March 2010 Archives

I'm just returning from a long-overdue trip to Philadelphia, where I did some quality bar-hopping on Friday night. The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co. has top-notch cocktail talent, Village Whiskey has a fantastic menu of drinks and high-end bar food, and Rum Bar has...well...rum. Lots of rum. More rum than I've ever seen. It was a blast. Sadly, those are the only three bars I was able to visit, but I'll be back.

PLCB spirits catalog changes for the weeks of March 15th and 22nd:

Discontinued Products:

• Aberlour Single Malt 16 750 ML (#071195, SLO, $75.89)
• Angostura Rum Old Oak White 1.000 L (#072086, SLO, $16.39)
• Arrow Macdale's Butterscotch Schnapps 750 ML (#005796, Closeout, $2.99)
• Caol Ila 18 Yr 750 ML (#056596, SLO, $69.99)
• Dom Benedictine Liqueur 750 ML (#005501, Closeout, $19.99)
• Effen Raspberry Vodka 750 ML (#050741, SLO, $29.99)
• Effen Vodka 750 ML (#050202, SLO, $35.19)
• Effen Vodka 750 ML (#040507, SLO, $31.29)
• George Dickel 8 750 ML (#064246, SLO, $11.99)
• Glenfiddich Special Res Sngl Malt Scotch 1.750 L (#006262, Closeout, $48.39)
• Glenrothes Single Malt 750 ML (#055137, SLO, $83.89)
• Green Fairy Original Czech Absinthe 750 ML (#040245, SLO, $64.69)
• Iceberg Gin 750 ML (#058608, SLO, $17.29)
• Iceberg Vodka 750 ML (#063909, SLO, $16.59)
• Jacquin's Wild Cherry Flav. Brandy 750 ML (#004548, Closeout, $5.99)
• Massenez Creme de Mure 40 Proof 750 ML (#010859, Regular, $26.99)
• O2 Sparkling Premium Vodka 750 ML (#069411, SLO, $39.49)
• O2 Sparkling Super Premium Vodka 750 ML (#070007, SLO, $40.19)
• Ri 1 Rye Bourbon 750 ML (#065091, SLO, $46.99)
• Rock Hill Farms Bourbon 750 ML (#009535, Closeout, $34.99)
• Sauza Tequila Hornitos Plata 750 ML (#070635, SLO, $28.09)
• Seagram's Rum 750 ML (#072029, SLO, $13.49)
• Skyy Vodka Grape Infused 1.000 L (#067197, SLO, $22.79)
• Taaka Vodka 1.750 L (#007038, Closeout, $6.09)
• Tarantula Tequila Lime Flavored 750 ML (#070163, SLO, $26.59)
• Voodoo Tequila Blue Dragon Blue Kiwi Infused 750 ML (#050459, SLO, $32.89)
• Voodoo Tiki Tequila Anejo 750 ML (#050439, SLO, $65.39)
• Voodoo Tiki Tequila Desert Rose Prickly Pear Infus 750 ML (#050445, SLO, $32.89)
• Voodoo Tiki Tequila Green Dragon Lime Infused 750 ML (#050444, SLO, $32.89)
• Voodoo Tiki Tequila Reposado 750 ML (#050429, SLO, $59.99)
• X Rated Vodka 750 ML (#055025, SLO, $30.79)

Lots of delisted products but not much to say about them... The biggest disappointment is the Massenez Crème de Mûre disappearing, although the Massenez crèmes were only stocked in extremely limited quantities to begin with. It's a sad state of affairs, as there are few other high-quality fruit liqueurs on shelves.

New Products:

• 1800 Reposado Tequila 1.750 L (#003158, One Time, $35.99)
• 901 Tequila 750 ML (#501889, SLO, $50.99)
• Beefeater Imp. Dry Gin - Flask 375 ML (#007293, Closeout, $6.39)
• Black Maple Hill Bourbon 16yr Old 750 ML (#501790, SLO, $158.99)
• Caol Ila Single Malt Scotch 12 Year 750 ML (#501840, SLO, $44.99)
• Cazadores Blanco 750 ML (#003163, Regular, $21.99)
• Cruzan Mojito Cocktail Cube 1.750 L (#003166, Regular, $17.99)
• Four Roses Yellow Label Bourbon 750 ML (#003225, Regular, $18.99)
• Glenfarclas Scotch 25 Year Old 86 Proof 750 ML (#010855, Regular, $157.99)
• Glenrothes Single Malt Scotch 750 ML (#501899, SLO, $80.19)
• Jim Beam Special PA Label 1.750 L (#003265, One Time, $25.99)
• Koenig Distillery Huckleberry Flavored Vodka 750 ML (#003173, Regular, $19.99)
• Me Oko Vodka with Natural Ginger Flavor 750 ML (#010092, Luxury, $24.99)
• Me Oko Vodka with Natural Strawberry Flavor 750 ML (#010082, Luxury, $24.99)
• Pearl Vodka 1.750 L (#003157, One Time, $14.99)
• Skyy Citrus Infused Vodka 1.000 L (#501920, SLO, $19.69)
• Stroh Obstler Fruit Brandy 750 ML (#502024, SLO, $24.29)

There are two new bourbons this week, the just-released Black Maple Hill 16-year label on SLO and the Four Roses entry-level "yellow label" in stores. I'd been hoping Four Roses would show up on shelves as it's one of my favorite bourbons.

