Roxy's Bottle Shop

9,000 Year Old Beer

2009-06-11T14:02:00.002-06:00

Industry News

9,000 Year Old Beer to be Relaunched
A brewery is relaunching the world's oldest beer by using on a 9,000-year-old Chinese recipe. Chateau Jiahu is a blend of rice, honey and fruit which is said to have been all the rage in ancient China. But after being forgotten about for around 9,000 years the beer is set to make it's return after beer experts Dogfish recreated the brew.

Seattle Beer Festival Welcomes Drinker & Their Dogs
Seattle is famous for their weather and their coffee, but they've slowly been making their way onto the beer scene as well. After all, they aren't too far away from Portland, a city that has more breweries than anywhere else in the country. To celebrate this new beer fame, they’re welcoming one and all to the Seattle International Beer Festival. On July 3-5, hop heads and beer bellies from around the country will gather at the Seattle Center Mural Amphitheatre to test out the latest and greatest from the world of beer. There will be over 150 varieties on tap and in bottles just waiting for you to sample them.

B Is For Beer

2009-04-07T11:15:00.002-06:00

B Is For Beer, by Tom Robbins. A Children's Book About Beer? Yes, believe it or not--but B Is for Beer is also a book for adults, and bear in mind that it's the work of maverick bestselling novelist Tom Robbins, internationally known for his ability to both seriously illuminate and comically entertain. Once upon a time (right about now) there was a planet (how about this one?) whose inhabitants consumed thirty-six billion gallons of beer each year (it's a fact, you can Google it). Among those affected, each in his or her own way, by all the bubbles, burps, and foam, was a smart, wide-eyed, adventurous kindergartner named Gracie; her distracted mommy; her insensitive dad; her non-conformist uncle; and a magical, butt-kicking intruder from a world within our world. Populated by the aforementioned characters--and as charming as it may be subversive--B Is for Beer involves readers, young and old, in a surprising, far-reaching investigation into the limits of reality, the transformative powers of children, and, of course, the ultimate meaning of a tall, cold brewski.

Interviewette With Tom Robbins:

Q: So, Tom Robbins, you’ve gone and written a children’s book about an alcoholic beverage. First, why the ode to beer?

A: Why not? As ode fodder, its got to have at least as much potential as nightingales and Grecian urns.

Beer is so universally beloved that 36 billion gallons of it are sold each year worldwide. Moreover, it’s been popular for thousands of years, with origins dating back to ancient Egypt and Sumer. It has deep connections to the earth -- and possibly to outer space, as well (I explain this in the book). Bittersweet, like much of life itself, it’s exceptionally thirst-quenching and enormously refreshing; it’s cheerful, accessible, affordable, lovely in color, and somewhat nourishing, being one of our few neutral foods: perfectly balanced between acidic and alkaline, between yin and yang. Best of all perhaps, beer makes us tipsy. What’s not to ode?

Q: Okay, but what’s the angle with children?

A: Children see beer commercials every time they watch a sporting event on TV. In the supermarket, they pass shelves and coolers overflowing with the stuff. Neon beer signs wink at them as they’re driven to school, to church or the mall. And, if their own parents and older siblings aren’t enjoying beer, then the parents and siblings of their friends surely are.

Kids are constantly exposed to beer, it’s everywhere; yet, aside from wagging a warning finger and growling -- true enough as far as it goes -- “Beer is for grownups,” how many parents actually engage their youngsters on the subject? As a topic for detailed family discussion, it’s generally as taboo as sex.

It’s a kind of largely unpremeditated side-stepping, and part of the reason is that most parents are themselves uninformed. Even if mommy and daddy have more than a clue about beer’s ingredients and how it’s brewed, they know nothing of its history, let alone the rich psychological, philosophical, and mythic associations bubbling beneath the surface of its wide appeal.

Q: So, children need to know the “meaning” of beer?

A: Well, at the very least they need a clearer understanding of why their dad keeps a second refrigerator in the garage, and why he stays up late out there on school nights with his shirt off, listening to Aerosmith.

Q: Of course. How would you compare B Is for Beer to your previous nine books of fiction?

A: At 126 pages, it’s shorter. It’s illustrated. And it’s less complex, although considerably more complicated than Poopie the Pukey Puppy.

Q: What will you possibly do for an encore?

A: Not my problem. I’ve decided to take advantage of outsourcing. My next novel will be written by a couple of guys in Bangalore.

Tom Robbins

Obama Beer and Other Beer News

2009-01-15T09:14:00.003-07:00

Click on title link for full article

Feds put a cork in Obamagang beer
"MILFORD NY -- Business usually goes pretty much the way Brewery Ommegang wants it to. The Belgian-owned brewery located in this village near Cooperstown has always had a solid cult following for its Belgian-style brews. But when it decided to put out a special beer called "Obamagang," the government stepped in to say 'No way.'"

Bill Introduced to Allow Grocery Stores to Sell Full Strength Beer
"A pair of legislators — Sen. Jennifer Veiga of Denver and Rep. Buffie McFadyen of Pueblo, both Democrats — has introduced a bill that would allow grocery stores to sell full-strength beer. Grocery and convenience stores can now sell only beer that has 3.2 percent alcohol by volume."

New Belgium Releases Its First Ever Sustainability Report
"FT. COLLINS, CO -- (Marketwire) -- 01/15/09 -- New Belgium Brewing, the nation's third largest craft brewer, recently unveiled its first-ever corporate sustainability report -- a revealing look at the progress and challenges of operating a sustainable business. The 2007-2008 report outlines New Belgium's "Triple Bottom Line" approach to business, measuring the environmental, economic and social effects of the brewery. It also highlights several of the brewer's unique environmental initiatives -- from a decade-long commitment to using wind energy to a greenhouse gas life cycle assessment (LCA) of a six-pack of Fat Tire beer."

Great New Products For the Holidays

2008-12-04T11:41:00.000-07:00

New Product Announcements

Boulder Brewing Company Killer Penguin - 22oz bomber. Traditional winter seasonal beers are warm and comforting. Not this Penguin! With 10% alcohol by volume, this killer barleywine is stealthily smooth. Deep ruby red in color with undertones of candied fruit, Killer Penguin is an aggressive, full-flavored barleywine style ale. Every year Boulder Brewing Company brews a single 50 barrel batch of Killer Penguin, making it their most rare and sought-after bottled beer.

Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout - 12oz bottle. From North Coast Brewing Company in Ft. Bragg, California.

Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar - 22oz bomber. A nutty twist to a traditional European Brown Ale. Dark brown in color with a hazelnut aroma, a rich nutty flavor, and a smooth malty finish.

Breckenridge Christmas Ale - Breckenridge Brewery's Christmas seasonal is in!

Anchor Christmas Ale - This is the 34th annual Christmas Ale from Anchor Brewing in San Francisco.

Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA - We've had the 90 minute and 120 minute IPAs and now we've added Dofish's 60 minute IPA. A continually-hopped super India Pale Ale from the Dogfish Brewery in Delaware.

Winter Warlock - Bristol Brewing Company of Colorado Springs puts out this very popular winter seasonal each year and we never seem to be able to get enough of it during its short season. It's a rich, roasted oatmeal stout.

Georges Dubceuf Beaujolais Nouveau - Tender, fruity, harmonious, elegant, fresh, and delicious. Try this traditional holiday wine.

Trinity Oaks California Reisling - Handcrafted by one of the longest established wine-making families in California, Trinity Oaks is a fruit forward and approachable wine that pairs well with any occasion. One of the most delicate white varieties, this Riesling showcases citrus and floral notes on the nose and palate.

Trinity Oaks Pinot Noir - True to the varietal, this vibrant Pinot Noir exuces bright strawberry and cherry characteristics on the nose and a smooth, silky texture on the palate.

Trinity Oaks Vineyard has boldly pledged to plant a tree for every bottle of wine sold over the next year as part of their inaugural One Bottle, One Tree campaign which kicked off July 1, 2008 and runs through June 30,2009.

The Wine Snob's Dictionary: An Essential Lexicon of Oenological Knowledge

2008-12-04T11:07:00.000-07:00

Book Review

The Wine Snob's Dictionary: An Essential Lexicon of Oenological Knowledge, by David Kamp and David Lynch. A nicely structured, lightly acidic addition to the handy Snob’s Dictionary series, decoding the baffling world of winespeak from A to Z. Wine Snob: The very phrase seems redundant, doesn't it? When faced with this snobbiest of snobberies, the civilian wine enthusiast needs the help of savvy translators like David Kamp and David Lynch. Their Wine Snob’s Dictionary delivers witty explication of both old-school oeno-obsessions (What's claret? Who's Michael Broadbent?) and such new-wave terms as "malolactic fermentation" and "fruit bomb." Among the other things Kamp and Lynch demystify:

Finish: the Snob code-term for "aftertaste." (Robert Parker includes the stopwatch-measured length of a wine's finish in his ratings.)

Meritage: an American wine classification that rhymes with "heritage," and should NEVER be pronounced "meri-TAHJ."

Terroir: that elusive quality of vineyard soil that has sommeliers talking of "gunflint," "leather," and "candied fruits"

Featuring ripe, luscious, full-bodied illustrations by Snob's Dictionary stalwart Ross MacDonald, The Wine Snob’s Dictionary is as heady and sparkling as a vintage Taittinger, only much less expensive... and much more giggle-inducing. Cheers!

David Kamp is a writer and editor for Vanity Fair and the author of The United States of Arugula, The Food Snob’s Dictionary, The Film Snob’s Dictionary, and The Rock Snob’s Dictionary. David Lynch is a James Beard Award—winning writer, sommelier, and restaurant manager, having served as wine director of Babbo Ristorante for seven years. Both authors live in New York City. Ross MacDonald’s illustrations have appeared in many publications, from The New Yorker to The Wall Street Journal.
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New Arrivals

2008-11-17T08:15:00.000-07:00

New Product Announcements

Peachy Canyon Winery Zinfandel - 100% Zinfandel with white pepper and spice notes followed by a rich velvety texture. From Paso Robles, California.

Kris Pinot Noir - If you're a fan of Kris wines from Italy you will love their Pinot Noir.

Terranoble Sauvignon Blanc - This zesty Chilean Sauvignon Blanc has fresh aromas reminiscent of lemons, gooseberries as well as those of tropical fruits. In the mouth, the wine shows a crisp ripe acidity and good persistence of flavor on the finish. Best served chilled.

Terranoble Cabernet Sauvignon - This full-bodied Cab from the sunny vineyards of the Maule Valley of Chile has a typically deep intense color, together with aromas of chocolate, tobacco and red fruits. Smooth tannins and a subtle oak touch on the palate result in a round, well-balanced wine.

Terranoble Merlot - This medium-bodied Merlot has an aroma of fresh summer fruits such as raspberries and black currants mingled with tobacco and oak due to aging in American oak barrels.

Prodigal Son Petite Syrah - Intense vibrant blackberry fruits and a rich smooth finish. From Big House winery of Santa Cruz, California.

Jekel Cabernet Sauvignon - A deep-bodied Cab that is rich in flavor. From Arroyo Seco in Monterrey, California.

Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur - For the holidays we've brought in this special rich treat.

Odell's Isolation Ale - Odell Brewery's winter seasonal is in!

Calvados Boulard - This exceptionally aromatic Boulard's Reserve du Chef was specially blended from a selection of over 120 apple varieties to suit the needs of today's most discriminating chefs. Add new dimensions to savory dishes such as pork chicken, fish and an array of desserts.

