Some new beers in stock

Some new beers that I need to catch up on posting details....

Stay tuned and I will get them posted.

Some exciting stuff...

Get ready for Spring training --

The St. Louis Cardinal's #1 Slugger, Matt Holliday 

Pre-arrival custom gift packs - rare and limited

The Matt Holliday 3-Pack:  only $175 includes:

• · 1 signed bottle of Matt Holliday 2007 Napa Valley Red Wine 
• 2 unsigned bottles of Matt Holliday 2007 Napa Valley Red Wine 
• · 1 Autographed Matt Holliday 2011 8x10 photo

The Matt Holliday 6-Pack: only $375 includes:

• · 1 signed bottle of Matt Holliday 2007 Napa Valley Red Wine 
• 5 unsigned bottles of Matt Holliday 2007 Napa Valley Red Wine 
• · 1 Autographed Matt Holliday 2011 8x10 photo 
• · 1 Matt Holliday autographed Official 2011 World Series Game Baseball

  

The Matt Holliday 12-Pack: only $895 includes:

• · 1 signed bottle of Matt Holliday 2007 Napa Valley Red Wine 
• 11 unsigned bottles of Matt Holliday 2007 Napa Valley Red Wine 
• · 1 Autographed Matt Holliday 2011 8x10 photo
• · 1 Matt Holliday autographed 2011 Official World Series Game Baseball
• · 1 Autographed Matt Holliday Pro Model Rawlings Big Stick Bat



We do not have the bats, photos or baseballs in stock yet, so please allow 3-5 weeks for delivery

order online now

Magic Hat Demo Black IPA

Magic Hat Demo Black IPA on tour -- 6pks

In stock now - limited seasonal release.

Wine from Dave Mathews of the Dave Mathews Band

A collaboration between acclaimed winemaker Steve Reeder and Dave Matthews
Steve Reeder was the winemaker for Kendall Jackson and Chateau St. Jean, and now is the winemaker for Simi Winery and The Dreaming Tree.






"When Steve Reeder and Dave Matthews first met, they realized they had a few things in common, like a passion for making wine at least as strong as their passion for drinking it.


They set out into wine country, looking for a way to make quality wines accessible to everyone. Along the way, they found inspiration in the down-to-earth characters and unforgettable flavors that give the region its rare kind of charm." - winery

 

Also online if you want to pick up at one of our other stores (allow a few days)

Currently the Cabernet is in stock only at New Ballas and Ballwin
Dave Mathews The Dreaming Tree Cabernet Sauvignon...$12.99
“When you’re working with Dave, you want to make sure whatever you’re doing has soul. The rhythm of our North Coast Dreaming Tree Cabernet Sauvignon highlights classic aromas of blackberry, cherry and herbal notes wrapped by toasted vanilla. It’s an easy-drinking wine with a lot of character.”—Steve Reeder


Currently the Chardonnay is only in stock at our New Ballas location
Dave Mathews The Dreaming Tree Chardonnay...$12.99 
“When I first met Dave, we talked about making a Chardonnay that captured the distinct citrus notes of the Central Coast. With its big fruit and loads of spice, we think this wine lives up to that promise. We hope you agree.” - Steve Reeder


Other facts:

• Lightweight bottles manufactured with clean-burning natural gas
• 100% recycled paper labels
• Black ink printing—no bleaching, reduced toxins and heavy metals
• Natural corks from sustainable farms

Goose Islaind Bourbon County Coffee

For time reasons, I am just going to do this release the "normal" way -- it will be just the fastest to get their order in.  I do plan on trying the lottery system on something.    Maybe the Founders Better Half that is due next month.


Limit 1 per person, just getting an order in is no guarantee, wait for a confirmation that your order is ready.

GONE - sold out


I will get confirmations back as soon as a possible.

Internet reservations only -- no phone calls please




Goose Island Bourbon County Coffee Stout...$11.99 / 22oz
Brewmasters Notes:
Everyday Goose Island smells the wonderful coffee roasting next to our brewery at Chicago's Intelligentsia Coffee and Tea. They put the same passion and skill into their coffee as Goose Island does with its beer. This excellent stout is made with Black Cat Espresso beans from our friends next door. You'll like the combination.


Recipe Information:
Style: Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Coffee Stout
Alcohol by Volume: 13%
International Bitterness Units: 60
Color: Midnight
Hops: Willamette
Malt: 2-Row, Munich, Chocolate, Caramel, Roast Barley, Debittered Black
Coffee: Intelligentsia Black Cat Espresso


Serving Suggestions:
Preferred Glass: Snifter
Preferred Serving Temperature: 40º
Food Pairings: Flourless Chocolate Coffee Cake
Cheese Pairings: Capriole Bourbon Chocolate Torte
Cellaring Notes: Develops in the bottle up to 5 years

Share

Ghost Face Killah is here

In stock now at Forsyth, Rock Hill and online now --

Twisted Pine Ghost Face Killah....$3.39 / 12oz btl

Style: Chili Beer IBU’S: 10 Hops – Willamette, Northern Brewer ABV 5%

GFK is brewed with 6 zany peppers. Anaheim, Fresno, Jalapeno, Serrano, Habanero and Bhut Jolokia – Otherwise known as the Ghost Pepper. 200 times the heat of jalapenos, Bhut Jolokia are the hottest peppers in the world, a pepper so hot it can be weaponized. So hot that our brewers had to wear masks and gloves to cut them up. Aroma of smoked chillis fills the nose on first whiff, but don’t let it linger to long. Immediately on first taste GFK has a nice golden wheat flavor, but this is only for a fleeting moment before the temperature rises. Just hold on, the warmth of this beer will set in for a long spicy burn. There is only one finish on this beer – HEAT!

