January 2009 Archives

PLCB spirits catalog changes for the week of January 19th:

Discontinued Products:

• 1800 Reposado Tequila W/Glass & 50 ML Silver 750 ML (#03592, Holiday, $25.99)
• Aguardiente Cristal Schnapps Gift Set W/Glass 750 ML (#03725, Holiday, $14.99)
• Beefeater Gin Gift Set W/2 Martini Glasses 750 ML (#03643, Holiday, $19.99)
• Chivas Regal 12 Yr Scotch Gft Set W/Decanter 1.75 L (#03711, Holiday, $64.99)
• Chivas Regal 12 Yr Scotch Gift Set W/Glasses 750 ML (#03712, Holiday, $31.99)
• Cointreau Imp. Liqueur Gft Set W/1 Margarita Glass 750 ML (#03718, Holiday, $33.99)
• Di Saronno Amaretto Gift Set W/Venetian Glass 375 ML (#03666, Holiday, $12.99)
• Don Julio Blanco Tequila Gft Set W/2 Snifter Glasses 750ML (#03671, Holiday, $47.99)
• Douce Provence Poire Wm And Cognac 750 ML (#54343, SLO, $31.69)
• Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka 750 ML (#61443, SLO, $19.99)
• Glenmorangie 18 Year Old New World Scotch 750 ML (#01586, Closeout, $99.99)
• Hennessy V. S. O. P. Cognac Gift Set W/Glasses 750 ML (#03678, Holiday, $44.99)
• Hennessy Xo Cognac Gift Set W/2 Snifters 750 ML (#03790, Holiday, $137.99)
• Jacquin's 5 Star Brandy 1.75 L (#04474, Closeout, $10.99)
• Jacquin's Lime Flav. Vodka 750 ML (#05492, Closeout, $4.99)
• Jameson Irish Whiskey Gift Set W/2 Glasses 750 ML (#03717, Holiday, $23.99)
• Johnnie Walker Blue Label In Attache' Case 750 ML (#03843, Holiday, $219.99)
• Johnnie Walker Green Label In Wooden Box Gift 750 ML (#03564, Holiday, $59.99)
• Macallan 12 Yr Scotch W/Leather Bag 750 ML (#03588, Holiday, $46.99)
• Macallan Fine Oak 15yr Glass Gift Set 750ML (#03867, Holiday, $69.99)
• Marti Mojito Imp. Rum Gift Set W/Coasters 750 ML (#03755, Holiday, $17.99)
• Metaxa Ouzo W/Coaster Gift Pack 750 ML (#03590, Holiday, $15.99)
• Opal Nera Black Sambuca Gift Set W/2 Shot Glasses 750 ML (#03677, Holiday, $19.99)
• Patron Pyrat Xo Reserve Black Book Gift Set 750 ML (#03598, Holiday, $29.99)
• Patron Silver Tequila Poker Gift Set 750 ML (#03855, Holiday, $47.99)
• Southern Comfort Shaker Gift Set 750ML (#03897, Holiday, $15.99)
• St. Brendan's Irish Cream Gift Set W/2 Glass Mugs 750 ML (#03782, Holiday, $12.99)
• Starbucks Coffee Liqueur Gift Pack W/Mug 750 ML (#03808, Holiday, $19.99)
• Starbucks Cream Liqueur W/Mug Gift Set 750 ML (#03570, Holiday, $19.99)
• Tequila Rose Cream Liqueur Gft W/2 Glasses 750 ML (#03918, Holiday, $18.99)
• UV Vodka Citruv 1.0 L (#53105, SLO, $12.69)
• UV Vodka Pink Lemonade 750 ML (#69803, SLO, $11.49)
• Villa Massa Imp. Limoncella Glass Gift W/Glasses 750 ML (#03911, Holiday, $22.99)
• Vincent Van Gogh Blueberry Acai Vodka Gift Set 750ML (#03875, Holiday, $19.99)

Seriously, I had no idea there were so many gift-set holiday products. I guess packaging a couple twenty-cent glasses along with your liquor makes it an attractive impulse buy.

The Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka SLO code was pulled this week, which is fine since in-store stock finally showed up last week (#09993, Regular, $19.99). If you've never tried Firefly before, go buy a bottle right now. Trust me on this. The most common first impression after I feed it to people is, "That's dangerous." Pour it on ice and splash a little extra water on it. It tastes just like sweet tea. Not like sweet-tea-flavored liquor, but day-old homemade sweet tea. Mixing it with lemonade or orange juice is also delicious.

New Products:

• Belle Paire Pear Liqueur 750 ML (#54343, SLO, $31.69)
• Blue Ice Potato Vodka 80 Proof 750ML (#05276, Regular, $16.99)
• Cointreau 1.0 L (#71470, SLO, $41.79)
• Glenmorangie Astor Single Malt 750 ML (#51275, SLO, $79.99)
• Glenmorangie Signet Single Malt 750 ML (#50024, SLO, $204.99)
• Jacquin's 5 Star Brandy 750 ML (#04411, Closeout, $5.49)
• Kilo Kai Rum 750 ML (#55281, SLO, $20.79)
• Marie Brizzard Amaretto 750 ML (#71364, SLO, $24.59)
• Marie Brizzard Blackberry 750 ML (#71272, SLO, $24.59)
• Marie Brizzard Blue Curacao 750 ML (#71202, SLO, $24.59)
• Marie Brizzard Creme De Banana 750 ML (#71194, SLO, $24.59)
• Marie Brizzard Creme De Cacao Dark 750 ML (#71210, SLO, $24.59)
• Marie Brizzard Creme De Cacao White 750 ML (#71229, SLO, $24.59)
• Marie Brizzard Creme De Menthe White 750 ML (#71169, SLO, $24.59)
• Marie Brizzard Peach 750 ML (#71248, SLO, $24.59)
• Marie Brizzard Raspberry 750 ML (#71309, SLO, $24.59)
• Marie Brizzard Triple Sec 750 ML (#71265, SLO, $24.59)
• Mur Mcd Sgl Malt Littlemill 16yr Bourbon Cask Lowl 750 ML (#63731, SLO, $97.99)
• Orange Jack Orange Flavored Rum 42 Proof 750ML (#05504, Regular, $9.99)
• Pinnacle Banana Flavored Vodka 70 Proof 750ML (#05538, Regular, $13.99)
• Pinnacle French Vodka 80 Proof 375ML (#05545, Regular, $6.99)
• Skyy Infusions Passion Fruit Vodka 70 Proof 750ML (#05395, Regular, $14.99)
• Smirnoff Black Cherry Twist Vodka 1.75 L (#09900, Closeout, $14.99)
• Snow Queen Vodka 750 ML (#71988, SLO, $28.89)
• Superia Russian Vodka 80 Proof 750ML (#05561, Regular, $13.99)
• Superia Russian Vodka 80 Proof 1.75L (#05546, Regular, $24.99)
• Sweet Carolina Peach Sweet Tea Flavored Vodka 750ML (#05571, Regular, $15.99)
• Sweet Carolina Raspberry Sweet Tea Flavored Vodka 750ML (#05585, Regular, $15.99)
• Tomatin Single Malt Scotch 12 Years Old 86 Proof 750ML (#05430, Regular, $30.99)
• Trader Vic's Private Selection Spiced Rum 70 Proof 1.75L (#05431, Regular, $23.99)
• Tru Organic Gin 750 ML (#71389, SLO, $36.49)
• Tru Organic Vodka 750 ML (#71384, SLO, $36.49)
• Tru Organic Vodka Lemon 750 ML (#71387, SLO, $36.49)
• Tru Organic Vodka Vanilla 750 ML (#71388, SLO, $36.49)
• UV Cherry Flavored Vodka 60 Proof 750ML (#05465, Regular, $12.99)
• UV Grape Flavored Vodka 60 Proof 750ML (#05466, Regular, $12.99)

Hooray for more Marie Brizard products! (Yes, it's actually spelled with one "Z". Yes, that does mean that you will not find these items if you search the PLCB catalog for "Brizard".) The Brizard products are the highest-quality cordial line in wide availability in the US, and it has been disappointing that so few of them have been available in PA even by SLO. I'll be picking up a bottle of the Creme de Cacao soon.