Alice White Pinot Noir - From South East Australia, this elegant Pinot Noir has bright red berry aromas and silky supple flavors. Great with grilled salmon, roast chicken, baked ham, and lamb chops.

Recent Beer News

2008-11-17T07:50:00.000-07:00

Industry News

InBev Cleared to Acquire Annheuser-Busch
"Washington, Nov 17 - Belgium's InBev NV cleared the last hurdle to buying Anheuser-Busch Cos Inc, creating the world's largest brewer, when it gained U.S. antitrust approval for the $52 billion deal after agreeing to sell its Labatt USA subsidiary."

Rosie O'Donnell Would Like to Have a Beer With Sarah Palin
"I'd like to have a beer with her. I'd like to meet her kids. She seems like a pretty nice woman."

Beer Truck Overturns in Wheatridge, Driver Arrested For DUI
"The truck, carrying 45,000 pounds of beer, overturned at about 7:30 p.m. on the entrance ramp to eastbound I-70 off of Colorado Highway 58."

Hoppy Days Are Here Again
CSU's Brewing Science Class partners with Odell Brewing on third brew

New This Week

2008-10-20T12:20:00.003-06:00

New Product Announcements

Bearboat Pinot Noir - Bearboat harvests its premium grapes in California's prestigious Russian River Valley. It is aged for 10 months in French oak and carefully fined before its release. While the color is a brilliant red reminiscent of black cherries, the nose offers hints of warm toast and cassis. It has a mouth of fresh strawberries and raspberries while delicate suggestions of black licorice enhance the lingering finish.

Tilia Malbec Syrah - Tilia, the Latin name for linden, is a traditional tree throughout the wine country of Mendoza, Argentina. For generations local vineyard workers have used its flowers to make a relaxing herbal tea after a long day's work among the vines. Tilia Malbec Syrah is made from grapes grown on the eastern slope of the pre-Andean mountains of Mendoza. This wine is excellent with grilled meats, full-flavored pastas, and roasted mushroom dishes. 50% Malbec, 50% Syrah.

Burgans Albarino - Albarino Burgans gets its name from the Burgans hills, the heart of the Salines Valley in northwest Spain. The unique soil and the Atlantic climate allows the mythical Albarino grape to reach its fullest expression.

Deschutes Jubilale Winter Ale - This winter seasonal is brewed with dark crystal malt creating a luscious holiday note. From the Deschutes Brewery in Bend, Oregon.

Rogue Valley Dead Guy Ale - We now carry this popular brew in six-packs in addition to the 22 ounce bomber!

Leading Beer Brands

2008-10-20T12:11:00.003-06:00

Factoid

Leading Domestic Beer Brands(2007 sales in thousands of 2.25 gallon cases)
1. Bud Light, 570,000
2. Budweiser, 321,000
3. Miller Lite, 252,100
4. Coors Light, 240,000
5. Natural Light, 125,200
6. Busch Light, 87,500
7. Busch, 84,300
8. Miller High Life, 68,400
9. Keystone Light, 49,000
10. Michelob Ultra, 43,000

Leading Imported Beer Brands
1. Corona Extra, 115,179
2. Heineken, 69,000
3. Modelo Especial, 22,417
4. Tecate, 19,300
5. Guinness Stout, 12,558
6. Labatt Blue, 12,500
7. Corona Light, 12,183
8. Blue Moon, 10,000
9. Heineken Premium Light, 9,400
10. Dos Equis, 8,700

Source: Beer Handbook, 2008

It's Octoberfest Time!

2008-09-29T10:37:00.003-06:00

New Product Announcements

Budweiser American Ale - If you watch television you've seen plenty of ads for this. Carefully brewed with barley from America's heartland and Cascade hops from the Pacific Northwest, this rich, amber-colored ale has robust flavor and a distinctive hoppy finish.

Green Flash Double Stout - One-pint bomber. Golden naked oats mashed with dark crystal and robut roasted malts create a luscious black brew with a satin, smooth finish. Layering United Kingdom Target hops throughout the boil adds pleasant earthy complexity while higher fermentation temperatures enhance overall flavor with fruity esters. An old world style, done the Green Flash way.

Lagavulin Single Malt Scotch - Moss water, passing over rocky falls, steeped in mountain air, and moorland peat, distilled and matured in oak casks, exposed to the sea, shape Lagavulin's robust and smoky character. Aged 16 years. (pronounced: Laga voolin)

Trapiche Pinot Noir - This Argentinian Pinot Noir, ruby in color, exhibits aromas of wild roses and raspberry jam. It is fresh and soft with a velvety texture and a long, fruity finish. Great with roasted poultry and soft cheese.

Blue Ice American Vodka - This exceptional American vodka is a blend of pure mountain spring water and Idaho Russet Potatoes. These natural elements in combination with a special distillation process and 5-stage filtration system produce a vodka with subtle taste and smoothness, which cannot be matched by grain based vodkas. Blue Ice Vodka is a family owned, handcrefted, spirit designed to please the vodka connoisseur. Bottled in Rigby, Idaho.

Herding Cats Chenin Blanc/Chardonnay - The Herding Cats Chardonnay/Viognier blend we recently brought in has been so popular that we've added their Chenin Blanc/Chardonnay blend. The fruity Chenin Blanc combined with the Chardonnay gives this medium-bodied wine a very pleasant aroma. Great with pasta or seafood.

Brassfield Syrah - The picturesque and serene vineyards located above Clear Lake, California at 1800 feet feature superlative microclimates for handcrafted world-class wines. These estate vineyards benefit from cool nights and well-drained volcanic soils, to produce rich elegant wines.

The Famous Grouse - Back by popular demand, this scotch whiskey is crafted from the finest malt whiskies, such as the Macallan and Highland Park, married with exceptional grain whiskies for an incredible smoothness.

Wells Banana Bread Beer - 1 pint bomber. This inspired brew is made with natural mineral water and Fair Trade bananas. Great aromas and flavors are balanced with silky richness of a masterful malt vlend and fresh ripe hops.

It's Octoberfest time! - To celebrate the season we have brought in these beers:

Paulaner Oktoberfest Marzen

Samuel Adams Octoberfest

Spaten Munich Oktoberfest

Buffalo Bill's Jack Pumpkin Ale

Blue Moon's Harvest Moon Pumpkin Ale

And the Winners Are.....

2008-09-29T10:25:00.001-06:00

The winners of our recent Budweiser swag giveaway drawing are:

Helen Betancourt

Dean Cherry

Robert Skiver

Robert Tracey

Arthur Stephen Putz

Congratulations! And thanks to everyone who entered.

Everyone is going green and so is Roxy's Bottle Shop! Many of our customers ride bicycles to our shop and some of them have asked us to provide a bike rack. Well, we listen to our customers and we now have a bike rack! Bike on down and check it out.

World Atlas of Wine

2008-09-29T10:19:00.003-06:00

Book Review

World Atlas of Wine, by Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson. Hailed by critics worldwide as “extraordinary” and “irreplaceable,” there are few volumes that have had as monumental an impact in their field as Hugh Johnson’s The World Atlas of Wine: sales have exceeded four million copies, and it is now published in thirteen languages. World-renowned authors Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson once again combine their unrivalled talents to enhance this masterpiece of wine knowledge. There are now 48 extra pages, including 17 new color illustrations, 20 new maps, and—for the first time ever—double page spreads and full-page photos in the atlas section for maximum visual impact. New World coverage has been extended for both Australia and South America; some New World regions even have their own entries for the first time, including Rutherford, Oakville, and Stag’s Leap from California; Mendoza (Argentina); Limestone Coast (Australia); Central Otago and Martinborough (New Zealand); and Constantia (South Africa). And Old World coverage has grown too, with the addition of Toro (Spain), the Peleponnese (Greece), and Georgia. It’s a truly incomparable book, and an essential addition to every wine lover’s or professional’s library.
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More New Products Just In

2008-09-11T11:53:00.002-06:00

New Product Announcements

Zamba Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec - Zamba is the national dance of Argentina. The Zamba lyrics are composed to celebrate the beauty of Argentina and its magnificent women. It is a majestic dance which is performed by couples who circle each other elegantly waving their white handkerchiefs. Zamba Cabernet Sauvignon was created to showcase the incredible wines of Argentina that are available at a great price. It is a full-bodied red wine packed with flavors of black cassis that finishes smooth and rich. Zamba Malbec is full-bodied with flavors of red cherries.

Astica Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec - Astica means "flower" in the native Indian language in Argentina and this wine was made in their honor. The Cabernet Sauvignon has a ripe blackberry aroma with a smooth round fuity palate, ideal to drink with grilled meats, roast and full-flavored dishes. The Malbec has all the tipicity; red color with violet hues and very sweet in the mouth. It pairs well with grilled meats but also with pasta and mild to spicey cuisine.

Allendorf Reisling - Back by popular demand, this German Riesling is a classic. It is great for sipping or for picnics.

Ommegang Three Philosophers Ale - This ale is created by blending a rich, malty, Belgian-style with authentic Kriek, a classic cherry-lambic from Belgium. This Quadrupel is cultured yet wild. Pour slowly so as to not disturb the yeast sediment but with enough vigor to create a luxurious head and release the sumptious bouquet.

Steamworks Diablo Ale - 22 ounce bomber. A generous amount of Mt. Hood hops gives the Diablo a sweet cereal aroma that masks its deceptive nature. Brewed in Durango, Colorado.

Campo Viejo Gran Reserva - This red wine from Spain is aged 24 months in oak casks and 36 months in the bottle. It's a wine with great structure and elegance with a long lingering finish. Great with roast meat or meats with sauces, stews, and cheeses.

Santa Julia Torrentes - Torrentes is a uniquely Argentinian white grape. This wine is a floral, crisp wine that embodies pleasure. It has ripe flavors of citrus and peaches with a spicey finish. Made with organically grown grapes.

Amica's Amber Ale - Salida's own Amica's brewery recently started bottling their beer in six-packs. A few weeks ago we got in their Ute Trail Pale Ale and now we also have their Amber Ale. Support our local brewery and pick up a six-pack of either of their ales the next time you're in the store. See you then!

The Hottest Wine Around - Portugal's Madeira

2008-09-11T11:45:00.002-06:00

by Lindsay Alston

Madeira wine is in fact a family of wines that derive in the Madeira Islands of Portugal. The many wines that are produced using the methods that have been in general use for centuries can be made use of in a number of different ways. Some types of Madeira wine are ideal for cooking, while others are more suitable for use with desserts or as an aperitif. Madeira wine may be prepared to be a sweet wine or a dry wine. In all cases, the wines are equipped by a process that helps the complete product to enjoy a long life without reducing the flavor or the aroma of the wine. In each case, the fortified wine goes through a process of vinification that is relatively unique to the fermenting process used in other parts of the world. The end result is that Madeira wine tends to have a unique flavor and bouquet that make it popular in many places around the world.

Madeira wine is prepared with brandy during fermentation to raise its alcoholic content to 18-20 percent. Madeiras, varying from dry to sweet, originate their individual, rich character from the volcanic soil of the island's vineyards and from a distinctive process of aging in baking rooms for many months after fermentation. This accelerated aging process was undertaken after the discovery that the wines gained from the prolonged heat of storage that they underwent during tropical voyages. Madeira is also aged in oak casks, and wines of different ages may be blended before bottling.

The temperate marine climate and warm winters are perfect for grape and all kinds of growing. Madeira has some of the tallest sea cliffs in the world and farmers must scratch out their agriculture on manmade terraces. Much like in the port manufacturing Douro Valley, these steep heights no doubt play a role to the strength and concentration of the ripened grape, revealing the plants to powerful sunlight but always having the cooling sea breeze to temper the effects of extended radiation.

