Category: Liquor

On Colonial Spirits of Acton’s liquor blog page, you will find posts from our team of liquor and spirits experts. Topics range from trends in the liquor industry, appreciation for and personal recollections of whiskey, bourbon, and gin, and debates on what makes the best cocktail. You can also jump over to our beer blog if brew is your thing. And if wine is your preferred beverage check out our wine blog for thoughts and opinions on all things wine. Whatever topic in the liquor industry interests you, Colonial Spirits wants you to join the conversation. Post here or contact us with questions, suggestions, and comments. Or feel free to come in to meet us at one or our weekly alcohol tasting events. Leave the computer behind and talk to us face to face about your favorite spirit, while sampling new and exciting liquors our vendors are stopping by to show off.

Death’s Door Craft Spirits – Presented by founder Brian Ellison

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Saturday, December 21st, 2-6pm

If you are at all interested in craft spirits, this is a tasting you shouldn’t miss.  Brian Ellison, creator of Death’s Door Spirits (named after a water passage by Washington Island, WI) is showing his craft and creations and telling the story behind it.  Brian’s stories and experiences are unique and contribute to a line of exceptional products.  He is making a special trip to visit Colonial Spirits and spend several hours showing his gin, vodka and white whiskey to our customers along with a little insight into the world of craft distilling.

Bourbon – America’s Whiskey

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November is a special month in New England, bringing forth imagery and tradition from the days when our great country was just beginning.  It all leads up to a big day of celebrating American tradition with a great feast and gratitude for what we enjoy in life.

I enjoy Bourbon – a distinctive product of the United States (said Congress in 1964) – and would like to encourage anyone interested in whiskey to explore this traditional spirit as you take time to relax and enjoy the Thanksgiving season.

Discussions about pairing wine with food are quite familiar around Colonial Spirits with a trio of serious wine enthusiasts and many more who like to cook on staff.  It is also one of our most common questions from customers.  As well, it is not uncommon to confer about beer pairings as more people seem to be finding an interest in that tradition.  For as much time as I spend chatting with folks about whisk(e)y, talk of aligning it with a meal is rare. Continue reading Bourbon – America’s Whiskey

A Letter in a Bottle

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Weller Bourbon

To whom this may concern,

The truth is that Bourbon, like single malt Scotch, is getting harder and harder to come by, becoming more expensive, or a bit of both.  This is not the case because production is slowing down, but because demand is growing.  I can remember a time, even in the 6 years I have been working here, when we would get a mixed case of Pappy Van Winkle bourbons, a case each of the Rip Van Winkle bourbons, a six-pack of the Eagle Rare 17yr, and etc. (or more commonly known as the Antique Collection). But times have changed and with each passing year our allocation of the Antique Coll. bourbons is getting smaller; last year we received a total of 12 bottles mixed and matched between all the different bourbons.  We still haven’t received our allocation yet, but we are crossing our fingers that it is as “good” as last years.  Unfortunately this sad tale isn’t about the Antique Coll., but instead about WL Weller 12yr. Continue reading A Letter in a Bottle

What is Gin Anyway?

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I don’t like gin.  At least that is what I have been telling people for more than 10 years now.  As the spirits buyer for a liquor store it is time to address that conflict of interest.

Gin is a spirit most commonly associated with juniper berries, indeed the name itself, ‘Gin’, is derived from the Dutch ‘jenever’, meaning juniper.  The drink has been around for centuries if not millennia and likely began as a form of medicine.  Today gin is growing out of its image as a dry, one dimensional, 80 proof alcohol made for either martinis or tonic.  I must admit that I have always found that mold a bit boring. Continue reading What is Gin Anyway?