Bottle Watch

1800 Select Silver - 100 Proof Tequila

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 18:03:00 +0000

1800 Select Silver is the newest member of the 1800 family of Tequilas and the first 100 proof offering. In some 100 proof alcohols there is an overpowering aroma of grain alcohol, this is not true of 1800 Select Silver. The bouquet that greets your nose when you first open the bottle is one of pure Agave and one that is sure to please the Tequila connoisseurs.

The flavor is more akin to a Reposado than a Blanco, with hints of a peppery spiciness reminiscent of the days when Mescal was the drink of choice by both Cowboys and Vaqueros alike. While this latest member of the 1800 family could easily be served as a sipping selection, it is sure to be a hit with the more adventurous types as well.

1800 Select Silver is already selling in stores across the United States.

To learn more about 1800 Select Silver, visit online...

http://www.1800tequila.com

Miller Lite Brewers Beer Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 07:19:00 +0000

Miller Brewing Co. is launching the Miller Lite Brewers Beer Collection in the USA. The "craft-style light" beers are available in Wheat Beer, Amber Beer and Blonde Ale varieties that are said to contain significantly fewer calories and carbs than typical beers of that style.

Literature reads, "It provides the ideal balance of real beer taste and refreshment. Miller said the three new beers will target mainstream drinkers." The Beers are presented in glass bottles.

Imperial Beer

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:23:00 +0000

Produced in Costa Rica by La Florida S.A., new Imperial Beer is imported and distributed in the USA by High Falls Brewing Co., Inc. of Rochester, NY.

With an alcohol content of 4.6 percent, it is sold in a 6 pack containing single-serve, brown colored, 12 fl. oz., glass bottles. The suggested retail price is $6.99.

Jockamo IPA - Abita Brewing

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 17:00:00 +0000

Abita Brewing, of Abita Springs, LA, announced today their newest beer, Jockamo IPA.

Jockamo IPA is described as a traditional India Pale Ale made with the best British pale and light crystal malts that give the beer a bright color and malty flavor.

This full-flavored beer is hopped and dry hopped liberally with Willamette and Columbus hops from the Pacific Northwest and has a 6.5% A.B.V. The spicy and bitter aroma of the hops contrasts nicely with the pleasant sweetness of the malts. Jockamo has a strong flavor that entices and excites the palette.

The newest Abita brew takes its name and inspiration from the Mardi Gras Indians of New Orleans. Mardi Gras Indians are mostly African-American Carnival revelers who dress in elaborate hand-made costumes influenced by Native American ceremonial apparel. Collectively, their organizations are called "tribes".

Joc-a-mo-fee-no-ah-nah-nay

Jockamo is one of the chants heard as the Tribes march, dance and sing through the streets of New Orleans as they have done for over 250 years. Beautiful costumes of feathers, beads and sequins mark their secret parades and competitions between the tribes. Ancient Afro-Creole rituals and language celebrate their cultural traditions.

The literal translation of Jockamo is no longer clear, but the meaning is understood among the Indians. Loosely translated it signifies "we mean business" or "don't mess with us". Originally it would have been Cajun (a liberal mix of French and English) and literally translates to "the fool we will not play today".

Visit Abita Brewing online at...
http://www.abita.com

Magic Hat - Odd Notion Winter 07

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 04:30:00 +0000

Magic Hat Brewing Co. of So. Burlington, VT is offering a new "limited edition" dark wheat ale called, "Odd Notion Winter 07".

Wiht a 7.5 percent alcohol by volume content, it's said to have the aroma of roasted malts with a fruity estery aroma, and the flavor is said to be a biscuit caramel with toffee flavors with roasted malty sweetness.

It brewed with Munich Hops; Pale Malt; Wheat Malt; Crystal Malt; and Chocolate Malt.

Visit Magic Hat Brewing online...
http://www.magichat.net/

Heartland Brewery Creates Special Edition Holiday Gift Pack for Old Red Nose Ale

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:27:00 +0000

Heartland Brewery, the innovative craft brewing restaurant group with five locations in Manhattan, announced today they have a handsome new gift pack for the holidays: a 750ml bottling of a 2007 Special Edition Old Red Nose Ale and two festive pint glasses decorated with the Old Red Nose art, conveniently packed in a black carry
box with a comfortable, easy-to-carry handle.

"Our Old Red Nose Ale is a delightful winter warmer. It's a deep mahogany ale, with tones of orange and ginger, a malty nose and full-roasted chestnut flavor. For each gift pack, our brewers lovingly fill each foil-wrapped bottle by hand. We're excited to offer this very Special Edition beer," said Master Brewer Kelly Taylor. "That's our holiday cheer this season - Old Red Nose Ale - to go and give."

