May 2010 Archives

Hello, hello! The delay in updates lately has been caused by some technical problems in synchronizing with the PLCB catalog. I think they're resolved...cross your fingers...

PLCB spirits catalog changes for the weeks of May 3rd, 10th and 17th:

Discontinued Products:

• 10 Cane Rum 50 ML (#007768, One Time, $1.99)
• Absolut Vodka Pears 50 ML (#007383, One Time, $1.49)
• Anchor Distillery Junipero Gin 750 ML (#051244, SLO, $38.89)
• Aqua Perfecta Pear Eaux de Vie 13 ML (#040646, SLO, $36.09)
• Arrow Triple Sec 1.000 L (#060797, SLO, $4.09)
• Boissiere Dry Vermouth 1.000 L (#011449, Luxury, $10.99)
• Briottet Creme de Framboise 750 ML (#059910, SLO, $28.99)
• Cachaca Ypioca Ouro 1.000 L (#071608, SLO, $26.99)
• Cachaca Ypioca Prata 1.000 L (#069335, SLO, $26.99)
• Cadenhead Old Raj Gin 750 ML (#061243, SLO, $64.99)
• Chinaco Tequila Aniejo 750 ML (#065587, SLO, $66.99)
• Chinaco Tequila Blanco 750 ML (#065593, SLO, $50.99)
• Chinaco Tequila Repasado 750 ML (#065605, SLO, $58.99)
• Corralejo Tequila Anejo 80 Proof 750 ML (#005049, Closeout, $31.99)
• DeKuyper Peach Pucker 750 ML (#058756, SLO, $11.59)
• Don Cesar Pisco Italia 750 ML (#065620, SLO, $36.99)
• Don Cesar Pisco Puro 750 ML (#040723, SLO, $29.99)
• Granier Mon Pastis Liq 1.000 L (#060810, SLO, $26.99)
• Hirsch Straight Bourbon 750 ML (#502042, SLO, $39.99)
• Jean Danflou Pear Brandy 750 ML (#006450, Closeout, $28.99)
• Luxardo Amaro Abano 750 ML (#040732, SLO, $22.99)
• Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur 750 ML (#062332, SLO, $30.99)
• Luxardo Orange Dry 750 ML (#066674, SLO, $25.99)
• Luxardo Passione Nera 750 ML (#040728, SLO, $26.99)
• Luxardo Sambuca 750 ML (#062334, SLO, $26.99)
• Luxardo Sambuca Creme 720 ML (#058442, SLO, $6.89)
• Mandarine Napoleon Liquer 750 ML (#068127, SLO, $43.99)
• Milagro Tequila Anejo 750 ML (#009779, Closeout, $29.99)
• Old Potrero 18th Century Whiskey 750 ML (#040608, SLO, $87.99)
• Pierre Ferrand Cognac Vintage 1972 750 ML (#500669, SLO, $444.99)
• Plantation Jamaican 750 ML (#060539, SLO, $31.99)
• Plantation Nicaragua Rum 750 ML (#053989, SLO, $28.99)
• Plantation Panama Rum 750 ML (#041188, SLO, $41.99)
• Plantation Panama Rum 1997 750 ML (#054301, SLO, $33.99)
• Rittenhouse 23 Yr 750 ML (#068534, SLO, $180.39)
• Springbank 10 Yr Scotch 750 ML (#065631, SLO, $73.99)
• Springbank 15 Yr Scotch 750 ML (#058992, SLO, $122.99)
• Tanqueray Gin Tin 1.750 L (#008916, One Time, $35.99)
• Tanqueray Sterling Imp. Vodka 1.750 L (#004863, Closeout, $20.99)
• Ypioca Cachaca 1.000 L (#051059, SLO, $19.99)
• Zambello Red Sambuca 750 ML (#051108, SLO, $18.24)

The vast majority of these removals were due to Preiss Imports moving their Pennsylvania distribution from Laird to Majestic. The Majestic codes are listed below.

