Saturday, February 25, 2012

Wine Tasting 1-4pm Saturday, Feb 25

Your Host is Inaki Castro of Maja Imports.

Boas Vinhas Red 2009 $9.99
This has a ruby/garnet color with aromas of red berries, plum and some cocoa. There is good structure in the mouth, full-bodied, and a very persistent finish.


Quinta do Encontro Bairrada Red 2008 $9.99
A blend with Merlot has certainly tamed the wild tannins of the Baga grape. A touch of wood goes with the sweet tannins and the ripe and juicy black fruit, finished with acidity. 89 pts, Wine Enthusiast


Cigarra Lisboa Red 2010 $9.99
An intensely flavored red, this wine offers bright, rich, dark red fruits that cling to a fine-grained texture. The linear acidity keeps the wine focused and helps make it infinitely drinkable.


Quinta da Romeira White 2010 $12.99
Produced from the Arinto de Bucelas white variety and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats Quinta da Romeira white shows a lemony colour with an intense aroma reminiscent of tropical fruit followed by a fruity very pleasant flavour.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

David vs Goliath


Before you make up your mind on what is being marketed as Sunday sales and lower prices, please consider the following letter.

Support David, Not Goliath

Remember the days when you could purchase a record/tape/CD at a local music store or a book at a cozy bookshop? Many of the places I went to knew me by sight; they knew my tastes and always had a recommendation for me. Sadly, most of those stores are gone.

Perhaps you have been reading about the issue of Sunday alcohol sales in this, or other newspapers. If you have, you might even find yourself agreeing with the arguments made to support keeping package stores open on Sundays; more tax revenue for the state and protecting our “border stores” from competition in Massachusetts or New York being the two most touted arguments for Sunday sales.

Unfortunately, the numbers you are seeing in terms of incremental tax revenue are grossly inflated. Connecticut residents are well aware that alcohol cannot be purchased on Sunday and therefore purchase ahead of time. Allowing Sunday sales will simply just spread consumption dollars over two days instead of one. The net increase in tax revenue will simply not amount to what the proposed bill says it will.

The truth is, the issue of Sunday sales is a veil being used to disguise parts of the legislation that threaten 7,000 jobs in the state of Connecticut.

In addition to Sunday sales, the Governor’s legislation will allow for 9 liquor licenses per owner (up from 2). You may be asking yourself, “Why should I care about this?” The truth is, allowing 9 licenses per owner welcomes in big box retail chains to come into the state. This is a significant threat to the small, “mom and pop” package stores where you currently patron to purchase wine, beer, and spirits. The smaller stores simply won’t be able to compete with their “big box” rivals who will be able to negotiate volume discounts from distributors.

Now the question you may be asking yourself is, “Well isn’t that better for me, the customer?” Quite frankly, the answer is simple, no! Have you ever been to a Wal-Mart and left thinking, “Wow, that customer service was tremendous?” The fact of the matter is, you will be loosing the high touch personal service that you have come to expect when purchasing beer, wine, and spirits.

The loss of jobs in the “Mom and Pop” package stores is just the tip of the iceberg. Having fewer stores to service means that distributers need to hire fewer drivers, fewer sales people, and fewer support staff. All these jobs will be lost. In total, an estimated 7,000 jobs will be lost in the state of Connecticut as a result of this legislation. Any rational person can agree that at this point in time we cannot afford to lose any more jobs in our state.

That is why we are asking you to support David and not Goliath.

It was written on behalf of all of the small store owners in Connecticuts Wine and Liquor industry. It is a very simplified look at the enormous change that is being pushed for in Hartford. However, We, as a group hope it will explain and draw support from the public for the people fighting for our individual stores, as we fight this fight together.

It is complicated if you aren't in the industry but we are happy to help you understand it better if you ask.

We're asking for your help. you can lend your support by contacting the following people and asking them to help to keep us in business.