The 2007 Edition of Old Red Nose is bottle conditioned (it gets its bubbles in the bottle like champagne) and will be ready to drink on Nov. 22 - Thanksgiving. This 'little bit of Blitzen' is 8% alc vol & will be available at any of the Heartland outlets - South Street Seaport, Union Square, the Empire State Building, Times Square & Radio City. Because it's made by hand the Old Red Nose Black Pack will be available in very limited quantities.

"We're thrilled or the first time in Heartland's history to offer a gift set to our customers" says owner & CEO Jon Bloostein. "Heartland makes award- winning beers and Old Red Nose Ale is a personal favorite of mine. For the beer lover in one's life this is perfect: a bottle of great Heartland seasonal craft beer and collectible glassware presented in sleek, sophisticated style." ORN goes on sale 11/22 (Thanksgiving) 2007.

Visit Heartland Brewing online at...
http://www.heartlandbrewery.com

2° Below Winter Ale is Back

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 18:34:00 +0000

New Beligium Brewing, well known for their Fat Tire beer, has brought back its winter seasonal, 2° Below Winter Ale.

Offering drinkers a warming blast of Sterling and Liberty hops with tawny-roasted malts, 2° Below is only available through the beginning of the New Year.

The ale goes through dry-hopping during fermentation, which creates a rosy, floral nose with a hint of pepper spice and estery undertones. Brewers and beer drinkers alike enjoy its bright, hoppy palate and cherry warm afterglow.

"2° Below is brewed through a special process that makes it different from all other New Belgium brews," says Assistant Brewmaster Grady Hull. "We use a hop that isn't typically used for dry-hopping and we also push it into a near-freezing state. The results are fantastic aromas, brilliant clarity and a delightful ale that warms the spirit."

2° Below Winter Ale is available on draft and in bottles in the following New Belgium markets: Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Montana, Idaho, Illinois, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Arkansas and parts of California.

Visit New Belgium Brewing online at...
http://www.newbelgium.com

Michelob Celebrate Cherry and Celebrate Chocolate Beer

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 01:08:00 +0000

Hosts and hostesses who are beginning to plan their menus for holiday meals and get-togethers will want to include two special seasonal beers from Anheuser-Busch -- Michelob Celebrate Cherry and Michelob Celebrate Chocolate, a duo of richly
aromatic, smooth, complex and balanced lagers now available in most states
through the end of the year.

New this year, Michelob Celebrate Cherry is made with natural cherry juice and aged on dark cherries, giving it a deep garnet color and the flavor of black cherries. Michelob Celebrate Cherry is brewed with Munich, carapils caramel malts and European aroma hops.

Michelob Celebrate Chocolate, introduced in 2006, is brewed with caramel and roasted malts, and a variety of Hallertau/Tettnang and Alsace hops, and aged on real cocoa beans, giving it a chocolate aroma and complex dark cocoa taste.

Both lagers are 8.5 percent alcohol by volume (ABV).

"These are truly special beers that look gorgeous and are sinfully delicious," said Eric Beck, brewmaster, Anheuser-Busch, Inc. "Serve them at room temperature, in crystal snifters, to highlight each beer's elegant color and aroma."

Available in limited-edition, 24-ounce platinum bottles as well as a gift pack, Michelob Celebrate Cherry and Chocolate make terrific gifts for adults. The gift pack contains one bottle of each flavor and two crystal snifters.

"Serve these beers alongside a selection of desserts," Beck suggested. "Michelob Celebrate Cherry pairs wonderfully with a rich, fudgy chocolate cake while Michelob Celebrate Chocolate tastes terrific with turtle cheesecake."

For information on availability of these brands or any Anheuser-Busch product, call 1-800-DIAL-BUD.

Abita Pecan Harvest Ale

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 03:53:00 +0000

Abita Brewing Company of Abita Springs, LA recently launched a new limited edition Ale called, Abita Pecan Harvest Ale.

It's made with real Louisiana pecans, of which the natural oils give the ale a light pecan finish and aroma.

David Blossman, president of the Abita Brewing Company says, "That makes it something really special, because most beers with a nutty flavor or aroma aren't made with real nuts."

The company says their new Abita Pecan Harvest Ale is excellent served with both red meat and seafood - and no surprise; it's great with nuts too.