In general, Madeira can be divided into four separate and very different drinks, named after the four varieties of grape from which they come. These range from the dry, nutty Sercial to the rich raisiny Malmsey, or Malvasia as it is otherwise known. In between you have the medium-dry Verdelho and the medium-rich Boal. Like many wines, Madeira can be drunk with specific foods and at different stages of a meal. Sercial is considered an aperitif, while Verdelho is a perfect assistant to Soup, especially Turtle soup. Boal and Malmsey are both believed to be dessert wines but Boal is exceptional with fruit, nuts or chocolate, where Malmsey is generally considered a digestif.

Lindsay Alston is an expert author for ClassicWines.com specializing in Madeira.

Drink: A Cultural History of Alcohol

2008-08-21T13:05:00.000-06:00

Book Review

Drink: A Cultural History of Alcohol, by Iain Gately. A spirited look at the history of alcohol from the dawn of civilization to the twenty first century. For better or worse, alcohol has helped shape our civilization. Throughout history, it has been consumed not just to quench our thirsts or nourish our bodies but also for cultural reasons. It has been associated since antiquity with celebration, creativity, friendship, and danger, for every drinking culture has acknowledged it possesses a dark side.

In Drink, Iain Gately traces the course of humanity’s 10,000 year old love affair with the substance which has been dubbed “the cause of—and solution to—all of life’s problems.” Along the way he scrutinises the drinking habits of presidents, prophets, and barbarian hordes, and features drinkers as diverse as Homer, Hemmingway, Shakespeare, Al Capone, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson. Covering matters as varied as bacchanals in Imperial Rome, the gin craze in 17th century London, the rise and fall of the temperance movement, and drunk driving, Drink details the benefits and burdens alcohol has conveyed to the societies in which it is consumed. Gately’s lively and provocative style brings to life the controversies, past and present, that have raged over alcohol, and uses the authentic voices of drinkers and their detractors to explode myths and reveal truths about this most equivocal of fluids.

Drink further documents the contribution of alcohol to the birth and growth of the United States, taking in the war of Independence, the Pennsylvania Whiskey revolt, the slave trade, and the failed experiment of National Prohibition. Finally, it provides a history of the world’s best loved drinks. Enthusiasts of craft brews and fine wines will discover the origins of their favorite tipples, and what they have in common with Greek philosophers and medieval princes every time they raise a glass. A rollicking tour through humanity’s love affair with alcohol, Drink is an intoxicating history of civilization.
Order from Amazon.com - Amazon Kindle edition here

What's New This Week

2008-08-21T12:48:00.000-06:00

New Product Announcements

Cloudy Bay Chardonnay - The Cloudy Bay vineyards are located in the Marlborough region, at the northern end of New Zealand's South Island. Grown under ideal conditions, the vines produce intensely flavored fruit with distinctive varietal character. This is a complex, full bodied wine with ripe fruit and subtle smoky oak. It has gotten very high marks from wine reviewers around the world.

Paringa Shiraz - Approaching the end of its 2000 mile course from snow fields to the sea, the Murray river feeds the lush vineyards of South Australia that produce 50% of the country's wine. From these sun drenched fertile soils, the Hickinbotham's Paringa vineyards make this uniquely Australian wine.

Left Hand Imperial Stout - 22 ounce bomber. A black ale made with pure Rocky Mountain water.

1800 Reserva Silver Tequila - This exceptional 100% de Agave silver tequila has a clean smooth taste that is best enjoyed straight. An excellent sipping tequila.

Cazadores 100% de Agave Tequila - This 100% blue agave from the highlands of Mexico is double distilled and expertly developed by 79 artisans. It is aged in small American white oak casks for a distinctive, rich bouquet and amber color. This tequila is slowly fermented to classical music to relax the yeast and ultimately produce a more harmonious taste.

Amicas Ute Trail Pale Ale in 6-packs!

2008-08-11T16:00:00.001-06:00

New Product Announcements

Estes Park Stinger Wild Honey Wheat - This beer is brewed with pure Colorado honey at 7522 feet in altitude.

DeBeque Canyon Red Fox Merlot - Red Fox Vineyards is a small producer of premium Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Temperanillo grapes, located in Palisades, Colorado, in the heart of the beautiful Grand Valley. This single-vineyard Merlot is light and clean with toasty oak aromas.

DeBeque Canyon Reserve Merlot - Aromas of blackberry, cherry, and coffee. Well-integrated tannins from four years of barrel aging. Lingering finish. An excellent choice with beef, lamb, and wild game.

DeBeque Canyon Chardonnay - Refreshing crisp flavors of tropical fruit and a hint of pear and apple. Good acidity for a tangy finish. Unoaked.

McManis Barbera Red Table Wine - From four generations of family farming comes a truly delicious red table wine.

St Pauli Non-Alcoholic Beer - We've expanded our selection of N.A. beers to include this popular brew imported from Germany. Brewed in strict accordance with the German Purity Law of 1516.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to get a coupon each month for a special savings. Go to the right column for the sign-up box.

Salida's own Amicas Brewery's
Ute Trail Pale Ale
is now available in six-pack bottles
at Roxy's!

Some Beer News

2008-08-11T15:30:00.000-06:00

Industry News

New Chinese Beer Law
A new Chinese law prohibits Air Force pilots from drinking alcoholic beverages at lunch while at work.

Barley Growers Get Beer Update From Coors
Peter "PJ" Coors of the Coors brewing family told Montana barley growers Friday that this has been a record year in what has been a stable business, with rapidly escalating fuel and fertilizer costs, rising grain prices and megamergers among brewers.

"The world's changed from this time last year for all of us," Coors said. "They're going to still be talking about 2008 20 years from now. The number two brewer and the number three brewer merge, and the number one gets bought out."

During a tour of a grain elevator and Montana State University's Southern Ag Research Center near Huntley, Coors said the July 1 merger of Coors Brewing of Golden, Colo., with Miller Brewing Co. of Milwaukee, Wis., will save money. For example, each truckload of beer will travel 300 fewer miles.

Then he shook his head at the latest shake-up announced Monday, plans by Belgium's InBev to pay $52 billion for Anheuser-Busch, creating the world's largest beer-brewing company.

"When MillerCoors announced our merger last October, Auggie Busch (chief executive) sent out an e-mail saying that they (Coors) will be distracted for a while and now is the time to attack," he said. "We're going to return the favor and take advantage of the possible confusion in the Anheuser-Busch ranks."

Meet the New King of Beers
Boston Beer CEO Jim Koch is as surprised as anyone that his company is now the country's No. 1 independent, publicly-traded brewery. Click to read an interview with him.

Taking Out the Trash in Missouri

2008-08-11T15:09:00.000-06:00

Factoid

Did you know that anyone under the age of 21 who takes out household trash containing even a single empty alcohol beverage container can be charged with illegal possession of alcohol in the state of Missouri? Source: Missouri Revised Statistics (311.325).

Dusseldorf German Alt Bier: a Taste of Class in a Glass

2008-08-11T15:00:00.000-06:00

by Shawn Burgy

Northern Dusseldorf German Alt Bier is a very tasty and satisfying beer. a loose translation of Alt Bier would be Old Beer. It is said to be one of the oldest styles in Germany. Rumored to be a beer before Germany had access to Lager yeast. It is a lot like a big malty English Bitter. It tends to have much more hop bitterness than does an English Bitter. It's big on malt and how it is brewed. Very few examples of Dusseldorf Alt Bier can be found in the US.

The only way that I have had Alt Bier is by brewing it myself. It is a very tasty and easy beer for the homebrewer to make. Normally this beer would be brewed using a decotion mash. However you can make a very good Alt Bier by using single infusion mashing.

Gravity for Alt Bier is between 1.046 - 1.056 original gravity. Most are hopped between 25-40 IBU's, All dependent upon the gravity.Always hopped with German noble hops. These usually being Spalt, Hallertau Mittelfrau and sometimes Tettnanger.

Typically made with a Pils base and colored with roasted malt or dark crystal. May include small amounts of Munich or Vienna malt. Noble hops. usually made with an attenuating ale yeast.

This is one beer that you don't want to steer wrong yeast wise. My suggestion is Wyeast 1007 German Dusseldorf Ale. It gives it the perfect big creamy head. Also the perfect degree of malt flavour.

Subtle malty, sometimes grainy aroma. Low to no noble hop aroma. Clean, lager character with very restrained ester profile. No diacetyl.

Fairly bitter yet balanced by a smooth and sometimes sweet malt character that may have a rich, biscuity and/or lightly caramelized flavor. Dry finish often with lingering bitterness. Clean, lager character sometimes with slight sulfur notes and very low to no esters. Very low to medium noble hop flavor. No diacetyl.

Most Alt biers produced outside of Dusseldorf are of the Northern German style. Most are simply moderately bitter brown lagers. Ironically "alt" refers to the old style of brewing (i.e. making ales), which makes the term "Alt Bier" somewhat inaccurate and inappropriate. Those that are made as ales are fermented at cool ale temperatures and lagered at cold temperatures (as with Dusseldorf Alt).

If you can find them, commercial examples would be, DAB Traditional, Hannen Alt, Grolsch Amber, Alaskan Amber, St. Stan's Amber, Schmaltz' Alt

I have been brewing since the craze in the 90's, I stuck to it. Now I'm sharing what I know with you. So give the site below a visit today. It will be evolving and growing with many resources for the new and old brewer alike. The Brewmeister, "Where it's a pleasure to Brew" -Shawn Burgy

Roxy's Bottle Shop has Alaskan Amber in stock if you want to sample an alt beer.

More New Products

2008-07-28T17:35:00.001-06:00

New Product Announcements

Rene Junot Red - 1.5 liter bottles. This French red table wine is made from a careful blend of 20% syrah, 40% Grenache Noir, and 40% Carignon grapes. Ruby red in color with a delicate aroma of fresh cherries and raspberries. Luxurious notes of cinnamon and pepper with a spicy finish.

Patron Silver 100% de Agave Tequila - This has been a very popular item for us and we now also carry it in the .375 liter bottle size.

Goldschlagger - We now also carry this cinnamon schnapps liqueur in the .375 bottle size.

Green Flash Trippel - This Belgian Style Ale has rich pale malt flavors and a solid base for zesty Styrian Golding and Czech Saaz hopping. Trappist ale yeast contributes the fruity, spicy profile of classic monk-brewed Belgian ales. A luscious, fiery, golden brew.

We now carry cloth gift bags for bottles that are handcrafted right here in Salida, Colorado.

Coldstream Hills Pinot Noir - This wine was made using a range of fermentation techniques, including whole branch inclusion, followed by nine months maturing in French oak. Attractive character of dark cherry, plum, and blueberry are evident with integrated toasty oak.

Steamworks Third Eye Pale Ale - Just like the super-hoppy English Ales that originated in the early 1800's, the Pale Ale's larger grain bill produces plenty of residual sweetness. The Third Eye is one of our most heavily hopped beers, with a nice, light, copper color. It's a hophead's delight!

Top Ten Alcohol Consuming Nations

2008-07-28T14:45:00.001-06:00

Factoid

Top Ten Alcohol Consuming Nations - from a World Health Organization report in absolute gallon consumption per capita.

1. Portugal, 2.98
2. Luxembourg, 2.95
3. France, 2.87
4. Hungary, 2.66
5. Spain, 2.66
6. Czech Republic, 2.64
7. Denmark, 2.61
8. Germany, 2.50
9. Austria, 2.50
10. Switzerland, 2.43

Notice how the United States isn't even on the list? The U.S. comes in 32nd on the list, consuming an average 1.75 absolute gallons of alcohol per capita. By absolute gallons they mean only the actual alcohol within a drink. So a gallon of wine doesn't count as a gallon. Only the amount of alcohol within the wine counts towards an absolute gallon.

