of warm maple, eucalyptus, cloves, and cinnamon.