Senators
McKinney john.mckinney@cga.ct.gov
Boucher toni.boucher@cga.ct.gov
Hetherington johnhetherington@housegop.ct.gov

Representatives Email
Steinberg jonathan.steinberg@cga.ct.gov
Fawcett kim.fawcett@cga.ct.gov
Hwang tony.hwang@housegop.ct.gov
Shaban john.shaban@housegop.ct.gov
Lavielle gail.lavielle@cga.ct.gov
Kupchick brenda.kupchick@housegop.ct.gov


Thank you,

Your friends at Harry's

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Wine Tasting 1-4pm Saturday, Feb 18


Your host will be Anish Ajoomal of Classic Wines.

If you have been following our blog you might remember this couple, Jennifer and John Kortekaas (two in the center) from a previous post and their blog Culinary Sundays. We at the store have become fans of checking in on the blog from week to week to see what they put together for their Sunday dinner and to find out what they thought of the pairing suggestion we made for them. So far I think we've done alright and hopefully they will enjoy this weeks selection also.
In the picture you see Jennifer and John with their Sunday night dinner and blog partner, Christy Hagan (right) along with Anish who is running the tasting. The Sunday group recently did wine class with us where they told me the upcoming menu would include Lobster Mac & Cheese. John informs me that he won't be able to join them this week and that he is pretty sure they planned it this way. Lobster for the girls while he is away, how convenient.
As I was adding this entry Christelle tells me that not only did the ladies take the Albarino from the tasting but that she put a bottle of Roussillon that she think will be great with the meal.
So ladies, lets get this straight... John is away and the lobster comes out and there is an extra wine paired with the meal... hmmm isn't that nice for you?

Sorry John, better luck next time. I think they owe you one personally.

-Patrick

Fefinanes Albarino 2010 $19.99
One of the most cutting, acid-intense Albariños out there. The nose is minerally and tight as a drum, with green melon and green apple scents. The palate is razor sharp and driving, with tangy, high-toned lemon and Granny Smith apple flavors. Totally citric and zesty. Wine Enthusiast


Ondarre Reserva Rioja 2004 $14.99
Black cherry, licorice, smoke, tobacco and tar notes mingle in this firm, lively red. Maturing now, but shows balance and length. Still fresh, this brings you back for another sip. Drink now through 2016. Wine Spectator, 91 pts, #58 of Top 100 wines of 2010


Cerro Anon Gran Reserva Rioja 2004 $24.99
The 2004 Cerro Anon Gran Reserva is made up of 80% Tempranillo with the balance Garnacha, Mazuelo, and Graciano with malolactic in new oak with lees stirring followed by a total of 2 years of aging in new oak. It offers greater complexity than the Reserva, a nicely proportioned figure, layered fruit, and considerable elegance. It can be cellared for 4-5 years or approached now. It over-delivers in a very big way. Wine Advocate, 92 pts


Astrales Ribera del Duero 2008 $52.99
Alluring notes of blackberry, huckleberry, lilac and licorice mingle in this graceful red. This is supple, but with a core of well-integrated tannins that keeps this firm and focused. Toasty oak makes a lovely frame. Drink now through 2022." 94 Points, Wine Spectator - Top 100 Wine Of 2011- #53

Friday, February 17, 2012

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, Feb 17


Your host will be Renzo of Harrys.
We've been keeping Renzo pretty busy lately with the Friday evening tastings. He tells me that he isn't finding many reps available to do these tastings but judging by that smile on his face I believe that he just like to do them himself sometimes. He seems to get a kick out of interacting with you folks and I know he likes to talk about beer quite a bit. Today he has a couple of interesting things to taste and he's been know to add an item to the tasting through the coure of the evening if a customer is talking with him about a given subject. Get yourself over here and taste through his line-up and you can let him know your opinion.

Captain Lawrence Xtra Gold $10.99/750ml
This beer is an American adaptation to the classic Belgian style of beer known as a Tripel. Historically Tripels were brewed to have a very light golden color, a moderate hop presence, and be around 9% alcohol. But we are not in Belgium, so I decided to crank up the hops, dry hop the beer with American Amarillo hops, and brew it to 10% ABV. This is our American Tripel, enjoy. Sensory Profile: Enjoy in a goblet or wine glass. Tropical fruit and honey are the two biggest aromas coming from this lively brew. While the hop bitterness is not as powerful as an IPA, the hop flavor melds nicely with the fruity flavors created by the imported Belgian yeast strain used.



