Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, May 31

Your host is Harrison from Beaver Brewery.

Renzo and I met with the organizers of the Harbor Brewfest this morning and things are coming together very nicely. There was a sell-out for the first one last year and all signs point to this one being soooo much bigger and better. More breweries, More food, More people and they have opened the stadium up even more than last year which means we'll be able to let more people join in. Sitting in the meeting with the organizers and their level of excitment and commitment to having the best festival of the year is really inspiring. Can't Wait!

In the meantime lets continue the all out Connecticut craft beer movement that we have been working on since the first week in April. Tonight, Westports own Beaver Brewery is tasting their suds so come on by and support the local guy.

MIX PACK $15.99/12pb

Big Red           $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. 

Blonde               $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.

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, 

Rosé of the day - Friday May 31, 2013

Mas de Gourgonnier 2012 $14.99

Tasting notes: One of the lightest and lithest Gourgonnier rose's we've ever had. With an inviting cherry-pink color and a nose of strawberry and raspberry, this Provencal rose is refreshingly clean and dry.

Nose (had to add this, loved the description): "Explosion of garrigue from Provence and North Africa. Sweetness to the garrigue. Cinnamon, cardamom, roasted ginger. Black and red plums. 

Black raspberries (spicy and hairy)."

Varietals: 35% Grenache, 18% Syrah, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Carignan

Region: Les Baux des Provence, France

Menu: Bold enough to marry with a wide range of fare, from salads to seafood to backyard barbecue!

Thursday's answer:

Archie Moore's... I hadn't been in some time but the younger crowd working at our store have always talked about hanging out there on the weekends for as long as I've been at Harry's. Walking in the other day was like stepping back in time for me. I remember being much younger and hanging out with my crowd and I think everyone that has grown up here or gone to college in this town can relate, not much has changed as far as that goes.

The Mark's were our commenters on Thursday, Mark Sudikoff first and the Mark "I know every inch of this town" Beyerly chimed in a short time later. Glad we didn't catch him during his nap this time :)

The "shares" are growing and the number of "likes" and comments out in that realm have are growing daily. I wish we could mention everyone by name but it is getting more difficult to track it down. This is a good thing because it means that people are feeling good about our town. If you are sharing and getting response on your page, we would love it if you let us know the people and answers you are getting.

Renzo was out today taking pictures and the small business owners are really liking the idea that they are included in this whole thing. They grab him as soon as he walks through the door and start making suggestions. He has told me that their excitement is infectious. It is really nice to hear.

Please let us know if you have ideas of places that we might be missing.

Thanks all!

Rosé of the day - Thursday May 30, 2013

Gobelsburger Cistercien Niederösterreich Rosé $15.99

Tasting notes: This type of rosé is somewhat similar to a white wine because no acid reduction is used to emphasise the fine fruity character with a streamlined elegance. Its fragrance and fruit nuances of wild cherry and fresh berries make this Rosé an optimal universal food companion.

Varietal: Zweigelt

Region: Osterreich, Austria

Wednesday's answer: Peggy Rawley Walsh was the first to jump in and put up the correct answer yesterday "Las Vetas". Her answer was quickly corroborated by Jonathon T. Boos who added the "for sure" moniker to his answer. Some time later Mark "I'm sleeping at the wheel" Beyerly finally chimed in with his stamp of approval and we were able to rest easy at the store, knowing that he was safe out there in the world. 

It is terrific that so many of you have gotten involved and we are also very impressed at how well all of you know this town. There are any number of great towns out there but the point of this whole thing remains the idea that this is our town! 

We are talking everyday about new ideas for this promotion that we are doing and the ideas just keep coming. "The Parade Route" is just one of the ideas, each week we have done a church, we have lots of places to eat, shop, and socialize in this town. There are more holidays coming so we have put together some other theme week ideas. 

The nice thing is that this town has figured out how to have big highways and the little guy. Fairfield residents support the small businesses in Fairfield and that makes for tremendous diversity. This town has found a balance and each day that we do this we are able to see that while so much of the country is run over by the "Mega Stores" we have carved out a niche that includes all of the varied shops and businesses. Kudos to all of our residents for shopping local and keeping money right here in our town.

