January 2012 Archives

Yeah...it's been a while. I blame the new job, the holidays, bad weather, high unemployment, market conditions in the euro zone, etc. Mostly the new job and the holidays. To make up for it, if you're in the Pittsburgh area, come see me at Verde Mexican Kitchen when I'm behind the bar on Sundays and Wednesdays and I'll buy you your first cocktail.

Getting on to the updates, there are six weeks worth of products down here, so grab yourself a Miller High Life and read on:

New in-store and online products:

• Big Peat Islay Blended 10 Year Old Scotch 750ML (#030472, Online, $63.99)
• Chieftain's Braeval 14 Year Old Scotch Speyside 750ML (#030476, Online, $65.99)
• Chieftain's Rosebank 20 YO Cask Strength Scotch 750ML (#030901, Online, $149.99)
• Don Julio 70th Anniversary Limited Edition Tequila 750ML (#030548, Online, $69.99)
• Finger Lakes Distilling Glen Thunder Corn Whiskey 750ML (#030841, Online, $22.99)
• Finger Lakes Distilling Maple Jack Liqueur 375ML (#030826, Online, $24.99)
• Finger Lakes Distilling McKenzie Bourbon Whiskey 750ML (#030825, Online, $44.99)
• Finger Lakes Distilling McKenzie Rye Whiskey 750ML (#030884, Online, $44.99)
• Finger Lakes Distilling Seneca Drums Gin 750ML (#030827, Online, $28.99)
• Harlan D Wheatley CLIX Vodka 750ML (#030413, Online, $299.99)
• Jack Daniel's Holiday Select 2011 750 ML (#004504, Holiday, $49.99)
• Jefferson's Presidential Select 17 YO Bourbon 750ML (#030398, Online, $97.99)
• Nardini Amaro Italy 1.0L (#030542, Online, $49.99)
• Nardini Cedro Grappa Italy 375ML (#030541, Online, $26.99)
• Old Rip Van Winkle Family Rye 13 Year Old 750ML (#030744, Online, $59.99)
• Peach Street Distiller's Oak Aged Peach Brandy 750ML (#030429, Online, $64.99)
• Vinas de Oro Pisco Mosto Verde Italia 750ML (#030357, Online, $45.99)
• Willett Pot Still Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon 750ML (#030489, Online, $38.99)
• Woodford Reserve MC Aged Rye 750ML (#030457, Online, $89.99)

Lots of whiskey hitting the catalog lately. I like it. But before we talk about it, let's touch on Harlen D. Wheatley CLIX Vodka.

Bourbon fans will recognize Mr. Wheatley as the master distiller at Buffalo Trace. According to the BT press release, CLIX was the result of his personal quest to produce the "perfect" vodka by distilling 28,400 gallons of mash 159 times (hence the name) to produce only 332 gallons of distillate. After resting for 12 months in stainless steel, a mere 2,000 bottles were made available to distributors across the nation. Pennsylvania got 50 of 'em. This is, to be sure, a collector's item. Pick one up now and your Father's Day shopping will be done well in advance this year.

Another very special product that just arrived is Peach Street Distillers' Oak-Aged Peach Brandy. Sure, every low-end cordial manufacturer has a "peach brandy" made from minimally aged grape brandy treated with artificial flavoring agents. This stuff is made the way the colonists did it 200 years ago: bushels and bushels of fresh peaches are fermented and distilled, making an American-style eau-de-vie. True peach brandy had disappeared completely by Prohibition, and now Peach Street Distillers is one of only two distilleries to have revived the spirit. (The other is Old World Spirits in California.) Now it is once again possible to properly enjoy the 19th century cocktails that used peach brandy as a base, including the famous Fish House Punch.

I know you're itching to get to the whiskey, but Nardini Amaro deserves a few words here as well. There are a handful of amari that have been elevated to perhaps undeserved heights by the craft cocktail community--Averna and Cynar are the chief suspects--but old-school amaro drinkers would likely name Nardini and Nonino as the elemental examples of what amari should be. Nonino has been available in specialty stores for a while, but Nardini is newly available as an online-only item. Nardini displays perfect balance in every respect, in particular showing off the foundational amaro flavors of licorice, citrus peel and menthol. If you've only ever tried the trendy amari, it's time to learn the basics and pick up a bottle of Nardini.

