Friday, September 25, 2015

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, September 25





 
Your Host:
Greg
G and G Distributors






JK Scrumpy Gold Gate . . . $6.49/22oz
Orchard Gate Gold as a unique Artisan Michigan Farmhouse Cider, somewhere between English Scrumpy and a Normandy Cidre. After the harvest, we press our organic apples and allow them to slowly ferment for up to six months. We then carefully hand-fill and label each bottle and let it age for several weeks to properly condition. There are only two ingredients in our Orchard Gate Gold: Apple Juice and Yeast.

JK Scrumpy Northern Neighbor . . . $6.49/22oz 
We invite you to celebrate a collaboration of a few passionate American and Canadian farmers. The fruits of their labor are presented in this bottle, a family reunion of sorts. This delightful cider is made from Michigan apples and a unique Canadian prairie apple, the Saskatoon. This natural cider has been carefully fermented at Almar Orchards using our traditional methods.

Thistly Cross Cider . . . $5.49/16oz
Slightly Sparkling. Our 6.2% Farmhouse Cider is smooth, refreshing and Thistly Cross’ first born. It’s a classic, farmhouse cider made with a blend of Scottish apples.The 6 month maturation makes it refreshing, smooth & fruity. Clear golden, smooth, medium dry Scottish cider.

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Harry’s Wine School Fall 2015





Italy – Across the top of the boot 
October 14th 7-9pm $35
Italy has a great deal to offer when it comes to great wine growing appellations. Too much to get through in just one evening so we will visit the regions just south of the Alps. From Piedmont in the west to the Veneto in the east, and some surprising and lesser known regions between the two. Len will connect the dots and introduce you to a few varietals that even experienced tasters might not know yet. 




Spanish Wine regions 
October 28th 7-9pm $35
Where is Ribera del Duero?  Montsant?  Toro?  What is a D.O.?   Join us as Len helps us to understand Spain through the eyes of a wine traveler. Len has traveled extensively through the world’s great wine growing regions and will join us this evening to share with you what he has learned through the years. You will understand the varietals, Spain’s many appellations, and how the regional wine regulatory boards (Consejo Regulador) insure the highest level of quality in all their wines. 


Food Pairing with Tutto Pasta 
November 11th 7-9pm $50
“Brothers Extraordinaire” David and Andrew are rolling up their sleeves to bring us another memorable food pairing class filled with delicious creations and teamed with a selections of wines that bring the palate to life. Len will host and offer his opinions and knowledge as we taste a selection of wines that are classically paired with the foods they were intended for. Always a popular class.



High End Class 
December 2nd 7-9pm $70
This night we will pick a selection of wines from our shelves that have impressed us, are very age worthy, and have great potential for gift giving at this special time of year. Bring your palate and clear a spot in your cellar because this night offers some of the best wines available from the world’s great producers and vintages.  As a holiday gift to all, Len will bring a well-aged (i.e., multi-decade) beauty from his personal wine cellar – Do Not Miss This Event!

For reservations please call
(203) 259-4692 speak with Janice

Saturday, September 19, 2015

Wine Tasting - Saturday 1-4, September 19

Your Host is Jim Morrison
Artisan Wines



Montenidoli Toscana Rose 2014 . . . $23.99
Medium-bodied, dry. Round and expressive pink-berry flavors with layers of nuanced fruit and complexity. A seductive palate and long finish invites you back for glass upon glass.

Ottella Lugana 2013 . . . $17.99
Ottella Lugana is fragrant and floral with mineral clarity that meets the aromas of candied citrus in ways that amaze and astonish. The palate is gentle and smooth echoing the texture of perfectly ripened fruit and leaving the mouth fresh, fragrant and dry.

McKinlay Pinot Noir 2014 . . . $22.99
Bright nose of currants and cherry, which continue on the palate along with spice and earthy smokiness. Smooth tannins and balanced acidity. 

Mamuthone Cannonau 2012 . . . $22.99 It expresses with richness and emphasis the peculiar characteristics of the Cannonau di Mamoiada. It smells net scents of spicy and ripen fruit. The taste is fresh and dense at the same time, the tannins are thin and sweets with an unforgettable deepness.

Friday, September 18, 2015

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, September 18



Your Host: 
Ross Carley
Cottrell Brewing Company
Pawcatuck, CT




Mystic Bridge, India Pale Ale . . . $9.29/6pbtl
A mild earthy IPA with hints of citrus, inspired by one of the most recognizable landmarks in CT, Mystic Bridge.

Old Yankee, Amber Ale . . . $9.29/6pbtl 
Our flagship brew,  a medium bodied, American Amber Ale, that has a great up-front malt taste with a refreshing hop finish. An outstanding session beer for any occasion.

Perry's Revenge, Scotch Ale . . . $7.69/6pbtl
Scotch Ale, malty and complex mahogany colored with hints of chocolate.