Fairfielders are leading a trend in our country that looks back at the "farm to table" mentality and we are making our local businesses stronger than many others in towns around us. It gives us a town that has the look and feel of a classic "Hometown" and still has things like hotels and a University. There will be lots more to see in the coming weeks so stay tuned. 

Please take a minute and share with your friends and help us to get more people involved and then hold your heads high and be proud that you are part of this special place. We are a pretty fortunate group and you all play a role.

Thanks!

"Hop Head" to "Hop Whiskey Head"... Lots to learn

         

      I have gone to many beer tastings and beer related events before, but I had not had the opportunity to experience a similar event for spirits. That was until recently when along with Renzo and Mike, I was able to be part of the New York Indie Spirits Expo.  Since starting to work at Harry’s I have begun to acquire an interest in spirits and to expand my knowledge of products in the industry.  Harry’s is not a “taste for the fun of it” store. There is an expectation that you use these opportunities to learn, expand your palate, and pass the knowledge that is acquired on to others.

   Going to this tasting was not a party day with the boys, we were expected to expand our horizons. It didn't take long... We arrived and just past the check in table was the Warenghem Distillery’s selection. They had brought a broad range of products (pictured left) from their Amorik whiskey to their Dartigalengne Bas Armagnac and their representative, Martha gave a great overview of the line explaining the intricacies in the distilling process and their goals with each spirit.

I am the type of personality that really likes to know ‘how its done’ and she, along with a good number of the other reps possessed the same enthusiasm and intricate knowledge about their products. 

New Holland American spirits was another stand out in the day for me.  They not only make spirits, but they also brew beer and they incorporate aspects of the brewing with the distillation of some of their spirits.  A new style of spirits that has been garnering attention is ‘hop whiskey’ and being a “hop-head,” I was very excited to try this new wrinkle in the spirits world.  I was not disappointed!  The hop flavor worked very well and did not take out any element in the whiskey; it only added a different kind of complexity that I have not tasted before.  

Then they brought out their “Beer Barrel Bourbon”…  In this experiment they’ve aged the bourbon in the barrels for a number of years. Next, they transfer the bourbon out to other barrels and add their milk stout to the barrels the bourbon was just aging in.  After the beer has been in there for an undisclosed period of time, they take the beer out and put the bourbon back in.  You can really taste hints of coffee and dark chocolate in the bourbon which comes directly from the beer that has permeated the barrel.  This is the first time I have heard of anything like this done, and shows the creativity that is happening right now in the industry. 

This was a great experience that I am extremely grateful to have had.  The passion and creativity that goes into the craft of distilling today is beyond impressive.  I gained such an appreciation for the passion of distillers in just one night in New York and I hope to go to more events like this and keep expanding my horizons.

-Alex

Rosé of the day - Wednesday May 29, 2013

Nigl Zweigelt Rosé 2012 $17.99

Tasting notes: There is such a crisp and coolness with a sip to the palate.  Strawberies! Rhubarb! Cherries! The red summer fruit pops from the glass. It is just such a pretty wine and so elegant. Crisp, refreshing and almost palate cleansing as it cools the palate and the zweigelt adds its zest of spice to the finish.

Varietal: Zweigelt

Region: Kremstel, Austria

Menu: Pair with oysters, baked or raw. Cheese, chocolate, fruit or my favorite way - - pair it alone with a glass ... Prost!

Tuesday's answer: You people are getting very quick, I tried to shake it up a little by moving the post time out a bit but it didn't seem to make much difference. Amy Capute Borusso and Jessica Gerber (both new players I believe) chimed in quickly and as a bit of a team to define what and when the picture was taken. Now, Renzo did tell me that while he was setting up taking the picture there was some interest in what he was doing so they may be involved with the happenings that day but I don't know for sure. Mark Beyerly jumped in a bit later and confirmed the answer and I think we can all agree that if he says it, you can be pretty sure you have the answer. We've had him on the ropes a couple of times and I will make it our mission to make him say uncle along the way at some point. In the mean time...