Food Pairing: Ice-cream or milk, because that is all that is going to help you with this brew.

Goose Island Coffee

Updates --

Sorry, have been working on some special projects for the store and have to leave again.  So will not post the Goose Island Coffee until tomorrow morning.

Made it back to the store already, but will still wait until the morning

Of other note, we did get in a little more of the Deschutes Black Butte XXIII in stock at Forsyth -- not going to post a link -- first come first served at the store - 2 bottles per person 

Ask, they are in back.

Thanks very much.

Goose Island Coffee --

Yes, should arrive today --

I had another idea about trying to mix it up and be fair on these limited beer releases --
What if I give people a 10 minute window to enter in a lottery on the website.
And then I go to this website http://www.random.org/integers/ and enter in the number of people we get signed up and the number of bottles we have to sell. It will give us numbers to go down the list and those people get to purchase a bottle? The reason I only want to do a 10 minute window is that I still have to go down to each name confirm or not confirm who got the beer. It is a time consuming process and I don't want to have to do it for 500 names. 

Not sure, I might do it this way -- leave comments if you like --

The highly rated and sought after Lucien Le Moine

2009 Lucien Le Moine Red Burgundy

2009 Le Moine Corton Renardes...$132.99
Tasting note: A classic Renardes nose speaks of spice, earth, cassis, plum and plenty of the sauvage that also extends to the rich, full-bodied and velvety flavors that possess excellent power and muscle that culminate in a focused, palate staining and impressive long finish. This serious effort should age extremely well and moreover, be well worth the investment of your patience. 

Rated 92-94/100 Burghound
Rated 92-94/100 The Wine Advocate



2009 Le Moine Pommard Grands Epenots...$124.99

Tasting note: A complex and expressive nose combines aromas of plum, earth and red currant that introduce richer yet tighter and more precise big-bodied flavors blessed with an abundance of tannin-buffering dry extract that renders the very firm structure almost invisible. That said, this is also clearly built to age, indeed this will need all of 12 to 15 years to reach its apogee.
Rated 90-92/100 Burghound
Rated 92-95/100 The Wine Advocate

2009 Le Moine Volnay Caillerets...$119.99

Tasting note: Here too the nose is strongly reduced. There is ample minerality and dry extract though to the stony, precise and refined flavors that culminate in a dry, clean, linear and pure finish that delivers outstanding persistence. A classy wine of harmony and style that is built to age.
Rated 91-93/100 Burghound
Rated 92-94/100 The Wine Advocate


2009 Le Moine Bonnes Mares Grand Cru...$269.99
Tasting note: Moderate reduction kills an evaluation of the nose. However there is marvelous density to the serious and muscular broad-shouldered flavors that brim with tannin buffering dry extract and flat out incredible length, indeed it's possible that this, along with the Richebourg, possesses the longest finish of any wine in the range. A stunner of a Bonnes Mares built for the long haul.
Rated 93-96/100 Burghound
Rated 93-96/100 The Wine Advocate


2009 Le Moine Mazis Chambertin Grand Cru...$276.99
Tasting note: Very mild reduction detracts only a bit from the otherwise intensely sauvage, earth and wild red berry fruit aromas. There is excellent richness yet fine detail to the mineral-driven, intense and superbly complex broad-based flavors that are underpinned by extremely firm yet ripe tannins and stunning length. I very much like this as it's text book Mazis and should age superbly well.
Rated 93-95/100 Burghound
Rated 94-97/100 The Wine Advocate


2009 Le Moine Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru....$228.99
Tasting note: An earthy and extremely ripe nose of red berry liqueur aromas is very much in keeping with the sappy yet detailed and lightly mineral-inflected big-bodied flavors that are quite linear and focused on the lingering finish. It's interesting as the texture here is completely different from that displayed by the Bonnes Mares, which is neither good nor bad though the underlying material is not quite as strong.
Rated 91-93/100 Burghound
Rated 93-96/100 The Wine Advocate


2009 Le Moine Griotte Chambertin Grand Cru...$276.99
Tasting note: A more elegant if slightly less complex nose of very ripe red currant, plum, warm earth and subtle spice hints slides seamlessly into rich, generous and very fleshy flavors that are supported by notably finer tannins and excellent length. This doesn't have the sheer depth and length of the amazing Mazis but I admire this for its understated class.
Rated 92-94/100 Burghound
Rated 93-96/100 The Wine Advocate