Read more about it on Abita Brewing's website...
http://www.abita.com

Fitger Brewing's 125th Anniversary Lager

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 21:43:00 +0000

Fitger Brewing Co. of Duluth, MN announced this week the issue of its 125th Anniversary Lager in a special carrier and bottle featuring its original "A. Fitger & Co's" lager beer.

Fitger's line of beer is distributed throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Originally founded in Duluth, MN, on the shores of Lake Superior, by August Fitger, the brewing company was once the largest of the regional brewers with over 100,000 barrels produced at the height of manufacturing capacity in the 1930's.

The original Fitger Brewing Co. continued throughout the Prohibition to brew and deliver 'Non-Alco' beer and the manufacture and distribution of soda, candy, and cigars.

Fitger is best known for traditional lagers under the Fitger's Nordlager, Rex, Dog's Head, Pickwick, and A. Fitger & Co's, trademark labels.

Today, the Fitger Brewing Company is owned and operated by the decendants of the founder and expressly controls the quality and heritage of beer brewed under the
Fitger lables.

Visit Fitger Brewing online at...
http://www.fitger.com

Kona Brewing - Pipeline Porter

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 04:32:00 +0000

Pipeline Porter Beer is the newest offering from Kona Brewing Co of Kailua-Kona, HI.

Made with 100% Hawaiian Kona Coffee, this limited release beer contains 5.4 percent alcohol by volume.

Kona describes it as "smooth and dark with a distinctive roasty aroma and earthy complexion from its diverse blends of premium malted barley." They go on to say that, "This celebration of malt unites with freshly roasted 100 percent Kona Coffee grown at Cornwell Estate on Hawaii's Big Island, lending a unique roasted aroma and flavor. A delicate blend of hops rounds out this palate-pleasing brew."

Malts: Pale, Carapils, Victory, Caramel 80, Extra Special, Chocolate Malt, Dark Chocolate Malt, Roasted Barley

Hops: Warrior, Millenuim, Horizon, Perle

Source: Kona Brewing

Yes 1 Rastabeer

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 04:24:00 +0000

Southern Wine & Spirits is now distributing a new beer called, "Yes 1 Rastabeer" in the USA.

The Beer is said to be the brainchild of Andrea Boccardi (Italian-born Rastafarian) to promote freedom and personal expression (and let's not forget commericialization).

That's all the info I have.

Visit Southern Wine & Spirits...
http://www.southernwine.com/

Black Dog Ale - Winter Cheer

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 04:04:00 +0000

Spanish Peaks Brewing Co. of Denver, CO, has released its Winter Cheer Hearty Ale for the holiday season.

With an alcohol by volume content of 6.3%, it's made from five different malts (2-row, Munich, Cara-pils, Roasted Barley, and Chocolate), and three different hops (Mount Hood, Pearle, and Cascade). It's measured with 55 international bitterness units.

It's said to have rich copper color and has a bold flavor that balances the sweet malt with significant hop spiciness.

Source: Black Dog Ales

Pyramid's Snow Cap Winter Ale Celebrates Its 21st Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 03:34:00 +0000

Pyramid Breweries Inc. announced yesterday the return of its winter warmer, Snow Cap, for a 21st holiday season. Snow Cap has been a hit since its introduction 21 years ago and fans will be toasting its "legal" birthday during all types of winter activities this season.

"The tapping into Snow Cap has become a true winter and holiday tradition," said Scott Barnum, Pyramid CEO and Chief Weizen Guy. "As one of the forefathers of seasonal craft beer, this unique yet yummy ale is something that craft beer fans and the entire Pyramid family look forward to every single year. It's hard to believe that Snow Cap has hit the big 21 and turned legal age!"

Snow Cap is a rich, full-bodied ale crafted in the British tradition of holiday beers. Its deep mahogany color balances complex fruit flavors with a refreshingly smooth texture, making Snow Cap a highly drinkable and desirable cold weather companion. It pairs well with shellfish, rich game such as duck and even rich chocolate desserts.

Snow Cap is available now at retail locations throughout the U.S. and is being served at Pyramid Alehouses in Berkeley, CA; Portland, OR; Sacramento, CA; Seattle, WA; and Walnut Creek, CA.

Source: Pyramid Breweries Inc.

Winter's Bourbon Cask Ale is Back

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 05:49:00 +0000

Anheuser-Busch's popular Winter's Bourbon Cask Ale is back for a second year to entice the taste buds of beer lovers everywhere.