Whew! Let's talk whiskey. Finger Lakes Distillery, in upstate New York near my alma mater, has been turning out "rustic" microdistilled spirits for a few years now. Their Glen Thunder white dog turned some heads when it came out in 2008, and their McKenzie Rye and Bourbon have been pointed to as great examples of how to produce small-cask-aged whiskeys. I have yet to try the "Maple Jack", but blending maple syrup with apple brandy sounds promising to me.

Woodford Reserve's annual Master's Collection release is a bit different this year: it's rye. Yes, you read that correctly--this is the first time Woodford has bottled a rye whiskey, and it's so very experimental that they aged it two different ways and put two 375 ML bottles in the retail package together so you can try them both. Chuck Cowdery has all the details, of course.

The Jefferson's Presidential Select Bourbon is Stitzel-Weller juice that McLain & Kyne, an independent bottler, came across and bottled under their Jefferson's brand. The early batches were legendary, the current ones merely excellent. If some kind soul gives you a PLCB gift certificate for Christmas, this is what to splurge on. (I suppose Jefferson's Presidential Select would also make a good Father's Day gift, but if you want to buy it for yourself instead, nobody's gonna hold that against you.)

The last whiskey I want to mention is the coveted Van Winkle 13yr Rye. Pennsylvania's entire allocation this year was--I kid you not--eleven bottles, and it took some negotiating to even get that much. It sold out in about a day. Once again, make sure you're following me on Twitter to find out about these limited products as soon as they hit the online store.

Products back in stock online:

• Bakon Vodka 750ML (#010641, Online, $29.99)
• Buffalo Trace Distillery Single Oak Project 375ML (#030772, Online, $48.99)
• Compass Box Spice Tree Scotch 750ML (#030571, Online, $62.99)
• Eagle Rare Straight Bourbon Whiskey 17 Years Old 750ML (#006803, Online, $59.99)
• Forty Creek Barrel Select Whisky Canada 750ML (#030966, Online, $21.99)
• Hayman's Old Tom Gin England 750ML (#030565, Online, $26.99)
• KAH Tequila Extra Anejo 750ML (#030544, Online, $195.99)
• Leyenda Del Milagro Romance Tequila 1.0L (#030979, Online, $119.99)
• Marie Brizard Anisette 750ML (#010846, Online, $24.49)
• Massenez Poire Williams Prisoner Pear Eau de Vie 750ML (#030653, Online, $69.99)
• Michter's 10 Year Old Single Barrel Bourbon 750ML (#010934, Online, $81.49)
• Powers 12 Year Old Reserve Irish Whiskey 750ML (#010916, Online, $34.99)
• Siete Leguas Blanco Tequila 750ML (#010818, Online, $42.99)
• The Lash Spiced Rum 750ML (#010902, Online, $29.99)
• Tyrconnell 10 Year Old Irish Whiskey Madeira Cask 750ML (#010862, Online, $79.99)
• Wemyss Smooth Gentleman 8 Yr Old Blended Scotch 750ML (#010576, Online, $21.99)
• Whistle Pig 10 Year Old Rye Whiskey Vermont 750ML (#030668, Online, $69.99)
• Yamazaki 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky Japan 750ML (#030981, Online, $44.99)

We got in the third release of the Single Oak Product. For some reason these aren't moving as fast as the first release. Maybe trying dozens of experimental whiskeys at $50 a pop isn't as exciting as we thought it would be.