2009 Le Moine Clos de la Roche Grand Cru...$199.99
Tasting note: Reduction. The broad-shouldered flavors are bigger, richer and deeper as the underlying material seems to have endless waves of depth on the extremely ripe and mocha-infused finish that delivers simply huge length. To its credit, this well-endowed effort underscores perfectly the difference between a fine Clos St. Denis and a great Clos de la Roche. Patience will also be required here.
Rated 93-95/100 Burghound
Rated 94-97/100 The Wine Advocate


2009 Le Moine Clos St. Denis Grand Cru...$199.99
Tasting note: Reduction cannot totally hide the class of this extract-rich offering that completely buffers the firm structure that surfaces on the dazzlingly complex and persistent finish. This stylish effort is impeccably well-balanced and should amply reward 15 to 20 years of cellar time.
Rated 92-94/100 Burghound
Rated 93-96/100 The Wine Advocate


2009 Le Moine Chambolle Musigny Les Amoureuses...$239.99
Tasting note: A highly complex, indeed kaleidoscopically so, nose of plum, violet, spice and red and blue pinot fruit complements to perfection the rich, generous and delicious flavors that do not, at least not at present, quite have the beguiling of the nose, all wrapped in a stylish, lingering and palate coating finish. This should be lovely and the minerality adds a bit of lift to the backend.
Rated 91-94/100 Burghound
Rated 92-94/100 The Wine Advocate


2009 Le Moine Nuits St. Georges Vaucrains....$121.99
Tasting note: Reduction. As one would expect, this is bigger, richer and more powerful with broad-scaled and overtly muscular flavors that are extremely serious and somber, all wrapped in a palate staining and imposingly structured finish that exhibits huge length. There isn't the refinement of the Les Cailles or Les St. Georges but for fans of power Burgundy, this delivers.
Rated 91-94/100 Burghound
Rated 91-93/100 The Wine Advocate

RateBeers Best Brewers in the World 2012

Order beers online from The Wine and Cheese Place

Click here to see their full list

RateBeers Best Brewers in the World 2012
Top 10 (9 of the 10 are from the US)

1 Three Floyds Brewing Company  Indiana  - not available in MO
2 Founders Brewing Company Michigan  - in stock at TWCP
3 Bells Brewery Kalamazoo Michigan   - in stock at TWCP
4 AleSmith Brewing Company  California   - not available in MO
5 Cigar City Brewing Tampa Florida  - not available in MO
6 Hill Farmstead Brewery Greensboro Vermont   - not available in MO
7 Stone Brewing Co. Escondido California - in stock at TWCP
8 Russian River Brewing Santa Rosa California   - not available in MO
9 De Struise Brouwers Oostvleteren - Belgium - in stock at TWCP
10 Kuhnhenn Brewing Warren Michigan  - not available in MO

We also have these in stock at The Wine and Cheese Place from the top 60
12 Brouwerij de Molen Bodegraven - Netherlands
13 Westvleteren Abdij St. Sixtus Westvleteren - Belgium (hopefully coming this year?)
14 Great Divide Brewing Company Denver Colorado USA
16 Mikkeller Copenhagen - Denmark
18 Firestone Walker Brewing Co. Paso Robles California USA
19 Dieu du Ciel Montreal Quebec Canada
21 Green Flash Brewing Co. San Diego California USA
22 Avery Brewing Company Boulder Colorado USA
24 Southern Tier Brewing Company Lakewood New York USA
30 Brasserie Rochefort Rochefort - Belgium
31 Rogue Ales Newport Oregon USA
32 St. Bernard Brouwerij Watou - Belgium
33 Boulevard Brewing Company Kansas City Missouri USA
35 Goose Island Beer Company (AB-InBev) Chicago Illinois USA
37 Deschutes Brewery Bend Oregon USA
38 North Coast Brewing Company Fort Bragg California USA
40 Bear Republic Brewing Company Healdsburg (left MO this year)
41 Nøgne Ø Grimstad - Norway
46 Shmaltz Brewing Company Brooklyn New York USA
48 Cantillon Brussels - Belgium
51 Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales Dexter Michigan USA
52 Evil Twin Brewing Valby - Denmark
53 Beer Here Copenhagen - Denmark
54 Microbrasserie Charlevoix / Le Saint Pub Baie-St-Paul Quebec Canada
55 Haandbryggeriet (Norway) Drammen - Norway
58 Stillwater Artisanal Ales Baltimore Maryland USA
59 Unibroue (Sapporo) Chambly Quebec Canada

Interesting notes -- Cantillon is only #48?

It is amazing how many are new to Missouri in the past few years!

Here is the 2008 best breweries in the world from 2008 (I had posted on the blog back then)

See the red on how they changed in 4 years.

#1 Struise Woesten-Vleteren -- (dropped down to number #9 this year)
#2 Three Floyds Brewing Company Indiana (moved up to number #1)
#3 Port Brewing/Lost Abbey, California (dropped down to #69)
#4 Bells Brewery, Kalamazoo, Michigan - (moved up to #3)
#5 Närke Kulturbryggeri, Sweden (looks like it dropped out of the 100)
#6 Mikkeller, Denmark - (fell down to #16)
#7 Founders Brewing Company, Michigan - (moved up to #2!!)
#8 Russian River Brewing, California (stayed at #8)
#9 Stone Brewing Co., California - (moved up to #7)
#10 AleSmith Brewing Company, California (moved up to #4)

New Belgium with Sorachi Ace Hops

A new seasonal....

