October 2010 Archives

PLCB spirits catalog changes for the weeks of October 18th and October 25th:

New in-store and online products:

• Absolut Minibar 5 50ml Citron Raspberri Berri Acai Mandrin Ruby Red 250 ML (#003325, One Time, $4.99)
• Absolut Vodka - 2 Bottle Pack- 80pf-Absolut Citron 2 L (#003516, One Time, $35.99)
• Chateau de Saint Martin Vieux Marc de Provence 80 Proof 750 ML (#010931, Online, $54.99)
• Connemara Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey 80 Proof 750 ML (#010920, Online, $39.99)
• Hudson Baby Bourbon 4 Year Old 92 Proof 375 ML (#030974, Online, $42.99)
• Hudson Four Grain Bourbon 4 Year Old 92 Proof 375 ML (#030975, Online, $42.99)
• Hudson Manhattan Rye Whiskey New York 4 Year Old 92 Proof 375 ML (#030976, Online, $42.99)
• Hudson New York Corn Whiskey 92 Proof 375 ML (#030973, Online, $33.99)
• Hudson New York Corn Whiskey 92 Proof 750 ML (#030939, Limit Dist, $49.99)
• Kilchoman 3 Year Old Single Malt Islay Whisky Summer 2010 Release 92 Proof 750 ML (#030964, Online, $64.99)
• Leyenda del Milagro Romance Anejo and Reposado Tequila 80 Proof 1 L (#030979, Online, $119.99)
• Montenegro Amaro Bitters Italy 750 ML (#030956, Online, $27.99)
• Vecchia Romagne Etichetta Nera Brandy Italy 750 ML (#030955, Online, $26.99)

Just a day or two ago the very first item from the new in-store specialty spirits collection began arriving on shelves: Hudson New York Corn Whiskey, an unaged corn whiskey from the small-batch Tuthilltown distillery in New York. The 750 ML size will be stocked in specialty spirits stores, and the 375 ML size was added to the online store along with three other Hudson whiskey expressions.

Montenegro Amaro, a fantastic amaro that was all but unavailable in the US for a couple years, is becoming popular again and was added to the online store. It has a predominantly orange/citrus flavor but doesn't have as much of the earthy botanics that make amari like Averna and Ramazzotti seem so heavy. I think of it like a cold-weather version of Campari.

In-store products moved to closeout:

• Pearl Lococo Coconut Flavored Vodka 750 ML (#006302, One Time, $7.99)

Reactivated SLO products:

• Bushmills 1608 750 ML (#056652, SLO, $49.99)

New SLO products:

• Castries Peanut Creme Liqueur 32 Proof 750 ML (#506641, SLO, $38.79)
• Citadelle Apple Vodka 80 Proof 750 ML (#506766, SLO, $14.99)
• Citadelle Apple Vodka 80 Proof 1 L (#506765, SLO, $14.99)
• Citadelle Gin Reserve 80 Proof 750 ML (#506768, SLO, $34.89)
• Citadelle Raspberry Vodka 80 Proof 750 ML (#506767, SLO, $14.99)
• Finlandia Cranberry Vodka 80 Proof 1 L (#506594, SLO, $20.79)
• Hiram Walker Butternips Schnapps 30 Proof 1 L (#506640, SLO, $9.89)
• Magellan Iris Flavored Gin 88 Proof 750 ML (#506712, SLO, $29.99)
• Maloney's Irish Cream Liquor 28 Proof 750 ML (#506724, SLO, $18.99)
• Sauza Tequila Giro Silver 80 Proof 1 L (#506783, SLO, $13.19)
• Whipped Lightning Amaretto Whipahol 36 Proof 375 ML (#506050, SLO, $9.89)
• Whipped Lightning Caramel Pecan Whipahol 36 Proof 375 ML (#506053, SLO, $9.89)
• Whipped Lightning German Chocolate Whipahol 36 Proof 375 ML (#506054, SLO, $9.89)
• Whipped Lightning Hazelnut Espresso Whipahol 36 Proof 375 ML (#506056, SLO, $9.89)
• Whipped Lightning Spiced Vanilla Whipahol 36 Proof 375 ML (#506051, SLO, $9.89)
• Whipped Lightning Strawberry Colada Whipahol 36 Proof 375 ML (#506055, SLO, $9.89)
• Whipped Lightning White Chocolate Raspberry Whipahol 36 Proof 375 ML (#506052, SLO, $9.89)

Magellan Gin is once again available after getting dropped by Southern Wine & Spirits in January. It is now available from Northern Wine & Spirits. No kidding. It's also $10 cheaper.

Whipped Lightning is an...um...innovative new product. It's "the world's first alcohol-infused whipped cream." Basically it's flavored Reddi-Whip with grain neutral spirits in it. I'm not sure if it's the best idea ever or the worst idea ever, so I guess I'll have to order some and find out. [Edit 11/4: I'm told that the feds halted sales of Whipped Lightning while they make a ruling on whether it's a food product or an alcoholic beverage, so this product can't be ordered for the foreseeable future.]