Rosé of the day - Tuesday May 28, 2013

 Peterson Donna Bella Rosé 2012

Tasting notes: The brilliant dark pink color guides you into enticing aromas and flavors of strawberry, light raspberry, cherry and hints of floral and spice. The creamy texture and lively acidity carry the refreshing fruit flavors across the palate and into the bright finish.

Varietals: 50% Grenache, 25% Carigane, 25% Petite Sirah

Region: Redwood Valley, Mendocino County, California

Menu: Try pairing it with a platter of sashimi, or a wilted kale salad with bacon, pecans and a pungent blue cheese dressing

Friday's answer: Plenty to go through today... First, the answer to Friday's post was indeed the reviewing stand at Town hall and was answered correctly by Ellen Grecco Gilmore, Tracey McMillan Rosato, Mark Beyerly, and Tom Bauder. Aside from the people that posted an answer there were a handful that "liked" the photo and I suspect that most of them knew the answer.
The photo was the 5th in the series were we were looking for the theme of the week. The journey had started at The Pine Creek Deli, headed down the Post road until we reached the Library where we took a right on Old Post Road and followed it to the end of the block. We then took a left and passed the YMCA and continued past the Town hall and finally finished up at the reviewing stand. All of the clues took some time to put together and most if not all of you figured it out with the last clue.
By the time Friday came quizzical looking faces had been replaced with smiles on the faces of the regular players in our game and the box began to get more and more entries. Saturday we posted all of the weeks pictures at the wine tasting and even more people were able to join in and finally on Sunday we wrapped it up.
The answer of course is "The Parade Route" and we need a winner. Renzo just pulled a name from the box and our winner is.... Peter Ferrara!

Congratulations Peter! We'll be reaching out to you today to get your prize to you.

Hopefully everyone had a good time with this one and will look forward to another in the weeks ahead.

Finally, Yesterday we put up a picture which was taken at the war memorial. I didn't think it was appropriate to play our game so we simply posted it with our respect to the men and women in uniform. For those interested... the wine was from Charles Smith Wines out of Washinton state and is made from Syrah (81%) Mourvedre (16%), Cinsault (2%) and Grenache (1%).

Rosé of the day - Monday May 27, 2013

Wine Tasting - Saturday 1-4PM, May 25

Your Host is Harry's Len Gulino (The Wine Tutor) who will pour a selection of 2012 Rose Wines.

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer and if not for all of this crazy weather we would be running around in our shorts and T's preparing for Picnics or a weekend on the beach.

Mother Nature has decided that 40-50 degree weather and rain is a better idea today so you'll have to put off the lawn mowing and use your imagination a bit as we sip our Rosé with Len.

the good news is that all of the weather reprorts are indicating that this will break up sometime tomorrow and Monday will indeed give us a great day for a parade and your party plans need not be changed. 

The lawn? Looks like late tomorrow afternoon at the earliest. Today will be better spent shopping for supplies.  

Miraval - Provence                      $21.99 

Refined and elegant, offering pure and concentrated flavors of dried red berry, tangerine and melon. The focused finish features flint and spice notes, with a hint of cream.  Wine Spectator, 90 pts  (This wine was grown and produced by a professional winemaker of the French Perrin family at the Provencal estate (Chateau Miraval) of Brad Pitt and Angeline Jolie.)

Ponzi - Oregon                            $22.99

A nose of rose petal, vanilla and watermelon salt water taffy precede a palate of pink grapefruit, guava and citrus framed by juicy acidity and bright finish.

Luisa Ponzi was in earlier in the week as we noted on our Facebook page. She is the owner/Winemaker at Ponzi and walked us through her portfolio (a terrific opportunity) she was also nice enough to sign a dozen bottles of her Rosé. Those bottles are available at the tasting today, first come first serve.



Reciente - Rioja                           $13.99

The wine immediately gives off notes of raspberry, cherry and freshly picked strawberries with lots of red berry flavors on the palate.

Wolffer  - Long Island                $16.99

A beautiful pale copper-salmon color with subtle hints of herbs and briary strawberry. On the palate strawberry and raspberry notes emerge.