New Belgium Dig Pale Ale (6pks) - with Sorachi Ace Hops

In stock now at Forsyth!

Unearth your bottle-opener because this Pale Ale is something you can Dig.
Sorachi Ace hops provides a fresh Spring zing with incredible lemon aroma. Nelson Sauvin is next in line with bursts of passion fruit, mango and peach.
American favorites, Cascade and Centennial round out this crisp, clean Pale Ale.
Dig in!
Just the facts Ma'am...


ABV - 5.6%
IBU - 36
Calories - 174
Hops - Target, Nelson Sauvin, Cascade, Nugget, Sorachi Ace
Malts - Pale, C-80

Great Divide - a new one to St. Louis

Great Divide Nomad Pilsner...in stock now!

"NOMAD is our spin on the classic Bohemian Pilsner style. The journey starts with German malts and Saaz hops that offer a lively floral nose and crispness, while a full 5 weeks of lagering time ensures that Nomad is eminently balanced. This Nomad may wander, but it's got some serious roots" -- Great Divide

Barton Irish Whiskey

Barton Irish Whiskey...$15.99 / liter

SILVER AND BRONZE MEDALS in its first year of spirits competetion

Kronan Swedish Punsch

Kronan Swedish Punsch...$27.99 / 750ml

Just arrived in the U.S.

Perhaps the most famous liqueur of Scandanavia and called for in numerous classic cocktails. Made with sugar cane spirits from both the East and West Indies, it imparts a rich and full bodied palate of exceptional depth and complexity, having notes of rich toffee, smoke, leather and molasses. With origins as the drink of sailors in the Swedish East India Company, its still today a tradition with Artsoppa, the Swedish Pea Soup. Simply delicious on the rocks with a squeeze of lime, also famous in drinks such as the Doctor Cocktail, the Havana and the Waldorf.

Averell Damson Gin Liqueur

Averell Damson Gin Liqueur...$24.99 / 750ml

Basically a less sweet version of sloe gin.  Give it a try.

The Damson Plum (Prunus Damascena) originated in ancient Persia and spread throughout Europe in the middle ages, making its way to North America with early settlers. The Damson is the tartest and spiciest of all plums. Historically famous in jams, brandy and gin, these small, crimson plums have become rare, losing popularity to larger and sweeter cultivated varieties. Our Damson Gin Liqueur is made just after New York State's autumn harvest. The plums are barrel pressed to extract the juice along with the rich color of the skins, then blended with a small batch American gin. The result is an exceptionally bold and bright liqueur, delicious in classic fizzes.

here are some recipes

Catdaddy Carolina Moonshine

Catdaddy Carolina Moonshine...$17.99 / 750ml

What is Catdaddy?
It’s a premium spirit made from American corn, handcrafted in small batches in a copper still and triple-distilled to be ultra-smooth. Catdaddy has a secret recipe that tastes like nothing else. Its flavor is best described as a little sweet, with a little spice.

What gives Catdaddy its one-of-a-kind flavor?
Only the Founder and Master Distiller know the secret ingredients. We can tell you that it’s not vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg or citrus.

How do I drink Catdaddy?
Catdaddy is delicious straight over ice or mixed in a variety of cocktails. Click here for drink recipe ideas.

Is Catdaddy moonshine?
True to the roots of Moonshine – Catdaddy is inspired by traditional moonshine recipes and distilling processes, made from corn, handcrafted in small batches and born in an authentic copper still.

However, we use a state-of-the-art distillation process to make a superior quality spirit that’s very clean and ultra-smooth. Catdaddy does not have the harsh, heavy corn taste people often associate with illegal moonshine.

How can it be a legal moonshine?
Moonshine can be sold legally as long as you have a license and pay the taxes.

Who makes Catdaddy?
Piedmont Distillers is a small distillery with only a handful of employees. It is located in the little town of Madison, North Carolina.

Is Catdaddy gluten free?
The ingredients that give Catdaddy its unique flavors are gluten free and the distillation process removes any proteins present in the mash. Those seeking a gluten-free diet should be aware that wheat bran and barley used in the mash do contain gluten.

What proof is Catdaddy?
Catdaddy is 40% alcohol per volume, making it 80 proof.

Junior Johnson’s Midnight Moon

Junior Johnson’s Midnight Moon follows the Johnson family’s moonshine recipe. Every batch is handcrafted in very small batches, made from corn and born in a copper still. Midnight Moon is triple distilled to deliver an ultra-smooth, clean-tasting spirit that is often preferred over the world’s best vodkas.

What is Midnight Moon?
It’s a premium spirit based on Junior Johnson’s legendary family moonshine recipe. It’s made from American corn, hand-crafted in small batches and born in a copper still. Midnight Moon is triple distilled to deliver a smooth, clean-tasting spirit that is often preferred over the world’s best vodkas.