English Bitter - the Style

2008-07-28T14:05:00.004-06:00

by Shawn Burgy

English Bitter is one of the most satisfying of styles. To the homebrewer this can be one of the easiest styles of beer to make. Bitter as a style has many different tastes and surprises. Most are usually bittersweet and hoppy. English Bitter gets this from generous supply's of British noble hops.

The hops of which I speak are Challenger, Wye Target, Fuggles and the most prestigious of them all East Kent Golding's. There are many regional takes on this style as well. One of the more famous was Boddingtons Bitter. This beer was once a staple of the Greater Manchester area before Inbev bought them out. Sadly, the Strangways Brewery in Manchester has since been shut down.

This was a very good example of an English Bitter that was once respected by me. Another example of this style was Mansfield Bitter. Again sadly the brewery in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire has since closed. It's no longer a staple of Mansfield where it's adored across the Midlands. Very few examples of true English Bitter are available in the states.

There however are many examples of Pale Ale across the board. English Bitter is included in the Pale Ale family. There are actually three category's for English Bitter.

There's Ordinary Bitter with a gravity between 1.035 - 1.040. I like my Ordinary Bitter between 1.038 and 1.040. Usually hopped with 25-35 IBU's. Then there's Special/Best Bitter with gravity's between 1.040 - 1.048. Hop IBU's around 25-40. Also there is Extra Special Bitter or ESB for short. Gravity's usually between 1.048 - 1.060. This usually gets generous IBU's around 30-50+.

Respectively they're almost always malty and bittersweet. Usually the flavours don't change much between the three examples. The higher gravity beers tend to accentuate the flavorful British malt.

Grain wise you want to seek out a very good floor malted British two-row barley. My favorite malts in this case are Thomas Fawcett Marris Otter and Halcyon. This is a family owned malting company in West Yorkshire. Examples of beers made with Thomas Fawcett malts are Theakstons Old Pecuiler, Bass Pale Ale. Just to name a few. Be sure to use good fresh British hops as well.

So try making them and make them your own. I think you will be impressed.

The House of Mondavi: The Rise and Fall of an American Wine Dynasty

2008-07-24T21:30:00.003-06:00

Book Review

The House of Mondavi: The Rise and Fall of an American Wine Dynasty, by Julia Flynn Siler. The New York Times bestseller, now in paperback: a scandal-plagued story of the immigrant family that built—and then lost—a global wine empire Set in California’s lush Napa Valley and spanning four generations of a talented and visionary family, The House of Mondavi is a tale of genius, sibling rivalry, and betrayal. From 1906, when Italian immigrant Cesare Mondavi passed through Ellis Island, to the Robert Mondavi Corp.’s twenty-first-century battle over a billion-dollar fortune, award-winning journalist Julia Flynn Siler brings to life both the place and the people in this riveting family drama. A meticulously reported narrative based on more than five hundred hours of interviews, The House of Mondavi is a modern classic. Julia Flynn Siler writes for The Wall Street Journal from San Francisco. She is a former London-based staff writer for the Journal and BusinessWeek, and has written for The New York Times. She is a graduate of Brown University, Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, and Columbia’s Graduate School of Journalism.

Order from Amazon.com.

New Products in This Week

2008-07-07T08:55:00.000-06:00

New Product Announcements

Avery Fifteen Anniversary Ale - A refreshing tart, funky, farmhouse ale brewed with black mission figs, hibiscus flowers and white pepper.

Kona Longboard - We have had several customer requests for Hawaii's signature beer so we've brought it in.

In other beer additions we now carry Coors Light 16 ounce cans in an 18-pack in addition to 6-packs. Also we now carry Corona in cans in both 12-packs and 6-packs. And we've also brought in Budweiser Select in 12-pack cans.

Herding Cats Chardonnay/Viognier - Looking for a wine that all your finicky friends will enjoy? This South African blend of 90% Chardonnay and 10% Viognier achieves the perfect balance of crisp apple and toasty oak, with a satisfying finish.

Black Swan Shiraz - Available in a 4-pack of .187 millileter bottles. From South Eastern Australia.

Oyster Bay Merlot & Oyster Bay Pinot Noir - New Zealand's Oyster Bay Savignon Blanc and Chardonnay have been big sellers for us so we've brought in their Merlot and Pinot Noir. And they are just as delicious!

Lagunitas Sirius - This special edition beer from California's Lagunitas Brewery is described as a "silky high-gravity cream ale."

Sunday Liquor Sales Across Colorado

2008-07-07T08:14:00.002-06:00

Industry News

Yesterday was the first Sunday of legal liqour sales in the State of Colorado. Here is a sampling from around the state of articles written about Sunday liquor sales:

Coloradans Tap Into Sunday Sales - The Denver Post
Historic Sunday in Colorado - Denver Daily News
Liquor Store Owners Will Grin and Bear the New Sunday Law - Longmont Daily Times
Never On Sundays No More - Vail Daily News
Taking Back Sunday - The Colorado Daily
Sunday Liquor Sales Begin in Colorado - Montrose Daily Press
Liqour Stores Mark Historic Day - Glenwood Springs Post Independent
Businesses Prepare For New Sunday Liquor Sales - Canon City Daily Record

What are your opinions of Sunday liquor sales? Click on the "Comments" link below to leave your comment.

More Exciting New Products

2008-06-25T13:47:00.001-06:00

New Product Announcements

Salvation - A Belgian style golden ale from Avery Brewing Company. Full of fruity aroma and hoppy complexity with a soft light palate. Brewed with pure Rocky Mountain water, imported Belgian malted barley, Belgian candy sugar, Styrian Goldings hops, and authentic Belgian yeast.

Karma Ale - Avery Brewing Companies' summer seasonal is back! Handcrafted in Boulder, Colorado.

La Vis Dipinti Pinot Griggio - A crisp and delicious Italian white wine.

Menhir N.Zero - This scrumptous red wine from Italy delivers notes of wild blackberries and ripe plum on the nose with a concentrated and velvety long finish.

Fonseca Ruby Port - This fine young port is made from grapes grown on the steep terraces of the Douro Valley of Portugal. A full young fruity port, which is best served at room temperature and can be enjoyed with a meal or on its own.

Santa Rita 120 Merlot - Superb quality and craftsmanship are the hallmarks of Santa Rita, one of Chile's most admired and innovative wine estates. This merlot has a deep red color, with violet reflections and ruby hues. Fragrant aromas of fresh strawberry, plum, and vanilla are complemented by a hint of dried herbs. Its sweet, well-rounded flavor, rich in fruity undertones, is enhanced by soft tannins and a pleasing note of oak.

Charamba Vinho Tinto - This red wine from the Douro Valley of Portugal is a velvety, fruity wine with great character and an intense bouquet.

Kuhl Reisling - Just a drop of Riesling will "kuhl" you down on a hot summer day and "kuhl" the fire on your palate after a spicey meal. Scents of flowers and citrus on the nose are followed by crisp flavors of lime, honey and slate all balanced out by a bright acidity and lingering finish full of fruit and stone. The perfect German sipping wine.

Zipang Sparkling Sake - Sweet yet refreshingly light. made with only rice, water, and yeast. It contains no sulfites or preservatives, and is naturally carbonated. Imported from Japan.

Our Daily Red - This delicious California organic red wine has no sulfites added and is USDA certified organic. From the Nevada Wine Guild.

Bacardi Classic Mojito - Experience the ultimate premixed mojito cocktail prepared with Bacardi Superior Rum.

(Ooops) Carmenere Merlot - Although Merlot and Carmenere grapes look alike, Carmenere is something in between a Merlot and a Cabernet Sauvignon. Carmenere has great depth of deep-purple color, a jammy-fruity aroma, and soft tannins, just like Merlot, but it also has more complexity and earthiness, like a Cabernet. With its ruby glow, this cheeky little red from Chile with blackberry and oak flavors has an aroma of leather and vanilla. It's superb with red meat, or tomato pasta dishes.

Firestone Sauvignon Blanc - From the Santa Ynez Valley in California's Santa Barbara County, this wine boasts crisp flavors of guava, melon, and passion fruit with hints of citrus and lemongrass.

Fat Tire - We announced that New Belgium Brewing Company was going to put out their flagship brew, Fat Tire, in cans. Well, they are now in stock, chilled, and ready for your summer adventures.

Big Fat Fun

2008-06-19T09:06:00.003-06:00

Chief Hooligan Craft architect Greg Amidon

The Hooligan Craft in the FIBark Parade

Testing the weight of the craft (and the tensile strength of Chris' noggin).

Carrying the craft down to the water.

Pulling the water-filled craft out of the river.

Hooligan craft pilots Chris and Simon

Team Roxy's Hooligan Craft was the hit of the Hooligan Race at this year's FIBark. Though never tested, the craft proved just barely sea-worthy enough to win the race! Of course, the object of the Hooligan Race is not to come in first but rather second. But first place comes with extensive bragging rights. Greg and Roxanne Amidon have not yet officially announced their intentions for next year's Hooligan Race. They do, however, wish to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all of Roxy's customers who brought in wine corks to help build the craft. The craft will be on display at the store for the rest of this week.

The Billionaire's Vinegar

2008-06-19T08:22:00.000-06:00

Book Review

The Billionaire's Vinegar: The Mystery of the World's Most Expensive Bottle of Wine , by Benjamin Wallace. It was the most expensive bottle of wine ever sold. In 1985, at a heated auction by Christie’s of London, a 1787 bottle of Château Lafite Bordeaux—one of a cache of bottles unearthed in a bricked-up Paris cellar and supposedly owned by Thomas Jefferson—went for $156,000 to a member of the Forbes family. The discoverer of the bottle was pop-band manager turned wine collector Hardy Rodenstock, who had a knack for finding extremely old and exquisite wines. But rumors about the bottle soon arose. Why wouldn’t Rodenstock reveal the exact location where it had been found? Was it part of a smuggled Nazi hoard? Or did his reticence conceal an even darker secret?

It would take more than two decades for those questions to be answered and involve a gallery of intriguing players—among them Michael Broadbent, the bicycle-riding British auctioneer who speaks of wines as if they are women and staked his reputation on the record-setting sale; Serena Sutcliffe, Broadbent’s elegant archrival, whose palate is covered by a hefty insurance policy; and Bill Koch, the extravagant Florida tycoon bent on exposing the truth about Rodenstock. Pursuing the story from Monticello to London to Zurich to Munich and beyond, Benjamin Wallace also offers a mesmerizing history of wine, complete with vivid accounts of subterranean European laboratories where old vintages are dated and of Jefferson’s colorful, wine-soaked days in France, where he literally drank up the culture.

Suspenseful, witty, and thrillingly strange, The Billionaire’s Vinegar is the vintage tale of what could be the most elaborate con since the Hitler diaries. It is also the debut of an exceptionally powerful new voice in narrative non-fiction. Benjamin Wallace has written for GQ, Food & Wine, and Philadelphia, where he was the executive editor. He lives in Brooklyn.Order from Amazon.com.

Hooligan Craft is Here!

2008-06-09T17:36:00.001-06:00

Team Roxy's Hooligan Craft is currently on display at the store. Come take a good close look at it before it is put in the river this coming Saturday at FIBark's Hooligan Race. And no, the beer isn't going down the river. The craft will be piloted by the mysterious unidentified "Cork Man." Greg and Roxy will be watching safely from shore. You can also see the craft in the FIBark Parade. But if you come down to the store this week you can see it up close and personal and, if you are so inclined, you can even count how many corks were used to build it.