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, May 24

Your host is Alan Nelson Thomas Hooker Brewery.

Munich Lager            $8.99/6pb

A true Helles style, our lager is golden in color with a pleasant, malty aroma balanced by a rich, smooth flavor. Using only the finest Bavarian malts and finished with Saaz hops, one sip will make you feel like you're in one of Germany's finest beer gardens.

Watermelon               $8.99/6pb  

The light and crisp Ale has a hint of watermelon essence, which is accented with colorful hues, filtered at colder temperatures resulting in a more refreshing thirst quenching brew. Our More Than A Mouthful Watermelon Ale is sure to please a variety of palates lending itself to being the perfect summer treat.

IPA                             $8.99/6pb

A blend of bravo, amarillo, cascade, and centennial hops give this beer a crisp, hoppy flavor. Dry hopping with Centennial gives this beer a beautiful aroma of citrus notes. Balanced but complex, this beer is a refreshing brew.

Rosé of the day - Friday May 24, 2013

Wrath Rosé 2012

Tasting notes: Vivid strawberry and rhubarb define the nose while the vibrant red-berry and watermelon flavors meld with crisp acidity on the palate.

Varietal: Pinot Noir

Region: Santa Lucia, California

Thursday's answer: I'll try to keep this short but there was a lot of attention given to yesterday's post. First, credit were credit is due... Mark Sudikoff nearly beat me to posting the picture with his answer. He must have seen it awful quick because his answer was up within a minute or so. Nice job! Kristie Coneys Kuhl, and Nancy Haberly were not long behind and of course Mark Beyerly put his stamp of approval on it a short time later.

We got a nice compliment from Beth Relick Wright when she posted "Loving this contest! Can't wait to see tomorrow's post." and the number of "likes" was also high yesterday. It is nice to see that people are enjoying this as much as we are.

Today is the final official clue and we have had a fair amount of guessing going on but this last picture should help you to follow the path of our theme to its conclusion. All of the pictures are posted at the store and we are looking forward to a good amount of participation this weekend. Please help us to get the game to a wider audience by "liking" and "sharing" the photos with your friends.

Good luck all! Let us know if things have come together for you with today's picture.

The rules...

Here is how it works... We will continue to ask the question "Where was this picture taken?" and as usual everyone is asked to help solve the mystery, Go to our Facebook page here to play along. This week, all of the pictures will have some relationship and it is your job to figure out what that common thread is. It will not be important to be the first to guess the theme and you can continue to enter throughout the week as your ideas change.

Come to Harry's and enter your Name, Telephone number, and guess, on the entry form provided, and drop it into the box. Next Tuesday morning (we'll be closed Monday) we will draw one name from the correct answers and that person will receive a $50.00 Fairfield Cheese Company Gift Certificate. No purchase required. Must be 21 or older to participate and win.

The contest box and entry forms are located at our Rosé section in the store.

Sound like fun? Get involved and play along!

Memorial Day Ad 2013

Rosé of the day - Thursday May 23, 2013

Ponzi Pinot Noir Rosé 2012 $22.99

Tasting notes: A nose of rose petal, vanilla and watermelon salt water taffy precede a palate of pink grapefruit, guava and citrus framed by juicy acidity and bright finish. - Luisa Ponzi, winemaker 

Varietal: Pinot Noir

Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon

Menu: The perfect choice for a romantic picnic. Elegant and fun but not obsessively serious, Pack up a basket of standard picnic treats over the holiday weekend and sneak off with this gem. 

Wednesday's answer:

I am going to take just a minute to say thank you to Mark Beyerly and Christelle Marilhet for getting us off the snide with Tuesday's library picture. I had more than one threat of bodily harm over that post but Mark was able to use the clues to devine the answer and posted it on Facebook, Christelle texted the answer to me and would have put it on FB if he hadn't already. In my defense (not really mine but Renzo's) the architecture is unique on that particular building and there aren't any others that I am familiar with that have the marble around the doors like that. I was made accutely aware that the address is on Old Post Rd. and not on Post Rd. so we "should have used the front" but we have to mix it up a bit don't we?... Still friends?

