Tag Archives: gin

Uncle Val’s Gins

VALS1
They’re really good gins with a really great story.

You see, it all started in 1895 when Samuele Sebastiani emigrated to the US from Tuscany. He settled in Sonoma, and within 10 years he opened the successful Sebastiani Winery which is still in operation today. This skill for producing high-quality, tasty beverages was inherited by his great-grandson August Sebastiani, who, decades later, created Uncle Val’s gin.

The line of gins – it’s among Bottles’ best-sellers – is named after August’s favorite uncle, Valerio Cecchetti, a retired physician from Lucca, Italy.  Uncle Val was not only a highly-respected doctor, but an accomplished cook with a passion for gardening. August modeled the gins after the fruits, vegetables and herbs that Uncle Val loved to grow in his garden and use in his cooking: juniper, lemon, sage, lavender and cucumber.

Each of the gins is produced in small batches, distilled five times, and filtered over stone to produce as smooth, clean and true a flavor as possible.

Uncle Val’s distinctive dark green, antique-hued bottles were inspired by bitters bottles produced in Italy in the 18th and 19th centuries. The labels, which are hand-numbered, feature some of Uncle Val’s more notable – and eccentric – sayings: “Eggs have no business dancing with stones.” “If the beard were all, the goat might preach.” “You cannot flay a stone.” Thankfully, the labels also include a translation of these colorful phrases.

The Gins:

VALS2
The Botanical opens with crisp aromas of sage and juniper. A first taste of lemon leads to a warm, spicy, lavender finish, with piney and cooling cucumber notes. We love sipping this gin with nothing more than a cube of ice and a pine needle or juniper berry picked from the in the backyard.

VALS3
The Restorative is based on savory, American-style gin. After distillation it’s infused with juniper, coriander, cucumbers and rose petals. When used in a martini, an olive will subdue the floral notes and accentuate the savory coriander and juniper. To enhance the floral notes, add a citrus twist.

VALS4
The Peppered is a big, spicy gin. It’s flavored with juniper, red bell pepper, black pepper and pimento, and is both terrific for sipping and for mixing for those who like big, bold drinks. It opens with a sharp salty-pepper flavor that evolves into a sour/sweet juniper and charred red pepper finish.

Each of the gins are distinctive as their back story. Come by and pick up a bottle today – they’re on sale – $5.00 off – thru August 2016!

###

Shanghai-Inspired Liqueurs

Made by the couple who own Cranston’s popular Cha Bai ramen house, the Cheongsam Tea Liqueurs had us at hello.

oolong2The two versions – currently produced in China but available only in Rhode Island – are hand-crafted with natural extractions of exotic whole leaf teas. They’re captivating and nuanced. And they’re really delicious.

Named after the traditional “Cheongsam” dress that was created in Shanghai in the 1920s, the liqueurs are meant to evoke the mystery and elegance of that time and place.

The Jade Oolong, made from jade green Ti-Kuan Yin oolong tea, has delicate notes of honey and orchid, and tastes like a grown up, elegant version of the hot tea Chinese restaurants in America have been serving for decades.

The Smokey Mist’s proprietary blend of black teas produces a complex though delicate slightly-sweet liqueur that is redolent of smoked pine needles, plums and apricots.

Both are excellent additions to a well-stocked home bar given their affinity with most spirits: they play well with vodka, rum and tequila, as well as with sparkling wine or soda water. We also recommend serving them just as they are, at home, after a dinner from your favorite Asian take-out.

For our cocktails, our drinks guru Lily Rogers chose to pair the Cheongsam liqueurs with gin in a simple yet versatile recipe. The combination of the herbaceous Sons of Liberty True Born gin with the slightly sweet tea liqueur and tart & minty lemon lends these Shanghai-inspired cocktails the feel of a sultry summer evening.

The two drinks below are identical, save for the liqueurs. The simple base allows these magical liqueurs to take center stage.

oolong1Shanghai, RI

10 lemon balm leaves
1.5oz True Born Gin
1oz Cheongsam Jade Oolong liqueur
1oz simple syrup
.75oz freshly-squeezed lemon juice
Lemon balm leaf for garnish

Tear the 10 lemon balm leaves and add them to a shaker. Add liquid ingredients, fill with ice and shake. Double strain into a chilled coupe. Smack the remaining whole lemon balm leaf between palms to release oils and float on top of drink.

Shanghai Summer

10 lemon balm leaves
1.5oz True Born Gin
1oz Cheongsam Smokey Mist liqueur
1oz simple syrup
.75oz freshly-squeezed lemon juice
Lemon balm leaf for garnish

Tear the 10 lemon balm leaves and add them to a shaker. Add liquid ingredients, fill with ice and shake. Double strain into a chilled coupe. Smack the remaining whole lemon balm leaf between palms to release oils and float on top of drink.

###

The Bottles’ 2015 Gift Guide

We scoured the wide world of beverages to select the perfect gifts for wine, beer and cocktail enthusiasts this year. They’re the bottles that are in-demand, on-trend, highly-acclaimed, and flat-out awesome.

Here’s what to give (and get) this holiday season:

gift1Four Roses Private Label Bourbon: Bottles’ Barrel #3 

Available only at Bottles: our private barrel (hand-selected by us!) of this highly sought-after bourbon: extremely rich & uncut – ideal for the hard-to-shop-for bourbon lover. Limited quantities availability. 

$59.99

 

gift2True Born Gin “The Belgian Wheat Act” – Sons of Liberty 

First released earlier this year, this genever-style gin distilled from beer brewed with traditional gin botanicals is for beer and gin lovers alike. Locavores, will love it, too – it’s made in RI.

