Monster update for the weeks of 7/12, 7/19, 7/26, 8/2, and 8/9

Following the bad example I set last year, I missed almost a month of updates due to Tales of the Cocktail and other travel, so this post covers everything from July 12th to now. It's kind of gigantic, so you may want to pour yourself a drink before continuing.

Discontinued Products:

• 26000 Vodka Lychee Infused 750 ML (#055015, SLO, $36.19)
• Aalborg Akavit 750 ML (#503010, SLO, $18.29)
• Aberlour Single Malt 21yr 750 ML (#053446, SLO, $96.29)
• Absolut Raspberri Vodka Raspberry Flavored 1 L (#009887, Closeout, $14.69)
• Absolut Vodka New Orleans Flavored 750 ML (#006540, One Time, $14.99)
• Admiral Berentzen Pear 750 ML (#500621, SLO, $18.79)
• Amaro Ramazzotti Herbal Liqueur Italy 70 Proof 750 ML (#010635, Luxury, $21.99)
• Barbayanni Ouzo Aphrodite 750 ML (#041657, SLO, $17.99)
• Barenjager Honey Liqueur 750 ML (#054526, SLO, $28.99)
• Beefeater Imp. Dry Gin - Flask 375 ML (#007293, Closeout, $6.39)
• Blue Angel Vodka 1 L (#502739, SLO, $29.79)
• Cerbois VSOP Nv 750 ML (#063566, SLO, $38.99)
• Cerbois XO Armagnac 750 ML (#058966, SLO, $59.99)
• Citadelle Apple Vodka 70pf 750 ML (#064459, SLO, $21.09)
• Citadelle Vodka Apple 1 L (#065348, SLO, $22.29)
• Citadelle Vodka Raspberry 750 ML (#062348, SLO, $23.29)
• Clear Creek Apple In the Bottle Brandy 80 Proof 750 ML (#010860, Luxury, $40.99)
• DeKuyper Cherry Brandy 1 L (#055590, SLO, $11.39)
• DeKuyper Luscious Apple Barrel Schnapps 750 ML (#008988, Closeout, $5.99)
• Don Q Mojito Rum 750 ML (#042370, SLO, $14.49)
• Flor de Cana Black Label Rum 750 ML (#055416, SLO, $21.19)
• Four Roses Mariage Bourbon 750 ML (#500474, SLO, $82.79)
• Gabriel and Assoc Fin Bois Cognac 750 ML (#500683, SLO, $40.99)
• Gabriel and Assoc Grand Champ Cognac 750 ML (#500684, SLO, $97.89)
• Giori Sambuca 750 ML (#067805, SLO, $21.69)
• Grand Marnier Centcinquantenaire 750 ML (#003584, Closeout, $114.19)
• Hangar One Mandarin Blossom Vodka 750 ML (#504251, SLO, $38.59)
• Hangar One Vodka Citron and Ginger 750 ML (#056092, SLO, $27.59)
• Hangar One Vodka Citron Buddhas Hand 750 ML (#057981, SLO, $40.79)
• Hangar One Vodka Spiced Pear 750 ML (#069890, SLO, $40.79)
• Hiram Walker Melon Liqueur 1 L (#067482, SLO, $10.19)
• Inocente Tequila 750 ML (#501336, SLO, $41.59)
• Jim Beam Red Stag Bourbon 1 L (#055580, SLO, $20.79)
• Kahlua and Vanilla Co Pack 40 Proof 1500 ML (#005488, One Time, $19.99)
• Kahlua Especial Imp. Coffee Liqueur 750 ML (#008107, Closeout, $13.49)
• Lauria Alpine Crm Liq 750 ML (#070547, SLO, $25.59)
• Liquore Strega 750 ML (#009612, Closeout, $18.69)
• Luxardo Amaretto 750 ML (#062333, SLO, $26.99)
• Makers Mark 46 Bourbon 94 Proof 750 ML (#503838, SLO, $36.49)
• Margaritaville Calypso Coconut 750 ML (#065643, SLO, $16.19)
• Margaritaville Island Lime 750 ML (#071867, SLO, $16.29)
• Margaritaville Last Mango Liqueur 750 ML (#064883, SLO, $18.69)
• Margaritaville Passionfruit 750 ML (#059098, SLO, $15.29)
• Mathilde Peach Liqueur 750 ML (#053614, SLO, $37.19)
• Mojito Rum Raspberry 1.75 L (#007113, Closeout, $9.99)
• Molinari Sambuca 750 ML (#059780, SLO, $23.99)
• Olifant Imp. Vodka 750 ML (#004371, Closeout, $8.99)
• Phillips Vodka Uv Raspberry Flavored 50 ML (#004869, One Time, $0.99)
• Pierre Ferrand Ancestrale 70yr 750 ML (#058987, SLO, $680.19)
• Pierre Ferrand Cognac Reserve 750 ML (#065020, SLO, $73.09)
• Pierre Ferrand Selection des Anges 30yr 750 ML (#059476, SLO, $157.99)
• Pinnacle Vodka Raspberry Flavored 50 ML (#005266, One Time, $0.99)
• Plantation Barbados Rum 750 ML (#058462, SLO, $39.99)
• Plantation Grande Reserve Barbados Rum 5 Year Old 750 ML (#500662, SLO, $21.99)
• Plantation Rum 20th Anniversary 750 ML (#500569, SLO, $44.99)
• Plantation Trinidad Rum 750 ML (#066265, SLO, $35.99)
• Prichards Cranberry Rum 750 ML (#068894, SLO, $23.69)
• Prichards Crystal Rum 750 ML (#068895, SLO, $23.69)
• Prichards Double Barreled Bourbon 750 ML (#068892, SLO, $50.09)
• Prichards Fine Rum 750 ML (#068897, SLO, $32.49)
• Prichards Sweet Georgia Belle Liqueur 750 ML (#068899, SLO, $23.69)
• Prichards Sweet Lucy Liqueur 750 ML (#068893, SLO, $23.69)
• Pritchards Key Lime Rum 750 ML (#050590, SLO, $23.69)
• Pyrat XO Res Rum 750 ML (#062696, SLO, $30.29)
• Rock Hill Farms Bourbon 750 ML (#009535, Closeout, $34.99)
• Scapa Scotch 16yr 750 ML (#062823, SLO, $45.29)
• Stroh Obstler Fruit Brandy 750 ML (#007351, Closeout, $12.09)
• Tangle Ridge Canadian 750 ML (#055688, SLO, $25.89)
• Thomas Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey 134 Proof 750 ML (#009458, Limit Dist, $59.99)
• Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate 750 ML (#068647, SLO, $21.39)
• Yeni Raki 1 L (#054499, SLO, $17.99)