Here's hoping that Wednesday's picture made up for some of the frustated people on Tuesday. We had a few people answer correctly including a coded message from Mark, "Village people" that was pretty good. Also on the list were Kristie Coneys Kuhl, Tracey McMillan Rosato (Rosato... get it) and Nancy Haberly with the correct answer "YMCA" or in Tracey's case "Y".

This weeks theme should be coming into focus for some with today's clue. Put your thinking caps on and see what you can come up with. We have had a couple people drop a guess in the box by the Rosé section here at Harry's and we are hoping that this weekend we get a bunch more. There is money on the line here folks so lets get some ideas going and see if we can get the theme nailed down.

So far we have the Pine Creek Deli, Fairfield Library, The YMCA, and today's clue. Do you think you know the answer?

The rules...

Here is how it works... We will continue to ask the question "Where was this picture taken?" and as usual everyone is asked to help solve the mystery, Go to our Facebook page here to play along. This week, all of the pictures will have some relationship and it is your job to figure out what that common thread is. It will not be important to be the first to guess the theme and you can continue to enter throughout the week as your ideas change.

Come to Harry's and enter your Name, Telephone number, and guess, on the entry form provided, and drop it into the box. Next Tuesday morning (we'll be closed Monday) we will draw one name from the correct answers and that person will receive a $50.00 Fairfield Cheese Company Gift Certificate. No purchase required. Must be 21 or older to participate and win.

The contest box and entry forms are located at our Rosé section in the store.

Sound like fun? Get involved and play along!

Rosé of the day - Wednesday May 22, 2013

Peterson Donna Bellla Rosé 2012 $19.99

Tasting notes: The brilliant dark pink color guides you into enticing aromas and flavors of strawberry, light raspberry, cherry and hints of floral and spice. The creamy texture and lively acidity carry the refreshing fruit flavors across the palate and into the bright finish

Varietal: Grenache, Carignane, Petite Syrah

Region: Mendocino county, California USA

Menu: Try pairing it with a platter of sashimi, or a wilted kale salad with bacon, pecans and a pungent blue cheese dressing.

Tuesday's answer: I admit it... I didn't think there would be a correct answer given yesterday based on the picture. The architecture is unique and the are a couple of visual clues but it is tough. First of all the door you see is not the main entrance (anymore) and it is sort tough to see even if you walk or drive by the place. We've decided not to just give you the answer however.

Instead we came up with a Novel idea, We are going to post a few more Periodic clues here throughout the day and see if someone can come up with the answer.

Yesterday's clue: Shhh, Quiet please.

Don't forget the contest!

Rules:
This week there is a theme and each days picture will be a clue. It will work as a contest and everyone 21 and older is invited to play along and at the end of the week we will have a prize for the winner!.

Here is how it works... We will continue to ask for the answer to the question "Where was this picture taken?" and as usual everyone is asked to help solve the mystery. This week however all of the pictures for the week will have some relationship and it is your job to figure out what that common thread is. It will not be important to be the first to guess the theme and you can continue to enter throughout the week as your ideas change.

Come to Harry's and enter your Name, Telephone number, and guess, on the entry form provided, and drop it into the box. Next Tuesday morning (we'll be closed Monday) we will draw one name from the correct answers and that person will receive a $50.00 Fairfield Cheese Company Gift Certificate. No purchase required. Must be 21 or older to participate and wine.

The contest box and entry forms are located at our Rosé section in the store.

Sound like fun? Get involved and play along!

Rosé of the day - Tuesday May 21, 2013

 

 Elk Cove Pinot Noir Rosé 2012

Tasting notes:The 2012 Elk Cove Vineyards Pinot Noir Rosé is fragrant with white flowers and showing freshness with aromas of watermelon and sweet, red strawberry fruit! Enjoy this crisp, light, simply refreshing wine all by itself on a bright sunny day.

Varietal: Pinot Noir

Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon USA

Menu: Succulent shellfish or roast chicken. Bon appétit!