For those who appreciate a smooth, robust brew with rich aromas, this seasonal offering is brewed with dark roasted carapils, caramel and two-row barley malts and imported Hallertau and Alsace hops. It is then aged on bourbon oak casks and whole Madagascar vanilla beans.

Available now through February on draught at bars, clubs and restaurants, Winter's Bourbon Cask Ale will now also be sold in 12-ounce bottles in six-packs at grocery and convenience stores.

Winter's Bourbon Cask Ale is great for not only sipping at your favorite bar, but also as a nice match for seasonal fare. Try this ale with clam or corn chowder, triple-cream brie or camembert cheeses, or pork roast with applesauce and toffee pudding.

It's brewed at the Anheuser-Busch Fort Collins, CO brewery and has 6 percent alcohol by volume (ABV). It is the second in a series of seasonal beers, which includes Jack's Pumpkin Spice Ale, Spring Heat Spiced Wheat and Beach Bum Blonde Ale.

Bulldog Gin

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 06:21:00 +0000

Bulldog Gin is a new spirit from London, England that offers up a heavy dose of sex appeal.

It carries an exotic melange of botanicals, including Poppy and Dragon Eye, giving it seductive fruit and citrus notes.

Bulldog was founded by Anshuman Vohra, a former JP Morgan Investment Banker, and David Kanbar, an industry veteran from Skyy Vodka and the owner of Bambu Ultra Premium White Rum. Bulldog was sprung forth out of Vohra's quest to create the ultimate Dirty Gin Martini and G & T (his favorite cocktails). In fact, the botanicals in Bulldog were selected specifically out of this pursuit.

Handcrafted in the UK and quadruple distilled, Bulldog is a London Dry Distilled Gin, using traditional copper pot stills. As part of the process, the gin is passed through a condenser and liquefied to produce its natural and unmistakable essence. It exhibits a smooth and harmonious texture, with a distinctive flavor and refreshingly crisp character.

The neck of the bottle resembles a spiked dog collar. Kinda cool.

Visit Bulldog Gin online at: http://www.bulldoggin.com/

Unico Luis Miguel

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 22:52:00 +0000

Multi Grammy winner and Latin superstar Luis Miguel now has his own wine, "Unico Luis Miguel".

He buddied up with with the award-winning Chilean winemaker, Aurelio Montes Del Campo, and announced the U.S. launch of this new "vino".

Unico Luis Miguel is described as an expressive, elegant 2003 Gran Reserva Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon. It has already received rave reviews from some of the nation's top wine publications. Unico Luis Miguel was previously launched in limited quantities in Chile and Mexico in late 2005, where it sold out in just days.

The new Cabernet Sauvignon was unveiled at Luis Miguel's album release party held November 13 at the lush restaurant Cipriani's in New York City. At the event, the artist and winemaker celebrated with guests his first Christmas album, "Navidades Luis Miguel," while chugging down bottles of his fermentation.

Luis Miguel is apparently a super-god in latin markets, with more than 35 platinum records and a career total of more than 52 million records sold. This would be like "Neil Diamond Strawberry Ripple" in US music markets.

Unico Luis Miguel is sourced from vineyards from the Maipo Valley, one of Chile's most renowned regions for producing Cabernets. It contains 14% alcohol by volume.

Visit online: http://www.unicoluismiguelwines.com

Peels Spiced Apple

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 22:10:00 +0000

Anheuser-Busch released a new flavor in its line of Peels alcoholic fruit juices.

"Spiced Apple" is made from 100 percent fruit juice concentrate blended with cinnamon. It's a special Christmas offering available now through February 2007.

The new Spiced Apple can be chugged cold from the bottle, or heated up and served from a snifter glass. To really work the holiday spirit, throw in a cinnamon stick, and play a Perry Como CD.

Peels Spiced Apple contains 5% alcohol by volume.

The whole Peels line of beverages is targeted to women seeking an alcoholic buzz but also wanting their daily servings of fruit, but tired of drinking screwdrivers.

Click here to see our previous article about Peels.

Pocket Shots - Alcohol on the go

noreply@blogger.com (Kelli) — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 18:31:00 +0000

We've all been to events or activities where glass bottles of our favorite alcohol just wasn't convenient. Now the Rum and Coke doesn't have to wait! Pocket Shots are "grab and go" pouches that resemble miniature bottles. They come in five variteties of 80 proof alchohol including Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Aged Four Years, Imported Caribbean Gold Rum, Premium, Triple Distilled Vodka, London Dry Gin, and Especial Gold Tequila Imported from Mexico that are all available in 50ml "single serve flexible stand-up pouches".