We also have 901 Tequila on SLO now, which is Justin Timberlake's tequila brand. Apparently it's pretty good.

PLCB spirits catalog changes for the week of March 8th:

Discontinued Products:

• Beefeater Gin 24 750 ML (#040298, SLO, $27.99)
• Bombay Imp. Dry Gin 750 ML (#006711, Closeout, $20.99)
• Galliano Imp. Liqueur 375 ML (#004965, Closeout, $9.99)
• Nocello Imp. Walnut Liqueur 750 ML (#006215, Closeout, $13.59)
• Pan Tadeusz Vodka 750 ML (#063698, SLO, $14.09)
• Voodoo Tiki Tequila Blanco 750 ML (#050394, SLO, $54.49)
• Vox Imp. Raspberry Vodka 750 ML (#007089, Closeout, $14.69)

Beefeater 24's SLO code got pulled as the product is finally widely available on shelves, after months and months of delays.

The discontinued Bombay code above is, strangely, a duplicate. There continues to be lots of Bombay available in stores under a different code.

Relisted:

• Dom Benedictine Liqueur 750 ML (#005501, Closeout, $19.99)
• Faretti Biscotti Famosi Liqueur 750 ML (#010828, Luxury, $29.99)
• Jacquin's Wild Cherry Flav. Brandy 750 ML (#004548, Closeout, $5.99)
• Michters Whiskey Unblended 83 Proof 750 ML (#009428, Limit Dist, $34.99)
• Stock Grappa Julia Imp. Brandy 750 ML (#005334, Closeout, $11.99)
• William Larue Weller Bourbon 750 ML (#005480, Limit Dist, $55.99)

Michter's US*1 American Whiskey is in stock again, as is Faretti Biscotti Liqueur. I've not tried the latter, but I'm told it tastes just like biscotti. Curious.

New Products:

• Admiral Nelson Vanilla Rum 750 ML (#003189, Regular, $8.99)
• Angostura 1919 8 Year Rum 750 ML (#501698, SLO, $14.79)
• Captain Morgan Lime Bite Rum 750 ML (#003171, Regular, $17.99)
• Casa Noble Blanco Tequila 750 ML (#003176, Regular, $39.99)
• Chateau D'Orignac Pineau des Charentes 2006 750 ML (#010914, Luxury, $25.99)
• Conde de Los Andes Gran Reserva Brandy 750 ML (#501675, SLO, $53.59)
• Connemara Single Malt Whiskey 750 ML (#501674, SLO, $55.99)
• DeKuyper Tropical Coconut 750 ML (#501598, SLO, $12.29)
• Fris Cherry Vodka 1.750 L (#003207, Regular, $24.99)
• Maestro Dobel Diamond Tequila 750 ML (#003210, Regular, $49.99)
• Malibu Island Melon Rum 750 ML (#003209, Regular, $13.99)
• Phillips Vodka UV Raspberry Flavored 50 ML (#004869, One Time, $0.99)
• Ridgemont Reserve 1792 Straight Bourbon 1.750 L (#003218, Regular, $54.99)
• Seagram's 7 Crown with Dark Honey 750 ML (#003182, Regular, $16.99)
• Svedka Citron Vodka 1.750 L (#003196, Regular, $24.99)
• White Diamond Vodka 750 ML (#003227, Regular, $12.99)

I always found it strange that Angostura 1919 Rum wasn't available in PA while its older cousin, Angostura 1824, was. The 1919 is an excellent mixing rum, even a sipper to some, with smoky, creamy aromas and flavors. $15 is an incredible steal for a rum of this quality, and I will be ordering a truckload of it post-haste.

Casa Noble Blanco is a solid, well-reviewed lowland sipping tequila. It would be nice to have the reposado on shelves too but I'm not complaining.

Maestro Dobel Tequila, named after its master distiller, is a bit of an odd bird. Originally priced at around $80 when it was released in mid-2008, the product is clearly designed to appeal to tequila novices, especially those coming from the vodka world. The production process is...unique. Many different tequilas aged from three months to more than three years are blended and then aggressively filtered, leaving an almost-clear spirit with a much more subtle aroma and flavor. Reviews have been mostly positive; it seems to be a gentle, approachable tequila that would appeal to anybody looking for a less agave-forward sipper.