Stonington Glory, Pilsner . . . $9.29/6pbtl
This Czech-style pilsner sports a light golden color and a firm white head. Crisp and refreshing, it has a dry mouthfeel and a pleasant floral aroma with a hop finish.   Its Czech authenticity is grounded in the Czech-yeast we use, and the Aromatic malt and Sterling hop give it its distinctive dry, flavorful taste. 

Saturday, September 12, 2015

Wine Tasting - Saturday 1-4, September 12

Your Host is Patty Allen
Chateau D'Esclans

Whispering Angel 2014 . . . $21.99
Whispering Angel is a blend of Grenache, Rolle, Cinsault, Syrah, and Mourvedre grapes. Strikingly pale pink in color, the aromas are fresh and fruity. On the palate, it is bone dry through the finish. The name really suits the delicate nature of this wine.

Rock Angel 2014 . . . $27.99
The 2014 Château D’Esclans ‘Rock Angel’, a sophisticated blend of (red) Grenache and (white) Rolle (aka Vermentino). Dry, but succulent, it has a heady scent of herbs and spice on the nose and a long, creamy, almost nutty, finish. As Lichine says, “It all started with a Whisper, but now it’s time to rock!”

Les Clans 2013 . . . $74.99
Offers a mix of lovely nectarine, peach and tangerine hints, with echoes of sandalwood and bergamot carrying through the long, detailed finish. A suave, creamy feel echoes throughout. Very flattering, showing serious range and length. Grenache and Rolle. Drink now.” Wine Spectator, 91pts

Garrus 2013 . . . $99.99
Light, bright pink. Potent mineral-laced red berry, blood orange and floral pastille scents, with exotic hints of vanilla and sweet butter building in the glass. Supple, broad and hefty on the palate, offering concentrated citrus fruit and red berry flavors and a building smoky element. Shows the heft and texture of a serious white wine, say a Meursault, with suave floral and raspberry notes lingering on a strikingly long, focused finish. This outstanding wine stretches my definition--and expectation--of pink wine in the best way. This wine was raised in 600 liter oak barrels, half of them new.

Friday, September 11, 2015

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, September 11


Your Host:
Greg
Back East Brewing Company

Bloomfield, CT
 


Back East Ale . . . $9.29/6pcan 
Our Flagship offering, Back East Ale is a medium-bodied amber ale. This amber-colored beer features a subtle fruity aroma with hints of vanilla and peach. It has a smooth malt character that is nicely balanced with just a slight hop bitterness and a clean, crisp finish with subtle notes of caramel. Once you taste this favorite, we're sure you'll be reaching for another "Back East"! 
Misty Mountain IPA . . . $9.29/6pcan 
Misty Mountain is a great example of the American-style India Pale Ale synonymous with Craft Beer. Originally brewed for sailors on shipping routes between England and India, British IPAs are known for their strong hop bitterness, which were added as a preservative for the long voyage. The American adaptation is decidedly stronger and offers a more robust hop bite. Back East IPA is no exception. This assertively hopped beer has a great hoppy aroma, crisp hop bite, and smooth medium body. 
Octoberfest . . . $9.99/6pcan 
Back East Octoberfest is our interpretation of the classic German autumn beer. Brewed with imported Munich malts and noble German hops, this traditionally brewed beer has a hearty malt character perfect for cooler weather. 
Porter . . . $9.29/6pcan 
Back East Porter is a full-bodied chestnut brown porter with notes of chocolate and caramel. This hearty beer offers a thick light brown head and is hopped just enough to offset the sweet maltiness and roasty undertones. This bold beer is refreshing enough to be enjoyed year round, but is at its best as a satisfying winter warmer or paired with a grilled steak, pork roast, or a burger.

Bourbon, It's a mood thing...

Talking with Bourbon drinkers about their favorite small batch sippers soon makes you realize that it is all about your mood.

Do you remember the Boston song "More than a feeling"? That is just what Bourbon feels like and it seems that most every aficionado we talk to is in agreement. Bourbon collectors can have a dozen or more different bottles in their collection (some have many dozens) and most agree that each has its own time and mood.

They are described by their appreciators as reflective, coy, poetic, masculine, or feminine, flirtatious, pretentious, even melancholy and most aficionados know what their evenings choice will be based on who it is that they are sipping with or maybe how work went today. While most have their "go to" bottle that is an old reliable and not as contemplative, it just isn't as simple as the vodka that is picked off the shelf without much thought. Even old reliable is usually considered before imbibing.

Tonight's Whiskey is a thoughtful process that considers many factors. Price, producer, rarity, and alcohol level run through the head of the person scanning their collection. A good friend, a great cigar, today's news or even just being in a bad mood will influence the choice. It is a personal decision and while different people will categorize them in their own way, most start with "Tonight feels like..."

 Having the opportunity to sit with an avid collector and taste through a number of things through the evening is a sure way to flip the switch and understand what all the rage is about. Tasting the same selections on different days that include changes in mood or weather have a profound effect on our perception and it is always interesting to listen to others opinions as we taste to see how they match our own assessments.