Junipero and Old Potrero 18th Century were temporarily delisted until Anchor can supply more product.

Moved to Closeout:

• Sauza Hornitos Tequila Reposado 80 Proof 1.750 L (#005727, Closeout, $49.99)
• Tenure Expresso Xx Vodka 70 Proof 750 ML (#009999, Closeout, $15.99)
• Tenure Grape Vodka 70 Proof 750 ML (#003000, Closeout, $13.99)

Relisted:

• Absolut Los Angeles Flav Vodka 80 Proof 750 ML (#007886, One Time, $20.99)
• Appleton White 1.000 L (#061557, SLO, $20.59)
• Catdaddy Carolina Moonshine 750 ML (#050082, SLO, $19.59)
• Crown Royal PET 375 ML (#005548, One Time, $9.99)
• DeKuyper Pucker Grape Schnapps 750 ML (#008356, Closeout, $6.49)
• Hennessy Cognac VS 80 Proof 375 ML (#008116, One Time, $15.99)
• Jacquin's Sloe Gin 1.750 L (#005356, Closeout, $9.79)
• Russian Standard Vodka Platinum 750 ML (#040049, SLO, $27.09)
• Thatchers Organic Cucumber Liqueur 750 ML (#041306, SLO, $20.79)

Appleton White is finally back after having been out of stock for six months. Wonder what took so long?

New Products:

• Aalborg Akavit 750 ML (#503010, SLO, $18.09)
• Absolut Vodka Raspberri 1.000 L (#503015, SLO, $24.99)
• Absolut Vodka Vanilla 1.000 L (#503014, SLO, $24.99)
• Appleton 21 Year Rum 750 ML (#503144, SLO, $124.49)
• Benriach Curiositas Single Malt Scotch 750 ML (#503063, SLO, $59.99)
• Bols Triple Sec 750 ML (#503050, SLO, $8.19)
• Bottega Limoncino 750 ML (#503062, SLO, $28.99)
• Briottet Creme de Framboise 750 ML (#503126, SLO, $29.99)
• Broittet Creme de Cassis 750 ML (#503202, SLO, $29.99)
• Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey 375 ML (#003274, One Time, $9.99)
• Captain Morgan Lime Bite Rum 375 ML (#003275, One Time, $9.99)
• Chinaco Anejo Tequila 750 ML (#503128, SLO, $59.99)
• Chinaco Blanco Tequila 750 ML (#503129, SLO, $49.99)
• Chinaco Reposado Tequila 750 ML (#503130, SLO, $59.99)
• Choya Dento Plum Liqueur Japan 30 Proof 750 ML (#010667, Luxury, $24.99)
• Don César Pisco Italia 750 ML (#503132, SLO, $34.99)
• Don César Pisco Puro 750 ML (#503133, SLO, $29.99)
• Drouin Calvados Coeur de Lion 750 ML (#503131, SLO, $29.99)
• Fair Premium Vodka 750 ML (#503054, SLO, $37.79)
• Ferrand Cognac Amber 750 ML (#502827, SLO, $44.99)
• Ferrand Cognac Ancestrl 750 ML (#502830, SLO, $459.99)
• Ferrand Cognac Reserve 750 ML (#502828, SLO, $84.99)
• Ferrand Cognac Sel de Anges 750 ML (#502829, SLO, $149.99)
• Fidencio Mezcal Joven 750 ML (#502822, SLO, $42.39)
• Granier Mon Pastis 750 ML (#503142, SLO, $24.99)
• Hennessy Cognac Black 750 ML (#003263, Regular, $39.99)
• Hiram Walker Black Rasperry Liqueur 1.000 L (#503016, SLO, $12.09)
• Hiram Walker Peach Schnapps 1.750 L (#503012, SLO, $19.49)
• Hiram Walker Triple Sec 1.750 L (#503011, SLO, $19.49)
• Hirsch Straight Bourbon Small Batch Reserve 750 ML (#503134, SLO, $36.99)
• Hound Dog Sweet Tea Vodka 750 ML (#502772, SLO, $13.39)
• Irish Manor Irish Cream 1.750 L (#503017, SLO, $22.19)
• Jacquins Flavored Vodka Variety Pack- 8-50ml 400 ML (#003273, One Time, $4.99)
• Jose Cuervo Especial Silver Tequila 375 ML (#003277, One Time, $9.99)
• Leroux Blue Curacao 1.000 L (#503018, SLO, $19.29)
• Leroux Creme de Banana 1.000 L (#503019, SLO, $19.29)
• Leroux Creme de Cacao Dark 1.000 L (#503020, SLO, $19.29)
• Leroux Creme de Cacao White 1.000 L (#503021, SLO, $19.29)
• Level Vodka 750 ML (#503009, SLO, $40.59)
• Luxardo Amaretto di Saschira 750 ML (#503135, SLO, $26.99)
• Luxardo Amaro Abano 750 ML (#503136, SLO, $22.99)
• Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur 750 ML (#503137, SLO, $29.99)
• Luxardo Passione Nera 750 ML (#503138, SLO, $26.99)
• Luxardo Sambuca Dei Cesari 750 ML (#503139, SLO, $26.99)
• Luxardo Triplum 750 ML (#503140, SLO, $24.99)
• Maloney's Irish Cream 750 ML (#503053, SLO, $18.79)
• Mandarine Napoleon Orange Liqueur 750 ML (#503141, SLO, $42.99)
• Mordovia Platinum Vodka 750 ML (#502783, SLO, $16.89)
• Natsionalnaya Bitters 750 ML (#502786, SLO, $15.19)
• Natsionalnaya Citron Flavored Vodka 750 ML (#502785, SLO, $15.19)
• Natsionalnaya Classic Vodka 750 ML (#502784, SLO, $15.19)
• Natsionalnaya Horseradish Vodka 750 ML (#502787, SLO, $15.19)
• Natsionalnaya Sweet Infusion Traditsiya Liquor 750 ML (#502781, SLO, $15.09)
• Old Raj Dry Gin Blue Label 750 ML (#503156, SLO, $66.99)
• Peychaud's Bitters 147 ML (#003296, Regular, $5.29)
• Phillips UV Coconut Vodka 750 ML (#502993, SLO, $11.29)
• Prairie Vodka 1.750 L (#503106, SLO, $41.59)
• Ransom Grappa 375 ML (#502799, SLO, $30.49)
• Ransom Old Tom Gin 750 ML (#502796, SLO, $42.89)
• Ransom Spirits Small's Gin 750 ML (#502797, SLO, $36.19)
• Ransom Spirits Whippersnapper Whiskey 750 ML (#502798, SLO, $40.19)
• Springbank Single Malt Scotch 750 ML (#503157, SLO, $74.99)
• Tanqueray London Dry Gin 375 ML (#003278, One Time, $9.99)
• The Irishman Whiskey 750 ML (#502967, SLO, $32.59)
• The Lash Spiced Rum 70 Proof 750 ML (#010902, Luxury, $29.49)
• Vincent Van Gogh Vodka Double Espresso 50 ML (#007423, One Time, $0.99)
• Ypioca Cachaca Crystal Rum 1.000 L (#503158, SLO, $19.99)
• Ypioca Cachaca Ouro Rum 1.000 L (#503159, SLO, $26.99)
• Ypioca Cachaca Prata Rum 1.000 L (#503160, SLO, $26.99)

Majestic recently picked up the distribution agreements for both Cognac Ferrand and Preiss Imports, as reflected in many of the new codes above. Preiss carries a number of products familiar to classic and craft cocktail fans, such as Luxardo Maraschino, and several well-loved spirit brands like Springbank and Ypioca.

