August 2009 Archives

PLCB spirits catalog changes for the week of August 17th:

Discontinued Products:

• Evan William 1783 750 ML (#61993, SLO, $9.99)
• Isle of Jura 750 ML (#63286, SLO, $12.99)
• Isle of Jura 750 ML (#63343, SLO, $14.99)
• Isle of Jura Superstition 750 ML (#63344, SLO, $13.99)
• Pappy Van Winkle 750 ML (#63504, SLO, $199.99)

I wish I'd noticed the extraordinarily low price on the Isle of Jura before it got delisted. Looks like the PA distributor discontinued it and wanted to get rid of the remaining stock pronto.

New Products:

• Aperol 750 ML (#60726, SLO, $25.29)
• Aqua Perfecta Framboise Liqueur 375 ML (#40645, SLO, $40.19)
• Aqua Perfecta Pear Eaux de Vie 375 ML (#40646, SLO, $40.19)
• Belvedere Orange Vodka 1.0 L (#40610, SLO, $25.89)
• DeKuyper Spearmint Schnapps 750 ML (#40769, SLO, $11.59)
• Don Cesar Pisco Puro 750 ML (#40723, SLO, $29.99)
• Dr McGillicuddy's Black Licorice 750 ML (#40711, SLO, $16.99)
• Jelinek Gold Slivovitz 10 Yr Old 750 ML (#40781, SLO, $29.99)
• Juarez Tequila Dss Gold 1.75 L (#40647, SLO, $18.39)
• Luxardo Amaro Abano 750 ML (#40732, SLO, $14.99)
• Luxardo Passione Nera 750 ML (#40728, SLO, $26.99)
• M Chiarlo Grappa di Barolo 375 ML (#40780, SLO, $40.69)
• Mineo Marsala Dry 750 ML (#40657, SLO, $11.39)
• Mineo Marsala Sweet 750 ML (#40658, SLO, $11.39)
• Valor Vodka 750 ML (#40635, SLO, $20.79)

Aperol isn't actually a new listing; it's been around for a number of months but it's miscategorized in the PLCB catalog as "Italian Red Wine" so I have to handle it specially. Unfortunately, the distributor, Wine Merchant Ltd, has a minimum order of 12 bottles so I won't be buying Aperol any time soon.

Aqua Perfecta eaux-de-vie and liqueurs are highly-rated spirits produced by St George in Alameda. I'm a little uncertain about these new listings though, as St George makes pear and framboise in both eau-de-vie and liqueur forms. Elsewhere in the country, their liqueurs typically sell for around $20 and the eaux-de-vie sell for around $40, which makes the "Framboise Liqueur" above look out of place. If you're planning on ordering these, contact the distributor first to make sure you know what you're getting.

Laird tells me that the listings for the Luxardo Amaro Abano and Passione Nera should be considered temporary, unless demand for them suddenly materializes. If you're interested in these products, now's the time to order them!

PLCB spirits catalog changes for the week of August 10th:

Discontinued Products:

• Arrow Lime Vodka 750 ML (#61276, SLO, $11.09)
• Captain Morgan Spiced Rum Pet 70 Proof 1.75L (#06032, One Time, $22.99)
• Imperia Vodka 750 ML (#40050, SLO, $34.39)
• Johnnie Walker Blue Anniversary 750 ML (#57537, SLO, $3499.99)
• Leroux Rock And Rye 1.0 L (#64170, SLO, $13.89)
• Marie Duffau Napoleon Armagnac 750 ML (#64779, SLO, $32.69)
• Spirytus Rektyfikowany Spirit 750 ML (#63732, SLO, $17.79)

Somebody must have picked up Diageo's last bottle of the Johnnie Walker Blue Anniversary edition. It's safe to say that listing is gone for good!