Monday's answer: John Maldon answered first yesterday and he did it emphatically... "Pine Creek Deli!!!!! BANG!" 
Easy on that keyboard John :), 
He was not alone JohnT.Boos and Mark Beyerly also came up with the answer. Nice job guys

Don't get too excited everyone. We have been making Monday fairly easy to figure out and the pictures are usually tougher Tuesday thru Friday. This week will be no exception. 
Keep in mind that there is a theme this week and it is your job to Figure out the daily answer and to follow the path of clues in order to figure out what this weeks theme is (rules below). We are on day 2 of 5, any guesses as to  what the theme is yet? Stop by and drop your guess in the box for your chance to win!

CLUE: Shhh, Quiet please!

Rules:
This week there is a theme and each days picture will be a clue. It will work as a contest and everyone 21 and older is invited to play along and at the end of the week we will have a prize for the winner!.

Here is how it works... We will continue to ask for the answer to the question "Where was this picture taken?" and as usual everyone is asked to help solve the mystery. This week however all of the pictures for the week will have some relationship and it is your job to figure out what that common thread is. It will not be important to be the first to guess the theme and you can continue to enter throughout the week as your ideas change.

Come to Harry's and enter your Name, Telephone number, and guess, on the entry form provided, and drop it into the box. Next Tuesday morning (we'll be closed Monday) we will draw one name from the correct answers and that person will receive a $50.00 Fairfield Cheese Company Gift Certificate. No purchase required. Must be 21 or older to participate and wine.

The contest box and entry forms are located at our Rosé section in the store and we will have each days picture posted there for public review.

Sound like fun? Get involved and play along!

Rosé of the day - Monday May 12, 2013

Pisoni 'Lucy' Rose 2012

Tasting notes: Notes of Rainier cherry, perfectly ripe strawberry and watermelon come across in a very focused, delineated fashion. The palate is refreshing, and the crisp acidity causes a mouth-watering reaction, just requiring another sip.

Varietal: Pinot Noir

Region: Santa Lucia highlands, California USA

Menu: Suggestions include Duck, turkey, Veal, and Salmon or Tuna for your "meat" selection. Other suggestions included a number of cheeses like Brie, Camembert, Feta, Gruyere, and Asiago (Laura and Chris would be good sources for other suggestions)

Friday's answer: Chris Therrien was first to chime in on Friday with "A Synagogue!!"... Well thats true, but... He later put up the first 'correct' answer which of course was Congregation Beth el or perhaps more correctly, Beth el Congregational but the idea was right. Mark Sudikoff also answered it right and there were a bunch of "likes". Thanks to everyone for playing along.

Please read on-

This week we are going to change it up just a bit. This week there is a theme and each days picture will be a clue. It will work as a contest and everyone 21 and older is invited to play along and at the end of the week we will have a prize for the winner!.

Here is how it works... We will continue to ask for the answer to the question "Where was this picture taken?" and as usual everyone is asked to help solve the mystery. This week however all of the pictures for the week will have some relationship and it is your job to figure out what that common thread is. It will not be important to be the first to guess the theme and you can continue to enter throughout the week as your ideas change.

Come to Harry's and enter your Name, Telephone number, and guess, on the entry form provided, and drop it into the box. Next Tuesday morning (we'll be closed Monday) we will draw one name from the correct answers and that person will receive a $50.00 Fairfield Cheese Company Gift Certificate. No purchase required. Must be 21 or older to participate and wine.

The contest box and entry forms are located at our Rosé section and we will have each days picture posted there for public review.

Sound like fun? Get involved and play along!

Wine Tasting - Saturday 1-4PM, May 18

Your Host is Deidre Magnello.

We've got an absolutely beautiful day going this Saturday. As people begin to move around town picking up their plants for the garden and steaks and chops for the grill it is worth thinking about beating next weeks crush and picking up some Memorial day supplies early.

Then, tonight you'll be able to sit back and pop open the lighter whites and rosés while sitting out on the deck or patio and enjoying the beautiful evening ahead.

