Saturday, August 30, 2014

Kombrewcha Tasting 3pm-6pm

 Eli is here from Kombrewcha to show our customers what the buzz is all about. Have you heard of Kombucha? Time to find out what it is all about!

Kombrewcha, our spirited and traditionally brewed kombucha, is fermented organic tea with a tease, tangy and not too sweet. With 2% alcohol, only 65 to 75 calories per bottle (less than in light-beer and hard-cider), and boatloads of live probiotics – it’s an invitation to rethink what we drink. 100% Organic!

We set out to create a new kind of brew that you can indulge in without compromise and with just enough alcohol to get you tickled, not pickled. After almost two years of brewing and tweaking, Kombrewcha was born.

Our kombucha is brewed the traditional way, allowing the tiny probiotics to do what they do best – make bubbles and a little alcohol.


Original    $11.69 4pk
Brewed with organic black tea and just a hint of agave nectar, it's raw kombucha, pure and simple. With a flavor and aroma that would be familiar to kombucha drinkers from ancient times. At least we'd like to think so.

Royal Ginger    $11.69 4pk
Our Royal Ginger is brewed with real pressed organic ginger juice and a bit of agave nectar. Think ginger beer, but without the sweetness and with many fewer calories.

Lemongrass Lime   $11.69 4pk
The cool and tangy lime flavor is balanced with fresh and earthy notes of lemongrass. It’s refreshing, uplifting, and delicious – think honeymoon on an island in Thailand. If you end up going, please send us a postcard.

Wine Tasting - Saturday 1-4PM, August 30

Your host is Daniel Walsh of Vibrant Rioja.  (<-- click for website)



Vivanco Rosé 2013               $9.99
A youthful expression of the traditional Tempranillo and Garnacha blend. Aromas of fresh strawberries and raspberries are accented by hints of licorice and rose petal. It is fresh and well balanced, with generous, clean red berry flavors and mild tannins. Vinified in the Sangrado style in stainless steel, the wine is left in contact with the skins for a brief period to achieve a beautiful rose color.

Vina Bujanda Tinto 2013      $11.99
This wine is ruby red with purple highlights. Fresh and fruity, it is a perfect sipper and refreshing even in warmer weather (try it with a slight chill!). The nose shows red berry, blue fruit, and spice, while the palate is medium bodied with food-friendly acidity.

Valserrano Crianza 2010                 $15.99
The 2010 Valserrano Crianza’s nose is an explosion of red fruits (wild strawberries, raspberries) and flowers with just a hint of spice and balsamic notes that add complexity. It comes through as a highly quaffable, pleasurable wine that delivers high quality classical Rioja character at an incredible price. Drink 2014-2016.  Wine 
Advocate, 91+ pts

Vina Ardanza Reserva 2004            $32.99
Cedar, tobacco and spice hints frame dried cherry, berry and vanilla notes in this silky red. The flavors mingle nicely, framed by juicy acidity and light but firm tannins. The wine has a lovely, weightless intensity. A fine example of the traditional style.  Wine Spectator, 93 pts

Friday, August 29, 2014

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, August 29

Your host will be Dan Zeek of 
Two Roads Brewery. 
 
Workers Comp Saison        $9.69/6pb
A traditional farmhouse ale made with a very expressive yeast strain that contributes an array of tropical fruit, spice flavors and aromatics. Brewed with a variety of harvest grains including barley, wheat, oats and rye as was likely the case with farmhouse brewers of yore. The result is a complex, refreshing and distinctive example of this esoteric style. Intensely fruity (passion fruit, pineapple, mango, lychee), slightly spicy (clove, white pepper)
White IPA           $9.69/6pb
The Two Roads interpretation of this emerging beer style naturally takes a road less traveled. Unlike other versions, our employs an American ale yeast and no spices. The result is a soft wheat backdrop that accentuates the Pacific Northwest hop character.
DIPA                             $12.29/6pb
A big, hoppy IPA with plenty of bite! Our assertive, hop-centric Double IPA has a lean malt backdrop and is brewed with four American hop varieties – Summit, Palisade, Cascade and Magnum. Piney, citrus, floral, not-for-the-timid!