PLCB spirits catalog changes for the week of January 12th:

Discontinued Products:

• 1800 Silver Tequila Glass Gift Set W/50ml Select Silver 750 ML (#03833, Holiday, $25.99)
• 267 Infusion Cranberry Vodka 200 ML (#68634, SLO, $8.99)
• 267 Infusion Lemon Vodka 6pk 750 ML (#56214, SLO, $25.99)
• 267 Infusion Mango Rum 750 ML (#53422, SLO, $25.99)
• 267 Infusion Orange Tequila 750 ML (#54225, SLO, $25.99)
• 267 Infusion Orange Vodka 750 ML (#55078, SLO, $25.99)
• 267 Infusion Pineapple Rum 750 ML (#53424, SLO, $25.99)
• 267 Infusion Tequila Chili Pepper 750 ML (#55135, SLO, $25.99)
• 267 Infusion Vodka Olives 6pk 750 ML (#67386, SLO, $25.99)
• Antiquity Rare Prem Wky 750 ML (#76316, SLO, $12.99)
• Bison Grass Zubrowka Vodka 750 ML (#05769, Closeout, $11.99)
• Bonja Rice Wine 500 ML (#51541, SLO, $4.49)
• Boomsma Gin Oude 750 ML (#54087, SLO, $30.99)
• Brugal Anejo Rum W/Glass 750 ML (#03842, Holiday, $14.99)
• Caravella Orangecello Gift Set W/2 Espresso Cups 750ML (#03627, Holiday, $19.99)
• Carolans Irish Cream Liqueur Gift Set W/Glasses 750 ML (#03744, Holiday, $12.99)
• Corzo Silver Tequila 750ML (#10813, Specialty, $44.99)
• Courvoisier VS Cognac Gift Set W/Glasses 750 ML (#03648, Holiday, $28.99)
• Crown Royal Canadian Wky Gift Set W/Flask 1.75 L (#03641, Holiday, $53.99)
• Crown Royal Canadian Wky Gift Set W/Glasses 750 ML (#03633, Holiday, $26.99)
• DeKuyper Luscious Apple Barrel Schnapps 750 ML (#08988, Closeout, $5.99)
• Di Amore Amaretto Gift Set W/2 Hurricane Glasses 750 ML (#03794, Holiday, $11.99)
• Di Amore Sambuca Gift Set W/2 Hurricane Glasses 750 ML (#03670, Holiday, $11.99)
• Dom B & B Liqueur Gift Set W/2 Glasses 375 ML (#03659, Holiday, $18.99)
• E&J XO Brandy Flask Gift Set 750 ML (#03830, Holiday, $17.99)
• Gentleman Jack Glass Gift Pack 750 ML (#03811, Holiday, $27.99)
• George Dickel 750 ML (#68505, SLO, $19.99)
• Glenrothes Select Reserve Single Malt Scotch 100ML (#05653, One Time, $4.99)
• Hamptons Banana Vodka 750 ML (#53832, SLO, $30.69)
• Irish Mist Liqueur W/2 Glasses Gift Set 750 ML (#03595, Holiday, $25.99)
• JMR The Smooth Sweeter 750 ML (#58812, SLO, $10.29)
• Jacquin's 5 Star Brandy 750 ML (#04411, Closeout, $5.49)
• Johnnie Walker Black Scotch Gift Set W/Glasses 750 ML (#03792, Holiday, $35.99)
• Johnnie Walker Black Scotch W/Pouring Cradle 1.75 L (#03634, Holiday, $67.99)
• Johnnie Walker Gold Label in Leather Box 750ML (#03680, Holiday, $84.99)
• Kahlua Coffee Liqueur W/Mug And 3 50ml 750 ML (#03585, Holiday, $19.99)
• Kleiner Feigling Vodka Gift Set With 2 Glasses 750 ML (#64078, SLO, $19.99)
• Marrone Chestnut Liqueur 375 ML (#55195, SLO, $18.16)
• Metaxa 5 Star Gift Set W/Glass 750 ML (#03589, Holiday, $19.99)
• Michael Collins Irish Wky W/Flask & Golf Set 750 ML (#03556, Holiday, $24.99)
• Patron XO Cafe Shaker Gift Set 70 Proof 750ML (#03886, Holiday, $29.99)
• Pallini Limoncello W/2 Glasses 750 ML (#03854, Holiday, $21.99)
• Pere Magloire Calvados Fine 750 ML (#61026, SLO, $31.99)
• Pere Magloire Calvados VSOP 750 ML (#60923, SLO, $40.29)
• Pere Magloire XO Calvados 750 ML (#61199, SLO, $80.59)
• Reserva del Senor Almendrado Tequila 750 ML (#65397, SLO, $19.99)
• Ron del Barrilito Three Star Rum 750 ML (#64164, SLO, $50.49)
• Ron del Barrilito Two Star Rum 750 ML (#64006, SLO, $32.49)
• Tropic Bay Rum 750 ML (#70991, SLO, $10.29)
• Tullibardine 13 Yr 750 ML (#61640, SLO, $61.99)
• Vikingfjord Vodka 750 ML (#60709, SLO, $18.59)
• Vincent Van Gogh Double Espresso W/50ml Gift Set 750 ML (#03825, Holiday, $19.99)