New Products:

• Bendistillery Diamond 100 Vodka 750 ML (#40590, SLO, $27.09)
• Ciroc Coconut Flavored Vodka 750ML (#03098, Regular, $31.99)
• Ciroc Red Berry Flavored Vodka 750ML (#03099, Regular, $31.99)
• Effen Vodka Raspberry 750 ML (#40508, SLO, $31.29)
• Harlem Kruiden Liqueur 750ML (#03100, Regular, $18.99)
• Jacquin's Cherry Flavored Vodka 1.00L (#03105, Regular, $10.99)
• Jacquin's Luscious Strawberry Flavored Vodka 1.00L (#03106, Regular, $10.99)
• Jacquin's Madagascar Vanilla Flavored Vodka 1.00L (#03109, Regular, $10.99)
• Jacquin's Mandarin Orange Flavored Vodka 1.00L (#03110, Regular, $10.99)
• Jacquin's Raspberry Pomegranate Flavored Vodka 1.00L (#03112, Regular, $10.99)
• Jacquin's Royale Citron Flavored Vodka 1.00L (#03111, Regular, $10.99)
• Jacquin's Wild Blueberry Flavored Vodka 1.00L (#03113, Regular, $10.99)
• Marani Milk And Honey Vodka 750ML (#03135, Regular, $26.99)
• Old Potrero 18th Century Whiskey 750 ML (#40608, SLO, $79.79)
• Pearl Vodka Lo Coco Coconut 750 ML (#40554, SLO, $14.49)
• Skinnygirl Margarita 750 ML (#40565, SLO, $12.99)
• Stolichnaya Gala Applik Flavored Vodka 750ML (#03104, Regular, $20.99)

Harlem Kruiden, according to the two hits that Google returns, is a Dutch herbal liquor in the style of Jägermeister. Supposedly Diageo expects to compete for the male, under-25 shot-drinking market.

Old Potrero 18th Century Style Whiskey, from Anchor Distilling, is an interesting bit of historical re-creation. Anchor did their best to make an American whiskey using the methods and ingredients from the 1700s--back when much of the country's whiskey was produced in the western Pennsylvania and Maryland region. It's made from a 100% rye mash, distilled in a pot still, and then aged in hand-made barrels from staves that have been toasted over a fire but not charred. This style of whiskey was dominant in America until Bourbon-style corn whiskeys aged in charred casks became popular in the late 19th century.

PLCB spirits catalog changes for the week of August 3rd:

Discontinued Products:

• Absolut Apeach Peach Flav Vodka 1.75 L (#09759, Closeout, $22.99)
• Auchentoshen Single Malt 21 Yr 750 ML (#60244, SLO, $127.89)
• Brave Spirits Valor Vodka 750ML (#05720, One Time, $19.99)
• Gilbeys Vodka Grape 750 ML (#70639, SLO, $10.39)
• Glendronach Scotch 12yr 750 ML (#62209, SLO, $46.69)
• Isle of Jura Scotch 16yr 750 ML (#58767, SLO, $50.59)
• Isle of Jura Scotch Superstition 750 ML (#59674, SLO, $46.69)
• Rittenhouse 23 Yr 750 ML (#68534, SLO, $179.99)
• Rittenhouse Rye 100 750 ML (#62670, SLO, $11.89)
• Skyy Vodka Cherry Infused 1.0 L (#67176, SLO, $22.79)
• Trimbach Poire William 750 ML (#69226, SLO, $37.99)
• Wild Turkey Russells Res 10 Year Straight Bourbon 750 ML (#60447, SLO, $35.49)

I understand Heaven Hill has been unable to keep up with demand for Rittenhouse and there is currently a global shortage of it. Majestic, the PA distributor, says they expect more within a few months, but for now they are out of stock and have pulled the listing.

New Products:

• Beefeater Gin 24 750 ML (#40298, SLO, $27.99)
• Burnett's Lime Vodka 750 ML (#40239, SLO, $8.99)
• Deau Artisan Cognac VS 750 ML (#40467, SLO, $27.99)
• Diamond Standard Vodka 750 ML (#40506, SLO, $81.59)
• Effen Vodka 750 ML (#40507, SLO, $31.29)
• Elijah Craig Straight Bourbon 750 ML (#40354, SLO, $27.99)
• Flor de Cana White Rum 4yr 750 ML (#40436, SLO, $15.99)
• Green Fairy Original Czech Absinthe 750 ML (#40245, SLO, $58.19)
• Kraken Black Spiced Rum 94 Proof 750ML (#09825, One Time, $15.99)
• Liberty Bell Blueberry Vodka Martini 1.0 L (#40234, SLO, $14.49)
• Liberty Bell Coconut Rum 1.0 L (#40360, SLO, $11.59)
• Liberty Bell Lemoncello di America 1.0 L (#40362, SLO, $13.19)
• Liberty Bell Spice Rum 1.0 L (#40361, SLO, $11.89)
• Molinari Limoncello di Capri 750 ML (#40438, SLO, $30.09)
• Molinari Sambuca Caffee 750 ML (#40437, SLO, $30.09)
• North Shore Aquavit Res 750 ML (#40334, SLO, $32.49)
• Sauza Giro Tequila Gold 1.0 L (#40441, SLO, $13.49)
• Tullamore Dew Irish Wky 10yr 750 ML (#40433, SLO, $31.29)