Pils                       $9.69/6pb
Traditional in concept with a Two Roads twist…dry hops. We use a combination of classic German as well as American hop and malt varieties in our Pils. We renovated a 100 year-old factory building and designed this Pils to have “extra” aroma…so, pardon the pun! Crisp…refreshing…refined.

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Labor Day Sale 2014

Harry's Wine & Liquor will be 
CLOSED LABOR DAY
Monday September 1, 2014
Shop early!

 


Saturday, August 23, 2014

Wine Tasting - Saturday 1-4PM, August 23

Your host is Oliver MacKinnon of Highland Imports.  

Fernhook Estate 
Sauvignon Blanc 2013                     $14.99
Fruit-intense and lively, this attractive sauvignon is filled with ripe peach, feijoa and citrus flavours with subtle herbaceous notes. It’s juicy and rounded on the palate, leading to a refreshing finish.  Winemaker’s Notes

Parolvini
Nero Veneto 2011                                    $11.99
The ruby red garnet color leads to herbaceous and floral notes on the nose.  The palate is dry and medium bodied.  It is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Refosco, and Malbec.

Chateau Tuilerie Entre-Deux-Mers 2013                    $14.99
This has a lemon-lime and white peach aroma profile.  On the palate are lemon and honeysuckle notes with nice minerality and grassiness.  Good acidity leads to a clean, floral finish.

Pico & Vine Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2011     $19.99
This Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine of structure and finesse, with blackberry and cassis fruit aromas and flavors, backed by subtle notes of chocolate and anise.  Its suppleness lends it to drinking now, but it will age gracefully over the upcoming decade.  Winemaker’s Notes

Friday, August 22, 2014

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, August 22

Your host will be Rick of Olde Burnside Brewing Company.


Ten Penny Ale              $6.49/4pb
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            $6.99/4pb
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 Scot                     $9.29/64oz
Our Scottish version of an English IPA. Unfiltered with a nice malt backbone and a variety of English hops. Balanced with nice hop character.

Friday, August 15, 2014

WINE DINNER: Piedmont Wine Dinner with Owner/Winemaker Giuseppe Vajra Tue, Sept 9th 7pm-10pm



Harry’s Wine & Liquor Market,
Luca Ristorante and Martin Scott Wines Present:
Piedmont Wine Dinner
With Owner/Winemaker Guiseppe Vajra
Tuesday, Sep 9 – 7PM
$98 with tax and tip included

Antipasto

Crespelle all Piemontese:
Home made creps filled with freshly picked Vermont wild mushrooms and black truffle accent ricotta, served warm with truffle béchamel sauce

Vino: Dolcetto d’Alba 2013

Risotto

Risotto al Barbera e Taleggio:
Simmered vialone nano risotto with herbs, Italian sweet sausage and taleggio cheese in a refined Vajra Barbera d’Alba wine sauce

Vino: Barbera d’Alba 2010

Secondo di Pesce

Filetto di spigola al Cartoccio:
Fresh filet of Chilean sea bass baked in a parchment paper with potatoes, carrots, fennel, onions, herbs and Drizzle of Extra virgin olive oil

Vino: Langhe Riesling Petracine 2012

Secondo di Carne:

Ossobuco alla Torinese:
Tender beef shank braised with Nebbiolo wine, carrots, celery and onions, infused with fresh herbs and served with asparagus mashed potatoes

Vino: Barolo Albe 2010

Dolce:

Fragole della Nonna:
Strawberries marinated with Limoncello and sugar in the raw served with Sandra’s homemade Italian lemon custard and Panettone Grandma style
Vino: Moscato d’Asti 2013

Wine Tasting - Saturday 1-4PM, August 16

Your host is Mary Kay Brown of Organic Vintages. 


Biokult Gruner Veltliner 2012                         $13.99

Golden straw color. Aromas of nectarine and pepper with a crisp, fruity-yet-dry light-to-medium body and a tangy lemon and kiwi curd finish.