I guess I spoke too soon about the Boomsma Oude. I believe there are no genevers available in Pennsylvania now. Other than that, it's mostly just holiday stuff disappearing.

New Products:

• 1800 Silver Tequila Reserva 80 Proof 375ML (#04996, Regular, $15.99)
• Absolut Mango Flavored Vodka 80 Proof 750ML (#05239, Regular, $21.99)
• Ardmore Highland Single Malt Scotch 9 Years Old 750ML (#04725, Regular, $44.99)
• Art In The Age Root Liqueur 80 Proof 750ML (#05039, Regular, $32.99)
• Bacardi Classic Mojito Cocktail 750ML (#04088, Regular, $12.99)
• Bacardi Dragon Berry Strawberry Flav Rum 70 Proof 750ML (#04108, Regular, $16.99)
• Barbayanni Ouzo 750 ML (#63048, SLO, $17.99)
• Burnett's Orange Flavored Vodka 70 Proof 750ML (#04853, Regular, $10.49)
• Captain Morgan Long Island Iced Tea Cocktail 1.75L (#04670, Regular, $19.99)
• Captain Morgan Parrot Bay Citrus Mojito 1.75L (#04621, Regular, $19.99)
• Captain Morgan Spiced Rum Pet 70 Proof 1.75L (#06032, One Time, $22.99)
• Casoni Limoncello 50 ML (#57101, SLO, $2.49)
• Daily's RTD Margarita Bag N' Box 13.8 Proof 1.75L (#04241, Regular, $13.99)
• Dr McGillicuddy's Lemon Drop Schnapps 42 Proof 50ML (#09223, One Time, $0.99)
• El Dorado Rum 12 Yr 750 ML (#54330, SLO, $29.99)
• El Dorado Rum 5 Yr 750 ML (#53139, SLO, $19.29)
• El Mayor Blanco Tequila 80 Proof 750ML (#04878, Regular, $29.99)
• Fireball Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey 80 Proof 750ML (#04302, Regular, $17.99)
• Fragoli Liqueur With Whole Strawberries 750 ML (#51247, SLO, $33.19)
• Glenrothes Single Malt 750 ML (#55078, SLO, $120.09)
• Gran Centenario Rosangel Reposado Tequila 750ML (#04941, Regular, $36.99)
• Grande Absente Absinthe Originale 138 Proof 750ML (#04946, Regular, $66.99)
• Jefferson's Kentucky Straight Bourbon 82.3 Proof 750ML (#05335, Regular, $29.99)
• Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea Flavored Vodka 750ML (#04625, Regular, $14.99)
• Juarez Silver Tequila 80 Proof 1.00L (#05746, Regular, $10.99)
• Lunazul Reposado Tequila 80 Proof 750ML (#04858, Regular, $21.99)
• Macallan 30yr 750 ML (#66766, SLO, $838.39)
• Margaritaville RTD Last Mango Margarita Cocktail 1.75L (#04901, Regular, $17.99)
• Margaritaville Silver Tequila 80 Proof 1.75L (#04936, Regular, $29.99)
• Metaxa Grand Fine 750 ML (#66654, SLO, $47.89)
