As summer begins to wind down and we look forward to the Autumn everyone in the Connecticut is feeling the heat. These past few weeks have been stifling, the oppresively hot and muggy weather tells us that we are indeed deeply entrenched in the "Dog days" of summer. That period of time each year that we slog through the days trying to find some way to stay cool. Here in Faifield, Southport and Westport the beaches are packed with people looking to get in the water for some relief. Pools have also gotten quite a bit of use this year.
Sad to say that the Rosè wine supply is drying up and our selection that peaked at 128 different selections this year (an all-time high for our store) has dwindled greatly and we are now somewhere around half that number, 60ish at last count. William reminds me that it is still quite an impressive selection, more than most stores at their peak, but still with this heat their bright and refreshing style is a wanted commodity and some of the best of the season are gone until next year.
As I was looking around the store with some of the others on staff this week it suddenly occured to us that there is another, overlooked beverage that we have not given any real credit to and the popularity and sales have really jumped this summer. Have you been turned on to the world of Ciders yet? We've been tasting and enjoying them quite a bit lately and we like them very much. More and more companies are producing them and they may be the perfect answer for both the dog days of summer and the bridge to and beyond Octoberfest!
Wait, before you brush it off and say not for me, consider this...
Cider is food friendly, light, dry, flavorful and refreshing. Lower in alcohol than wine, a terrific alternative to beer and there are actually quite a few to choose from in different styles and the are available year round.
On the shelf right now we have about a dozen to choose from and each is worth considering. Lets start with some of the tried and true... Magners is a name that most of us know. Then there are Strongbow and Woodchuck, you may be aware of their Amber and Granny Smith but it doesn't end at those, they also put out a summer version this year that has Blueberry in it. This onet was surprisingly good in my opinion. They also put out a Belgium white that is tasty, along with their Farmhouse selection and to top it off the 6 or 12 pack can is available for picnics and the parks and beaches where you aren't allowed to bring glass. Crispin has a 4 pack on the shelf and adds "Stagger Lee" to the mix. Of course the list would not be complete if we didn't mention the classic french offering from Normandy made by Ettiene Dupont. As we push forward into the fall some of these will offer their own versions of the Autumn/Pumpkin or spiced styles that have also gained in popularity.
If you are still not convinced I ask you to take a chance. It isn't very expensive and you may just get a nice surprise by finding one you like. Remember, just a few short years ago Rosè was given the brush off but through constant support from our staff, many of the nay sayers have been converted.
Cheers
Patrick
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