PLCB press release from today:


Hip Hop Superstar Ludacris, Creator of Conjure Cognac, to Visit Philadelphia-Area Wine & Spirits Store Oct. 27

Will Autograph Purchased Bottles

Harrisburg - Christopher Bridges, aka Ludacris, will meet with fans and sign purchased bottles of his Conjure cognac at the PA Wine & Spirits Store at 119 West City Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 27.

"Christopher Bridges is a three-time Grammy award winner and the highest-selling Southern hip-hop solo artist of all time, with more than 15 million albums sold in the United States and 20 million sold worldwide. He's also making a name for himself in the cognac market," said PLCB Chairman Patrick J. "PJ" Stapleton. "Bridges helped develop Conjure cognac, he's promoting it and we are happy to partner with him to bring it to our consumers."

As a fan of fine cognac, Bridges wanted to create something that he enjoyed drinking but was also accessible to his fans. Bridges traveled to the Cognac region of France to learn how it was made. He partnered there with world-renowned Birkedal Hartmann to handcraft Conjure, a unique blend of ugni blanc grapes from a variety of Cognac regions.

Conjure sells for $32.99 for a 750 mL bottle and will be available for purchase at the store. The event tasting will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and is complimentary for those 21 and older.

PLCB spirits catalog changes for the week of October 11th:

New in-store and online products:

• Black Velvet Whisky 1 L (#003547, One Time, $9.99)
• Chieftain's Single Malt Rare Bottlings Caol Ila 17 Year Old 86 Proof 750 ML (#030961, Online, $82.99)
• Chieftain's Single Malt Rare Bottlings Dalmore 11 Year Old Madeira Finish 86 Prooof 750 ML (#030962, Online, $63.99)
• Glenmorangie Scotch 10yr W 3- 50ml Lasanta- Quinta Ruban- Nectar Dor 750 ML (#003536, Holiday, $39.99)
• Ilegal Mezcal Anejo Oxaca Mexico 80 Proof 750 ML (#030953, Online, $101.99)
• Ilegal Mezcal Joven Oxaca Mexico 80 Proof 750 ML (#030952, Online, $51.99)
• Ilegal Mezcal Reposado Oxaca Mexico 80 Proof 750 ML (#030954, Online, $64.99)
• Pinnacle Citrus Flavored Vodka 750 ML (#003046, Regular, $14.99)
• Pinnacle Orange Flavored Vodka 750 ML (#003036, Regular, $14.99)
• Pinnacle Vanilla Flavored Vodka 750 ML (#003035, Regular, $14.99)
• Seagram's Gin and Juice Green Dragon with Ginseng 1.75 L (#005414, One Time, $14.99)
• Seagram's Gin and Juice Original Citrus 1.75 L (#005418, One Time, $14.99)
• Seagrams Gin and Juice Blue Blast Cocktail 1.75 L (#003326, One Time, $14.99)
• Smokehead Single Malt Islay Whisky 86 Proof 750 ML (#030963, Online, $49.99)
• Stolichnaya Wild Cherri Vodka 750 ML (#003059, Regular, $17.99)

Lots of new products coming in this week, most notably the Ilegal mezcals. I've discussed these before, and I'm thrilled to see them available in the online store. We're getting an excellent deal on them too--I haven't found a lower price at any other retailer in the country.

I left a holiday-only item in the list this week because I think it will be of interest to many of you. Stores are beginning to stock a Glenmorangie gift pack that contains a 750 ML of the standard Glenmorangie 10-year, plus 50 ML bottles of the Lasanta, the Nectar D'or, and the Quinta Ruban, all for the same price as the regular 10-year bottle. This is a great way to sample the Glenmorangie "finished" line. I suggest buying it for yourself, but hey, it would probably make a good gift too.

In-store products moved to closeout:

• Pinnacle Butterscotch Flavored Vodka 70 Proof 750 ML (#009303, Regular, $6.99)

Delisted SLO products:

• Aberlour Single Malt Scotch 12 Year 750 ML (#502468, SLO, $83.49)

Reactivated SLO products:

• Glenfiddich 21 Year Scotch 750 ML (#072291, SLO, $172.69)

New SLO products:

• Calle 23 Tequila Anejo 80 Proof 750 ML (#506567, SLO, $31.29)
• Calle 23 Tequila Blanco 80 Proof 750 ML (#506565, SLO, $20.79)
• Calle 23 Tequila Reposado 80 Proof 750 ML (#506566, SLO, $25.99)
• DeKuyper Coffee Brandy 70 Proof 750 ML (#506557, SLO, $12.39)
• Slane Castle Irish Whiskey 80 Proof 750 ML (#506564, SLO, $25.99)

PLCB spirits catalog changes for the week of October 4th:

New in-store and online products:

• Chi-Chi's Long Island Iced Tea Cktl Mix 1.75 L (#003660, Regular, $11.99)
• DeKuyper Schnapps Pucker Sour Apple 50 ML (#008718, One Time, $0.99)
• Stolichnaya Ohranj Limited Edition Playboy Bunny Label 750 ML (#003060, One Time, $18.99)
• Tres Leches Triple Cream Liqueur 750 ML (#003054, Regular, $21.99)

In conjunction with Hugh Hefner's appearances in this summer's Stoli commercials, Stoli is releasing a limited-edition Stoli Ohranj label with the Playboy logo on it. Sadly, it's a pretty weak effort.