Who is Junior Johnson?
Junior Johnson is a legendary moonshiner from North Carolina. The Johnson family’s moonshine was considered to be the best. Junior grew up tending to the family’s stills during the day and running ‘shine at night. Junior’s ability to make a car run flat-out, combined with his incredible skills behind the wheel made him a bootlegging legend. He went on to become one of the greatest drivers and team owners in racing history. In 2010, Junior Johnson was one of the five inductees in the inaugural class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Is Junior Johnson involved in the company?
Yes, Junior Johnson is part-owner of Piedmont Distillers. He was involved in the development of the Midnight Moon recipe and continues to participate in a variety of activities with the distillery.

2009 Marilyn Merlot 25th Anniversary bottle

The new limited edition Marilyn Merlot is in stock now...

2009 Marilyn Merlot 25th Anniversary...

Happy 25th Silver Anniversary Marilyn Merlot!

2009 Marilyn Merlot

Since making its glamorous entrance into the wine world in 1987, this show stopping wine has attracted admiration from wine lovers and critics nationwide. In celebration of Marilyn Merlot's 25th year, the Napa Valley winery is pleased to announce the September release of a special 2009 vintage of their highly acclaimed wine. Presented in a silk-screen printed bottle featuring an alluring photograph of Marilyn Monroe and her embossed silver signature, this wine is sure to capture everyone's attention.

"We are delighted to commemorate 25 years of success in the wine business. Although Marilyn's career was short lived, her legacy is eternal. This vintage is a celebration of the similar timeless appeal of our wines, the lasting vitality of our business, and the perpetual quality of Napa Valley's outstanding fruit," says Bob and Donna Holder, founders of Marilyn Merlot. 

The special edition 2009 Marilyn Merlot will be released in September, just in time for the holidays. An elegant bottle of Marilyn Merlot will make a fun and festive gift and keepsake for wine connoisseurs, collectors and Monroe fans alike. Its personality and full-bodied flavor are guaranteed to lend style and spice to any holiday celebration. 

"We had an extraordinary growing season in Napa Valley during 2009, with most of our harvest occurring before the late October rains. Sensational fruit means a quality wine, and we are delighted that our 2009 Marilyn Merlot will mark our 25th anniversary celebration," comments John McKay, winemaker for Marilyn Merlot for the past 10 years

Boulevard Chocolate Ale

Boulevard Chocolate Ale in stock now at Forsyth

Click here to reserve -- 

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Boulevard Smokestack Series Chocolate Ale

Boulevard has an new and exciting Smokestack Series Ale coming out soon. They are hoping to have it out before Valentines Day. They are still waiting for label approval -- the red tape. So there could still be some minor changes.

9.1% ABV
"One of the brightest stars in a city filled with culinary treasures, Christopher Elbow has been hand-crafting masterpieces in chocolate for more than ten years. In that time the reputation of his artistic delicacies has spread around the globe. Elbow's sweets are distinguished by their use of unusual and sometimes surprising flavors and ingredients; in that adventurous spirit we joined forces to bring you a very special Chocolate Ale.

In developing this beer, Elbow and Boulevard brewmaster Steven Pauwels sought to harmonize the interplay of chocolate and malt, with each supporting and enhancing, but not overwhelming, the other. Just the right chocolate was essential. Elbow recommend a rare variety from the Dominican Republic, prized for its robust flavor and aroma, and a personal favorite. more than a mere flavoring, the chocolate -- in the form of nibs, or crushed, roasted beans -- was incorporated into the brewing process itself.

Chocolate Ale is full of surprises, beginning with a glowing amber hue. The aroma is given over to earthy, fruity cocoa, with just a hint of hops. Smooth layers of dark chocolate intertwine with threads of caramel, vanilla, and nutty malt as the flavor warms and rounds to a bittersweet finish.

info from Boulevard

Thomas Handy Sazerac Rye

Thomas Handy Sazerac Rye....$63.99

in stock now at Forsyth -- reserve it online

Hopslam waiting list....

Our waiting list is full now.  We should have some available on release date.  Watch our blog/facebook/twitter when it arrives.   Sorry, it only took 20 minutes after sending the email to sell out.

Bells Hopslam 2012 Release....

We do not have an exact release date, we are just told the second week of February.

Always one of the most anticipated releases of the year....

Hopslam 2012 update....

Coming second week of February -- we are not taking any more for our waiting list

Always one of the most anticipated releases of the year....

We were originally told that Bell's has an official release date of February 8th this year for package.    But Larry Bell posted on Bell's website that that is not correct.  See his post below.    I found out from our distributor that it looks like we are not scheduled until Mid-February now :(





Changes in 2012 Hopslam Release
Larry Bell - President
12.30.2011
To our Hopslam customers:

Recently, Bell’s issued a press release announcing “release dates”
for our Hopslam Ale. Although posted in good faith, the Hopslam
press release had some erroneous information. Because of the
potential impact of our expansion-related construction & the holiday
season on our brewing schedule, we had initially created a relatively
conservative release program that focused on a set of
specific roll-out dates. Fortunately, we haven’t experienced many of
the timing conflicts that we had anticipated in the brewing
schedule, and we’re reasonably close to matching the release calendar
of prior years. Unfortunately, the newly updated & finalized
roll-out timing wasn’t passed on to everyone during all the activity
here at the brewery, and I only realized the error after we
published the release dates from the previous plan.