Le Petit du Chateau de Lagarde 2012               $18.99

This is a lively, fresh French Merlot that brings immediate pleasure with it's concentrated notes of fresh red berries. It tastes of blackberry, licorice, cassis, and black plums.


Les Haut de Lagarde Bordeaux Blanc 2013     $11.99
Aromas of white flowers, citrus and white fruits.  In the mouth the Semillon brings roundness, volume and richness with pleasant notes of citrus fruits. A fine liveliness leads to a great finale.

Les Haut de Legarde Bordeaux Rouge 2012     $11.99
Great aromas of fresh fruits like blackcurrant and blackberries along with spices.  The fruitiness, roundness and tannic mouth give it a rare elegance.

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, August 15

Your host is Eric from City Steam.

Naughty Nurse             $9.99/6pb
Sunset in color, brewed with a combination of pale and crystal malts, London yeast, and a variety of traditional English hops for a spicy, slightly bittersweet finish and a wonderful fruity and flowery aroma. 12.5 degrees P.

Crème da la Crème       $8.49/6pb
A nice, clean, and light cream ale.

Blonde on Blonde                   $9.69/6pb
A beautiful, fragrant golden-amber STOCK ALE, which is akin to a very bitter, fragrant and filtered I.P.A. 15 degrees Plato. Loads of hops! Oh Mama!

Wine Class: Around the world with Jordan Ross 9/17 7-9pm



WINE CLASS:

AROUND THE WINE WORLD

WITH JORDAN ROSS


Wednesday, September 17, 7-9pm
$35

Jordan Ross went from working on Wall Street in the early 80’s to graduating from University of California at Davis School of Enology & Viticulture in 1989. He then completed wine making internships at Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards in Sonoma and Acacia Winery in Napa. He travels extensively to wine regions throughout Europe and South America, and has been published in Wine Spectator, Wines & Vines, Global Vintage Quarterly and Practical Winery & Vineyard.  He currently works for Pasternak Wine Imports in Harrison, New York, and his website is  

WOW!
Do you think you can learn a thing or two about wine from this gentleman? 
(HINT:  hope you like jelly beans – you’ll have to join us to find out about this!)

Jordan has a wonderful portfolio of wines from around the world, and he will taste and teach you about the great wines on the list below.  Be ready to try some of the best wines on the market, and learn all about them from a true wine guru.

DO NOT MISS THIS ONE!

Valdo Prosecco Oro Poro N.V.  --  Italy

Lafite Reserve Speciale Bordeaux Blanc 2013  --  France

Prieuré de Montézargues Tavel Rosé 2013  --  France

Goldwater Pinot Noir 2012  --  New Zealand

Blason d’Ausseres Corbieres 2010  --  France

Los Vascos Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2011  --  Chile

Amancaya Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon 2011  --  Argentina

Chateau de Cosse Sauternes 2011  --  France

For reservations-
call Jan (203) 259-4692 Seating is limited

Saturday, August 9, 2014

Greenhook Gin Tasting Saturday Aug. 9th 4-7pm

Mike Judge is here from Greenhook Ginsmiths to show off his locally made spirit. He is lots of fun with a great personality and he has chosen a perfect day to come in and show off his very well made Gin. Stop in!



Greenhook Gin 750ml      $33.99
This American Dry Gin made in Greenpoint, Brooklyn has a delicate, fresh, fruity nose with hints of juniper, yellow citrus, and elderflower. On the palate the juniper leads and is followed quickly by citrus, ginger, sweet cinnamon, and chamomile. Try it in a Martini with a twist. This gin is made from a wheat base, with major botanicals such as chamomile, blue ginger, Ceylon cinnamon, elderflower, and juniper.

Wine Tasting - Saturday 1-4PM, August 9

Your host is Mark Toepke of Precept Wine. 

Primarius Pinot Noir 2012     $14.99
The aromatics are of pie cherry and bramble spice overlaid with vanillin and cedar notes from the French and American barrels. Fruit forward notes continue on the palate, followed by rounded tannins and integrated oak.

