Colonial Spirits’ Jefferson’s Bourbon Selection

Jefferson's single barrel for Colonial Spirits

Jefferson’s small batch bourbon is part of a line up of exceptional bourbons including a reserve batch at over $60 and a 21yr at well over $100.  So, getting a true small batch product for $34.99 is a real value.  Jefferson’s doesn’t disappoint, so when we were offered the chance to taste through several single barrels of Jefferson’s in order to choose the one that we would have bottled for Colonial Spirits we were thrilled. Continue reading Colonial Spirits’ Jefferson’s Bourbon Selection

Whiskey, Wonder and Water

I am a big fan of whiskey and can recall vividly when my appreciation for it began.  It was one evening when I tried Oban for the first time.  Not being new to whiskey, but still quite inexperienced, I discovered something that I had never been able to uncover before.

Whiskey, Scotch Whisky (note the lack of the letter ‘e’ when referring to Scotch) in particular is made from what is essentially beer.  No beer enthusiast would consider this base, the mash, an enjoyable beer as it lacks hops and any other intriguing additions. However, a quality mash equals the foundation of a quality whiskey.  The mash is a combination of milled grain—barley being the principle grain—along with corn (the principle grain for Bourbon), rye, wheat, rice, and water. The mash is heated to break down the starch into sugars.  The resulting liquid nectar is called wort.  From there, one will ferment a ‘beer’ which can be distilled into whiskey.

I like barley based drinks.  Beer has been my favorite beverage for years, and it seems logical that this would be a jumping point towards whiskey.  My exploration of whiskey began with Bourbon as it is indeed America’s Spirit.  Something just wasn’t clicking and my exploration efforts returned to beer for a time. Continue reading Whiskey, Wonder and Water

The Colonial Crier – Your Source for Holiday Libation Information

Introducing Colonial Spirits’ Holiday Magazine – The Colonial Crier.

Expect your free copy to be delivered to your mailbox inside the Globe Direct advertising packet on November 29th and enjoy articles, recommended products, Holiday sales, food pairing advice and more! Continue reading The Colonial Crier – Your Source for Holiday Libation Information

An Turas Mor on Sale

Port Charlotte An Turas Mor

Peat fans prepare… the Port Charolotte line out of Bruichladdich is the best peaty whisky around.  An Turas Mor was the first release from their ‘Peat Project’ and this label is no longer available in most markets.  Experience the power of peat, with elegance, complexity and floral topnotes at a special price – while supplies last.

was $73.99 SALE $49.99 – Act fast, this is a limited offering

Port Charlotte An Turas Mor
Port Charlotte An Turas Mor

Session Beer

I doubt that I am breaking any news addressing the “session” trend in beer, but it is noteworthy, and, in my opinion, quite exciting.  There are many recent trends in beer that we can recall.  The onslaught of Pumpkin beer is in our face now.  Oak aged beer, imperial ales, double IPA, ‘brett’ beer… all came on strong and have left their mark on the beer world.  The slowly developing session trend is the best yet.

American brewers are among the best in the world and their skill shines through in every category of brew.  Putting that skill towards the creation of the bold flavors that beer lovers crave –and that won’t keep you out of work the next day– is a commendable feat.  Beer is a fine accompaniment to a meal and serves as a fantastic sharing experience with friends.  The option to enjoy fine flavors repeatedly over the course of an evening is something our friends across the pond have been choosing for years.  After all, England is the spiritual home of session beer. Continue reading Session Beer

The Ardbeg Rocket Tour!

Friday, October 12th from 4-7pm

Along with a massive rocket we will be showing an incredible line up from Ardbeg:

10yr, Corryvreckan, Uigeadail and… well, you will just have to find out for yourself

If you are not a fan already, it is time to become one.  Ardbeg is just so good.  Revered around the world as the peatiest, smokiest, most complex single malt of them all. Yet it does not flaunt the peat; rather it gives way to the natural sweetness of the malt to produce a whisky of perfect balance.  Typically most whiskies are chill-filtered and reduced to a strength of 40% ABV. Ardbeg Ten Years Old, however, is non chill-filtered and has a strength of 46% ABV, thus retaining maximum flavour, at the same time giving more body and added depth.