Captain Lawrence Imperial IPA $4.49/16oz
One of the first beers I brewed after moving out to California to begin my brewing education was a Pale Ale. This version is a true testament to the influences the Wild West had on my early brewing. My Pale Ale is loaded with US-grown Cascade, Crystal, and Columbus hops, so be sure to take a good sniff to enjoy their robust aromas before taking your first sip. Sensory Profile: An aromatic beer with notes of citrus, pine, a noticeable bitterness, and a touch of malty backbone to help balance it out.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Need some Scotch in your life?


For the most part everyone in their life has seen either their grandfather or father sipping on this smelly and undrinkable liquid know as scotch. Recently we have seen a huge second coming of scotch and its not from just the older generations. More and more younger folks are starting to realize that scotch can be one of the most enjoyable liquors found in the world. No one is certain about the exact time when scotch was introduced but records can date back to as early as the 5th century to where traces of a whiskey can be found.

Basically scotch can be broken down into two different categories: Single Malt and Blended whiskey. Single malt refers to a whiskey made from water and malted barley from a single distillery. Blended whiskey (which constitutes 90% of all whiskeys made in Scotland)contain both malt whiskey as well as grain whiskey. This type of whiskey has become extremely popular due to the fact that they typically are not as harsh as some single malt whiskeys. No matter what malt or gain the whiskey made up of, to be considered as a scotch, it must be aged in oak casks for a minimum of 3 years. Of course scotch is made to last and will only get better with more time.

There are about 5 different regions where scotch can be produced and all have different characteristics that are unique to their own geographical area. These areas include Highlands,Lowland, Speyside(which is categorized into Highland), Campbeltown, and Islay. Typically scotch from the region of Islay will show more peatiness and smoke where scotch from the Highlands and Lowlands will show a more subtle nose and have more wood characteristics.

Personally a few of my favorites are:
The Macallan 12 yr $52.99
The Balvenie Doublewood 12 yr $58.99
The Glenlivet 18yr $85.99

Chris OB

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Wine Tasting 1-4pm Saturday, Feb 11


Your host is Gino Pisani of Angelini Wine.










Carpene Malvolti Prosecco NV $14.99
This medium dry sparkling wine is made with the Charmat method, a process discovered by Antonio Carpene and Louis Pasteur, which allows a sparkling wine to be made in approximately three months. This process limits the influence of the yeast and places emphasis on the fruit. Golden delicious apples dominate the flavors, while the fine perlage cleanses the palate and refreshes the taste buds.


Angelini Moscato NV $9.99
Showing a bright straw yellow with lively effervescence, the tropical fruit and pear aromas come through on the palate. It has the perfect balance of sweet white peaches and pineapple with a clean finish


Ramspeck Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 $19.99
This intense dark Cabernet Sauvignon has fresh ground coffee, cedar and cassis aromas, with flavors of dark black cherry, currant, and ripe berries. Well-structured with a long finish. Ideal with filet mignon, grilled steak, lamb chops and strong flavored cheeses.


Piazza Dolcetto 2010 $9.99
The bright intense ruby red color has violet reflections. The nose is strong and fragrant with lots of cherries, plums, and raspberries. Dry and firm on the finish, it softens into a delicate bitter almond aftertaste.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, Feb 10




Your host is Bill O'Brien, Owner of Beaver Brewery. Bill makes a return visit with us tonight and is showing off his variety pack. He is the guy on the right and he is bragging to Christelle and Laura about his fine beer. See if you agree with his assessment of his beer and give him your opinion. He's a pretty good guy




Beaver Big Red IPA $8.99/6pb
Crafted from a heady blend of English & domestic style malts, combined with a bodacious infusion of Pacific Northwest hops, Big Red is a sinfully delicious session brew. Big Red’s malt backbone lends a smoothness and balances the impressive hoppy tones added through the kettle & dry hopping process. Its citrus aroma, brilliant medium-copper color, and long standing foam provide a most satisfying sensory impression. Not astringent or sweet, Big Red Beaver is an IPA you can enjoy day or night . After one taste you’re sure to say "bottoms up".