Canoe Ridge Merlot 2012    $14.99
Smoky oak and berry aromas with cherry, jammy raspberry and strawberry flavors, beautifully structured and wrapped in a silky finish.  Varietal Blend: 86% Merlot, 14% Syrah

Canoe Ridge Chardonnay 2012                        $14.99
Brilliant yellow-gold in color this wine explodes from the glass with toast, butterscotch and honeysuckle aromas. Flavors of ripe pear combine with creme brulee and ripes peaches. Citrus notes and hints of minerality add complexity. The palate is smooth and creamy with balanced acidity driving flavors from start to end. The finish lingers with hints of nectarine and a slight toasty note.

Canoe Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2012            $14.99
Ripe nose of spice and chocolate; smooth and rich with sweet plum, cassis and lush herbs; soft and dense, long and balanced. 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Syrah, 6% Merlot, 5% Malbec.  Tasting Panel Magazine, 88 pts

Friday, August 8, 2014

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, August 8

Your host is from New England Brewing.
Elm City Lager             $9.29/6pc
A blend of pilsner malts and Hallertaur hops makes this perfectly balanced and refreshing.

Sea Hag IPA                 $9.29/6pc
Hand made with 3 malts and generous hops.  Crisp finish with big floral aroma.

668 Belgian Golden      $9.99/6pc
Brewed with pilsner malts, candi sugar, and blended with American and German hops.

A constant reminder

Each day when I walk into Harry's I am reminded of its legacy. More than 73 years have passed since Harry Pollack first opened the doors to a very small liquor shop here in Fairfield and our store today still stands on the very same plot of land that it did that day in October of 1941 when Harry and Betty first turned the key.

There have been changes over the years...

 The small house that once stood on the property which was retro fitted to be the space for the original store and was heated by a coal burning potbelly stove has long since been torn down and replaced by our current building. When Harry and Betty moved into the new building, it took up just one of its current 6 bays and the entire stock at that time fit in that one small space.

It did not yet have the reputation that it carries today but it did have a few very important things back then that remain guiding principals today. Way back then, Harry was involved as part of his community, his son Saul and now Grandson Scott and their faimilies, have all been a part of this Faifield/Southport Community. Harry knew the people that came through his doors, he greeted each of them and he knew about their families. Harry watched as many families celebrated important milestones like weddings and graduations with a bottle of Champagne and more simple gatherings like a families back yard party. They Grieved with those families when they lost loved ones and helped to welcome new members to their families.

Sadly, Harry and Betty have since passed and more recently, Saul has finally settled in to retirement and passed the baton to his son Scott along with long time employees William and Patrick (thats me). I sat many times with Saul and listened for many hours as he talked about his fathers work ethic and good fortune. He told me about his days as a teacher and coach and how when his dad died, he turned Liquor store owner. He told me about a neighbor that helped to guide him through buying the Harry's corner and expanding his store. I watched the same work ethic and concetration on customer service that his father passed to him.

Saul built a well regarded wine shop that has won numerous awards and been the inspiration for many other stores that have used his model to build their own reputations. He hired good people and put his faith in them. He guided and expanded abilities of the people that worked for him. Many former Harry's employees have "graduated" and some remain in the business in a different capacity. A few went on to own their own stores, another bought a wine/liquor distribution company, some are doing sales or other jobs in the chain of our industry. All former employees are seen as members of our family and our legacy. It is true that we have had a crazy uncle or two along the way but we are very proud of our staff past and present.

I sat with Saul yesterday. We revisited some of the conversations that we have had along the way. I was reminded again of his humble nature and his giving personality, the one passed down from his father and passed on to his children. I hope that our customers can see that some of it has also rubbed off on to William and myself also as well as our staff. Saul also talked about our town and the people in it and reminded me that "our little store" has a long history.

We see the pictures of  "The original store", "Harry", & "Betty" that are proudly displayed over the wine tasting table in the California room. "Harry the duck" floating in the wine chiller that far pre-date any of our current employees, the black and white photos that Saul and Annes daughter, Kira took of our town still hanging and reminding all of us of our history. All lending themselves to the pride we all take in our little store. The one that continues to serve its customers with gratitude for their patronage more than seven decades later.