Aalborg Akvavit, Berentzen Pear Liqueur, Barenjager Honey Liqueur, DonQ Mojito Rum, Maker's Mark 46 Bourbon and Scapa 16yr Scotch were all recently listed in stores or added to the online store, allowing the distributors to pull the products' SLO codes. Click on the old product code above to be redirected to the new listing.

Many other SLO codes were delisted as a result of brands moving from one distributor to another: Ferrand/Citadelle from Southern to Majestic, Hangar One from Southern to Capital, Lauria Alpine Cream from MHW to Laird, Luxardo from Laird to Majestic, Margaritaville from Southern to Majestic, and Prichard's from producer-fulfilled to Nationwide. (See below for more on Prichard's.)

Winebow appears to have pulled the Plantation rums from PA entirely.

Moved to Closeout:

• Belvedere Imp. Polish Cytrus Vodka 50 ML (#009168, Closeout, $2.49)
• Chi-Chi's Cosmopolitan Cocktail Mix 1.75 L (#007011, Closeout, $11.99)

Relisted:

• Anchor Distillery Junipero Gin 750 ML (#051244, SLO, $38.89)
• Bruichladdich Links Valhalle 750 ML (#042437, SLO, $79.99)
• DeKuyper Orange Curacao 1 L (#052956, SLO, $13.69)
• El Mayor Tequila Reposado 750 ML (#006873, One Time, $14.99)
• Galliano Imp. Liqueur 375 ML (#004965, Closeout, $9.99)
• Jose Cuervo Tequila Citrico 750 ML (#005665, Closeout, $19.99)
• Laphroaig Scotch 10 Years Old Cask Strength 111 Proof 750 ML (#009181, Closeout, $38.19)
• Skyy Infusions Raspberry Vodka 750 ML (#006155, Closeout, $8.79)

Junipero is once again available by SLO, but you might as well order it from the online store and save yourself $5.