• New Amsterdam Gin 80 Proof 1.75L (#05188, Regular, $23.99)
• Pirates Choice Key Lime Rum 750 ML (#53602, SLO, $21.99)
• Pirates Choice Molasses Rum 750 ML (#55047, SLO, $21.99)
• Prairie Organic Vodka 750ML (#05343, Regular, $25.99)
• Purple Wave Grape Flavored Vodka 60 Proof 1.75L (#04128, Regular, $16.49)
• Quay Vodka 80 Proof 750ML (#05351, Regular, $36.99)
• Rain Organics Cucumber Lime Vodka 70 Proof 750ML (#04309, Regular, $21.99)
• Rain Organics Lavender Lemonade Vodka 70 Proof 750ML (#04310, Regular, $21.99)
• Ri 1 Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey 750ML (#04731, Regular, $45.99)
• Ron Matusalem Rum Gran Reserva 80 Proof 750ML (#04952, Regular, $29.99)
• Russian Standard Original Vodka 80 Proof 750ML (#04986, Regular, $19.99)
• Salvador's Premium Margarita Cocktail 1.75L (#04940, Regular, $21.99)
• Sauza Hornitos Reposado Tequila 80 Proof 1.75L (#05727, Regular, $52.99)
• Schwartzhog Krauter Liqueur 73.4 Proof 750ML (#04533, Regular, $17.99)
• Smirnoff Melon Twist Flavored Vodka 750ML (#04656, Regular, $14.99)
• Smirnoff Pomegranate Twist Flavored Vodka 750ML (#04662, Regular, $14.99)
• Smirnoff Tuscan Lemonade Cocktail 1.75L (#04667, Regular, $19.99)
• Svedka Clementine Flavored Vodka 70 Proof 1.75L (#05144, Regular, $24.99)
• Svedka Raspberry Flavored Vodka 70 Proof 750ML (#05159, Regular, $13.99)
• Three Olives Triple Shot Espresso Flavored Vodka 750ML (#04991, Regular, $17.99)
• Toschi Nocello Walnut Liqueur 750 ML (#53422, SLO, $22.69)
• Vincent Van Gogh Pomegranate Flavored Vodka 750ML (#05118, Regular, $20.99)
• Woodford Reserve Barrel Buy 750 ML (#63092, SLO, $44.59)
• Zwack Hungarian Herb Liqueur 80 Proof 750ML (#04681, Regular, $22.99)

Ooh...it's rum time. The El Dorado 5yr and 12yr are the first at-proof Demerara rums available in Pennsylvania for some time, and the 12yr in particular is both a sipper (on ice) and an indispensable mixer for classic tiki drinks such as the Surf Room Mai Tai. I haven't looked up the vendor yet, but there's no minimum quantity so place an SLO immediately.

The other rum treat this week is Ron Matusalem Gran Reserva. This is one of my absolute favorite sipping rums and now it will be on shelves here for a very reasonable price! Snag a bottle as soon as you see one.