In-store products moved to closeout:

• 10 Cane with Stirrings Mojito Kit 750 ML (#005777, One Time, $32.99)
• 1800 Essential Tequila Artists Collection 750 ML (#003086, One Time, $25.99)
• 1800 Margarita Ultimate 750 ML (#005632, One Time, $6.99)
• 1800 Reposado Tequila 1.75 L (#003158, One Time, $35.99)
• Absolut Vodka - 2 Bottle Pack- 80pf-Absolut Citron 2 L (#003516, One Time, $35.99)
• Admiral Nelson Spiced Rum Twin Pack - 2 - 1.00l 2 L (#003318, One Time, $16.99)
• American Sweetheart Apple Blossom Martini Cocktail 750 ML (#009644, One Time, $10.99)
• Belvedere Vodka 375 ML (#003088, One Time, $16.49)
• Belvedere Vodka Gift Set W/Glass 750 ML (#003729, One Time, $30.99)
• Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey 375 ML (#003274, One Time, $5.99)
• Captain Morgan Lime Bite Rum 375 ML (#003275, One Time, $5.99)
• Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum 1 L (#006174, One Time, $19.99)
• Captain Morgan P.R. Spiced Rum PET 1.75 L (#006032, One Time, $24.99)
• Captain Morgan Silver Spiced Rum 1 L (#003044, One Time, $17.99)
• Coconut Jack Rum Co Pac with Pineapple Juice 1.75 L (#005655, One Time, $18.99)
• Collezione Foglie del Mattino Grappa Pere Kirsch 200 ML (#000544, Regular, $44.99)
• Combier Liqueur D'Orange 50 ML (#008348, One Time, $1.99)
• Crown Royal PET 375 ML (#005548, One Time, $5.99)
• DeKuyper Sour Apple Traveler 750 ML (#008269, One Time, $7.99)
• DeKuyper Tropical Pineapple and Coconut Liqueur 50 ML (#006529, One Time, $0.99)
• El Tesoro Platinum Tequila 750 ML (#010882, Online, $42.99)
• Finlandia Classic Vodka 1 L (#008721, One Time, $16.99)
• Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka 50 ML (#003022, One Time, $0.99)
• Godiva Caramel Liqueur 750 ML (#005621, One Time, $24.99)
• Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge with Cocktail Glasses 750 ML (#005371, One Time, $34.99)
• Hiram Walker Gingerbread Liqueur 750 ML (#003857, Holiday, $4.99)
• Jack Daniel's 160th Birthday 750 ML (#003482, One Time, $21.99)
• Jim Beam Kentucky Straight Bourbon Red Cap Bar Package 1 L (#008276, One Time, $16.99)
• Jose Cuervo Especial Silver Tequila 375 ML (#003277, One Time, $5.99)
• Kahlua Coffee Cream 750 ML (#003138, One Time, $16.99)
• Kahlua Hazelnut Liqueur 50 ML (#007168, One Time, $1.49)
• Ketel One Citreon Vodka 1 L (#007720, One Time, $25.99)
• Malibu Rum Passion Fruit 1.75 L (#005419, One Time, $19.99)
• Malibu Rum Pineapple 1.75 L (#005403, One Time, $19.99)
• Margaritaville Lemonade Margarita RTD 1.75 L (#008101, One Time, $12.99)
• Myers Platinum Rum 1 L (#006182, One Time, $8.99)
• New Mix Paloma RTD 4- 12 Oz Cans 1.42 L (#003322, One Time, $6.99)
• Pinnacle Gin 375 ML (#006281, One Time, $6.99)
• Pinnacle Vodka 1 L (#003159, One Time, $12.99)
• Rain Organics Lavender Lemonade Vodka 50 ML (#003024, One Time, $0.99)
• Sailor Jerry Spiced Navy Rum 50 ML (#005241, One Time, $1.99)
• Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum 1 L (#003155, One Time, $15.99)
• Salvador's Long Island Iced Tea 800 ML (#009676, One Time, $5.99)
• Salvador's Original Maragarita Ready To Drink 800 ML (#005582, One Time, $5.99)
• Sauza Tequila Extra Gold with Margarita Mix 750 ML (#009113, One Time, $17.99)
• Seagram's Gin and Juice Green Dragon with Ginseng 1.75 L (#005414, One Time, $8.99)
• Seagram's Gin and Juice Original Citrus 1.75 L (#005418, One Time, $8.99)
• Seagrams Gin and Juice Blue Blast Cocktail 1.75 L (#003326, One Time, $8.99)
• Smirnoff Vanilla Twist Vodka PET 750 ML (#007864, One Time, $10.99)
• Southern Comfort 1 L (#003137, One Time, $17.99)
• Southern Comfort RTD Sweet Tea 1.75 L (#009827, One Time, $17.99)
• Sweet Carolina Sweet Tea with Floridas Natural Lemonade Co-Pack 750 ML (#009696, One Time, $15.99)
• Ty Ku Asian Citrus Liquor 750 ML (#006314, Online, $24.99)
• UV Cherry Vodka 50 ML (#006254, One Time, $0.99)
• Vincent Van Gogh Acai Blueberry Vodka 50 ML (#008102, One Time, $0.99)
• Wild Turkey Tradition 14 Yr 750 ML (#003149, One Time, $63.99)
• Windsor Canadian Whiskey Supreme 1 L (#005495, One Time, $9.99)