Beaver Blonde Ale $8.99/6pb
The brewing process begins with a proprietary yeast strain. Unlike most pale ales, this yeast provides a mellow estery aroma that enhances the malty flavor aroused from 2-Row and Cargill Europils malts, as well as lending a subtle crispness. Beaver Blonde is characterized by its balanced hop bitterness and noticeable citrus hop nose which is crafted by generous "dry hopping" of lusty Simcoe & Amarillo hops. A touch of white wheat malt enhances the drinkability of this gorgeous brew for a refreshing blonde that goes down easy time after time. This is one Beaver you won’t forget.



Beaver Beer Brewnette $8.99/6pb
Beaver Brewnette is brewed with a combination of high quality domestic 2-row and specialty malts. True to style, Beaver Brewnette is bittered and finished with Noble variety hops. Slowly fermented with lager yeast, it is conditioned for weeks to round the flavors for a toasty malt character. Medium bodied with an off-white, clinging head, Beaver Brewnette satisfies from first taste through its incredibly smooth finish. A pleasure to enjoy, after just a little time together you’ll be going steady.

Welcome to the World of Sake!


I'm sure most people have seen sake either in a store or behind the bar of a restaurant, many have been tempted to try it but are not to sure what it is. Well help is on the way! Dating back to the 3rd century, the use of alcohol has been written in acient texts of the Japanese. Mostly used for its spiritual enlightenment and religious ceremoines, sake has been the drink of choice.

Sake is composed of two main ingredients: rice and water and thats it! Many people consider sake to be a rice wine but in fact it follows a more similar process to beer than to wine almost making it a rice beer. Most of the sake rice contains starch which in turn leads to superior taste and drinkability. Water is extremely important in that most breweries will use groundwater or well water because of its higher quality. There are about 80 different types of rice used in sake and they all have their own characteristics.

Here in the store we are always looking to add new and interesting sakes to our self. There have been more and more people coming in and asking about sake and we are trying our best to satisfy the demand. I have picked out 3 sakes that I have personally tried and feel as though they give a good representation of the different types of sake.


Tozai Living Jewel: 720ml $21.99/300ml$12.99
Made from the Koshihikari rice this sake falls in the Junmai grade. The Junmai grade means that the rice has been polished to atleast 70%(to remove impurities) and offers aromas of tangy and ripe fruit. A clean and smooth finish makes this sake easy to pair with a wide range of foods.

Tozai Snow Maiden: 720ml $18.99
Made from Gohyakumangoku and Gin-Ohmi rice, the Snow Maiden is refered to as a "Nigorizake" or cloudy sake. It becomes cloudy due to the rice sediment that is left behind in the bottle. Brighter fruit and more rice can be see that gives way to a good long finish.


Rihaku Wandering Poet: 720ml $33.99
Made from Yamada Nishiki rice this sake moves up to the Junmai Ginjo grade. The rice is polished to 55% and is brewed at lower temperatures using more traditional techniques. This sakes has a more elegant and floral armoa that has a crsip flavorful finish.

-Chris O'Brien

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Valentine's day fun

Here are a few recipe ideas to put a spark into your Valentine's Day fun. All of the recipes here start with the traditional sparkling wine but then you kick it up with a splash of this and a dash of that and suddenly you are having fun! We hope it inspires you and your partner to try something new on Valentine's day

-Cheers and bottoms up!


Hopeless RomantiX

Ingredients
2 oz Prosecco Sparkling Wine
1 ½ oz X-Rated Fusion Liqueur
¼ oz Pineapple Juice
¼ oz Lemon Juice
¼ oz Orange Juice



St Germain Cocktail
2 parts Brut Champagne or Dry Sparkling Wine
1½ parts St-Germain
2 parts Club Soda

Method: Stir ingredients in a tall ice-filled Collins glass, mixing completely. Think of Paris circa 1947. Garnish with a lemon twist





Bacio del Limone
Italian for "lemon kiss," this fluted drink is every bit as simple as the tall drinks, but with an elegant presentation that makes it festive.