New Products Received in the Last Week

2008-06-02T15:33:00.000-06:00

New Product Announcements

Sexto - The name of this blended red wine from Spain means "sixth" in Spanish. It was the sixth grape added to the blend--the obscure Lledoner Pelut Noir--that made all the difference. Sexto captures the traditional taste of Spain with a decidedly modern twist. The blend breaks down to: 33% Barancha, 30% Carignan, 20% Tempranillo, 6% Lledoner Pelut Noir, 6% Cabernet Savignon, and 5% Syrah.

Herradurra Silver Tequila - Casa Herradurra, founded in 1870, is one of the oldest and most respected producers of tequila. Produced in the heart of Mexico's tequila region, in Amatitan, Jaliso, Tequila Herradurra is 100% blue agave tequila carefully crafted using traditional methods. The result is a tequila with a wonderfully smooth agave flavor of uncompromising quality. Casa Herradurra is proud to have been named 2007 Distiller of the Year by Wine Enthusiast magazine, the first tequila distiller to win this prestigious award.

Bud Light Lime - Just in time for summer, this is Budweiser's new premium light beer with 100% natural lime flavor.

Marinella Marsala Sweet - Marinella excels in the kitchen and in your glass. Drink it chilled as an aperitif or dessert wine, or on the rocks as a cocktail. Indispensable for making Zabaglione. Award-winning Marinella has rich, nutty, aromatic flavors that rank it with the finest wines of Europe.

Spaten Pils - This pilsner beer is the newest addition to our extensive bomber collection.

Lindeman's Bin 55 Shiraz Cabernet - Founded by Dr. Henry Lindeman in 1843, Lindeman's has consistently crafted award-winning wines. From South Eastern Australia, this wine is 60% Shiraz and 40% Cabernet Savignon.

Finest Call Premium Sweet and Sour Mix - In a one liter bottle, this is one of the best Sweet and Sour mixes available.

Tequila Rose - An indulgent strawberry cream liqueur with a splash of tantalizing tequila. Now available in a .375 liter bottle.

Santa Rita Carmenere - Superb quality and craftsmanship are the hallmarks of Santa Rita, one of Chile's most admired and innovative wine estates. This wine comes from the Rapel Valley, one of the finest wine producing regions in the world. On the palate, its soft savory tannins are dominated by its lush fruit and spice characteristics. A sensational well rounded and lingering wine.

Santa Rita Organic Tempranillo - A fresh young wine with ripe black fruits, raisins, figs, and plum marmalades. Hints of vanilla and tobacco give character and a long finish. Of intense violet color with ruby accents. Great with pastas and red meats, Cajun dishes, or spiced flavors.

A Recipe Collection--Top 5 Most Requested Summer Drinks

2008-06-02T15:12:00.000-06:00

by Sandee Lembke

When most people host summer parties, they usually have the basic alcoholic beverages, like beer and wine, but rarely do you see a host offer a selection of really special summer drinks. I have perfected my list of offerings over the years and now I share my "Top 5 Most Requested Summer Drinks" with you (in no particular order).

Number One Most Requested Summer Cocktail--Limoncello Mint Lemonade

1/2 cup lemonade concentrate, 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice, ice cubes, 1/4 cup Limoncello (lemon liqueur), 1/2 cup club soda, Lemon slices, and mint for garnish

In a small pitcher, "muddle" mint leaves together with lemonade concentrate and lemon juice. Muddle means to bruise the leaves so they release their flavor. I use the end of a wooden spoon. Stir in ice cubes, Limoncello and club soda and pour into 4 glasses. Top them off with a lemon slice, a sprig of fresh mint and an umbrella.

Makes 4-10 oz. drinks.

Number Two Most Requested Summer Cocktail--Pomegranate Blueberry Martini

Made with 1/2 juice so not as strong as most martinis.

1/2 part vodka, 1 part pomegranate mix (I use "Rose" brand), 1 part pomegranate blueberry juice (I use "Tropicana" brand), Orange slices for garnish.

Shake ingredients with ice for 1 minute in a martini shaker. Pour into some martini glasses and garnish with an orange slice. Crisp and refreshing!

Number Three Most Requested Summer Cocktail--Pineapple Bleu

2-oz. Hypnotic Liqueur, 1-oz. Grey Goose Vodka, Splash of pineapple juice, Lemon twist for garnish

Shake together Hypnotic, vodka and ice until chilled. Pour into a martini glass, top with pineapple juice and garnish with a lemon twist and an umbrella.

Number Four Most Requested Summer Cocktail--Sangria Punch

This one is great for summer barbeques because you can easily make it a pitcher at a time or can serve it from a punch bowl.

1 lemon, 1 lime, 1 orange, 1-1/2 cups rum (spiced rum works well too), 1/2 cup white sugar, 1 (750 milliliter) bottle dry red wine, 1 cup orange juice. Chill the fruit, rum, orange juice and wine. If desired, make ice cubes out of the orange juice. This is a good way to keep drinks icy cold without diluting them. Slice the lemon, lime and orange into thin rounds and place in a large glass pitcher. Pour in the rum and sugar. Chill in refrigerator for 2 hours to develop the flavors. When ready to serve, crush the fruit lightly with a wooden spoon and stir in the wine and orange juice (cubes if you made them). Adjust sweetness to taste.

Number Five Most Requested Summer Cocktail--Fruited Brandy Punch

This one has become a favorite at my home and a lot of the parties I attend, most likely because everyone loves it and you can make a huge amount and serve it in a punch bowl.

1/2 part brandy (I use Christian Brothers brand), 1 part lemon-lime soda, 2 parts fruit juice (Cranberry-Peach blend is my favorite), 1/2 bag frozen fruit (Blueberries and strawberries look great), 1 fruited ice ring (see recipe below), slices of lemons, limes and oranges, if desired.

Mix fruit juice and frozen fruit together in a nice punch bowl or container. Pour in lemon-lime soda, gently stir and then float an ice ring on top (see recipe below). Rather than spike the punch, I serve the brandy on the side so my guests who prefer non-alcoholic punch can drink it too.

To make ice ring:

Pour 1-2 cups of the juice mixture from above into a Bundt pan or another mold. Add some of the fruit and/or fresh citrus slices. Freeze overnight.

Just before serving, set the pan into some hot water to loosen the ice ring and then turn it into the punch bowl. It makes a really beautiful presentation, cools the punch and since it's made with juice, it will not water down the punch. Perfect!

This recipe can easily be altered so you can serve it from a Drink Fountain which is really gaining popularity lately. Just leave out the fruit and the ice ring.

So, now you have five classic summer cocktails to WOW your guests with. They will be so surprised when you hand them one of these special summer drinks instead of the usual beer and wine.

Sandee Lembke from Theme Party Queen.com Theme-Party-Queen.com invites you to visit her site for more great theme party ideas and recipes.

Best-selling Vodkas in America

2008-06-02T14:56:00.002-06:00

Factoid

In 2007, the top ten best-selling vodkas were:

1. Smirnoff
2. Absolut
3. Grey Goose
4. Skyy
5. Stolichnaya
6. Ketel One
7. McCormick
8. Popov
9. Barton
10. Skol

Fat Tire In Cans

2008-05-29T09:33:00.000-06:00

Industry News

New Belgium Brewing Company of Ft. Collins began canning their signature brew Fat Tire this month. The new packaging is expected to be available locally in mid-June (right around the time of FIBark). We will have them at Roxy's just as soon as they are available. How excited are you by Fat Tire being available in cans? Leave your comments below.

Great New Products!

2008-05-20T13:35:00.002-06:00

New Product Announcements

Alaskan Amber Alt Style Beer - This bomber is brewed and bottled in Juneau, Alaska. Some of you have asked for this. Well, we now have it in.

Grand Teton XX Sweetgrass 20th Anniversary Double IPA - Sweetgrass is a region north of Yellowstone National Park. This bomber is brewed solidly in the American IPA style. Sweetgrass is crisp and fragrant with a generous hop characteristic. XX Sweetgrass is all that twice over, with double the malt and hops--an astounding three pounds per barrel in the kettle and another pound per barrel of "dry hops." The hops provide citrusy, resinous flavorful food. Great with Indian food, Cajun, Thai, or Vietnamese cuisine.

Anchor Porter - 6-pack bottles. This old-fashioned porter is virtually handmade, with an exceptional respect for the ancient art of brewing. Includes 100% malted barley, generous amounts of fresh, whole hops, entirely natural carbonation and a simple, natural brewing process which is like no other in the world. The deep black color, the thick, creamy head and the intensely rich flavor have earned this delicious and unique beer a worldwide reputation for outstanding quality.

Prairie Organic Vodka - Crafted on the Minnesota prairie by a fifth-generation family of spirit makers in partnership with over 900 local farmers. Distilled from organically grown corn and bottled with respect for our environment in accordance with organic and kosher standards.

American Beer Consumption

2008-05-20T13:20:00.000-06:00

Factoid

In 2007, Americans consumed 2.93 billion 2.25-gallon cases of beer totalling 98 billion dollars in retail sales.

Customer Appreciation Day!

2008-05-08T09:05:00.002-06:00

Come help us celebrate Roxy's Bottle Shop's ten-year anniversary. Every year we have a Customer Appreciation Day and this year it will truly be special. It will be on Saturday, May 17th. We'll be giving away free shwag all day long--while supplies last. And to say "thanks" to all of our great customers, we'll be offering a 10% discount on all purchases storewide that entire day. A special Customer Appreciation discount plus free goodies! You don't want to miss that so mark your calendars and be sure to come in on Customer Appreciation Day, May 17th. See you then!

New Products In This Week

2008-05-08T08:46:00.004-06:00

New Product Announcements

Yalumba Barossa Shiraz - With 180 years of Barossa heritage, Yalumba continues to champion Australia's most celebrated wine region and variety with its patchwork shiraz sourced from several high quality, yet vastly different, Barossa vineyards. The parcels selected to make this shiraz include fruit from the region's cooler upper reaches to the warmer conditions found on the valley floor. Together they achieve complexity, balance, and grace--a synergy where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. The rich, full, and subtle palate is layered and textured, finishing with long fine silky tannins.

Lagunitas Lucky 13 Large Red Ale - This bomber is brewed and bottled by the Lagunitas Brewing Company of Petaluma, California.

Lagunitas Censored Rich Copper Ale - 6-pack bottles. Back by popular demand!

Woodford Reserve Whiskey - We now carry this premium whiskey in 1.75 liter bottles as well as .750 liter bottles.

Some of our customers have started calling our store, Bomber Central, because of our extensive selection of beer bombers. We are constantly striving to improve our selection of bombers so come in and talk to Alex who is in charge of bomber ordering. Tell him what bombers you'd like to see us carry. And he'd be happy to talk about any of the bombers we do have. Oh, and if you're a hophead, Alex is definitely the guy to talk to.

Stone and Ska

2008-05-02T11:44:00.001-06:00

Beer Review by Alex Young

The Stone (8.7% alc) is advertised as an IPA, but to me is a "hoppy" double pale ale... cuz there's a hell of a lot of dark malt in here. There's a toasty maltiness, and the beer is almost black... But there is still a huge amount of hops, even giving a fruity flavor... from what looks like a DARK beer. Overall, quite good.