The PLCB has started moving one-time-buy items to close-out status, which is a new procedure for them. The status change should help encourage stores to clear out shelf space when these items run low, as one-time-buy items will, by definition, never get restocked.

You may notice that El Tesoro Platinum is listed above as a close-out item. Don't worry--this is actually a duplicate code that's getting delisted. The real code, 006646, is still available in specialty stores. And it's on sale for $5 off this month, too!

Delisted SLO products:

• 901 Tequila 750 ML (#501889, SLO, $53.39)
• Aberlour A'Bunadh Single Malt Scotch 120pf 750 ML (#503942, SLO, $93.99)
• Admiral Nelson Coconut Rum 1 L (#041660, SLO, $9.59)
• Appleton 21 Year Rum 750 ML (#503144, SLO, $124.49)
• Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist 750 ML (#068985, SLO, $84.99)
• Artic Thai Fruit Vodka 750 ML (#041692, SLO, $3.99)
• Auchentoshen Single Malt Scotch 21 Year 86proof 750 ML (#506203, SLO, $176.99)
• Avion Reposado Tequila 750 ML (#507203, SLO, $51.89)
• Brinley Gold Shipwreck Spiced Rum 750 ML (#502120, SLO, $20.59)
• Bruichladdich 18 Yr 1st Ed 750 ML (#067118, SLO, $136.99)
• Bunnahabhain 13 Year 1997 Chateau Lafitte Rothschild Cask Finish Islay North Shore 92 750 ML (#512861, SLO, $99.99)
• Caballo Estrella Gold Tequila 1 L (#513823, SLO, $16.59)
• Comb Blossom Brandy 375 ML (#512886, SLO, $31.19)
• Comb White Rum 750 ML (#516964, SLO, $43.79)
• Connemara Single Malt Whiskey 750 ML (#501674, SLO, $55.99)
• Courvoisier Cognac L'Essence 750 ML (#507663, SLO, $2360.09)
• Cruzan Rum Strawberry 1 L (#512459, SLO, $15.49)
• Cruzan Spiced Rum Number 750 ML (#503837, SLO, $15.69)
• Cupcake Vodka Devils Food 750 ML (#512960, SLO, $18.69)
• DeKuyper Hot Damn Schnapps 750 ML (#051555, SLO, $10.49)
• DeKuyper Pomegranate Schnapps 1 L (#068939, SLO, $12.49)
• Delord Vintage Armagnac 1962 750 ML (#060227, SLO, $184.39)
• Dry Fly Gin 750 ML (#505791, SLO, $29.99)
• Firestarter Vodka 750 ML (#050091, SLO, $27.09)
• Giori Lemon Cream Liqueur 750 ML (#051118, SLO, $24.99)
• Glenfiddich 21 Year Scotch 750 ML (#072291, SLO, $172.69)
• Goslings Black Seal Rum 1 L (#071787, SLO, $26.69)
• Guckenheimer Blended Whiskey 2006 750 ML (#050682, SLO, $9.89)
• Hangar One Chipotle Chili Vodka 750 ML (#504253, SLO, $32.29)
• Hiram Walker Mango Schnapps 750 ML (#054476, SLO, $10.59)
• Hiram Walker Pomegranate Schnapps 1 L (#064485, SLO, $10.59)
• Hiuzache Tequila Reposado 750 ML (#513890, SLO, $19.99)
• Hiuzache Tequila Silver 750 ML (#513889, SLO, $16.99)
• Jewel of Russia Wild Bilbry Infusion 1 L (#077431, SLO, $27.79)
• Jim Beam Devils Cut Bourbon 1 L (#512454, SLO, $31.29)
• Jr Brillet Pineau des Charentes 750 ML (#061732, SLO, $25.79)
• Kah Tequila Extra Anejo 50 ML (#515765, SLO, $30.09)
• Kah Tequila Extreme Anejo 1.5 L (#515761, SLO, $194.79)
• Kajmir Vanilla Brandy 750 ML (#500031, SLO, $25.09)
• Laphroaig Cask Strength Scotch 10year 114.6pf 750 ML (#506216, SLO, $78.09)
• Macallan 30yr 750 ML (#066766, SLO, $899.99)
• Mandarine Napoleon Orange Liqueur 750 ML (#503141, SLO, $42.99)
• Marie Brizzard Blackberry 750 ML (#071272, SLO, $24.99)
• Murray McDavid Highland Park 17yr Banyuls Cask Finish 750 ML (#499953, SLO, $109.99)
• National Original Vodka 750 ML (#506391, SLO, $12.99)
• Polmos Bialystok Wodka Vodka 750 ML (#503355, SLO, $9.59)
• Skyy Passion Fruit Vodka Infusion 1 L (#067272, SLO, $20.89)
• Skyy Vodka Spiced 1 L (#050030, SLO, $15.79)
• Stolichnaya Vodka Cranberry 750 ML (#071423, SLO, $21.89)
• Tezon Reposado Tequila 750 ML (#051547, SLO, $63.89)
• The Irishman the Original Clan Irish Whiskey 750 ML (#510192, SLO, $32.99)
• Tomatin Single Malt Scotch 25yr 750 ML (#071636, SLO, $83.69)
• Tres Mujeres Blanco Tequila Blanco 750 ML (#511917, SLO, $21.99)
• Ultimat Vodka Chocolate 750 ML (#060759, SLO, $36.39)
• UV Vodka Cake Flavored 750 ML (#513910, SLO, $10.39)
• Van Gogh Raspberry 750 ML (#068845, SLO, $20.99)
• Van Gogh Wild Appel 750 ML (#068636, SLO, $21.39)
• Wild Shot Mezcal Silver 750 ML (#512644, SLO, $52.19)
• Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit Hershey 750 ML (#059718, SLO, $50.89)