Also new to store shelves is (ri)1, Jim Beam's recent entry into the premium rye market. While opinions are split on whether it's worth the premium price, everyone can agree that it has a stupid name. It's good to see rye getting more notice, in any case.

PLCB spirits catalog changes for the week of January 5th:

Discontinued Products:

• Absente Liqueur Gift Set W/Glass & Spoon 750 ML (#03768, Holiday, $39.99)
• DeKuyper Pucker Berry Fusion 50 ML (#09290, One Time, $0.99)
• Deuces Wild Vodka 1.75 L (#63048, SLO, $14.49)
• Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Gift Pk W/Glasses 750 ML (#03909, Holiday, $36.99)
• Grand Marnier Centeinquantenaire Glass Gift Set 750ML (#03895, Holiday, $164.99)
• Jack Daniel's Black Glass Gift Pack 750 ML (#03806, Holiday, $21.49)
• Jack Daniel's Old No 7 Black Label With Flask 1.75L (#03892, Holiday, $41.99)
• Kahlua Especial Coffee Liqueur 750 ML (#51052, SLO, $30.99)
• O'Mara's Irish Cream W/2 Glasses Gift Set 750 ML (#03572, Holiday, $9.49)
• Ponche Kuba 750 ML (#66154, SLO, $14.79)
• Stolichnaya Gold Vodka 750 ML (#07571, Closeout, $15.99)
• Tequila Rose Java Liqueur 750 ML (#60751, SLO, $22.39)
• The Famous Grouse 12 Yr Malt Scotch 750 ML (#05961, Closeout, $21.99)
• Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka 1.0 L (#51127, SLO, $10.29)

Moved to Closeout:

• DeKuyper Luscious Tropical Mango Schnapps 750 ML (#06755, Regular, $10.99)
  
• DeKuyper Luscious Tropical Pineapple Coconut Schnapps 750 ML (#06752, Regular, $10.99)
  

Mostly just holiday stuff getting delisted, and we shouldn't be surprised to see the Zubrowka 1L SLO get pulled since the in-store 750 ML was put on closeout a few weeks back.

New Products:

• Bacardi Gold Puerto Rican Rum 80 Proof 1.00L (#08332, One Time, $13.99)
• Corzo Silver Tequila 750ML (#10813, Specialty, $44.99)
• Cynar Aperitif 750 ML (#50266, SLO, $14.19)
• DeKuyper Creme De Cassis 1.0 L (#56753, SLO, $13.69)
• DeKuyper Luscious Apple Barrel Schnapps 750 ML (#08988, Closeout, $5.99)
• Eagle Rare Single Barrel Ky Str Brbn 1.75 L (#08953, Regular, $55.99)
• Fighting Cock Bourbon 750 ML (#67099, SLO, $18.99)
• Gran Centenario Anejo Tequila 750 ML (#09595, Closeout, $39.99)
• Herradura Anejo 750 ML (#55452, SLO, $41.79)
• Kilo Kai Spiced Rum 750 ML (#64497, SLO, $14.19)
• Old Pulteney 12yr 750 ML (#65039, SLO, $36.49)
• Ultimat Polish Vodka 750 ML (#08099, Regular, $39.99)
• Wild Turkey Russell Reserve Rye 6 Years Old 750ML (#07174, Regular, $17.99)

Finally, Cynar has returned! It was pulled from stores last year, presumably because the sales volume from amaro-obsessed mixologists didn't offset the declining sales from the last generation of old Italians who drank the stuff straight. My favorite Cynar cocktail is the Trident, created by Robert Hess, which alone justifies keeping around Cynar and Aquavit (Aalborg Akvavit, #06534, Limit Dist, $13.99).

Also nice to see is the 1.75 L bottle of Eagle Rare, which is my standard mixing bourbon.

Interestingly, two products were listed as "closeout" as soon as they appeared in the catalog. How is this different than a "one-time" product? Yet another PLCB mystery...