Beefeater 24 made it to PA surprisingly quickly, considering it's only been available in the states since the beginning of the summer. Compared to regular Beefeater, the 24 is a more "accessible" gin, with a wider range of botanicals and dialed back a bit on the juniper. Tiare has the full story.

Back in April, Pernod Ricard sponsored a Thursday Drink Night that was themed around Beefeater 24, complete with a hosted bar in Brooklyn. Rick from Kaiser Penguin and I drove out for the festivities, and spent a fun evening at Quarter Bar mixing up drinks with bloggers, Pernod Ricard reps, and special guest Dave Wondrich who helped me put together a cocktail. Naturally, we used an ingredient that isn't available through the PLCB, so I can't reproduce it at home. C'est la vie.

The Flor de Caña Extra Dry is an excellent white rum, according to our local cocktailian bartender Fred Sarkis, who has been dying to get his hands on some ever since moving to Pittsburgh. Although Flor de Caña produces ten or so different rums, this is only the third to be available in PA. The other two--Flor de Caña Grand Reserve 7yr (#55417, SLO, $26.49) and Flor de Caña Black Label 5yr (#55416, SLO, $21.19)--are both favorites of mine, so I'm looking forward to trying the Extra Dry.

North Shore Distillery, who makes a wonderful range of artisanal spirits, just got their aquavit listed with the PLCB. I had a chance to try this at Tales of the Cocktail, and it's definitely a spirit I can recommend. There's a three-bottle minimum quantity on SLOs to North Shore (since they're UPSing each order directly from Chicago), so pick up some of their No. 6 Gin (#57352, SLO, $32.49) as well. It's one of my favorite "modern" gins, and it's on my short list of spirits I wish were available in PLCB stores.

Finally, just to end this post on a negative note, I'll strongly recommend against the "Green Fairy" absinthe that was listed this week. The Wormwood Society has a harshly-worded position statement on Czech ("Bohemian") absinthe, which basically says that Czech absinthes are all artificially flavored crap and their marketing is nothing but lies. From my limited experience with the stuff, I'm inclined to agree. If you're still not convinced, check out Drinkhacker's review of Green Fairy Absinthe. Now, go buy some Kubler (#10800, Regular, $59.99) or Vieux Carre (#05899, Regular, $54.99) instead.

Camper over at Alcademics posted a non-marketing-BS description of the two Milagro lines, gleaned from a conversation with Gaston Martinez, the Milagro brand ambassador. If you're curious about the various Milagro offerings that have been listed recently, give it a read.

PLCB spirits catalog changes for the week of July 27th:

Discontinued Products:

• Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year Old Bourbon 750ML (#10849, Specialty, $183.99)
• Vermoise 750 ML (#55437, SLO, $18.89)
• Versinthe 750 ML (#53905, SLO, $18.89)

Versinthe was one of the lesser-known absinthe substitutes, created after true absinthe was banned early in the 20th century. Now that the real stuff is back, I'm sure all the substitutes have been put to hard times.

Relisted:

• Brave Spirits Valor Vodka 750ML (#05720, One Time, $19.99)
• Jim Beam Red Stag Bourbon 1.0 L (#55580, SLO, $20.79)

New Products:

• Balvenie 21yr Portwood 750 ML (#72360, SLO, $167.59)
• Balvenie 25yr Single Barrel Scotch 750 ML (#72333, SLO, $314.29)
• Bols Anisette Liqueur 1.0 L (#72330, SLO, $13.49)
• Bols Apricot Brandy 1.0 L (#40277, SLO, $13.49)
• Bols Butterscotch Schnapps 750 ML (#40293, SLO, $12.39)
• Bols Cherry Brandy 1.0 L (#40278, SLO, $13.49)
• Bols Creme de Banana Liqueur 1.0 L (#72329, SLO, $13.49)
• Bols Creme de Cassis Liqueur 1.0 L (#40276, SLO, $13.49)
• Bols Creme de Menthe Green Liqueur 750 ML (#40287, SLO, $12.39)
• Bols Creme de Menthe White Liqueur 750 ML (#40294, SLO, $12.39)
• Bols Creme de Menthe White Liqueur 1.0 L (#72331, SLO, $13.49)
• Bols Orange Curacao Liqueur 750 ML (#40292, SLO, $12.39)
• Bols Peppermint Schnapps 750 ML (#40283, SLO, $10.29)
• Bols Sloe Gin Liqueur 1.0 L (#40275, SLO, $13.49)
• Bols Strawberry Liqueur 1.0 L (#40269, SLO, $13.49)
• Cm Sicilian Nero Davola Grappa 2008 750 ML (#40229, SLO, $54.79)
• Glenfiddich 30 Yr 750 ML (#72318, SLO, $471.59)
• Glenfiddich 40 Yr 750 ML (#72324, SLO, $1951.69)
• Glenfiddich Cask 1976 750 ML (#72327, SLO, $563.79)
• Imperia Vodka 750 ML (#40050, SLO, $34.39)
• Korbel Brandy 750 ML (#40051, SLO, $12.79)
• Liberty Bell Extra Dry American Gin 1.0 L (#40228, SLO, $10.89)
• Milagro Tequila Anejo 750 ML (#71623, SLO, $57.49)
• Milagro Tequila Romance 1.0 L (#72315, SLO, $148.69)
• Reyka Vodka 750 ML (#72332, SLO, $23.99)
• Russian Standard Vodka Platinum 750 ML (#40049, SLO, $27.09)
• Sv Supreme Russian Silk Vodka 750 ML (#40165, SLO, $10.29)

Several old scotches showed up this week, including the Glenfiddich 40 year, which would have been distilled in the 1960s. That's quite a feat to make a decent scotch that old--most aged spirits hit their peak after eight to ten years in wood. I guess that's why a bottle would run you $2,000.

Just for kicks, I looked up the most expensive spirits available through the PLCB. Turns out the Glenfiddich 40yr is only the seventh most-expensive. The top six are:

6. Johnnie Walker Blue "Anniversary" Scotch (#57537, SLO, $3499.99) -- a limited-edition cask-strength bottling of Walker Blue to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Mr. John "Johnnie" Walker in 2005.

5. Remy Martin Louis XIII Cognac 1.75L (#62801, SLO, $4192.59) -- Louis XIII is Remy Martin's ultra-ultra-premium cognac, and this is a 1.75 liter bottle of it. Let me say that again: this is a $100-per-shot spirit in a value-sized, money-saving bottle. Seriously? Anybody buying Louis XIII in half-gallon quantities probably needs to have their head examined. Or at least their liver.

4. Hennessy Ellipse Cognac (#68994, SLO, $4361.19) -- Released last year, Ellipse supposedly contains Cognacs from each of Hennessy's seven master blenders, creating an intensely complex spirit. It also comes in a super cool bottle, and only 2,000 bottles were made.

3. Courvoisier l'Esprit Cognac (#64328, SLO, $4565.89) -- Similarly, L'Esprit contains Cognacs up to 200 years old, none of which were distilled later than 1930. It comes in a numbered, hand-cut Lalique crystal decanter. Fewer than 1,000 bottles were produced.

2. Hardy Perfection Series "Earth" Cognac (#63425, SLO, $7999.99) -- There are four Cognacs in the Hardy Perfection series (Air, Fire, Earth and Water, of course) although only Earth is available in PA. Only 300 bottles were made of each. Unlike the other Cognacs here, the Hardy Perfection series is unblended, meaning that all of the grapes came from the same region of France and were distilled at the same distillery, and all of them are over 130 years old, pre-dating the phylloxera epidemic that wiped out France's vineyards near the end of the 19th century.

1. Remy Martin Louis XIII Black Pearl Cognac (#58243, SLO, $32,999.99) -- To produce Louis XIII Cognac, Remy Martin blended over 1,200 different eaux-de-vies and then aged the blend for over 100 years. Louis XIII Black Pearl is a single-barrel bottling of that. Only 786 bottles were produced, most of which sold at auction for upwards of $60,000. Now, doesn't the $33,000 price tag sound more reasonable?