As usual, many of these delisted SLO items were pulled because the product is available in stores or online. Others are just out of stock and will return once the distributor has inventory again. And a few have simply moved from one distributor to another and have new codes listed below.

Reactivated SLO products:

• Becherovka Liqueur 750 ML (#515781, SLO, $19.49)
• Bruichladdich 16 Yr 750 ML (#067108, SLO, $109.99)
• Bushmills 21 Yr 750 ML (#056501, SLO, $99.99)
• Don Julio 1942 750 ML (#056782, SLO, $109.99)
• Highland Park 18yr 750 ML (#054277, SLO, $126.89)
• Hiram Walker Triple Sec 1.75 L (#503011, SLO, $14.49)
• Johnnie Walker Blue 200 ML (#071687, SLO, $37.49)
• Macallan Fine Oak 30yr 750 ML (#064907, SLO, $899.99)
• Marie Brizzard Anisette 750 ML (#059227, SLO, $27.79)
• Pampero Anniversario Rum 750 ML (#057658, SLO, $24.99)
• Skyy 90 Vodka 90pf 750 ML (#505693, SLO, $37.29)
• Stolichnaya Cranberry Vodka 1 L (#500489, SLO, $23.89)
• Voyant Chai Liqueur 750 ML (#066847, SLO, $20.79)

The Don Julio 1942 and Pampero Anniversario are, at long last, in stock again. But supply has been tight, so get your orders in now.