Recently our newest Eagle Rare Single Barrel showed up at the store and as each of us on staff re-tasted the selection we made months ago while going through samples sent to us by the distillery, we were reminded of just how much we liked it and why this was "The one". Standing there and sipping together started the conversation and suddenly the chatter was started. Many descriptors about different aromas and tastes were flying around. Maple, Brown sugar, Vanilla and Caramel started the conversation. Golden Raisin, Roasted coffee, Orange zest and candied Ginger were added and we were all impressed not only with how much dimension it showed but also its drinkability. With a seemingly endless finish, this gem just kept inviting you back for another taste. Soon, the inevitable mood characteristics came up. Friendly, feminine and flirtatious were agreed on as what it feels like to drink this particular selection.

There must be something to it because people that have added it to their collections have come back for more and almost everyone describes it in the same "happy" way. The barrel has only been here for a little more than a week and more than half of the 240 bottles is gone. This cheerful Whiskey will likely be sold out before September is over so if you'd like to add it to your collection or know a collector that is looking for the next great thing, act now.


Saturday, September 5, 2015

Wine Tasting - Saturday 1-4, September 5

 


Your Host:
Steve Greenwood
San Francisco Wine Company
 








Ventana Sauvignon Blanc 2014 . . . $14.99
This pale, clean wine shimmers like a diamond in the glass. The nose is a shape-shifter, jumping from tropical elements of honeydew, bubble gum and guava to sharper-cut grass tones. It’s dynamic on the palate too, proving both ripe with stone-fruit flesh and sour with chopped herbs, green pepper and grass. A touch of crushed rocks rounds it out nicely. 90pts, Wine Enthusiast

Milbrandt Riesling 2013 . . . $11.99
The Traditions Riesling is made in a refreshing, off-dry style with aromas and flavors of sweet Elberta peach, ripe Granny Smith apple and zesty Key lime. This wine is bright with a pronounced minerality, reminiscent of wet stone, on the mid-palate and a crisp fruit-driven finish.

Ventana Pinot Noir 2012 . . . $17.99
This wine has an explosion of wild cherry, raspberry and cranberry flavors with a delicious hint of cedar. Ten months of aging rounds out the flavor complexities with a touch of smokiness and vanilla. The wine is medium bodied with a bright berry red color.

Experience Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 . . . $26.99
Fresh fruit is the focus here, with prominent aromas of boysenberry, blueberry, and plum balancing nicely with maple sugar, sweet vanilla, and black peppercorn. On the palate, the wine is juicy with a fruit explosion of blueberries, plum, and sour cherry, leading to a soft finish.

Friday, September 4, 2015

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, September 4

Your Host:
Jeff
Safe Harbor Brewing Company

New London, Ct










India Pale Ale . . . $10.29/6pbtl
Our hop varietals take fruity, citrusy, floral, piney, resinous aromas and flavors to a much bigger level.Beautiful pale gold/copper in color - with a slightly bold hopy bitterness that predominates over medium, clean malt levels, making this a no-apologies American beer.This has roughly twice the hops of other beer and a spicy, refreshing bitterness that plays an important role in this new example.

American Blonde Ale . . . $9.29/6pbtl 
Safe Harbor American Blonde Ale is always smooth and easy to drink. It has a clean profile and just a touch of malt character. Held to the light, it is light gold in color and brilliant in clarity. A slight residual sweetness is offset with just enough hop bitterness to keep things balanced.

1970 Lager . . . $10.49/6pbtl
Fresh and gentle fruit notes, a delicate use of malt and a balanced hint of bitters for a clean, snappy finish. 1790 Lager is medium-bodied, crisp and clean beer with layers of hop aromas, brewed for the perfect balance of flavor and refreshing drinkability.

Our 1790 Lager is crafted as a tribute to ‘Connecticut's Coast Guard Summer.”It takes it's name from the founding year of the United States Coast Guard - 1790. One dollar for every six pack will be donated to the National Coast Guard Museum Fund.

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Labor Day Specials 2015

Please note that we will be  
Closed Monday September 7th 
for Labor Day. 
Shop early and enjoy your holiday!

Wine 101:
Intro to Wine Tasting Class
September 9 & September 16 at 7:00pm
$50 for both weeks
This is the most popular class at Harry’s Wine School. We offer it several times per year,
always to a packed house! We will cover everything you need to know about the basics of wine but didn’t know what to ask. You will learn the 5 S’s of wine tasting, the 4 taste zones of the tongue, the basic grape varieties, and much more. A selection of wines from around the world will be tasted. This class is the foundation of all the other classes in our curriculum, and we recommend that even long-time tasters will benefit from it. The concepts and techniques that you learn here will apply to any and all future wine tastings that you will ever attend. RSVP 203-259-4692 or harrys@snet.net