While Majestic has given us spirit and cocktail enthusiasts some heartache in the past for setting 12-bottle minimums on products like Cynar and Rittenhouse Bonded Rye, I'm pleased to report that they have heard our complaints and Majestic has lowered their SLO minimum to three bottles on all their spirits. This change will be reflected in the PLCB catalog next week. No doubt you will find plenty in their SLO range to fill a three-bottle order.

In other news, some of last month's discontinued in-store products have found their way into SLO availability, including Aalborg Akvavit, Bols Triple Sec and Coeur de Lion Calvados. None of these are particularly marked up over their original in-store price; in fact, the Coeur de Lion is $5 cheaper than when it was on the shelf.

Finally, Sazerac fans will be pleased to see Peychaud's Bitters available at PLCB stores across the state. Personally, I order Peychaud a gallon at a time from the BT website, but for most folks, $6 for 5 oz is much more cost-effective.

PLCB spirits catalog changes for the weeks of April 12th, April 19th and April 26th:

Discontinued Products:

• Boissiere Sweet Vermouth 1.000 L (#011450, Luxury, $7.99)
• Boomerang Vodka 750 ML (#502104, SLO, $15.89)
• Brave Spirits Valor Vodka 750 ML (#005720, One Time, $19.99)
• Cafe Boheme Liqueur 750 ML (#009561, Closeout, $12.99)
• Catdaddy Carolina Moonshine 750 ML (#050082, SLO, $19.59)
• DeKuyper Kischwasser Brandy 90 Proof 750 ML (#010865, Regular, $12.49)
• DeKuyper Pucker Strawberry Passion 50 ML (#004179, One Time, $0.99)
• Dr McGillicuddys Black Licorice 750 ML (#040711, SLO, $16.99)
• Dulseda 750 ML (#057545, SLO, $21.99)
• Effen Black Cherry Vanilla Vodka 70 Proof 50 ML (#007831, One Time, $0.99)
• Glen Scotia 750 ML (#065541, SLO, $41.99)
• Gran Centenario Anejo Tequila 750 ML (#009595, Closeout, $39.99)
• Jose Cuervo Tequila Citrico 750 ML (#005665, Closeout, $19.99)
• Littlemill 12 Yr Lowlands Scotch 750 ML (#502119, SLO, $41.99)
• Macallan 12 Yr Single Malt Scotch 375 ML (#008218, Closeout, $16.19)
• Monte Alban Mezcal Tequila 375 ML (#006447, Closeout, $8.99)
• Myers Rum Platinum 750 ML (#006598, One Time, $9.99)
• Russian Standard Vodka Platinum 750 ML (#040049, SLO, $25.09)
• Thatchers Organic Cucumber Liqueur 750 ML (#041306, SLO, $20.79)
• The Famous Grouse Scotch Single Malt 12 Years Old 750 ML (#005961, Closeout, $21.99)
• Trago Tequila Silver 50 ML (#005652, One Time, $2.99)
• Weller Bourbon Antique 750 ML (#009524, Closeout, $12.79)
• Wild Turkey Rare Breed Brbn 750 ML (#005423, Closeout, $21.89)
• Wild Turkey Russell Reserve Rye 6 Year 90 Proof 750 ML (#007174, Closeout, $16.69)
• William Larue Weller Bourbon 750 ML (#005480, Limit Dist, $55.99)

Seeing the Catdaddy code get pulled is a little odd, since it's fulfilled directly by Piedmont Distillers. I'm not too fond of it anyway; the bottle states "Grain Neutral Spirits with Natural & Artificial Flavors", and it smells of nutmeg and cloves and tastes like syrupy vodka. This stuff doesn't resemble anything you would call "moonshine" in the slightest. It's not bad though—it could pass as a flavored vodka.