$34.99

 

gift3Fifty-Fifty Eclipse Imperial Stout 

Delicious esoterica for the beer geek: award-winning Imperial Stout (various flavors) aged in oak bourbon barrels. The color of the wax enclosure indicates which bourbon casks were used.

$29.99 (22oz)

 

gift42010 Barolo 

The gift for serious collectors: 2010 is widely regarded as the most outstanding vintage for Barolo in the past several decades. Choose from our selection of acclaimed producers of this iconic wine.

$45 and up

 

gift5Creme de Noyaux Liqueur – Tempus Fugit Spirits 

Hand-crafted, all-natural almond & hazelnut creme liqueur for the serious at-home bartender and after-dinner drink aficionado. It’s what we want this year. Limited quantities available.

$39.99

 

gift6Sotol Por Siempre 

Wildly popular with the country’s most talented mixologists, this regional mezcal is made with wild-harvested sotol rather than the standard agave. A must-have for the tequila / cocktail enthusiast.

$44.99

 

chartreuse_giftGreen Chartreuse V.E.P 

The limited-edition, V.E.P bottling of this classic, secret-recipe liqueur is given special treatment with long aging in oak barrels. Each bottle is hand numbered and encased in a collectable wooden box. A truly special gift.

$164.99 

 

etna_giftMt. Etna (Sicilian) Wine 

They’re what sommeliers across the country are buzzing about: wines from this volcanic region are the most interesting being produced in Italy today. An outstanding gift for all wine enthusiasts. 

$15 – $65

 

gift_yellow_wine1999 Chateau d’Yquem Sauternes 

One of the world’s most iconic wines is at the top of the bucket-list for many an oenophile. The pricing on the critically-acclaimed 1999 vintage makes this a splurge-worthy gift-of-a-lifetime. Don’t miss out.

$249.99 (375ml)

 

nips_giftBottles’ Mystery Box of Nips 

Five tiny bottles of booze all in one mystery box – who knows what they’ll get? One of our most popular gifts year after year. Makes a fun stocking stuffer or contribution to the Yankee Swap.

$14.99

 

AND, for true one-stop-shopping, ask a team member about our various, festive wrapping & gift card options.

Happy Holidays, and Cheers!

Pumpkin Whiskey Cocktail Recipe & Two Tasty Twists on Classics

Looking for the perfect cocktail to make this season?

Here are 3 tasty recipes that you and your guests will love for the fall, Thanksgiving, and beyond.

These all feature a local whiskey distillery, Sons of Liberty Spirits, and are fun twists on cocktail classics. Visit the SOL Spirits website for even more cocktail ideas!

Cheers!

HOP_TONIC

HOP WHISKEY TONIC

This whiskey is dry-hopped like a beer! Woah. It makes for an idea tonic for a beer lover.

INGREDIENTS

2 oz Hop Flavored Whiskey

5 oz Tonic Water

GARNISH

Lemon wedge

DIRECTIONS

Serve whiskey and tonic water over ice. Stir & garnish with lemon wedge.

PUMP_MAN

PUMPKIN MANHATTAN

Sons of Liberty’s Pumpkin Spice Whiskey has won best flavored whiskey in the world. Now that’s a Manhattan.

INGREDIENTS

2 oz Pumpkin Spice Whiskey

1 oz Sweet Vermouth

2 dashes of Angostura Bitters

GARNISH

Luxardo cherry

DIRECTIONS

Stir ingredients in mixing glass with ice. Strain into chilled glass. Garnish with cherry.

RUSSIAN

DARK RUSSIAN

No comment necessary.

INGREDIENTS

2 oz Loyal 9 Dark Chocolate Vanilla Vodka

1 oz coffee liqueur

1 oz heavy cream or half-and-half, lightly whipped

GARNISH

Dust with grated nutmeg

DIRECTIONS

Shake vodka and coffee liqueur with ice. Strain into ice-filled glass. Float lightly whipped cream on top of drink. Garnish with grated nutmeg.

 

-ENJOY!

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

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.

 

 

 

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

favoritebottle_stgeorgegin1

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

Halloween Cocktails? Try the Corpse Reviver #2

Halloween Cocktail Idea - Corpse Reviver #2

What goes great with an adult Halloween party? A fantastic cocktail. One of our favorites here at Bottles is the Corpse Reviver #2, a medley of gin, citrus, Lillet, and enticing aroma of absinthe. Though ‘corpse reviver’ drinks are originally intended as ‘hair of the dog’ cures, this gin-based cocktail is enjoyable for brunch or any fine evening. You’ll need equal parts gin, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, and lemon juice, and just a dash of absinthe for a wonderful flavor and aroma.

Corpse Reviver #2

INGREDIENTS
1 oz gin – Uncle Val’s Botanical Gin
1 oz Cointreau
1 oz Lillet Blanc
1 oz fresh lemon juice
1-3 drops absinthe – Mata Hari

DIRECTIONS
First, “rinse” your glass with a few drops of absinthe by swirling and coating the inside of the glass, discarding the extra. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Pour the rest of the ingredients over ice. Shake and strain, serve on the rocks. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Corpse Reviver 2 Cocktail Recipe

Looking for these ingredients? Stop by our liquor store in Providence, RI to browse our selection of classic cocktail ingredients, glassware, and barware. www.bottlesfinewine.com

The Last Word

A Chartreuse and gin concoction with Maraschino Liquer and fresh lime juice. A Prohibition era classic.

Blood and Sand

A devilish cocktail recipe for Halloween. One of the few cocktails that use scotch.