Our thanks to our customers, to Harry and Betty along with the reast of the Pollack family and the town of Fairfield now celebrating 375 years, for the many great years. As for us, we continue to look for the next great wine, the next community milestone, family wedding, and if we get lucky, maybe another trip to the Little League World Series this year for our town.

What a great legacy to be part of...

-Cheers

Saturday, August 2, 2014

Wine Tasting - Saturday 1-4PM, August 2

Your host is Alain Blanchon. 

Clos Fussay Reuilly 2012   $16.99       
Classic Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc with a cool crisp nose of citrus and gooseberry.   It is crisp, dry, focused and has mineral on the palate.


Pollier Macon Villages 2013  $14.99       
Light crisp clean.  On the mouth it is fleshy and rounded with a light mineral acidity.


Thevenot Hauts Cotes de Nuits les Renardes 2010     $19.99
This has the classic Pinot Noir nose of ripe red berries with some darker hints of blackberry and spice.  Great mouth feel, good structure, and a smooth texture all balanced with perfect acidity.

Charmes Godard Bordeaux Rouge 2010                    $19.99
This is a well-made Bordeaux that offers black currant fruit notes intermixed with notions of loamy soil and spice box. Its dark ruby/purple color is followed by a medium to full-bodied wine with a velvety texture.

Friday, August 1, 2014

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, August 1

Your host is Nikki from Half Full Brewery.

Bright Ale     $9.49/6pc
Half Full’s gateway beer is a crisp and refreshing Blonde/Pale Ale hybrid that is perfect for any palate. This unfiltered beer has a light body and a citrusy grapefruit aroma, making it sessionable and approachable – the perfect year round offering for whenever you feel like living in the moment.

STYLE: 
A CRISP INSPIRING HYBRID
ABV: 5.2% IBU: 20

 


THAT BRIGHT IDEA.
YOU KNOW THE TYPE…
YOUR MIND RACES.
YOUR STOMACH FLUTTERS.
YOU FEEL ALIVE.
A CONFLUENCE OF EVENTS
SPARKED MY BRIGHT IDEA;
BEERS ON NIGHT IN NYC,
A LIFE-CHANGING TRIP,
AND A PUSH FROM
A FRIEND ALL LED TO…
“I’LL OPEN A BREWERY!”
HALF FULL BRIGHT ALE,
THE PERFECT INSPIRATIONAL
PAIRING FOR WHENEVER
YOU WANT TO ENTERTAIN
THAT BRIGHT IDEA.

Craft Can Brew Crew at "The Vibes"

These past few days have been filled with lots of Vibes attendees stopping in on their way to Seaside Park to pick up their "essentials", Shopping lists have included lots of beer (in cans of course) and ice and the occasional request for Vodka or other spirit in a plastic bottle. Not many people heading over are looking for wine, go figure!

Some of the younger folks on our staff and in one case, her entire family are taking some time to enjoy a weekend full of music and good times. Everyone scrambling early to get a good spot and Set up camp for the long weekend and Renzo has even requested Monday off (his recovery day). It is fun to watch the bussling around for what has become an event that draws people from hundreds of miles away. We had one group in from Pittsburgh PA that were told to stop at Harry's on their way in for their craft beer in cans.

It seems that campers however, have upped the ante on "roughing it". Lying on the hard ground and sleeping in a tent, lawn chairs to sit on, along with a lack of a shower for a couple of days, and the meals that won't be described as "gourmet" may still be the norm. These things remain perfectly acceptable to this crowd... The cooler though, thats a different story! The cooler looks the same on the oustside but when the lid is taken off the "roughing it" is suddenly at a different level. No cheap beer for these music fans. Inside that old Coleman cooler there is an oasis of craft brew to get them through the long weekend. It may be beer and hotdogs at the campsite, but it is very good beer!


Our stacks of these small batch brews in can have been given a work out as these campers prepare to settle into their camp sites and our supply of ice has been hit just as hard. I guess you have to have your priorities and it is clear where those lie with this crowd. Fun group of people!

We wish all of the attendees and enjoyable weekend filled with music and fun. Hopefully the rain will stay away, Stay safe.