I've put up a couple pages to help out PLCB customers who want to place a Special Liquor Order (SLO). There is a how-to guide and also a partial list of which vendors supply which products. The vendor list is collected from my and other's personal notes from our SLOs in the past, so if you have more data to add, please send it along. Especially if you are a vendor and don't mind sharing your product list!

One of the regular features of this blog will be a weekly update on spirits available through the PLCB. When a new product is available, or an existing product is dropped, it'll show up here.

For the week of December 29th, here's what we got:

Discontinued Products:

• Anchor Genevieve Genever Gin 750 ML (#62311, SLO, $51.69)
• Cielo Anejo Tequila 750 ML (#55000, SLO, $72.49)
• Corzo Silver Tequila 750 ML (#10813, Specialty, $44.99)
• Polmos Wisniowka Imp. Cherry Liqueur 750 ML (#06656, Closeout, $10.99)

I'm sad to see the Genevieve go, even though it was horribly overpriced. The only genever available now is the Boomsma Oude (#54087, SLO, $30.99). Hopefully the Bols Genever can be listed here some day, as that's been everyone favorite since it was introduced six months ago.

New Products:

• Averna Amaro 1L (#63380, SLO, $31.29)
• Clear Creek Framboise 750 ML (#10822, Specialty, $41.49)
• Clear Creek Kirschwasser 375 ML (#10821, Specialty, $21.99)
• Cointreau Noir Orange Liqueur 750 ML (#10841, Regular, $59.99)
• Murray McDavid Mission Gold Macallan 18yr 750ML (#10847, Specialty, $202.99)
• Pinnacle Le Double Espresso Vodka 50ML (#08040, One Time, $0.99)
• St George Spirits Absinthe Verte 750ML (#10845, Specialty, $74.99)
  

There's some exciting stuff here. First, the St. George is a welcome addition to the PLCB's growing selection of absinthes. It's a bit punchier than other vertes, but a lot of people like it and it's my favorite to use in cocktails that call for mere dashes of the stuff.

The Clear Creek products are well-regarded as well, although I have yet to have the opportunity to try any of their line. Notably, this is the first decent Kirsch we'll be able to buy in stores.

Cointreau Noir is Cointreau's first addition to their product line since, um...ever? It's a blend of Cointreau and cognac, and while I've seen good reviews for it, $60 is a little steep for me.

Hello world!  Welcome to the PLCB Users Group!

Many of you computer geeks out there in cocktail land will find some humor in the name of this blog.  If you didn't spend the 80s staring into a monochrome CRT, you might need an explanation:

Years ago, before the Internet was officially named "The Internet", enthusiastic owners of then-novel personal computers formed local clubs called users groups.  These groups would meet regularly to exchange news and ideas and share advice for getting the most out of their PCs.  Joining a users group was often the best way to get help solving problems, because then, as now, computer manufacturers did not tend to provide very good technical support, at least not for free.  Today, online forums and mailing lists have largely supplanted users groups, as the 24/7 availability and geographic reach of the Internet provide more immediate gratification than toting three-ring binders and boxes of floppies down to a basement meeting room at the Methodist church every other Wednesday.

These days, my hobbies are no longer in the realm of mysterious software crashes and configuration errors, but instead the tedium and frustration of locating and purchasing ingredients for craft and classic cocktails in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Juices, syrups and bitters can be tracked down with some effort, but to purchase wines and spirits, there is no other choice but to learn the arcane ways of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, whose state-owned liquor stores are the only legal source of wines and spirits.

In this blog I'll be posting advice on how to get the most out of the PLCB, particularly the overly-complicated special-order (SLO) system, and regular updates on changes to the product selection.  Hopefully this will encourage more individuals and licensees to purchase items by SLO.  I'll also post hints on where to find non-alcoholic cocktail ingredients in Pittsburgh, and maybe some suggestions on how to survive if you're forced to leave your kitchen and order a drink at a local bar.