PLCB spirits catalog changes for the week of March 1st:

Discontinued Products:

• Jacquin's Sloe Gin 1.750 L (#005356, Closeout, $9.79)
• Pernod Absinthe 750 ML (#010840, Regular, $69.99)
• Sobieski Vodka 750 ML (#006617, Closeout, $9.99)

Looks like I missed my chance to buy a half gallon of sloe gin for $10. Seriously, who bought Jacquin's Sloe Gin in that kind of quantity? After two years I'm still on my second 750ml bottle of the good stuff.

Relisted:

• Svedka Vanilla Vodka 70 Proof 50 ML (#007903, One Time, $0.99)
• Vox Imp. Raspberry Vodka 750 ML (#007089, Closeout, $14.69)

New Products:

• 1800 Silver Tequila 1.000 L (#501479, SLO, $31.29)
• 2 Nite Vodka 1.000 L (#501521, SLO, $18.69)
• Baker's Kentucky Straight Bourbon 750 ML (#003165, Regular, $39.99)
• Belvedere Intense Vodka 750 ML (#003197, Regular, $38.99)
• Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey 750 ML (#003187, Regular, $29.99)
• Captain Morgan Parrot Bay Orange Rum 750 ML (#003180, Regular, $13.99)
• Corner Creek Reserve Bourbon 750 ML (#501519, SLO, $27.09)
• Dr McGillicuddy's Black Licorice Schnapps 750 ML (#003213, Regular, $16.99)
• Evan Williams Honey Liqueur 750 ML (#003188, Regular, $15.99)
• Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea Vodka 1.750 L (#003181, Regular, $25.99)
• Junior Johnsons Midnight Moon Hall of Fame 750 ML (#501481, SLO, $24.99)
• Korbel Brandy 1.000 L (#501511, SLO, $14.39)
• Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum Copack with 2 Liter Soda 750 ML (#003156, One Time, $15.99)
• Sauza Strawberry Cocktail Cube 1.750 L (#003169, Regular, $17.99)
• Sweet Carolina Peach Sweet Tea 1.750 L (#003229, Regular, $26.99)
• Three Olives Rangtang Vodka 1.000 L (#501508, SLO, $24.99)
• Three Olives Rangtang Vodka 750 ML (#003211, Regular, $17.99)

We've got three new whiskies this week: Baker's, Bernheim and Corner Creek. Baker's is part of Beam's high-end Bourbon line and has been available by SLO forever. Bernheim is a wheat whiskey from Heaven Hill which I'm quite curious to try, and it is supposedly the only wheat whiskey (meaning at least 51% of the mash is wheat) available in the US. Corner Creek is relatively new, and it has received...mixed reviews, to say the least. DrinkHacker has some sensible words about it.

Dr. B should be happy that Korbel is back; now he can make Scorpions again.

Three Olives Rangtang is a new citrus flavor from the kings of flavored vodka. The reviews I've found tended to be on the negative side, this one being the most entertaining.

PLCB spirits catalog changes for the week of February 22nd:

Discontinued Products:

• Altesino Grappa di Brunello 1.000 L (#062021, SLO, $69.99)
• DeKuyper Pucker Cheri Beri Schnapps 750 ML (#008355, Closeout, $6.49)
• Don Q Cristal Rum 750 ML (#499916, SLO, $10.89)
• Irish Manor Irish Whiskey 750 ML (#061429, SLO, $11.79)
• Los Danzantes Mezcal 750 ML (#062387, SLO, $72.99)
• Montibusou Liqueur Poires 750 ML (#053293, SLO, $15.99)
• Siembra Azul Reposado 750 ML (#051980, SLO, $39.99)
• Southern Comfort 70 Proof 1.000 L (#007669, One Time, $15.99)
• Trump Imp. Vodka 750 ML (#009605, Closeout, $18.99)

Don Q Cristal is still available; there were two codes in the system by accident, so one was removed.

Relisted:

• Nocello Imp. Walnut Liqueur 750 ML (#006215, Closeout, $13.59)

New Products:

• Absolut Berri Acai Vodka 750 ML (#003205, Regular, $21.99)
• Absolut Vodka Pears 50 ML (#007383, One Time, $1.49)
• Control Pisco 750 ML (#501339, SLO, $17.09)
• Ed Hardy Vodka 1.000 L (#003172, Regular, $45.99)
• Inocente Tequila 750 ML (#501336, SLO, $41.59)
• Marolo Grappa Camomile 375 ML (#501330, SLO, $29.99)
• Marolo Grappa Moscato 375 ML (#501329, SLO, $29.99)
• Stroh Rum 750 ML (#501331, SLO, $35.99)
• Torres 20yr Hors D Age Brandy 750 ML (#501283, SLO, $62.49)
• Torres Jamie I Brandy 750 ML (#501374, SLO, $105.89)

Control Pisco is probably the most popular brand of pisco in Chile, and it's the second Chilean pisco listed in PA after Pisco Capel. Don Cesar and Barsol are both Peruvian brands. Darcy has some tasting notes for Control Pisco.

Stroh Rum is relisted for SLO after being put on close-out. At 160 proof it's some terrifying stuff, but I'd use it more as a "rum extract" for cooking than for mixing in drinks.