•4 ounces sparkling wine (chilled)
•1 ounce limoncello (chilled)
•Crushed ice
•5-6 fresh blackberries, raspberries or currants
Place a spoonful of crushed ice in a fluted glass and top with the fresh berries. Combine the sparkling wine and limoncello in a mixing glass and stir lightly just to mix, being careful not to destroy the bubbles. Pour the mixture over the berries and ice.

Bellini Recipe
You need:

2 parts (4oz) extra dry sparkling wine
1 part (2oz) peach puree (approximately 1 pureed peach)
Mix:
Pour the peach puree at the bottom of a champagne flute.
Add a dash or two of grenadine or raspberry puree on the top, if you want.
Gently pour dry sparkling wine to full the glass.
Do not stir!
For additional sweetness, dip the rims of the champagne flutes in a bowl of fine sugar, similar to how Margarita glasses are dipped in salt.




kir royale recipe makes the traditional, slightly sweet crème de cassis and Champagne cocktail. The slightly fruity libation is well suited to weddings, showers, and other elegant celebrations.

Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutesYield: 1 kir royale cocktail
Ingredients:
•1/2 ounce crème de cassis or Chambord
•2 1/4 ounces Champagne
Preparation:
How to make a kir royale:

Add the crème de cassis to a Champagne flute and pour the Champagne over it.


Amaretto Mimosa
yield:
Makes about 12 drinks.
Ingredients
3 cups fresh orange juice, strained
1/4 cup almond-flavored liqueur such as Amaretto di Saronno, or to taste
A 750-ml. bottle chilled sparkling wine

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

The World of Port



Last week here at Harry's we did a chocolate and port class. It offered the opportunity to taste many different styles and vintages of port in a logical progression. Being a fan of port wines, I was really looking forward to the class. Over the years I have had all styles of port at one time or another, but this tasting let me truly observe the subtle differences amongst the many different styles of port.


We started with ruby port which is characterized by big lush fruity flavors and then we moved into LBV (late bottled vintage) port which offeres a bit more structure and balance.



The next port was one that really caught our attention. It was the Croft Quinta Da Roeda 2008. This port comes from a particular region of the Duoro which, by some, is considered the most precious grape growing region in Portugal. It is an area that doesn't necessarily follow the same vintage classifications as the rest of the Duoro. It's micro-climate sets it apart from the rest of the port producing regions. This particular wine showed vibrant fruit like the ruby and LBV, but what set it apart was the complexity and balance that the previous 2 lacked. Besides the fruit, we noticed some earthy notes, hints of licorice, and even some floral notes. What really impressed me with this port was tannin structure and beautiful acidity. When paired with the chocolate, they really complimented each other.


What makes this wine even more attractive is the price. At $51.99 for 750ml bottle, it comes in at almost half of what typical vintage ports cost. In comparison to most other vintage ports, this particular bottling will also be approachable earlier. Instead of 20-30 years of cellaring this bottle will probably reach optimum drinking in 5 to 10 years (not to say it's not drinking well now). Any port afficanado should consider adding this port to their collection!


- Greg



Saturday, February 4, 2012

Beer tasting Sat. Feb 4th 4pm-7pm

As promised...

The information about the Special tasting we are running this afternoon/evening. At 4pm we start the second tasting of the day featuring a pouring from the 5 liter Mini-kegs of Heineken, Heineken light, and Newcastle brown ale. We've got a couple dozen T-shirts and glasses to give away. If you've ever wondered what all the rage is about these little kegs, now is the time to find out. There is a nice young woman hosting the tasting for us and to top it off we got our hands on one of those "Beertenders" that keep the kegs fresh and cool for weeks (pictured here just to the right). Post from last week about it here.


We've had the raffle box up all week and we're pulling the winning ticket at the end of the tasting today. There is still plenty of time to enter and no purchase necessary. Plus, If you are here and your name is drawn you can take it with you!

