McManis Family Vineyards
by Harvey Finkel WE DON’T THINK about it much, but the family farmer has been historically, and even to some extent currently, the producer of our wines. Over the last 2O years I had periodically noted in passing one of these, though larger that the postage-stamp properties of yore, producing... Read More
The Flowering of Irish Whiskey
by LEW BRYSON AFTER YEARS of being a two brand market, Irish whiskey’s growth has attracted other players to the game. First there was Cooley, with their TYRCONNELL and KILBEGGAN brands. Then TULLAMORE DEW returned, back in America after years away. When Cooley was sold to Beam, the sons of... Read More
IRISH WHISKEY WOMEN
by Pink Lady IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN, when everyone is Irish for at least an evening and your favorite pub will be likely overrun with happy strangers downing pints of Guinness, Irish car bombs, and shot after shot of Jameson. Should you find yourself declaring “Erin Go Bragh”... Read More
THE VARIOUS STYLES OF STOUT
by Andy Crouch THIS TIME OF YEAR brings forth thoughts of deep, dark pints of rich, creamy pints of plain, as Irish poet Flann O’Brien wrote. The classic dry Irish stout category, best exemplified by Guinness, is known around the globe. In its earliest form, stout simply connoted a stronger... Read More
SAMUEL ADAMS HOPSCAPE and FRESH AS HELLES
The brewer has released these two new seasonal beers. Hopscape is brewed with Chinook, Citra, Centennial, and Zeus hops that add pine and grapefruit notes to the deep golden wheat ale. Fresh as Helles is a light amber, medium-bodied brew made with Mandarina hops and orange blossom petals. Suggested retail... Read More
ROGUE HAZELUTELY CHOCTABULOUS
Rogue has released this fusion of two of its beers: Chocolate Stout and Hazelnut Brown Nectar. Dark and decadent, with a rich nutty flavor up front followed by a chocolate truffle finish. Packaged in 22-ounce serigraphed bottles and on draft. AVAILABLE FROM Craft Brewers Guild
MOOBUZZ
A Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre blend, this wine has bright aromas of blueberries and raspberries. Flavors of brambleberry, white chocolate and a touch of oak spice on the finish. Suggested retail is $19.99. AVAILABLE FROM Baystate Wine & Spirits
GLENBROOK MERLOT, CABERNET SAUVIGNON and CHARDONNAY
The Glenbrook Merlot is medium-bodied smooth, spicy and filled with ripe currant and plum flavors. The Cabernet Sauvignon has a hint of oak that is smooth and fruity. The lighter style Chardonnay has fresh, clean fruit flavors and a smooth finish. Suggested retail for each is $12.99. AVAILABLE FROM Baystate... Read More
STRANAHAN’S SNOWFLAKE BATCH 19
Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey has released its 2O16 single malt version (#19) of Snowflake: Crestone. Each expression is named after a Rocky Mountain peak, and this year marks the 1OOth anniversary of the first successful summit of Crestone. Each year’s batch is different and the 2O16 version was made by marrying... Read More
SILO SOLSTICE
This new spirit from Silo Distillery in Vermont is made in partnership with Harpoon Brewery using their unfiltered UFO White Ale which is brewed with barley and wheat malts, orange peel and coriander. The distillery also makes Cucumber Vodka, Lavender Vodka, Cacao Vodka, Lemon Vodka and other spirits. Suggested retail... Read More