Moved to Closeout:

• Vincent Van Gogh Imported Acai Blueberry Vodka 70 Proof 750 ML (#006636, Closeout, $17.99)

Relisted:

• 10 Cane Rum 50 ML (#007768, One Time, $1.99)
• DeKuyper Luscious Mixed Berry Medley Schnapps 750 ML (#007384, Closeout, $5.59)
• Dom Benedictine Liqueur 750 ML (#005501, Closeout, $19.99)
• El Dorado Cask Aged 3 Yr Rum 750 ML (#069281, SLO, $20.19)
• El Dorado Rum 12 Yr 750 ML (#054330, SLO, $31.99)
• El Dorado Rum 15 Yr 750 ML (#056681, SLO, $42.69)
• El Dorado Rum 25 Yr 750 ML (#058137, SLO, $312.89)
• El Dorado Rum 5 Yr 750 ML (#053139, SLO, $21.29)
• El Dorado Rum Cream Liqueur 750 ML (#051148, SLO, $20.79)
• Gran Jubileo Anejo Tequila 750 ML (#066264, SLO, $105.19)
• Gran Jubileo Blanco Tequila 750 ML (#066235, SLO, $47.39)
• Gran Jubileo Reposado Tequila 750 ML (#066248, SLO, $58.39)
• Jean Danflou Pear Brandy 750 ML (#006450, Closeout, $28.99)
• Johnny Drum Private Stock 750 ML (#065844, SLO, $36.59)
• Rock Hill Farms Bourbon 750 ML (#009535, Closeout, $34.99)
• Siembra Azul Anejo Tequila 750 ML (#010839, Luxury, $39.99)

Palateur Imports graciously switched a number of their products from licensee-only to retail, which means PA cocktail enthusiasts now have access to the fantastic El Dorado Demerara rums. "Demerara" rums are produced exclusively in Guyana, where the sole remaining distiller is Demerara Distillers Ltd (DDL), although there are numerous blending houses such as Banks and Lemon Hart who blend and bottle rums purchased in bulk from DDL. El Dorado is DDL's in-house range that is blended and bottled at the distillery.

It is no exaggeration to say that DDL produces some of the best rums in the world. They are the only distillery to have three bottlings in the top 10 list of Kaiser Penguin's rum expert survey. El Dorado 15-year is the third-highest-ranked rum in the Ministry of Rum member favorites list and Paul Pacult calls it "Highly Recommended" and says it "deserves a place in every serious spirits collection." BTI gave El Dorado 21-year a 98 score—their highest-ever rating for rum. Need I go on?

At the other end of the range, the El Dorado White 3-year is a full-flavored white rum that BTI gave 93 points and called their "Overall Best Value Rum". (Tiare has more on El Dorado 3-year and DDL's operation.) El Dorado 5-year, the dark mixing rum in the line, has a bit different character than its older brothers. Although it is much drier, it still has a robust flavor that is unmistakably Demerara.

Finally, El Dorado 12-year is my personal favorite of the range. It has less depth than the 15-year, but its age and darker cane flavors make it a perfect rum to add spices, wood, and that wonderful up-front Caribbean kick to cocktails. It's a crucial part of my disturbingly delicious Daiquiri combo: 1 oz El Dorado 12-year rum, 1 oz Zaya rum, 3/4 oz lime juice, 3/4 oz simple syrup. Women have fallen in love with me over that Daiquiri. I kid you not.

Also of note is the Johnny Drum Private Stock Bourbon from Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, which Palateur carries as well. Although I have not tried it personally, my bourbon experts tell me it's an excellent whiskey.