There will be no hard and fast dates for the release of Hopslam in
2012, but rather, it will be released on a market by market
basis as has been our policy in the past. Because this brand has
gotten so large for us, and given the production time to make it,
this year the total time of release will stretch over a two month
period, meaning that some markets will have product well ahead of
other markets. And, in fact, some retailers in a given market may
receive product before other retailers. We are well aware of
the “fairness” issues involved in this process of distribution.
However, I believe that this will be our best option.


If we were to attempt to have Hopslam released on the same day for
all of our customers, then we would have to require our
wholesaler partners to inventory the beer, some for up to five weeks,
before they could ship it to the retail market. I found this
option unacceptable as I believe that Hopslam should be consumed as
fresh as possible. While this option would be fairer to our
wholesalers and retailers, it would mean sacrificing quality in the
name of politics. And in the end, Bell’s tries to deliver
quality.


All of our wholesalers will receive Hopslam this year. When they get
it depends upon the size of their order, our availability and
the individual trucking schedules for each wholesaler. Shipping is
NOT based on favorability. We will do the best we can to
satisfy everyone, all we ask is patience on your part while we brew,
package and ship this wonderful ale, while in the meantime try
to keep up with our other production. Currently we only have so much
fermenter space for dry-hopped ales and we need to keep up
our Two Hearted brewing. We are brewing over 5000 barrels of Hopslam
this year and it takes us awhile to get all that brewing and
dry-hopping done.


I apologize for the false information given out earlier. The
breakdown in communication lies with me and I am solely responsible
for the error. Hopslam will start shipping next week to some of our
smaller wholesalers, and shipping will continue through January
and February. Thank you for your consideration and understanding of
this issue.


Larry J. Bell
President
Bell’s Brewery, Inc.

Just a few more notes

• Abita Andygator Helles Doppelbock....$4.69 / 22oz
• 
  
• A fresh batch of Ska Euphoria is here....canned Jan 12, 2012
• 
  
• Plus each of our stores got in a case of Founders Imperial Stout

More fresh IPAs

Couple of quick notes...

Fresh Ska Modus Hoperandi in stock canned Jan 9, 2012

PLUS...

New Rotator Ipa 

Widmer O'Reyely  Rotator IPA...$6.99 / 6pk 
O'RYELY IPA IS A BIG, PUNCHY IPA WITH NOTABLE HOPPINESS AND JUST A TOUCH OF CARAMEL MALTY SWEETNESS. BREWED WITH RYE AND NELSON SAUVIN HOPS IMPORTED FROM NEW ZEALANDS SOUTH ISLAND, THE BEER FEATURES SUBTLE RYE SPICINESS AND FRUITY, BERRY-LIKE AROMA AND FLAVOR.

Union Jack just a few days old...

We got it and we got it fresh -- 

In stock now at The Wine and Cheese Place Forsyth!

FRESH!!!

Firestone Walker Union Jack

Bottled Jan 20, 2012 
Brewed 4 days ago -- the freshest we have seen!!!

Back in stock --

Our hottest Spanish wines are back in stock..

2010 Las Valles "Red"....$6.99
50% Tempranillo, 40% Garnacha, 10% Syrah
Tasting Notes: This smooth, well-balanced red blend offers aromas of blackberries, blueberries and cassis, with intense fruit on the palate and a slightly peppery finish.

Serve With: Enjoy on its own, or paired with mild cheeses, simple pizza, pasta or red/white meat dishes, and more.
info from the importer

2010 La Valles Viura Chardonnay.....$6.99
90% Viura, 10% Chardonnay.
This wine comes from the appellation of Carinena in Spain. It leans towards the "modern" style of white wine from Spain---fresh, lively, no oak and delicious. Oh, and did a mention it is only $6.99!!!!!


Tasting Notes: Offers aromas of citrus fruit, pineapple and wild flowers. Dry and extremely refreshing on the palate.

Serve With: Ideal as an aperitif, or paired with salads or delicately-flavored seafood or white meat dishes.

Liger-Belair 2009 Burgundy

One of the hottest new Burgundy producers is now in stock at our Forsyth Location...

