Category Archives: Learn About Spirits

Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Dinner

Bottles Fine Wine and Farmstead are excited to present A Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Dinner with Julian Van Winkle III and Chef Matt Jennings. Sold Out!

 
Tickets sold out very fast for this evening of spectacular bourbons and dining with special guest Julian Van Winkle III.

Lucky attendees will be lead by Julian through a tasting of four Van Winkle expressions: the twelve, fifteen, twenty, and twenty-three year old bourbons. The evening begins with a cocktail reception, delectable treats and a chance to chat with Julian before sitting down to a four-course dinner and tasting. Julian and Matt will present each bourbon and course of the evening. We will also have a few additional surprises throughout the evening.

Julian Van Winkle III is a third generation producer of premium bourbon at Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery. He is the winner of the 2011 James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Wine and Spirits Professional.
Matt Jennings of Farmstead is a two-time finalist for the prestigious James Beard Foundation’s “Best Chef Northeast” award, has been named one of America’s “Most Sustainable Chefs” and was selected as one of Food & Wine Magazine’s “Big thinkers, changing the way Americans eat.”
Visit our website for full details about this event.
 

Buffalo Trace Bourbon Review & Guide

Buffalo Trace Bourbon

Currently featured in-store is Buffalo Trace Bourbon, with many Bourbon brands from the famous Kentucky-based distillery. Watch the video to for Liam’s review and recommendations on different Buffalo Trace Bourbons and his favorite cocktail recipes.

One of the largest and best known Bourbon distilleries in Kentucky, Buffalo Trace has won Distillery of the Year and stands as the oldest distilling site in the U.S.  The distillery is also known for making:  Pappy Van Winkle, George T. Stagg, Thomas Handy Rye, E.H. Taylor, W.L. Weller, Sazarac Rye, Blanton’s, Eagle Rare, Elmer T Lee, Buffalo Trace and many more brands.

Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Buffalo Trace Vanilla and citrus nose with perfect balance and complexity of corn, spice and rye flavors.  An unbeatable everyday Bourbon. 

Elmer T Lee Bourbon Whiskey

Elmer T Lee Butterscotch, clover and leather nose with a big rich body and flavors of fruits, honey and vanilla.  Long warm finish.  A wine lover’s Bourbon! 

Blanton's Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whiskey

Blantons Vanilla and honey flavors amid the strong caramel with a bit of spice lurking in the background from the addition of rye.

Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey Review

Eagle Rare 10 Year Aromas of coconut crème brulee, buttery nuts and brown spices with dry, yet fruity flavors layered with chocolate, figs and nuts.  Very long finish.

Buffalo Trace White Dog Bourbon Rye Whiskey

White Dogs Unaged expressions of the mash bills used to make some of Buffalo Trace’s best Bourbons and Ryes.  Use them to make unconventional cocktails like White Manhattans or age them yourself!

WL Weller Wheated Bourbon Whiskey Review

W.L. Weller A “Wheated” Bourbon, meaning the distiller replaced the typical rye with wheat in the mashbill.  Regarded as a best buy from several trade sources and the folks here at Bottles.  $16.99 Read More >>

Spirits Review: Laird’s Apple Brandy

laird's apple brandy
With fall in the air here at Bottles in Providence, you’ll want the perfect liquor to complement the  autumnal season. Distilled from pure apple cider, Laird’s 7 1/2 Year Old Apple Brandy is a delicious alternative to your regular brandy or spirit. Expect a delicate flavor and aroma redolent of fresh apples.
I suggest pairing it with a poultry, or you can add it as an ingredient for desserts. Just use as you would ordinary brandy for fantastic results!
Read this article by Michael Dietsch, a former Providence resident, Serious Easts: Drinks Correspondent, and author of A Dash of Bitters blog. Michael discusses the lesser known brown spirit, brandy, and gives a thorough background on Applejack and American Apple Brandy, as well as a couple tasty cocktail recipes for Apple Brandy.

Whiskey Review: W.L. Weller Special Reserve

Need a whiskey recommendation? Eric, the Bottles spirits expert, reviews W.L. Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Bottles has a great whiskey selection, with quality bourbons and single malts for you to browse through.

W.L. Weller Special Reserve is a wheated bourbon, made of 51% corn with the remainder being wheat, instead of rye or malted barley. This bourbon is bottled at “Kentucky proof,” which is 45% ABV or 90 proof, and it is great bourbon for a great value.

This bourbon is named in honor of William Larue Weller, one of the first Kentucky distillers to make wheated bourbons, back in the mid 1800s.

You can expect flavors of spice and honey, and aromas of caramel, maple and vanilla. Try it on the rocks, or mixed with your favorite local apple cider.

Looking for more easy drink ideas? Take a look at our collection of fall drinks and cocktail ideas on our Pinterest page.

Buffalo Trace Bourbon Reviews & Guide >>

Rye Whiskey Revival Video

This month, Bottles in Providence is featuring Rye Whiskey, and we carry a great selection of quality brands in our liquor store, from familiar classics to interesting new finds. We even have an informational video all about Rye Whiskey, its history and current revival.

Rye was once one of the most popular liquors to drink in the United States, but after the Prohibition, American distillers moved on. Tastes had changed toward sweeter spirits such as bourbon. However, Rye Whiskey has been experiencing a revival, due to devoted cocktail enthusiasts who are bringing back traditional cocktails and local ingredients.

Rye must be made from at least 51% rye, while the rest is made from other grains. A higher ratio of rye gives whiskey its signature spice. The spicy, lean flavors of Rye pairs perfectly with citrus fruits, pumpkin ale, local cider and all things autumnal.

To see a great Bonal & Rye Whiskey cocktail recipe, click here.