Coeur Esterelle Cotes de Provence Rose 2012   $12.99

Fresh strawberries on the nose. Very lush on the palate with strawberries, some plum, and melon. Nice acidity to give it balance and length.

St. Urbanshoff Urban Riesling 2011                           $9.99

An elegant, crisp and fruity Riesling with a hint of natural residual sweetness. This wine has the typical light character of the Riesling grape and the style of a classic Mosel Riesling.  The wines of 2011are already nicely accessible, even as fresh young wines.

Milcampos Ribera del Duero 2010                     $15.99

The 2010 Milcampos Vinas Viejas comes from vines planted in 1930 and raised in French and American oak barrels. The nose is bashful at first with subtle black cherry, iodine and violet scents, but the palate is simply divine with filigree tannins and an effortless, pure, poised finish that cleanses the mouth and leaves you yearning for that next drop. Outstanding. Drink 2013-2020.    Wine Advocate, 94 pts

Ceralti Scire Bolgheri Rosso 2010                      $14.99

A medium-bodied red, elegant and lively, showing cherry, floral and strawberry flavors, backed by firm but not overpowering tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2013 through 2019.   Wine Spectator, 88 pts

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, May 17

Your host is Rick Sciroco representing Olde Burnside Company.

Ten Penny Ale     $9.49/64oz

Our flagship brew, "Ten Penny Ale" is available in more and more restaurants, pubs and package stores in Central Connecticut, and the momentum is growing! "Ten Penny" is a light Scottish style ale, brewed with a secret recipe developed by Brewmaster Ray Ballard. We can't give you the recipe, but we can tell you that the finest fresh barley malts have been combined with a hint of hops from the Pacific northwest to produce a unique and universally drinkable ale.

Dirty Penny Ale  $9.49/64oz

Our popular “Dirty Penny Ale” (5.7% ABV) is a hearty, but never heavy “black’n’tan” style* which is mixture of 60% Ten Penny/40% our own signature stout. This beer is also available year-round at your local bar or favorite beer store.

Hop’t Scott          $9.99/64oz

Our Scottish version of an English IPA. Unfiltered with a nice malt backbone and a variety of English hops. Balanced with a nice hop character.

Rosé of the day - Friday May 17, 2013

Bartenura Malvasia 2012

Tasting notes: A refreshing, semi sweet wine with deliciously lingering flavorful aromas. Dark cherry, plum and cassis flavors, with rich cinnamon, herb and coffee notes.

Varietal: Malvasia Nero

Region: Salento, Italy

Menu: Full flavored grilled or sauced chicken, spicy fish dishes, Oriental food or fruity desserts. 

Thursday's answer: Surprise, surprise Mark Beyerly was the first to chime in yesterday. Mark originally put up a teasing, clue filled answer that may have been helpful to others but in his gentlemans way he didn't hog the limelight and about an hour later Paula Cleary came up with the answer Lupe's Drug Store (First time in for Paula I believe), Nice Job!

Later Mark was back, I am sure he was making sure that someone had stepped up to the plate and following Paula's answer he took any remaining doubt out of the equation with "Lupe's indeed!"

Today we pick up on a the weekly religious institution tradition that we started. If a clue is needed we will be back later to supply one. The way things are going I get the feeling that won't be happening. 

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Well that shows you how much I know. I thought someone would be on this one quick. The early response was was big, lots of people visiting the blog and a handful of "likes". "This is going to be quick" I thought, but it was not to be.

Let's try a clue!

Clue: If you have followed along with where we have been this week just stay in the area.

Hop on to Our town - Maple & Pine - asphalt connector and you will find the place, Liz follows kay gathering... so to speak.

Rosé of the day - thursday May 16, 2013

Hamacher Pinot Noir Rosé 2012

Tasting notes: This Rosé is a pretty pale copper color. Aromatically it is quite vibrant and fresh. The acidity is bright as no malolactic fermentation was allowed. This will be a great sipping wine on a warm day and should support a wide array of spring and summer foods.

Varietal: Pinot Noir

Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon

Menu: Northwest Salmon! get the grill out, brush with a little Olive oil and light seasoning. 