Limited quantities are here of this exciting new producer -- you hear comparisons to Leroy Burgundy and Perrot-Minet --

2009 Thibault Liger-Belair Bourgogne les Grands Chaillots...$31.99 

Deep color. A cherry nose with lots of nutty hazelnut aromas. Silky texture with lots of intensity on the palate, along with floral and mineral elements. Super silky and ripe for a Bourgogne Rouge. A black cherry and roasted nut finish. 18.1/20


2009 Thibault Liger-Belair Aloxe Corton Premier Cru la Toppe au Vert..$71.99

A slight reduction on the nose. Candied sweet fruit and cocoa powder – very typical for Aloxe. Milk chocolate, lacy-textured fruit and a lovely, white peach finish. 18.8/20


2009 Thibault Liger-Belair Nuits-Saint-Georges la Charmotte...$69.99

Good color. Some granular tannins on the palate along with some cherry/kirsch and ripe Pinot fruit. Intense acidity for this vintage;  smoky, earthy – typical Nuits, with oak and minted chocolate on the finish. 18.6/20

2009 Thibault Liger-Belair Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru les Greunchers...$114.99
A little reduction on the nose but not on the palate. Very sweet and silky fruit, candied nuts covered in bittersweet chocolate along with some butter and cream. Toasted bread, cinnamon and mocha on the finish. 19.1/20
Tasting note: A brooding nose features notes of wet stone, plum and dark berry fruit gives way to medium weight flavors that are quite supple on the mid-palate yet firm up somewhat on the attractively detailed, balanced and harmonious finish. I like the underlying tension as it imparts a sense of verve. This is not especially elegant but it should be capable of aging for years and improving for at least a decade.
92/100 Burghound


2009 Thibault Liger-Belair Clos-Vougeot Grand Cru...$152.99
Very dark in color. A very rustic and slightly reduced nose; quite leathery and that carries over onto the palate. Caramel coffee/toffee fruit with some earthiness and mushroom, like a purée of
wild mushroom. This wine has the most tannins so far, and the earth and tar, but with great class;
quite a monster. 19.5/20
Tasting note: This is really quite fresh for the vintage with primarily red fruit and earth aromas preceding overtly muscular and big-bodied flavors that are robust and even mildly rustic, all wrapped in a delicious, impressively intense and highly complex finish that evidences plenty of the hallmark youthful austerity. There is an ample amount of underlying tension and like the Les St. Georges, patience will be required.
94/100 Burghound


2009 Thibault Liger-Belair Gevrey-Chambertin la Croix des Champs
A brilliant color. Very muscular, beefy fruit accented by caramel and honey fruit, and menthol on the finish. 18.7/20

2007 Silver Oak Napa coming soon....

Reserve some online now

email: paul@wineandcheeseplace.com

call 314.727.8788

Pre-Arrival price --

2007 Silver Oak Npaa Valley Winery...$83.99 net
"Our 2007 Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon combines elegance and depth in a balanced expression of this classic California vintage. It has a dark ruby color with a garnet edge and a complex nose of sandalwood, cedar, cassis, black cherry, dark chocolate and roasted coffee. On the palate, it is extremely rich and mouth-coating and has a long finish of concentrated fruit and spice with a slight tannic grip. With proper cellaring, this wine should give drinking pleasure through 2033." -- Silver Oak winemaker's notes

Eric Solomon Tasting

Reservations required SOLD OUT

We are very excited to welcome Andy Bartee of European Cellars for a Special Wine Class Monday January 23^rd from 6:30-8:00pm 

Space is limited to 14 guests.

$15 per person Reservations Required:

Taste the wines of Spain through the prism of famed importer European Cellars, focused on “Place over Process”. We will taste through 8 stunning Spanish wines.


2010 Burgans Albarino, Rias Baixas- 

 The 2010 Burgans Albarino delivers notes of lemon, peach, mineral, and a hint of tropical fruit aromas.
90/100 Wine Advocate $13.99

2009 Pena das Donas Almalarga Godello, Ribera Sacra- 

Medium straw-colored with an expressive nose of wet stone, apple, pear, white peach, and spring flowers, on the palate it displays a Chablis-like personality with an extra dimension of fruit, great concentration. 

92/100 Wine Advocate $19.99


2009 Jimenez Landi Sotorrondero, Mentrida- 

 Smoked meat, game, and wild black and blue fruit aromas jump from the glass of this Cote-Rotie look-alike. Plush bordering on opulent, this sensual beauty can be enjoyed now and should continue to drink well for another 6-8 years. 

92/100 Wine Advocate $19.99


2009 Finca Villacreces “Pruno”, Ribera del Duero- 

Opaque purple in color, it offers up a brooding bouquet of earthy minerality, Asian spices, incense, and assorted black fruits.

 91/100 Wine Advocate $19.99


2006 Finca Villacreces, Ribera del Duero- 

The nose displays a brooding aromatic array of Asian spices, damp earth, mineral, blackberry, and violets. 

94/100 Wine Advocate $37.99

2004 Izadi El Regalo Reserva, Rioja-

Purple-colored, the wine has an excellent perfume of toasty oak, pencil lead, mineral, and blackberry. This is followed by a medium to full-bodied, firm wine with enough structure to permit 3-4 years of further evolution 

90+/100 Wine Advocate $28.99



2006 Bodegas Orben “Orben”, Rioja- 

This is the debut wine for Bodegas Orben. It is 100% Tempranillo sourced from vines ranging in age from 55 to 63 years from more than 75 micro-parcels. It offers up a superb kinky, sexy perfume of toasty oak, pencil lead, leather, black cherry, and blackberry 

93/100 Wine Advocate $33.99


2007 Nit de Nin, Priorat- 

 Dense purple-colored, it gives up a soaring and complex bouquet of Asian spices, mineral, incense, espresso, black cherry, and plum. Silky-textured while combining elegance with power, this full-bodied effort will evolve for another 3-4 years and offer a drinking window extending from 2013 to 2027. 