The first thing that you notice about the Ska (10% alc.) is that it is beautiful in the glass; gorgeous almost orange color, and TONS of tiny bubbles. It is a more "traditional" IPA. The hops have an almost equal bitter/floral/fruity balance, the flavor is quite hoppy, not really crisp (but definitely crisper than the Stone!), very smooth and balanced as well. You would actually guess the alcohol content on these beers to be reversed... the Stone actually tastes quite a bit stronger.

Bottom Line: Both of these beers are wonderful... BUT comparing them is very tough. Both are advertised as IPAs, but are TOTALLY different... Personally, I prefer the Ska. It is the better balanced ale of the 2, BUT I REALLY like the Stone. It's kinda like a Lagunitas Maximus on steroids... plus more dark roasted goodness. It's really a toss-up. Which of these you prefer will say a lot about you as a beer drinker...

Absinthe: The Legendary Liquor

2008-05-02T11:40:00.001-06:00

by Erika Pitera

Absinthe is a unique liquor that became incredibly popular during France's Belle Epoque era. According to popular folklore, a French doctor, Pierre Ordinaire, first developed absinthe in the late 18th century while he lived in Switzerland.

Originally, absinthe was distilled with wormwood and anise. By combining additional strong herbal flavors such as Florence fennel, star anise, coriander, nutmeg and juniper, as well as others, absinthe became one of the most unique liquors in history. Over time, distillers have created special blends and brands of absinthe, but the most famous brand is still the original, Pernod Fils.

Absinthe, which is widely known for its psychoactive properties, is typically 60% to 75% alcohol. Many artists of the 19th and 20th centuries sought after the "Green Fairy" for its mind-altering effects. Picasso, Poe, Van Gogh, Wilde and Hemingway are just a few who chose absinthe for a muse.

To drink absinthe, one would traditionally pour one part absinthe into the glass. Next, one pours five parts cold water over a sugar cube, which is sitting on top of a slotted absinthe spoon. As the sugar cube dissolves, it dilutes the absinthe. The clear, emerald green liquid becomes cloudy: an effect called the louche. The sugar and water temper the bitterness of the herbal essential oils, creating a more desirable beverage.

Throughout history, there have been five grades of commercially sold absinthe, ordered by increasing strength and quality: ordinaire, demi-fine, fine, superieure and Suisse. Hausgemacht (home-made) absinthe was also quite popular amongst hobbyists. Many who began producing absinthe for personal consumption saw business boom when absinthe was banned throughout Europe. Underground distillers, especially those in Switzerland, sold large quantities of clear absinthe, or La Bleue, because it was easier to hide from the authorities. Bohemian-style absinthe, which contains no anise and is produced primarily in the Czech Republic, is very bitter to taste.

A great deal of confusion surrounds the mystical and mythical properties of absinthe, largely as a result of mass media and film exposure. However, it is a known fact that wormwood extract contains a chemical called thujone, but the small amounts present in absinthe do not cause the rumored hallucinations or seizures.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Prohibition and temperance movements were raging, a number of countries banned the sale and distribution of absinthe. Absinthe was still legal in Spain at this time, so Pernod Fils relocated his French distillery. By the late 1950s, absinthe production in Spain came to a close. Shortly thereafter, Pernod began producing pastis, a wormwood-free liquor similar to absinthe. The newly formed Pernod-Ricard company returned to France, where it is still exists today.

Prohibition is Finally Over

In March 2007, absinthe returned to the American marketplace with Lucid Absinthe Superieure - a wormwood-enhanced liquor developed by New Orleans microbiologist Ted Breaux. He calls Lucid "the first genuine absinthe to be approved for distribution in the United States since 1912."

Absinthe's unique flavor and history have attracted connoisseurs and amateurs alike for over two centuries. Despite the controversy surrounding the legendary "Green Fairy" curiosity and adventurous desire continues to spark interest in the history and enjoyment of absinthe worldwide.

Erika Pitera is a food writer for MyGourmetConnection.com, the online source for people who love good food. We've taken your typical food blog to a whole new level with fun and informative food articles on a variety of topics, such as gourmet cooking, nutrition, ethnic cuisines, entertaining ideas, wines, cookbook reviews and more.

Great New Products Just In

2008-04-28T09:57:00.001-06:00

New Product Announcements

Bookers True Barrel Bourbon - The highest grade bourbon made by Jim Beam. Uncut and bottled straight from the barrel.

Torres Sangre de Toro Red Wine - From the Garnach and Carinena region of Spain.

Pearl Junmai Ginjo Nigori Genshu Sake - Each batch is hand processed in centuries-old traditions to make one of the finest sakes.

Stone Ruination IPA Bomber - 7.7%alc. For the serious hop head, well-spoken yet understated malt presence combined with extreme hoppiness. 100+ IBUs (International bitterness units).

Barbancourt Rhum - This rum from Haiti is aged for 15 years in white limousin oak casks. This private stock is now available in limited quantities. A true sipping rum of rare distinction.

Cinder Cone Red Seasonal Ale. Original and distinct, Cinder Cone Red, from Deschutes Brewery of Bend, Oregon, has a rich malt flavor and a reddish color derived from caramel malt and roasted barley. Amarillo and tettnang hops balance this flavorful ale.

We need wine corks! . . . . . . Help us win the Hooligan Race at FIBark!

Four Yummy Beers

2008-04-28T09:27:00.000-06:00

Beer Review by Alex Young

Wow... I finally got a Kill Ugly Radio, and it was worth the wait... Exquisite! The hoppiness is not too bold, and is perfect parts fruity/floral & bitter. Not very malty, which keeps it light. The Cappucino Stout is a little sweet, but yummy. Creamy & thick with a real coffee flavor that is perfectly subtle. The Left Hand Snowbound is similar to the spiced XMas Anchor style in flavor (brown cooking spices in the British style), but adds honey for a hint of sweetness & texture... Very good. The Breck XMas ale is good--for Breck--which means for the same money there will be at least 6 better beers right next to it...

Understanding Basics to the Best Red Wine

2008-04-28T08:55:00.001-06:00

by Stuart Jay

Wine's color is the direct result of the grape skins in contact with the grape's juice during the fermentation process, creating red wine's distinct color spectrum. A particular red hue depends on which of approximately 50 key red grape varietals are used and the length of time the skin's pigmentation is in contact with juice.

Descriptions of red wine aroma vary as much as the number of different varietals. The varied descriptions of red wine include blackberry, boysenberry, cherry, coffee, cinnamon, clove, cocoa, currant, fig, leather, licorice, mocha, pepper (white/black), plum, strawberry, raisin, raspberry, smoke, toast, tobacco, violet.

The Importance of the Glass

Red wines are best appreciated and enjoyed when sipped out of a wine glass able to accommodate 10-20 ounces, allowing adequate room to swirl the wine and area for the wine to breathe. A glass that is wider at the bottom with a narrower opening at the top is preferred; a tulip shaped glass that is wider at the top is the least preferable.

Best Temperatures

Wines are at their best when served at proper temperatures. Serve them too warm and the taste of alcohol is overly evident; serve them too cold and they will quickly veer towards bitter and more astringent on the palate.

Beaujolais is one of the youngest wines and should be served chilled at 50-54F so the fruity, refreshing flavor will come through. Lighter-bodied reds like Chianti and some Pinot Noirs are best when slightly chilled at 55F-60F. The full-bodied wines, such as Syrah and Cabernets, are best enjoyed a touch warmer than a wine cellar at 59F-64F. Sweet Madeira and vintage Port are best at 64-68F.

Red Wines Are Often Classified by Body-Type

A red wine referred to as light-bodied is making a reference to the mouth-feel and tannin structure, having fewer tannins present and less presence on the palate. These wines are often less demanding in terms of the intensity of the food flavors they are paired with. The Gamay grape varietal which produces Beaujolais wine is typically light-bodied and fruity and meant for immediate consumption, having tropical flavors and aromas - reminiscent of bananas. There are wines made from Gamay produced in the designated Cru areas of northern Beaujolais with more body and tannin meant to be consumed after some modest aging; these wines typically have the flavor of sour cherries, black pepper, dried berry and blackcurrant. Gamay Beaujolais is considered to be an early ripening Californian clone of Pinot Noir. Gamay has also been introduced recently into Oregon's Willamette Valley wine region, known for its wines made from Pinot Noir, another Burgundian grape.

A medium-bodied red wine will contain more tannins than the Beaujolais but will not have the puckery mouth feel of an intense California Cabernet Sauvignon or an Italian Super Tuscan. Typical examples of medium-bodied red wines are Merlot, Shiraz and some Chianti.

Full-bodied red wines have the highest amount of tannin and often alcohol content. Examples of full-bodied reds are France's Bordeaux wines. California's Cabernet Sauvignon ranges from medium-bodied to full-bodied with rich, ripe berry, tobacco and sometimes green pepper flavor. Italy's Super Tuscans can not be easily pinned to one style, comprised mostly of Sangiovese, blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot or Syrah.

We created www.YourLoveOfWine.com because we passionately want to share with those with an interest the art, science, and physical and psychological aspects of the wine tasting experience. An experience without pretension which both the novice and seasoned wine lover can enjoy and appreciate. 8 DIFFERENT WINE CLUBS (one for every taste and budget), the best of the elite red and white wines, gift baskets, wine racks, and glassware.

Exciting New Products

2008-04-21T10:28:00.002-06:00

New Product Announcements

Oban 14-Year Single Malt Scotch - Oban is the unforgettable West Highland destination on a journey around Scotland's six malt whisky making region.

Chopin Potato Vodka - Handcrafted in Poland with methods passed down from the fifteenth century, this vodka is made exclusively with potatoes grown in the Pudlasic region of Poland and distilled four times. The result is an exceptionally well-rounded vodka with a smooth, clean finish.

Belvedere Vodka - "Belvedere" means "beautiful to see" and is the name of the historic Presidential Palace in Poland and is a fitting title for perhaps the worlds most delicious vodka. Handcrafted from 100% Polish rye and distilled four times following traditions handed down for over 500 years. Bottled and distilled in Poland.

Rustic Creek Chardonnay - 1.5 liter. This chardonnay was created to showcase the incredible wines of Argentina that are available at a great price. It is a rich, white wine with flavors of apple and fig that has a round, smooth finish.

Chalone Vineyard Chardonnay - .750 liter. Chalone Vineyard believes that great wine comes from great vineyards. A pioneer in the Monterey wine region, they bring you wines that reflect the unique characteristics of those vineyards. The cooling effect of the nearby Pacific ocean allows the grapes to slowly ripen on the vine, giving this chardonnay firm acidity and crisp pear, apple, and nectarine flavors.

Rogue Chocolate Stout Bombers - 650ml. From Rogue Ales of Newport, Oregon, this beer is ebony in color with a rich creamy head, an earthy flavor of oats and hops that gives way to a rich chocolate truffle finish.

Jack and Jenny eau-de-vie Apricot Brandy - Handmade in small batches. Distilled and bottled by Peach Street Distillers of Palisades, Colorado.

Sierra Nevada Early Spring Beer - 6-pack bottles. This seasonal beer combines the best of English tradition with West Coast style.

We now have New Belgium's Springboard beer in 12-pack bottles as well as 6-packs.

We need beer reviews!

