Tag Archives: pumpkin

Our Fall Beer Preview

That time of year again, folks! Though fall beers may have developed somewhat of a negative reputation over the past few years, I truly believe that autumn brings out some of the best brews we get all year. I’m not talkin’ pumpkin stuff (though, some of it is really done well, I swear), I’m talkin’ the beautifully malty, nutty Marzen and brown ales that pair perfectly with sitting by the campfire and telling ghost stories. Below are some of the suds I’ll be drinking over the next several weeks and why.

 

Two Roads Ok2berfest:
Every time I have to make a list of favorite beers, Two Roads always makes the cut! They’re doing great stuff, and it shows with this toasty, caramel Marzen-style lager. 

Citizen Cider ‘B’ Cider:
This cider adds fresh honey, so you’re looking at a sweeter juice here than the others on this list. Keep one in your fridge for a treat after apple picking!

Dogfish Head Punkin Brown Ale:
Hear me out, guys. Pumpkin beers can be done really, really well. This one from Dogfish takes their already delicious brown ale and simply adds roasted pumpkin, brown sugar and cinnamon. Give pumpkin a chance.
Weihenstephan Festbier:
Just a classic, delicious & traditional Oktoberfest beer. Light and fresh but creamy at the same time, with some hop spice and great honey sweetness.

Eve’s Cidery Beckhorn Hollow:
A funky, all-natural cider that is bone dry with a zip of acidity. Bring this to the table when your experimental wine friends stop by! 

Ayinger Oktoberfest:
Lots of sweet, hazy bubbles and a nose of toasty granola and fresh baked bread. One of our beer geniuses, Tom, recommended this to me and I am so very grateful he did!

Ein Prosit!
-Alex
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Pumpkin Bumpkin

Well, Fall has finally arrived and we are celebrating with a heaping bowl of the must-have seasonal flavor: pumpkin! (pumpkin orzo with sage, to be exact).

Round, earthy, slightly sweet and versatile, it always seems like no one can ever get enough of this orange squash. We thought we would help you out by adding one more recipe to that list.

If you are even considering trying this recipe, make sure to pick up a bottle of Suavia Soave Classico — an Italian wine of great depth and unmistakable character that will transport you to the hills of Soave. It pairs well not only with the Pumpkin Orzo with Sage, but also with any pasta, gnocchi, or fish that is being served with a hearty vegetable or bean.

orzo

Pumpkin
Classified as a winter squash, the oldest evidence of pumpkin related fruit dates between 7000 BC and 5500 BC in Mexico. Pumpkins are grown all around the world for commercial use, agricultural purposes, and ornamental sales. The largest producers of the winter squash are the United States, Canada, Mexico, India and China.

When first cut, pumpkins tend to have a vegetal, buttery smell. When roasted or cooked, they have more of a malty, sweetness. Used mainly for food and recreational purposes in the United States, pumpkins have established themselves as a part of tradition and society. What is Cinderella without her coach, Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie, Halloween without Jack-o-lanterns or fall without pumpkin beers?

I challenge you to find a new or unusual pumpkin recipe, and attempt it. You may find a new favorite!

Suavia Soave Classico

suaviasoaveclassico copy
Located in the tiny village of Fittà, “mounted like a precious stone in the high green Soave Classico hills covered with vines and olives”, the Tessari family has lived and worked the land since the 19th century. It wasn’t until 1982, when Giovanni and Rosetta Tessari decided to produce their own wine, that the history of Suavia really began.  Now run by their four daughters who are inspired and taught by the nature around them, they produce significant Italian wines that are reflective of the terroir and region.

The principal and most widespread white grape variety in Soave, Garganega is easier to grow and has become very popular because of its generous yield. It has a natural delicacy and elegance that if grown properly, it develops firm mineral notes and a good structure.

The Suavia Soava Classico is fresh, fruity and easy to drink with aromas of apple, pear and hawthorn intermingled with hints of citrus and minerals. The palate is very juicy and creamy with a savory and satisfying finish of continual freshness. It is a wine for flowered terraces, dinner on cobblestone squares, and pastas with hearty vegetables.

Pumpkin Orzo with Sage

pumpkinorzo_1
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients
8 oz. Orzo
3 cups vegetable or chicken stock
3 cups water
1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
1 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken stock
1/2 cup whole milk
30 sage leaves cut into ribbons
1 shallot, diced
1 Tbsp butter
3/4 tsp salt
Black pepper, ground
3 Tbsp Parmesan cheese

Method of Preparation
1. If you are using a fresh pumpkin, slice it in half lengthwise and place cut side down on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until tender. Allow it to cool and then scoop out the meat with a spoon and puree it in a food processor until smooth.

2.  In a large saucepan, bring 3 cups of broth and 3 cups of water to a boil over high heat. Add orzo and return to a boil. Cook for 9 minutes or until the pasta is al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Meanwhile, saute the shallots and sage in butter for 5 minutes over medium heat. Add 3/4 cups of broth and 1/2 cup of milk. Simmer for another 5 minutes.

4. Add the pumpkin puree to the simmering broth and stir well. Add salt, pepper and remaining 3/4 cups of broth. Reduce the heat and simmer on medium low for 10 to 12 minutes, or until sauce reaches desired consistency.

5. Stir in the parmesan cheese, toss with the orzo and serve. Source

Go forth and cook away! Enjoy the first days of fall!

Cheers!

by Kimberly Vroegindeweij

Sons of Liberty Distillery – Pumpkin Whiskey Made in RI

Sons of Liberty Distillery Pumpkin Whiskey
Pumpkin Whiskey is here! If you haven’t heard, Sons of Liberty Spirit Company from South Kingston, Rhode Island, makes an award-winning seasonal whiskey: Pumpkin Spice Flavored Whiskey. And guess what? You can get your bottle at our store! We can even ship it to you, if you’re not fortunate enough to be located in New England.

Check out our visit to the Sons of Liberty distillery, where we met up with owner/distiller Mike Reppucci:

Sons of Liberty Spirits Co. is the first distillery to offer seasonal craft whiskies. Breweries have seasonal brews, so why not whiskey? And, this Pumpkin Whiskey uses all local Rhode Island pumpkins that are roasted to perfection. Add some winter spices like clove, allspice, vanilla, cinnamon, & sweet orange, and you have a buzz-worthy American craft whiskey. No artificial flavor or coloring here!
Make a Pumpkin Cider Martini, a Pumpkin Manhattan, or enjoy the beautiful aromas and flavors neat. Cheers! www.solspirits.com

 

Bottles Fine Wine
141 Pitman Street, Providence, RI
401-372-2030
info@blog.bottlesfinewine.com