95/100 Wine Advocate $79.99

O'Fallon Beer Tasting

Join Tony Caradonna for a tasting of 7 O'Fallon beers plus 23 other brands.  

Tony said you will get a chance to try B.D.S. Belgian-Style Dark Ale as featured in Evan Benn's article -- read more

for tickets click here

more info - email tonycaradonna2@gmail.com

A new one from Jolly Pumpkin

Back in stock and also online
.
Jolly Pumpkin Baudelaire Beer IO Saison...$12.99 / 750ml

(Dexter, MI) – Jolly Pumpkin Ales will release two new(ish) beers this winter in addition to Perseguidor 5. The first two beers in the new Baudelaire Series, named after French poet, Charles Pierre Baudelaire, are iO Saison (previously known as Eyo) and Ale Absurd Rye Tripple Ale.

The brewery’s Mike Turriff describes what could become an interesting project beyond just the beer: “These are the first beers in a liquid narrative that Ron [Jeffries, Founder] and Adam Forman (label artist) have been working on. At this time the graphic novel that Adam is doing as a companion to the beers has been put on hold.

As we had the beers done, we are going to sell them and if the project comes to fruition then we will produce these beers again.” You might recognize iO and Ale Absurd as the brewery first previewed them this past fall.

iO is brewed with rose hips, rose petals, and hibiscus. ABV is 6.8%. Ale Absurd is a Belgian-style Tripel brewed with rye and the bigger of the two at 8.3% ABV.

Here is a November review of iO from the Swigs blog: “It pours with a dark, amber-ish tone highlighted by pink-ish hues when struck by the window light. Aromatically, it’s aggressively funky but almost sweet, surely a sign of its herbal heritage. Predominantly funky on the palate, the flavor is in lock-step with the nose, showing a bit of sweet, floral nuance in the mid-palate and finishing dry.”

60 cases each of iO and Ale Absurd are expected to be released this winter. The printer is working on labels which is going to take a few weeks so we could be looking at a February release. This may be distributed in Michigan and surrounding states according to Turriff though I’m unclear as to whether that is definite yet. The pickings will definitely be slim if it hits distribution. The bottles should retail for $15-18.

info from Beernews.org

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Deschutes Brewery - Oregon

Black Butte XXIII is here, and now SOLD OUT

Just getting an order in is no guarantee, wait for a confirmation.  Thanks.

Deschutes Black Butte XXIII Birthday Reserve.

XXIII. So where to next? What's 2011's rich, imperial take on Black Butte Porter? Just for kicks, you dream. Orange zest perhaps? From Spanish Oranges. Seville, to be exact. And Chocolate nibs. Pampered nibs from the artisanal alchemists at Theo. Maybe some chilies? Pasilla Negra only, please. That would be crazy wouldn't it? Welcome to crazy. Get it while you can. 

Deschutes The Abyss 2011 Reserve -- SOLD OUT

A deep, dark Imperial Stout, The Abyss has almost immeasurable depth and complexity. Hints of molasses, licorice and other alluring flavors make it something not just to quaff, but contemplate.  As for the great "drink it now or let it age" debate, we stand clearly on the fence. Distinct and delicious on release, the flavors meld and fuse into an entirely different pleasure a year on.

Rated 100 RateBeer

America's Best Stout 2011 World Beer Awards

THE FOLLOWING ARE IN STOCK NOW!

A few more Deschutes is arriving at The Wine and Cheese Place
Order Deschutes online

In stock now at Forsyth 
(we are told Abyss and Black Butte XXIII will be later in the week)

Deschutes Hop Henge Experimental Imperial IPA...$4.99 / 22oz

Seasonal Release

Hop Henge Experimental IPA is our annual exercise in IBU escalation. An outrageous amount of Centennial and Cascade hops are added to each barrel, with a heavy dry-hop presence as well. It is dense and muscular, with a blend of crystal, pale and carastan malts creating an overall biscuity characteristic. It’s all hop, no apologies. 

Rated 99 on RateBeer

Wolds Best Imperial IPA 2011 World Beer Awards

Deschutes The Stoic Quad....$11.99 / 22oz

A prized, potent, Belgian-style Quad of stirring depth and complexity.

Four nuanced fermentations. Aged, sequestered, in select rye whiskey & wine casks. Ergo a stoically brewed quad, with the spellbinding complexity of its medieval ancestors.

Deschutes Black Butte Porter...$2.99 / 22oz

With a dark beer as our first and flagship brand, Black Butte defined Deschutes as a radical player. A slight hop bitterness up front enhances the distinctive chocolate and roasted finish. It’s prized for its creamy mouthfeel and intense complex flavors. 

Deschutes Mirror Pond Pale Ale...$2.99 / 22oz

This is base camp, where any craft brew exploration begins. A distinct hop nose and hop-forward flavor make Mirror Pond the quintessential Pale Ale. It is aromatically complex, multi-layered, and unmistakably “right.”