2008 World Beer Cup Winners Announced

2008-04-21T10:15:00.001-06:00

Industry News
Click on title link to read the entire article:

2008 World Beer Cup Winners Announced
"Brewers from five continents earned awards from an elite international panel of judges this week in the 2008 Brewers Association World Beer Cup. The seventh bi-annual competition awarded medals to brewers from 21 countries ranging from Australia and Italy to Bolivia and Japan." Here are the top winners:

Brewers Association World Beer Cup 2008 Champion Brewery
Small Brewpub Category
Bend Brewing Company

Brewers Association World Beer Cup 2008 Champion Brewery
Large Brewpub Category
Pelican Pub & Brewery

Brewers Association World Beer Cup 2008 Champion Brewery
Small Brewing Company Category
Port Brewing Company and The Lost Abbey

Brewers Association World Beer Cup 2008 Champion Brewery
Mid-Size Brewing Company Category
Privatbrauerei Hoepfner GmbH

Brewers Association World Beer Cup 2008 Champion Brewery
Large Brewing Company Category
Blue Moon Brewing Company

More information is available at WorldBeerCup.org

Reflections of a Wine Merchant

2008-04-21T09:55:00.000-06:00

Book Review

Reflections of a Wine Merchant, by Neal I. Rosenthal. A leading importer of limited-production wines of character and quality takes us on an intimate tour through family-owned vineyards in France and Italy and reflects upon the last three decades of controversy, hype, and change in the world of wine

In the late 1970s, Neal I. Rosenthal set out to learn everything he could about wine. Today, he is one of the most successful importers of traditionally made wines produced by small family-owned estates in France and Italy. Rosenthal has immersed himself in the culture of Old World wine production, working closely with his growers for two and sometimes three generations. He is one of the leading exponents of the concept of “terroir”—the notion that a particular vineyard site imparts distinct qualities of bouquet, flavor, and color to a wine. In Reflections of a Wine Merchant, Rosenthal brings us into the cellars, vineyards, and homes of these vignerons, and his delightful stories about his encounters, relationships, and explorations—and what he has learned along the way—give us an unequaled perspective on winemaking tradition and what threatens it today. Rosenthal was featured in the documentary film Mondovino and is one of the more outspoken figures against globalization, homogenization, and the “critic-ization” of the wine business. He was also a major subject in Lawrence Osborne’s The Accidental Connoisseur. His is an important voice in defense of the individual and the artisanal, and their contribution to our quality of life. Neal I. Rosenthal was born in New York City in 1945 and was educated at Rutgers, Columbia, and New York University. He lives on a fifty-seven-acre farmstead in Pine Plains, New York, which produces organic eggs, buckwheat honey, fruit, and vegetables. Order from Amazon.com.

The Great Wine Cork Hooligan Craft Endeavor

2008-04-17T09:06:00.001-06:00

Salida's annual FIBark Festival is now less than two months away. For Salida newbies, FIBark (First in Boating on the Arkansas) is an annual festival that includes kayak races, raft races, kayak rodeo, live entertainment, food vendors, a hill foot climb, games, air band competition, and more. Generally speaking, it's a huge party thrown in downtown Salida. In addition to the serious boat races there is also a Hooligan Race where anyone can enter their home-made water crafts.

The Hooligan Race is a "just for fun" boat race and in years past there have been all manner of zany and bizarre home-made boats entered. Well Team Roxy's loves to have fun so we will be entering the Hooligan Race this year with a boat built with recycled wine corks. Cork floats, right? We certainly hope it does.

To build this cork boat we have been collecting recycled wine corks in the store for the past few months and so far we've collected several thousand. (We haven't counted exactly how many.) The boat has already been designed and will be built over the next few weeks. We hope to test it in May on the placid waters of Frantz Lake.

But we don't have quite enough corks yet! We're about 80 percent there, though. So we playfully urge everyone to drink plenty of wine and bring us the corks as soon as you can. We need one or two thousand more corks. Just bring them by the store anytime. Every cork will be greatly appreciated. We thank everyone who already contributed corks and we thank everyone in advance who brings in more corks in the final hours leading up to boat production. Team Roxy's wants to win the Hooligan Race and we invite everyone out to the Race to cheer us on. It's all about having fun. We hope to see you there.

The Gusto Is Back!

2008-04-14T08:15:00.002-06:00

by Crazy Eddie

How many readers are old enough to remember Schlitz Beer? Schlitz has a long history and during both the 1950's and 1960's it was the number one selling beer in America. It was in the 1970's that Budweiser took over the number one spot and the popularity of Schlitz took a nosedive. There are many reasons for this but let me start at the beginning.

In 1850 twenty-year-old German immigrant Joseph Schlitz arrived in Milwaukie and got a job with the small August Krug tavern brewery.In 1856 August Krug died and Joseph Schlitz took over the brewery, renaming it the Joseph Schlitz Brewery. The brewery supplied beer locally in Milwaukie but didn't start expanding until the 1870's after the Great Chicago Fire. The fire had destroyed all of Chicago's breweries and Chicagoans were suddenly without beer. Joseph Schlitz came to the rescue and started hauling beer from Milwaukie down to Chicago. Chicago beer drinkers were so happy with Schlitz beer that they started calling it "the beer that made Milwaukie famous." Expansion continued for the next few decades and in 1902 Schlitz surpassed Pabst as the number one selling beer in America.

In 1912 Schlitz was the first brewery to introduce brown bottles to keep light from spoiling the beer. During the first two decades of the 1900's Schlitz and Pabst were battling it out for the number one position of best-selling beer. But then came Prohibition in 1920. Schlitz Brewing Company became Schlitz Beverage Company, selling non-alcoholic beverages with the slogan, "the NAME that made Milwaukie famous." When Prohibition ended in 1933 Schlitz became Schlitz Brewing Company again and beer production quickly returned to pre-Prohibition levels.

It was in the post-World War II era of the 1950's and 1960's that Schlitz regained the number one best-selling beer position. It was in the 1950's that Schlitz entered the world of television commercials producing a hugely successful marketing campaign centered around the catch phrase, "Go for the gusto." The 1960's was a great time for Schlitz and it far outsold its competition. By the early 1970's Schlitz ran into a problem; the couldn't keep up with demand. So they built what was then the largest brewery in the world on a 34 acre site in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In 1973 Schlitz beer production peeked at 21.3 million barrels of beer. Despite this, Schlitz was losing its number one position to Budweiser.

1976 was a pivotal year for Schlitz as everything went downhill from there. That was the year they changed their formula. To compete against Budweiser and other beers Schlitz decided to change from a premium beer to a budget beer. They felt they could only compete through pricing. But to keep a low budget price they had to cut costs drastically and this involved created a new formula with cheaper and less ingredients. I happen to remember when this happened. Everyone was saying, "What happened to Schlitz? It tastes watered down!" Consequently, Schlitz sales started going down drastically. In keeping with cost-cutting, they also quit their national advertising campaigns and this further lowered sales. Another factor in the decline was the decision to quit bottling Schlitz, selling it only in cans.

Then in 1981 Schlitz was hit by a crippling strike by their workers that left the company in near ruin. In 1982 the company was sold to Stroh's Brewery Company of Detroit. Stroh's, however, had a lot of the same problems and went out of business in 1998, selling the Schlitz label to Pabst. In the ensuing decade Pabst has been working on a reintroduction of Schlitz. But they didn't want to reintroduce the 1976 formula. They wanted to bring back the popular 1960's formula. Unfortunately, this formula had been lost. The job of reconstructing the full-bodied 1960's Schlitz formula fell on Pabst brewmaster Bob Newman, who was named the 2006 and 2007 Brewmaster of the Year at the Great American Beer Festival. His research involved finding and interviewing some of the original Schlitz brewmasters who were still alive. The formula has been reconstructed and tested and on April 2nd it was officially reintroduced in the Chicago area--75 years after Schlitz was reintroduced after Prohibition.

Currently, Schlitz is only available in the Chicago area as well as Minnesota and Florida. Plans call for a gradual expansion into major markets with a full-blown national campaign slated for 2009. The new/old Schlitz will only be available in bottles and will be sold as a premium beer priced comparably with Budweiser and Coors. The advertising campaign will be 1950's and 1960's retro and will feature phrases like, "The gusto is back." Beer drinkers will be urged to remember a time when "the cars were cooler, the athletes didn't cheat, and the beer was better."

It has not yet been determined when Schlitz will become available in Colorado but you can rest assured that when it does become available Roxy's Bottle Shop will carry it. You can stay informed by checking the Roxy's Bottle Shop website or subscribing to the newsletter (right column).

Crazy Eddie writes for Kitchen Euphoria as well as Blog Salida

New Products In This Week

2008-04-09T14:07:00.001-06:00

New Product Announcements

Stone Imperial Russian Stout - Limited spring 2008 release. Brewed in the authentic historical style of an Imperial Russian Stout, this beer is massive. Intensely aromatic (notes of anise, black currants, coffee, roastiness, and alcohol) and heavy on the palate, this brew goes where few can--and fewer dare even try. The style originated from Czarist Russia's demand for ever thicker English Stouts. Expect this mysterious brew to pour like Siberian crude and taste even heavier.

Springboard Ale - New Belgium's spring seasonal is back! 98% ale brewed with wormwood, lycium, and schisandra. 2% ale aged in oak barrels.

Buffalo Bill's Orange Blossom Cream Ale - Back by popular demand, this ale is brewed with honey, orange peel, and natural flavor, with orange flower extract added. Buffalo Bill's Brewery opened in 1983, brewing and bottling fine handcrafted ales. It is located 30 minutes southeast of San Francisco.

Decadent Imperial I.P.A. - A new bomber from Ska Brewing Company of Durango.

Old Speckled Hen English Fine Ale - Imported from England in 14.9 ounce 4-pack cans. First brewed to commemerate the 50th anniversary of the MG car factory and affectionately named after an old MG car used as a factory runaround. A finely balanced ale with a smooth rich malty taste.

Cono Sur Pinot Noir - This pinot noir is a wine with a story to tell. It was born in Old Vines 78, a Colchagua Valley block, where flocks of geese are daily seen rummaging the vines, ecologically doing away with potentially harmful insects. This land holds Chile's first plantation of pinot noir, dating back to 1968, when its foggy cool micro-climate and balanced stone clay soils were recognized as a gifted origin for this variety. Fresh and intense fruit notes of plum, cherry, and raspberry combine with slight floral and earthy tones. The wine maker intends this pinot noir to be fresh and expressive and so they sealed it with a specially designed screwcap to keep it so. Uncap the saga and let it live on.

Corralejo Tequila - The true flavor of this tequila is obtained through the double distillation of fermented musts of Weber blue agave tequila carefully cooked in stone ovens. The final distilled product is rectified and deluded for bottling to the required alcohol strength. The aroma is smooth and wooden-like accompanied by sweet, fruit full notes. A very smooth tasting tequila.

Grape Vs. Grain

2008-04-09T13:55:00.000-06:00

Book Review

Grape vs. Grain: A Historical, Technological, and Social Comparison of Wine and Beer, by Charles Bamforth. Why is wine considered more sophisticated even though the production of beer is much more technologically complex? Why is wine touted for its health benefits when beer has more nutritive value? Why does wine conjure up images of staid dinner parties while beer denotes screaming young partiers? Charles Bamforth explores several paradoxes involving these beverages, paying special attention to the culture surrounding each. He argues that beer can be just as grown-up and worldly as wine and be part of a healthy, mature lifestyle. Both beer and wine have histories spanning thousands of years. This is the first book to compare them from the perspectives of history, technology, nature of the market for each, quality attributes, types and styles, and the effect that they have on human health and nutrition. Order from Amazon.com.

Tasty Sangria Recipe

2008-04-07T08:01:00.002-06:00

I had been looking for a Sangria recipe after having a tasty one at a Cuban restaurant in Atlanta. I looked online and I found Sangria recipes varied greatly, including everything from lemons, peaches, brandy, and sugar. I tried a few different recipes, but didn't really like any of them. Lemons made it sour, peaches made it too sweet, Brandy just gave it a taste of alcohol and the sugar never really dissolved.