Wednesday's answer: You all are just a little too good if you ask me. Ellen Grecco Gilmore is scarey good, if you aren't a detective of some sort, you should be. Ellen disects the picture and puts the visual clues to work for herself.

Look at this picture and compare it to ours...

That is a pretty good guess if you ask me (guess we won't be using the Creperie in the future).

Mark Beyerly has become the one to watch in this whole thing if you ask me. He is also very good at using the clues and putting up the answers and... he is precise. "Judging from the brochures on the counter, I am going to guess Marsillio's Appliance on Black Rock Turnpike."     What no street address? :) 

Not the first time he has been directly on.

Yesterday I was not sure whether anyone would come up with the answer and today I am even more unsure. I knew where I was sending Renzo to take pictures and when he came back with todays I had to think about it and I actually used the process of elimination to get it.

I have learned through this exercise not to pre-judge so I will just say... Good luck.

Clue later if needed.

Craft Beer Week - Economics 101: Supply and Demand

As it is Craft Beer Week, it only seems fitting that the expansion of craft breweries around the United States should be discussed.  Craft beer has become more and more popular over the years, and between new microbreweries popping up all over the country as well as word spreading about the quality of their brews, the demand for craft beer is on the rise.  From 2011 to 2012 alone, domestic craft beer sales rose almost 2,000,000 barrels (31 gallons=1 barrel), and all signs are pointing up from the 15% increase that we saw from last year.  The opening of 4 new breweries in Connecticut alone last year supports the idea that more people in the state and around the country are looking for more craft beer.

What does this rapid increase mean for the breweries?  For many of the more well known craft breweries such as Sierra Nevada and Lagunitas (both based in California), it means expansion eastward.  Both breweries are setting up new locations (Sierra Nevada in North Carolina and Lagunitas in Chicago) to increase their distribution, cut down on shipping costs, and send fresher beer to the east coast.  Sierra Nevada is currently constructing a new brewery in Mills River, NC which they are hoping to be up and operating by the fall of 2014.  Lagunitas, based in Petaluma, CA, will be opening a new brewery and tap room in Chicago late this summer/early fall.  Founder Tony Magee, a Chicago native, was hoping to have the tap room open by early May, but it is looking now like the tap room will open up closer to August.  The equipment for the brewery will arrive in July, and if all things go according to plan, will be installed this fall.

There are some breweries, however, that are taking a more inelastic supply approach to their beer.  Vermont’s The Alchemist is not looking to regularly supply outside of their home state.  The Alchemist, a family run brewery, originally only served their one and only beer, Heady Topper (a highly sought after American Double IPA which is currently the #1 beer in the world on beeradvocate.com) on tap exclusively at the Prohibition Pig restaurant in Waterbury, VT until they opened their cannery which now produces 120 barrels per week.  Their end goal is to be able to supply the state of Vermont regularly with Heady Topper with occasional shipments to Boston and New York City.  Westward expansion is clearly not in The Alchemist’s plans going forward as they like to consider themselves a “local” brewery, much like Vermont’s Hill Farmstead Brewery.  Hill Farmstead was recently named the #6 Craft Brewery in the world by ratebeer.com, and like The Alchemist, aim only to supply the local population with their assortment of beers.  This, however, has not stopped beer lovers around the world from traveling to these breweries just to get a taste of these highly acclaimed beers.

If there is one thing that the expansion of craft breweries like Sierra Nevada and Lagunitas, and the miles traveled by the patrons of breweries like The Alchemist and Hill Farmstead show us is that this country is thirsty for craft beer.  New breweries around the country are seeing this and attempting to create the next Heady Topper and have the distribution of Sierra Nevada.  It all comes down to the simplest concept of economics; supply and demand

Sources:

http://www.brewersassociation.org/pages/business-tools/craft-brewing-statistics/beer-sales 

http://www.sierranevada.com/brewery/about-us/our-story

http://beerpulse.com/2013/04/lagunitas-brewing-co-to-push-back-chicago-taproom-opening-too late-summer-203/

http://www.alchemistbeer.com/about-us/