New Products:

• 360 Double Chocolate Vodka 70pf 750 ML (#003398, Regular, $19.99)
• 4 Orange Vodka 80pf 750 ML (#003433, Regular, $24.99)
• 99 Grapes Schnapps 99pf 750 ML (#003430, Regular, $15.99)
• Absolut Vodka Raspberri 50 ML (#504846, SLO, $1.49)
• Admiral Nelson Coconut Rum 70pf 750 ML (#003375, Regular, $8.99)
• Amate Anejo Tequila 750 ML (#504674, SLO, $49.69)
• Amate Reposado Tequila 750 ML (#504673, SLO, $44.09)
• Amate Silver Tequila 750 ML (#504661, SLO, $38.59)
• Antigua Cruz Silver Tequila 80pf 750 ML (#003476, Regular, $24.99)
• Aqua Perfecta Framboise 375 ML (#010842, Luxury, $19.99)
• Art In the Age Ginger Snap 80pf 750 ML (#003383, Regular, $32.99)
• Bacardi Superior PET 1.75 L (#003489, One Time, $19.99)
• Bakon Vodka 80 Proof 750 ML (#010641, Luxury, $29.99)
• Banks Rum 86 Proof 750 ML (#504932, SLO, $33.99)
• Beefeater Summer Gin 80pf 750 ML (#504896, SLO, $26.09)
• Berentzen Pear Liqueur 30pf 750 ML (#003329, Regular, $15.99)
• Black Tot British Royal Navy Rum 750 ML (#504973, SLO, $1100.99)
• Blackmaker Rootbeer Liqueur 750 ML (#003477, Regular, $19.99)
• Burnett's Fruit Punch Vodka 70pf 750 ML (#003365, Regular, $9.99)
• Cacique Rum 750 ML (#505100, SLO, $19.99)
• Castello Banfi Grappa Brunello di Montalcino 750 ML (#505038, SLO, $45.89)
• Chambord Vodka 75pf 750 ML (#003335, Regular, $22.99)
• Citadelle Gin 750 ML (#504710, SLO, $29.99)
• Conjure Cognac 750 ML (#003437, Regular, $32.99)
• Creme Yvette Delicieuse Liqueur France 55 Proof 750 ML (#030980, Luxury, $44.99)
• Cruzan 9 Spiced Rum 750 ML (#003367, Regular, $14.99)
• Crystal Head Vodka 80pf 1.75 L (#003338, Regular, $99.99)
• DeKuyper Apricot Flavored Brandy 70pf 1 L (#504940, SLO, $13.79)
• Dickel No 8 Whiskey 750 ML (#003496, Regular, $14.99)
• Diplomatico Anejo Rum 750 ML (#504658, SLO, $18.59)
• Diplomatico Blanco Ultra Premium Rum 750 ML (#504657, SLO, $38.59)
• Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva Rum 750 ML (#504660, SLO, $44.09)
• Diplomatico Reserva Rum 750 ML (#504659, SLO, $26.29)
• Don Pantaleon Tequila 1 L (#003233, Limit Dist, $12.89)
• Don Q Mojito Rum 40p 750 ML (#003394, Regular, $13.99)
• El Dorado 8yr Rum 80 Proof 750 ML (#504485, SLO, $24.89)
• El Dorado Spiced Rum 80 Proof 750 ML (#505000, SLO, $15.19)
• El Jimador Blanco Tequila 80pf 750 ML (#003336, Regular, $19.99)
• Espolon Reposado Tequila 80pf 750 ML (#003441, Regular, $24.99)
• F Meyer Eau de Vie Mirabelle Parchment Label 375 ML (#505242, SLO, $27.99)
• Feckin Spiced Irish Whiskey 750 ML (#003442, Regular, $19.99)
• Firefly Sweet Tea Bourbon 60pf 750 ML (#003428, Regular, $19.99)
• Grey Goose Imp. La Vanille Vodka 750 ML (#006589, Closeout, $17.99)
• Jeremiah Weed Cherry Mash Flavored Blended Bourbon Whiskey 750 ML (#003357, Regular, $15.99)
• Lauria Alpine Cream Liqueur 750 ML (#504972, SLO, $21.99)
• Luctor Jumbie Coconut Rum 750 ML (#504900, SLO, $15.99)
• Maker's Mark 46 Kentucky Bourbon Whisky 94pf 750 ML (#003368, Regular, $34.99)
• Margaritaville Calypso Coconut Tequila 750 ML (#504980, SLO, $16.69)
• Margaritaville Island Lime Tequila 750 ML (#504976, SLO, $16.69)
• Margaritaville Last Mango Tequila 750 ML (#504978, SLO, $18.99)
• Margaritaville Passion Fruit Tequila 750 ML (#504977, SLO, $16.69)
• Margaritaville Silver Rum 1 L (#504981, SLO, $25.99)
• Margaritaville Tropical Tangerine Tequila 750 ML (#504979, SLO, $16.69)
• Mathilde Cassis 375 ML (#504695, SLO, $19.99)