New SLO products:

• Absolut Vodka Grapevine 1 L (#518985, SLO, $24.29)
• Amrut Portonova Single Malt Whisky 750 ML (#518625, SLO, $110.99)
• Aviation Gin 750 ML (#519068, SLO, $31.29)
• Azteca Gold DSS Tequila 1 L (#518185, SLO, $9.09)
• Azunia Tequila Blanco 1 L (#519138, SLO, $45.89)
• Baileys Coffee 750 ML (#518231, SLO, $23.99)
• Ballantines Scotch 30 Year Old 750 ML (#517961, SLO, $325.69)
• Bittermens Amere Nouvelle 375 ML (#518819, SLO, $24.99)
• Bittermens Amere Sauvage 375 ML (#518816, SLO, $24.99)
• Bittermens Citron Sauvage 375 ML (#518827, SLO, $24.99)
• Bittermens Commonwealth 375 ML (#518811, SLO, $24.99)
• Bittermens Hiver Amer 375 ML (#518824, SLO, $24.99)
• Blackadder Rawcask Whisky Bunnahabhian 19 Year 750 ML (#517878, SLO, $181.29)
• Burnett's Hot Cinnamon Vodka 1 L (#518280, SLO, $12.39)
• Chopin Wheat Vodka 750 ML (#518179, SLO, $31.19)
• Courvoisier C Cognac 1 L (#518269, SLO, $46.99)
• Cupcake Vodka Ginger Snap 750 ML (#518941, SLO, $18.69)
• Cupcake Vodka Verry Berry 750 ML (#518942, SLO, $18.69)
• Domaine du Vissoux Creme de Cassis 2010 750 ML (#518298, SLO, $18.59)
• Firestarter Vodka 750 ML (#518786, SLO, $24.99)
• Fragoli Liqueur 750 ML (#519080, SLO, $34.99)
• Fragoli Liqueur 48 Proof with 2 Glass Flutes 750 ML (#519223, SLO, $35.09)
• Fruit Lab Hibiscus Liquer 750 ML (#519167, SLO, $25.19)
• Glendullan 17 Year 1993 Rioja and Rum Cask Finish Highland Speyside Scotch 750 ML (#517744, SLO, $89.99)
• Glenfiddich Cask of Dreams Scotch Whiskey 750 ML (#519258, SLO, $104.69)
• Great King Street Blended Scotch Whisky 750 ML (#519033, SLO, $43.89)
• Hardy VSOP Cognac 750 ML (#519125, SLO, $44.99)
• Hardy XO Cognac 750 ML (#519126, SLO, $122.99)
• House Spirits Coffee Liqueur 750 ML (#519071, SLO, $36.49)
• House Spirits White Dog 750 ML (#519070, SLO, $36.49)
• Island 808 Coconut Vodka 750 ML (#519038, SLO, $23.09)
• Island 808 Lychee Vodka 750 ML (#519037, SLO, $23.09)
• Island 808 Mango Vodka 750 ML (#519039, SLO, $23.09)
• Island 808 Pineapple Vodka 750 ML (#519040, SLO, $23.09)
• Island 808 Pog 750 ML (#519041, SLO, $23.09)
• Island 808 Straight Vodka 750 ML (#519042, SLO, $23.09)
• Island 808 Straight Vodka 1.75 L (#519036, SLO, $29.89)
• James Macarthur Coal Ila 10 Year Fine Malt Selection 750 ML (#517740, SLO, $92.99)
• James Macarthur Glen Ord 12 Year Fine Malt Selection 750 ML (#517742, SLO, $90.99)
• James Macarthur Glendullan 14year Fine Malt Selection 750 ML (#517741, SLO, $92.99)
• James Macarthur Mortlach 13 Year Fine Malt Selection 750 ML (#517743, SLO, $90.99)
• Jim Beam Red Stag Honey Bourbon 1 L (#518267, SLO, $25.99)
• Jim Beam Red Stag Spiced Bourbon 1 L (#518268, SLO, $25.99)
• Jose Cuervo 250th Aniversario 750 ML (#518119, SLO, $2249.99)
• Krogstad Aquavit 750 ML (#519069, SLO, $26.99)
• Marie Brizard Orange Liqueur 750 ML (#518270, SLO, $19.69)
• Mothers Sweet Tea Vodka 750 ML (#518057, SLO, $16.59)
• Nutliquor Peanut Butter Vodka 750 ML (#518031, SLO, $19.39)
• Pau Maui Vodka 750 ML (#519035, SLO, $36.19)
• Pearl Vodka Red Berry 750 ML (#518951, SLO, $12.39)
• Pinnacle Atomic Hots Vodka 750 ML (#518103, SLO, $15.59)
• Pinnacle Coconut Vodka 1 L (#518106, SLO, $15.59)
• Pinnacle Cookie Dough Vodka 1 L (#518097, SLO, $15.59)
• Pinnacle Key Lime Whipped Vodka 1 L (#518104, SLO, $15.59)
• Pinnacle Pineapple Vodka 1 L (#518107, SLO, $15.59)
• Pinnacle Red Berry Vodka 1 L (#518105, SLO, $15.59)
• Poli Arzente 1.75 L (#518283, SLO, $320.99)
• Pucker Vodka Lemonade 1 L (#518266, SLO, $20.79)
• Pucker Vodka Raspberry 1 L (#518265, SLO, $20.79)
• Sambuca Toschi 750 ML (#519227, SLO, $17.89)
• Skyy Vodka 50 ML (#518648, SLO, $3.19)
• Smooth Ambler Exceptional White Whiskey 750 ML (#518817, SLO, $31.89)
• Smooth Ambler Greenbriar Gin 750 ML (#518812, SLO, $31.89)
• Smooth Ambler Old Scout Straight Bourbon Whiskey 6 Year Old 750 ML (#518815, SLO, $36.29)
• Smooth Ambler Whitewater Vodka 750 ML (#518809, SLO, $31.89)
• Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur 750 ML (#518664, SLO, $37.59)
• Spring 44 Gin 750 ML (#518934, SLO, $33.09)
• Spring 44 Vodka 750 ML (#518933, SLO, $33.09)
• The Balvenie Tun 1401 Scotch 750 ML (#518205, SLO, $261.89)
• Toschi Lemoncello 750 ML (#519225, SLO, $24.69)
• Toschi Lemoncello 64 Proof with 2 Shot Glasses 750 ML (#519226, SLO, $24.69)
• Trader Vics Royal Amber Rum 1 L (#518895, SLO, $19.19)
• Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey 1 L (#518365, SLO, $30.69)
• Van Gogh Cool Peach Vodka 750 ML (#518242, SLO, $21.99)
• Van Gogh Dark Chocolate Vodka 750 ML (#518243, SLO, $21.99)
• Voli Vodka Espresso Vanilla 750 ML (#518794, SLO, $27.09)