Special pricing today on many of the heineken products if you'd like to include them in your Superbowl Party:

Heineken, Heineken Light and Newcastle 5ltr Mini-kegs $19.99

Heineken 18pk btl $19.99

Heineken, Heineken Light, and Amstel Light 12pk btl $14.99

Wine Tasting 1-4pm Saturday, Feb 4

Your host will be Len Gulino of Harry's.
With 30 years of wine tasting, travel, and training, Len Gulino has instructed wine tasting classes since 1988. A strong advocate of the "drink the wine you like" philosophy, Len encourages his students to be open-minded to all wines, and he receives great satisfaction when the wine "light bulb" goes off for a first-time wine taster. He received certification from The Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley and the Society of Wine Educators, and is a Certified Spanish Wine Educator. He travels regularly to the major wine regions of the world to further his wine knowledge, stay current on the major trends in the wine industry, and dine on local cuisine.
As we wind down on our staff tastings and get ready to invite our friends in the industry to come back and man our Saturday tastings we'll end up with Len. Most times that Len is doing his job at the store you won't see him since we keep him in the back writing articles, preparing the newsletter, and handling the internet portion of the Harry's business. Some of you might remember Len on the sales floor at the store nearly a decade ago and others will recognize him from our evening classes which he leads for our adult education program. If you'd like to know more about him you can come by today and introduce yourself or visit his webstite here.

San Sole Pinot Grigio 2010 $9.99
From the Veneto, Italy comes this easy drinking and delicious dry white wine to enjoy with seafood, chicken, or pork. The bouquet is complex with hints of citrus, pear, apple and dried wild flowers, and the flavors are crisp and clean.

Paramo de Corcos Ribera del Duero 2007 $14.99
Cherry and red berries on the nose, with notes of red licorice and rose adding complexity. Sweet red fruit flavors with light, dusty tannins that add grip. Finishes with a subtly sweet note of cherry.

Cascina Ballarin Langhe Nebbiolo $22.99
Medium deep ruby-red; rich, fruity nose with flowery fragrance of roses and violets; very luscious, elegant taste lingering in the mouth with the characteristic marked sweetness of fresh nebbiolo.

Chave Cotes du Rhone 2009 $21.99
The is a blend of 80% Grenache and 20%Syrah, and shows notes of spice and black pepper along with fresh dark fruits. Catch the spicy whiff of blue fruits along with notes of ripeness that are engaging and lush but not ponderous.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Friday tasting 4pm-7pm


Tonight we have a special tasting and we putting our regular beer tasting on hold until tomorrow (details to follow).

Once in awhile we find something that really excites us and today we are featuring one such item. If you have been watching the trends like we do you will notice that Bourbon and Scotch have had a huge resurgence in the past few years. The catagory was all but dead just a decade ago and we were watching as the bottles or "brown liquor" sat on the shelf with hardly any movement. However, in the recent years we have begun to notice how Scotch, Bourbon and Rye are regaining their popularity. There has been a shift though... it seems that the people that are enjoying this catagory of spirits like the good stuff. Some items like Pappy Van Winkle, Thomas H. Handy Sazerak and a few others have long waiting lists for the small amount of product available in the market. There are many single malt Scotches and small batch whiskies available and no shortage of interest in trying them. Cocktails like Old fashions, Side cars and Manhattans are also getting the upgrade as folks are using these great whiskies to reproduce the cocktails from a bygone era. It is interesting that the past truly does repeat itself. I guess mom new what she was talking about afterall. Anyway, a couple of weeks ago one of our reps walked in with this new product called Bastille Handcrafted Whiskey. It is a french whiskey made in the Cognac region of france and is very good, in fact it is an item that I have been recommending along with other members of our staff to many people and have been getting very good feedback on it. To taste it is to love it and it runs somewhere between a bourbon, a Scotch and a Cognac. Very elegant with soft richness, pretty floral and vanillian character and a great finish that seems to linger forever. Review here

So Renzo and I got together and decided to change-up the weekend a bit and Showcase it tonight and do our regularly scheduled beer tasting tomorrow between 4pm-7pm. We'll put that up on the blog tomorrow but for now, consider coming down today and joining us for this special tasting and taste a unique and delicious new item with a great price for todays event

Bastille Handcrafted Whiskey $27.99 750ml Regularly it will be $31.99