Tres Leches is a new cream liqueur that's been making the rounds nationally and seems to be the trendy spirit of the moment, if Tasting Panel Magazine and the Orange County Register are to be believed. It's received some good reviews though, so if you're a cream liqueur fan (or your customers are), pick up a bottle to try.

In-store products moved to closeout:

• Tenure Cherry Vodka 70 Proof 750 ML (#009895, Regular, $6.99)
• Tenure Vodka 80 Proof 1.75 L (#003001, Regular, $12.99)
• Tenure Vodka 80 Proof 750 ML (#003002, Regular, $6.99)

Delisted SLO products:

• Balvenie 25yr Single Barrel Scotch 750 ML (#072333, SLO, $314.29)
• Pikesville Rye 750 ML (#505889, SLO, $18.79)

Pikesville Rye is as tight as Rittenhouse Bonded these days. We should have more of both in the November/December timeframe, according to Chuck Cowdery and Majestic.

New SLO products:

• Balvenie 12 Year Old Signature Scotch 86 Proof 750 ML (#506511, SLO, $67.99)
• Balvenie 14 Year Caribbean Cask Scotch 86 Proof 750 ML (#506512, SLO, $75.19)
• Balvenie 17 Year Old Peated Cask 86 Proof 750 ML (#506510, SLO, $162.29)
• Bird Dog Blackberry Whiskey 80 Proof 750 ML (#506501, SLO, $20.79)
• Godiva Chocolate Raspberry Vodka 750 ML (#506466, SLO, $29.99)
• Godiva Chocolate Vodka 750 ML (#506467, SLO, $29.99)
• Meletti Chocolate Liqueur 750 ML (#506436, SLO, $25.99)
• Pinnacle Berry Vodka 80 Proof 750 ML (#506513, SLO, $14.49)
• Pinnacle Melon Vodka 80 Proof 750 ML (#506515, SLO, $14.49)
• Pinnacle Pomegranate Vodka 80 Proof 750 ML (#506514, SLO, $14.49)
• Whitetail Caramel Whiskey 80 Proof 750 ML (#506502, SLO, $20.79)

Adding Bird Dog and Whitetail to the database inspired me to create a new flavored whiskey category to hold these freaks. Not that I think they're inherently bad products, but it seems unfair that Jim Beam is allowed to label Red Stag as "bourbon" when the word is supposed to indicate a strictly-regulated production process with very few allowed additives.

There weren't any in-store product updates this week, except for adding a few new holiday gift packs and changing Black Duck Cranberry Liqueur from a one-time buy to a holiday item.

PAWineTalk uncovered an unannounced "monster sale" going on right now, where the PLCB is blowing out all of its older Chairman's Selection and close-out items. The only spirits on the list have been closed out for a while, but if you find any remaining stock you can get some damned good deals, like Wild Scotsman 15yr Scotch which was originally $79.99 and is now discounted all the way down to $24.99.

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

Delisted SLO products:

• Blavod Black English Vodka 750 ML (#502226, SLO, $23.89)
• Wisers Deluxe Canadian Whiskey 1.75 L (#069964, SLO, $35.09)

Reactivated SLO products:

• Inocente Tequila 750 ML (#501336, SLO, $41.59)

New SLO products:

• Jose Cuervo Tradicional Silver 80 Proof 750 ML (#506389, SLO, $23.89)
• Moon Mountain Citrus Vodka 80 Proof 750 ML (#506397, SLO, $17.49)
• Moon Mountain Raspberry Vodka 80 Proof 750 ML (#506410, SLO, $17.49)
• Moon Mountain Vodka 80 Proof 750 ML (#506396, SLO, $17.49)
• National Bitters 750 ML (#506405, SLO, $12.79)
• National Citron Vodka 750 ML (#506392, SLO, $12.89)
• National Classic Vodka 750 ML (#506391, SLO, $12.99)
• National Cranberry Liqueur 750 ML (#506406, SLO, $12.99)
• National Horseradish Vodka 750 ML (#506393, SLO, $12.89)
• St Martin Vieux Marc Brandy 80 Proof 750 ML (#506255, SLO, $57.69)
• Ultimate Bloody Mary Vodka 750 ML (#506407, SLO, $18.99)

Moon Mountain is a new "super-premium" vodka line that Diageo is releasing as part of their new vodka market strategy, in addition to their already-available Rökk and Ursus lines. Those don't look like super-premium prices to me, but what do I know about vodka?