Pocket Shots are really convenient because they can be stuffed in a pocket, thrown in a cooler or packed in a bag for easy on-the-go enjoyment. Pocket Shots are available in 120 unit cases for retailers and are currently being distributed throught California by Frank-Lin Spirits and Fine Wines of San Jose.

Budweiser Holiday Bottles 2006

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 06:32:00 +0000

Here's a photo line up of Budweiser's 2006 edition of holiday aluminum bottles.

I'm wondering why they didn't include hook-holes on the bottle caps. Seems like these could make cool Christmas tree ornaments. Just screw the cap back on, and hang 'em from the pine.

Krait Prestige Champagne Lager

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 06:11:00 +0000

Now you can drink beer and champagne from the same bottle!

New from New York-NY-based Cobra Beer Inc. is "Prestige Champagne Lager" described as the most innovative beer to date.

The label literature says "This holiday season have your beer and your champagne too!"

The company says it's an 8 percent ABV, bottle-conditioned champagne lager, and goes on to say that it's double fermented in Belgium's world famous Rodenbach brewery, bringing out all the subtleties and character of its fine ingredients.

Add more glam to your beer and more fizz to the party circuits this holiday season.

Available in 750ml glass bottles, with retail price between $10.99 to $12.99.

Click here to read the article from Beverage World.

Smirnoff Raw Tea

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 05:41:00 +0000

Smirnoff introduced a new line of malt beverages dubbed "Smirnoff Raw Tea", which blends ice tea with alcohol.

The company is pitching a rather humorous advertising campaign associating its new product with "gangsta preppies" that wear their argyle sweaters and hang out at country clubs, but like to "shizzle their nizzles" with something more their style.

You gotta watch their promo video to understand the concept: http://www.teapartay.com

Raw Tea contains actual brewed tea with an alcohol content of 5% by volume, along with caffeine. It comes in three jiggy flavors: Raspberry, Lemon, and Peach.

It retails for $7.49 per six-pack.

Black Box Wines - New Varieties

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 06:02:00 +0000

Two new varieties were recently added to the Black Box line of wines...

2005 California Pinot Grigio is said to display the aromas of lemon peel, pear and a dollop of fresh peach. It offers the flavors of citrus and apples, and leads to a bright and delicious finish. It's touted in literature as "a red you can enjoy every night".

2003 California Merlot is described as a fruit-forward wine that displays subtle hints of sweet oak aromas. It blends Merlot grapes from California which is said to combine to make a blend brimming with redberry fruit, soft tannins and a smooth, concentrated finish.

Each box is priced at $18.00, and each box is said to contain the equivalent of four 750ml bottles.

For more information visit Black Box Wines online at: http://www.blackboxwines.com

Old Fart Wine - Reformulated

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 05:40:00 +0000

The Old Fart brand of wine has been revamped and reformulated.

The brand which is produced by Boutinot Wines Estates Inc. and distributed through A.V. Imports, Inc., is based on the premise that grapes from old vines make the best wines.

Old Fart Wine and Old Fart's Wife both come from the Southern Rhone region of France using grapes from 40 year old vines.

Old Fart Wine is a Grenache/Syrah, while Old Fart Wife is a Chardonnay.

Both varietals are priced at $9.99 per bottle are available in US markets as of August 2006.

Visit A.V. Imports online at: http://www.avimports.com/

DH Krahn Gin

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 04:53:00 +0000

DH Krahn Premium Gin is available in the USA from DH Krahn Spirits of New York, NY.

It's described as a blend of Italian juniper berries, Moroccan coriander seed, Florida oranges, California lemon and grapefruit, and Thai ginger, and singled-distilled in "Stupfler Alambic" pot stills.

The distiller goes on to say on product literature that by selecting fewer flavoring ingredients and concentrating on the quality and freshness of each, they were able to produce a spirit with a uniquely clean and crisp flavor profile. DH Krahn Spirits describes it as "deliciously flavorful, yet delicate", and says the product lends itself to creating exquisite cocktails and can also be enjoyed "neat or on the rocks".

They continue on by saying the Beverage Testing Institute described the flavor of DH Krahn as "featuring subtle citrus, banana custard and mild botanical aromas", and that it has a "soft, round entry, that as consumed, leads to a super smooth, dryish light-to-medium-bodied palate with delicate flavors of powdered sugar, dusted lemon peels, talc, peppery spices, mild juniper and lemon blossom water notes."

The suggested retail price is $26.99 for a 750ml sized bottle.

Visit DH Krahn online at: http://www.dhkrahn.com