• Mathilde Cassis 750 ML (#504708, SLO, $24.99)
• Mathilde Framboise 375 ML (#504698, SLO, $19.99)
• Mathilde Peches 375 ML (#504694, SLO, $19.99)
• Mathilde Peches 750 ML (#504707, SLO, $24.99)
• Mathilde Poires 750 ML (#504709, SLO, $24.99)
• Mathilde Poires 375 ML (#504696, SLO, $19.99)
• Mathilde XO Orange 375 ML (#504697, SLO, $19.99)
• Mathilde XO Orange 750 ML (#504726, SLO, $24.99)
• Patron Silver Tequila 80pf 200 ML (#003448, Regular, $16.99)
• Pepe Lopez Silver 1 L (#504622, SLO, $13.49)
• Pinnacle Gin 200 ML (#003485, One Time, $1.99)
• Pitu Bazilian Rum Cachaca 80 Proof 750 ML (#030985, Luxury, $13.99)
• Prichards Cranberry Rum 750 ML (#504680, SLO, $27.39)
• Prichards Crystal Rum 750 ML (#504678, SLO, $27.39)
• Prichards Double Barreled Bourbon 750 ML (#504682, SLO, $71.89)
• Prichards Fine Aged Rum 750 ML (#504677, SLO, $38.59)
• Prichards Key Lime Rum 750 ML (#504681, SLO, $27.39)
• Prichards Private Stock Aged Rum 750 ML (#504676, SLO, $99.69)
• Prichards Single Malt Whiskey 750 ML (#504683, SLO, $55.19)
• Prichards Sweet Georgia Belle Peach Mango Rum 750 ML (#504679, SLO, $27.39)
• Prichards Sweet Lucy Liqueur 750 ML (#504685, SLO, $27.39)
• Prichards Tennessee Whiskey 750 ML (#504684, SLO, $44.09)
• Red Stag 4 Year 80pf 1.75 L (#003371, Regular, $36.99)
• Rokk Citrus Vodka 1 L (#504518, SLO, $12.99)
• Rokk Green Apple Vodka 1 L (#504517, SLO, $12.99)
• Rokk Orange Vodka 1 L (#504516, SLO, $12.99)
• Rokk Raspberry Vodka 1 L (#504519, SLO, $12.99)
• Rokk Vodka 1 L (#504520, SLO, $11.99)
• Ron Barcelo Anejo Smokey Vanilla 750 ML (#003397, Regular, $15.99)
• Ron Barcelo Blanco Rum 750 ML (#504656, SLO, $16.29)
• Ron Barcelo Dorado Gold Rum 750 ML (#504642, SLO, $16.29)
• Ron Barcelo Gran Anejo Rum 750 ML (#504643, SLO, $27.49)
• Ron Barcelo Imperial Rum 750 ML (#504644, SLO, $49.69)
• Seagram's Sweet Tea Vodka 70pf 750 ML (#003342, Regular, $11.99)
• Skinnygirl Margarita 25.4pf 750 ML (#003343, Regular, $13.99)
• Skyy Vodka 80 Pf 1 L (#003328, One Time, $14.99)
• Smirnoff Cocktails - Savannah Tea - PET 1.75 L (#003299, Regular, $19.99)
• Smirnoff Mango Vodka 70pf 750 ML (#003358, Regular, $14.99)
• Smirnoff Spiced Root Beer Vodka 750 ML (#003497, Regular, $16.99)
• Sobieski Vodka Karamel Flavored 70pf 1 L (#504898, SLO, $12.09)
• Sobieski Vodka Orange Flavored 70pf 1 L (#504897, SLO, $12.09)
• Southern Comfort & Lime 55pf 750 ML (#003337, Regular, $16.99)
• Springbank Scotch 18 Year 92 Proof 750 ML (#504928, SLO, $144.99)
• Stravinsky Vodka 750 ML (#003494, Regular, $9.99)
• Stravinsky Vodka 1 L (#505009, SLO, $10.29)
• Stravinsky Vodka 1.75 L (#003495, Regular, $18.99)
• Sweet Carolina Sweet Tea Vodka PET 70pf 750 ML (#003478, Regular, $15.99)
• Three Olives Purple Vodka 1 L (#504817, SLO, $24.99)
• Ursus Blue Raspberry Vodka 750 ML (#003498, Regular, $10.99)
• Ursus Green Apple Vodka 750 ML (#003500, Regular, $10.99)
• Ursus Punch Vodka 750 ML (#003499, Regular, $10.99)
• UV Coconut Vodka 60pf 750 ML (#003452, Regular, $11.99)
• Villa Marziai Limoncello 750 ML (#505103, SLO, $22.89)
• Vincent Van Gogh Blue Vodka 80pf 750 ML (#003391, Regular, $21.99)
• Vincent Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka 70pf 750 ML (#003392, Regular, $21.99)
• Wild Turkey American Honey 71pf 1.75 L (#003456, Regular, $41.99)
• Zacapa XO Rum 750 ML (#505101, SLO, $79.99)
• Zodiac Spirits Black Cherry Flavored Vodka 70 Proof 750 ML (#030983, Luxury, $27.99)