New Products:

• Aberlour Single Malt Scotch 12 Year 750 ML (#502468, SLO, $83.49)
• Bacardi Classic Cocktails Pina Colada 1.750 L (#003162, Regular, $19.99)
• Bacardi Classic Cocktails Strawberry Daiquiri 1.750 L (#003161, Regular, $19.99)
• Bacardi Torched Cherry Rum 750 ML (#003160, Regular, $16.99)
• Bakon Vodka 750 ML (#502544, SLO, $31.29)
• Binyamina Chocolate Liqueur 750 ML (#502505, SLO, $23.09)
• Blue Angel Vodka 1.000 L (#502739, SLO, $29.79)
• Boomerang Vodka 750 ML (#502387, SLO, $14.29)
• Combier Roi Rene Rouge 750 ML (#502395, SLO, $28.39)
• Conjure Cognac 750 ML (#502396, SLO, $43.49)
• Crown Royal Black 750 ML (#003284, Regular, $29.99)
• Don Q Cristal Rum 50 ML (#502298, SLO, $1.99)
• El Dorado High Proof Rum 750 ML (#502308, SLO, $20.39)
• El Dorado Rum 21 Yr 750 ML (#057083, SLO, $110.99)
• Finlandia Grapefruit Vodka 1.000 L (#502567, SLO, $20.79)
• Gran Centarino Reposado 750 ML (#502517, SLO, $52.19)
• Hennessy Cognac Black 375 ML (#003264, Regular, $22.99)
• Jacquin's Very Cherry Vodka 1.000 L (#502432, SLO, $11.29)
• Juarez Triple Sec 1.750 L (#502598, SLO, $8.39)
• Ketel One Oranje Vodka 750 ML (#003250, Regular, $25.99)
• Lazzaroni Amaretto 1.000 L (#502279, SLO, $23.89)
• Lazzaroni Sambuca 750 ML (#502280, SLO, $20.99)
• Longmorn Single Malt Scotch 16year 750 ML (#502736, SLO, $130.89)
• Los Nahuales Mezcal Joven Blanco 750 ML (#502410, SLO, $57.99)
• Los Nahuales Reposado 750 ML (#502411, SLO, $72.99)
• Maraska Kruskovac Pear Brandy 750 ML (#502431, SLO, $26.99)
• Margaritaville Rum Silver 1.000 L (#502540, SLO, $25.79)
• Meukow XO Cognac with Glasses 375 ML (#502149, SLO, $199.99)
• Paddys Irish Whiskey 1.000 L (#502541, SLO, $33.39)
• Pinnacle Vodka 1.000 L (#003159, One Time, $12.99)
• Royal Combier 750 ML (#502394, SLO, $36.99)
• Schraml Edelster Aventinus 750 ML (#502380, SLO, $93.99)
• Sharkwater Liqueur 750 ML (#502542, SLO, $20.79)
• Southern Comfort and Lime 1.000 L (#502568, SLO, $20.79)
• Tequila Capaz Anejo 50 ML (#502628, SLO, $2.19)
• Thatchers Organic Tres Chiles Vodka 750 ML (#502735, SLO, $22.79)
• Tierras Tequila Anejo 750 ML (#502614, SLO, $57.59)
• Tierras Tequila Reposado 750 ML (#502613, SLO, $51.89)
• Wild Turkey Rye Russells Reserve 8 Year 750 ML (#502552, SLO, $36.99)

Bakon Vodka is exactly what it sounds like. (Say it out loud.) I like meat-flavored booze as much as anybody, but not at that price—it's too easy to make your own. [Edit 5/7 - Apparently Bakon is artificially flavored and tastes gross. Seriously, don't buy this stuff.]

Conjure is yet another celebrity-affiliated spirit. In this case, Ludacris is shilling some Cognac, and supposedly he helped select the blend himself. How did he do? DrinkHacker has a review blog post, not to mention an awesome flamewar in the comments.

Combier released two new spirits late last year, Royal Combier and Roi René Rouge, and they've finally made it to PA. Royal Combier is a Cognac-based orange liqueur, in the same vein as Grand Marnier but with a more herbal flavor, and Roi René Rouge is a cherry liqueur that sounds promising and I'm anxious to try.

Los Nahuales Mezcal seems to be what Los Danzantes Mezcal renamed itself to. Same spirit, new name. Nothing to see here...