The much-anticipated Bittermens Liqueurs have been listed with the PLCB in a timely fashion thanks to a happy coincidence--they're made under contract by Mazza Wines, one of the largest vineyards in Pennsylvania. They're not quite ready to start fulfilling orders to PA yet, and the pricing above may change, but all of that should happen within the next couple weeks. I'll keep you posted.

Compass Box's latest release, Great King St., was put on SLO at a very reasonable price. Whisky Advocate said, "After a series of esoteric and expensive releases, Compass Box has decided to bring it all back to the people with a blend--and how!" They describe it as a mix of Spice Tree and Hedonism, which sounds pretty good to me.

At the other end of the spectrum, Beam's new Red Stag flavors, "Honey Tea" and "Spiced", are available by SLO. Will their new expressions push flavored whiskey sales even higher, or is this the sign that flavored whiskey has jumped the shark, preceding a steep decline into obscurity? (I'm looking at you, sweet tea vodka.)

Moving farther down the, uh, scale of respectability, we find NutLiquor. Peanut butter flavored vodka. Novel and perhaps even tasty, but did they need to go with the sophomoric brand name? And did they need to push the innuendo even further by bottling the stuff at 69 proof? I'm sure they have no regrets--their nationwide sales have been growing at a healthy clip.

Ahem. Getting back to the good stuff. Capital finally responded to the pleas of cocktail bars across the state and brought in Solerno from William-Grant, which was first released in the US in 2009. Solerno is a triple sec-style orange liqueur made in Italy from blood oranges which I would say tastes roughly 20% better than Cointreau. Considering Cointreau is pretty good, that's quite an endorsement. We use Solerno in our "Premiere Clase" Margarita at Verde, which gives the drink an outstanding orange flavor. There's only a two-bottle minimum on the code, so I would encourage you to order a bottle for yourself and one for a cocktail-oriented friend posthaste.