Phil Prichard started his distillery in Kelso, Tennessee in 1999 to produce...rum.  Not whiskey--his single malt and Tennessee whiskeys are new this year--but Colonial pot-still rum, like the American colonists made in the 17th and 18th centuries.  It's quite good, and very different than most modern rums.  The pot distillation and aggressive aging result in pungent, "chewy" flavors evocative of single malt whiskeys.  It's a fine substitute for the whiskey in a Manhattan, and mixing it into a traditional sling (2 oz spirit, 2 oz water, 1-2 tsp sugar) may be the most authentic pre-1800s "cocktail" one could make.

Prichard's used to sell their products to the PLCB directly, but Nationwide Wines & Spirits picked up their PA distribution in July.  Having a PA-based distributor is generally a good thing, as it means minimum order sizes come down when SLOs don't need to be shipped across the country one-by-one, but unfortunately Nationwide has stated they will be keeping the listed minimums at 6-12 units on the Prichard's products for the foreseeable future.  If you are interested in ordering these items and can't meet the minimum order size, contact Silvio at 610-202-9482 and he'll try to work something out for you.

Nationwide recently picked up two other rum brands, Diplomático and Barceló, both of whose flagship bottlings are excellent.  Unfortunately they're quite overpriced here--Barceló Imperial sells for less than half the price in other states.

Two other new rums on SLO are worth mentioning.  Banks 5 Island Rum is a blend of sugar cane spirits (aged rum and Batavia Arrack) that's filtered after blending, leaving a flavorful, clear spirit like El Dorado 3-year or Oronoco.  I liken the flavor to J. Wray Overproof although that doesn't do it justice; read Wayne Curtis's review for real tasting notes and some background on its production.

The other is Black Tot Rum, which is British Royal Navy rum.  Not a "Navy style" rum like Pusser's or Cruzan Blackstrap, but the actual rum produced for consumption on ships in Her Majesty's service.  This stuff was sitting in storage for decades after they discontinued the daily rum ration in 1970, until Specialty Drinks Ltd bottled it and Haus Alpenz imported it to the US.  I've tried this stuff before (Specialty Drinks isn't the first to bottle those old stocks of BRN rum) and it's amazing.  The aromas and flavors are overwhelming, with so many esters that you'd swear you could taste the 300-year-old wooden still that part of the blend is made in.  Is it worth $1100?  Surely--but only if you don't open it.  The sad truth is that most of this rum will be bought by collectors who will never taste it. [Edit 8/28 - apparently PA was allocated only three bottles of Black Tot, and they have all been spoken for.]

A number of new regular-listed products hit shelves in the last month, notably Berentzen Pear Liqueur, perhaps the best pear cordial I've ever tasted; Cruzan No. 9 Spiced Rum, Cruzan's second (and hopefully improved) attempt to enter the spiced rum market under their own label; Chambord Vodka, the latest see-what-sticks flavored vodka brand; Firefly Sweet Tea Bourbon, which is just like their sweet tea vodka but with Buffalo Trace Bourbon as the base, earning two thumbs up from me; Maker's Mark 46 Bourbon, the new Maker's bottling that's finished in French oak, giving it rather more character than their traditional product; and Ginger Snap Liquor, from the same guys who brought you Root Liquor.  Both the Root and Ginger Snap smell awesome, but unlike Root, Ginger Snap does not taste revolting.  I'm still not sure what I'd do with it, though.

Aqua Perfecta Framboise (Raspberry) Eau de Vie, Pitú Cachaça, Bakon Vodka, Zodiac Black Cherry Vodka, and Crème Yvette are, I believe, all online-exclusive items.  Have you tried out the new online store yet?