The best and simplest recipe for a great Sangria is this:

1 bottle of inexpensive dry red wine, like a Cabernet or Burgundy

1/2 cup Triple Sec

1/2 cup rum

1 cup orange juice

Chopped apples

That's it. Just mix together in a large pitcher. It's easy enough to remember the proportions so you can quickly mix up another batch, even in the middle of a party. I figured the total alcohol in it is basically equal to wine. Hope you like it.

Submitted by Teresa Koransky.

Welcome To Our New Web Site!

2008-04-01T09:18:00.001-06:00

Today, April Fool's Day, Roxy's Bottle Shop officially kicks off our brand new website. Thank you for visiting and be sure to bookmark this page so you can come back often.

There are several purposes for this website. First it is a way to let our customers know what is going on at Roxy's. We'll be posting announcements of store events (such as Customer Appreciation Day coming up in May) and we'll also be posting announcements of all the new products we bring into the store. As you may know we are constantly adding new wines, beers, and liquors to our inventory so there is always something new to try. We'll be posting a list of new products every week.

We also know that many of our customers are hungry for knowledge. To this end, we will be posting articles on wine and beer and spirits from experts around the world as well as local experts. The more you learn about wine, for instance, the easier it will be to find the wines you truly enjoy. And everyone loves history, right? We'll be posting articles on the history of wine, beer, and spirits. We plan on providing a wealth of information. If you look at the Directory in the right column you'll see that we also have a wine glossary and beer glossary where you can learn about terminologies used in discussing wine and beer. We will be continually updating these glossaries.

We'll also be reviewing books on wine, beer, and spirits. And we'll also be keeping everyone up to date on industry news and liquor laws.

But it is not just information that we'll be providing. This is an interactive site and you can participate! After most articles there is a comment link. You can click on that link to read comments or to leave your own comment. With this tool we can all have discussions on the subjects brought up by the articles. We can share our views and opinions. In the right column we have a monthly poll that everyone can vote in. This month the question is about Sunday liquor sales.

But wait! There are more ways in which you can participate. We will be compiling beer and wine reviews from our customers. You can write a review of your favorite beverage to be included in this compilation. Click on the Submissions link in the right column to find out how. Furthermore, once your review is posted others can leave comments on their impression of that beverage. So if you are considering trying a new beer, for instance, you can check the website to see what other customers say about that beer. We will also be compiling a list of customer's original recipes for cocktails and such. Click on the Recipes link in the right column for more details.

And there's more. Beginning in May we will be sending out a monthly newsletter with coupons for special discounts on select products. All you have to do is print off the coupons and bring them into the store to get the special discount. These special discounts will only be available to those who sign up for the newsletter and bring in the newsletter coupons so go to the newsletter sign-up box in the right column and enter your email address to receive these coupons. It's easy and it's free. And you can save money.

We hope you enjoy our new website. We plan to keep it updated constantly so there will be something new every few days. You can click on the Comments link below to leave comments now and you can also tell Roxy, Greg, Alex, and Michael what you think when you come into the store. The website is a work in progress so all suggestions are appreciated.

Come See What's New At Roxy's

2008-04-01T08:31:00.000-06:00

New Product Announcements

Bon Ton Blanc - 2007 white wine. A celebration of France's two great passions; eating great food and drinking incredible wine. Bon Ton Blanc is a fresh and bright blend of native varietals from the sun drenched Cotes de Gascogne that is perfect for your next occasion or just to enjoy while thinking about your next meal.

Robert Mondavi Moscato D'Oro - The aromatic honeysuckle, peach, and spice notes in this dessert wine come from Muscat Canelli grapes grown in Napa Valley vineyards. Served chilled, this wine's sweet, beautifully balanced flavors make a delicious finale to an elegant meal.

Jose Cuervo Black - Brought back by popular demand, Jose Cuervo's oak-aged signature blend.

Brewing it Belgium Style: A Guide to Beer in Brussels

2008-04-01T07:15:00.001-06:00

by Matthew Pressman

Anyone who knows anything about beer will recognise Belgium as one of the world's most prolific brewers. Perhaps it's Belgium's long history in brewing that has led to the country being such a leader in the amber nectar; indeed, Belgium's beer making origins go back to the Middle Ages, when Trappist monks started experimenting with brewing techniques.

Belgians love their beer, and amazingly the health properties of the drink have even led the government to introducing it into the school lunch menu! A Flemish beer lovers club approached 30 schools and suggested that they could substitute low alcohol beer for sugary fizzy drinks, such as lemonade or cola. According to a pilot scheme in Belgium's Limburg province, 80% of children who took part said they preferred having a beer to a soft drink, and other schools are considering following suit. Pupils even get a choice between bitter and lager, although neither beverage exceeds 2.5% alcohol by volume.

For those who are not lucky enough to attend a Belgian school and get beer for lunch, don't worry - the world of Belgian beer is still open to you. Belgian beers can be roughly split into eleven categories, including Pils, Amber, White, Abbey, Trappis, Geuze/Lambiek, Fruit, Strong Pale, Strong Brown, Red Brown, and regional or town beer.

Each has distinct criteria, for example, Trappist beers are brewed in a Trappist Monastery, and to qualify the entire process must be carried out or supervised by Trappist monks on the site of the monastery. Only seven monasteries currently meet this qualification, six of which are in Belgium - the other is in the Netherlands. Because of this way they are categorised, in terms of flavour and style, one Trappist beer has little in common with another.

The Gueze beers (or Lambic) are unique to Belgium, and are distinguished by their tart tastes. Lambics are brewed via a method of spontaneous fermentation by wild yeast, which are said to be endemic to the vicinity of Brussels and the Senne Valley.

Pilsner-style lager, also called Pils, is a common, bottom fermented lager which are recognized for their light colour and smooth taste. These are by far the most popular style of beer and make up almost 75% of all Belgian beer production. The best known brand on the international market is Stella Artois, whilst within Belgium itself, Juplier tops the sale charts.

With so much great beer around, it's not surprising that many of the hotels in Brussels are full of beer drinkers who come to sample the city's bars. So, if you're a beer lover, make sure you visit Belgium and in particular Brussels, to sample what is renowned for being the world's best beer brewer.

Matthew Pressman is a freelance writer and frequent flyer. When not travelling, he enjoys golf and fishing.

Wine News From Around the World

2008-04-01T07:00:00.001-06:00

Industry News
Click on title link to read the entire article:

An Unlikely Wine Industry in India
"Bulls lumber down dusty roads, cow-dung patties bake in the sun, and women in bright saris pluck grapes from manicured fields, their bangles jangling with every toss. Welcome to India's wine country. This sleepy town in western India, long famous for its grapes, has become the subcontinent's Sonoma Valley, the heart of a $100 million industry that has seen annual growth of more than 25 percent annually since 2003."

Wine Consumption in U.S. Rises, Declines in Europe
"The International Organization of Vine and Wine says consumption in the United States rose at "a substantial rate." But wine consumption in Europe declined again."

Label Standard For Aussie Export Wines Coming
"Wine labeling laws will be harmonized across Australia to cut red tape and save winemakers an estimated $25 million each year in re-labeling costs. Australia exported 787.2 million litres of wine in 2006-07, worth $2.8 billion."

He Said Beer, She Said Wine

2008-03-31T16:44:00.002-06:00

Book Review

He Said Beer, She Said Wine: Impassioned Food Pairings to Debate and Enjoy -- From Burgers to Brie and Beyond, by Marnie Old and Sam Calagione. He Said Beer, She Said Wine is the first fully illustrated book on the market to give in-depth instruction on how to successfully pair both beer and wine with a wide variety of foods. Co-authored by Marnie Old, an esteemed sommelier, and Sam Calagione, a successful brewmaster, He Said Beer, She Said Wine teaches you everything you need to know to get the best out of your beverages, with food or without. Each author divulges the secrets of their respective trades, using clear, easy-to-understand language and, of course, a little good-natured banter to keep things lively. The book is full of fantastic tips and tricks, specific beer and wine recommendations, and interactive elements to help you identify your preferences along the way. So, from cheese to dessert, you'll always know what drinks to serve for sublime flavor combinations. Click title link to order or for more information.

Interview with Marnie Old and Sam Calagione:
In your book, it seems like this beer vs. wine battle has been going on between you for quite some time. How did it all begin?

MARNIE: Sam and I first met when we were doing trade tastings. We got to talking and found we didn’t quite see eye-to-eye about which beverage was the best choice to partner with great food. We started playing around with arguing about which was better, and at a certain point decided we needed to take it to the public to settle the question. We began a series of dinners where our guests would enjoy a wine and a beer with the same course and cast a ballot to decide which partnered better. We called these dinners "Beer is from Mars, Wine is from Venus," and they were tremendously popular.

SAM: I think it’s indicative of how close the worlds of beer and wine really are in the context of food, because every single night the winner was decided by a single course. And in every situation we had beer people voting for wine, and wine people voting for beer. We’re passionate about championing our respective beverage of choice, but one of our main goals is to make beer people more comfortable choosing wines, and wine people more comfortable understanding beer. And, to get both sides more comfortable understanding the breadth of choices within the two worlds.

In He Said Beer, She Said Wine, you give great tips for making beer and wine choices to go with everything from pizza to crème brulee. Can you offer some foolproof advice for choosing a bottle at our next meal?

MARNIE: The first tip is that if you’re enjoying it, it’s good. There’s a lot of discomfort, especially with wine, about ordering the "right" thing. That’s really not so important. It’s about doing what you enjoy. I couldn’t tell you whether you prefer key lime pie over chocolate cake, and yet people think that there’s a right choice and a wrong choice with wine. It’s more about what’s happening that day. What’s your mood? Is it summer or winter? Is it a special occasion, or is it a relaxed barbeque in the back yard? It’s better to think about wine as sauce on the side. We’d never put the same sauce on everything we eat, everyday. The same is true with beverages.

Sam, you mentioned that at the outset you were surprised to discover how much beer and wine actually have in common. How does beer compare to wine?

SAM: The major difference, of course, is that beer is better than wine. But, the simplest comparison would be to say that lagers are more like white wines, in that they’re more mellow and refined, and ales are more like red wines, in that they’re more robust and intense.

Does the rule of drinking white wine with seafood and red wine with red meat still apply?

MARNIE: Something we all have tremendously good instincts for is the idea of putting lighter, more delicate and more subtly flavored beverages with lighter, more delicate food. It’s also the first decision that any sommelier makes in pairing for a particular dinner. To say that as a hard and fast rule white wine should be paired with white meat and red wine with red meats is something that I think needs to be revisited. It’s a sound guideline, based in science and experience; however, it is possible to drink very well pairing white wines with red meats and red wines with fish. That said, there is a fundamental difference in the fermentation process that leads this pattern to be more or less true most of the time. Tannin, a property found in red wine, is something we feel on the palate as a tacky, drying sensation. That can lead to a bit of a challenge when pairing with low-fat dishes and seafood.

What makes cheese such a great beverage partner?

MARNIE: Most wines aren’t designed to impress you on the first sip. They’re designed to be food partners, to have their acidity softened by salt, and to have their intensity and tannin softened by fat. Cheese is dominated flavor-wise by fat and salt, the exact two properties that are needed to balance out wine.

SAM: As Marnie said, many wines weren’t designed to taste good on their first sip. On the other hand, beer is meant to taste great on the first sip, the second sip and the third pint. But, that doesn’t mean that it’s any less food-friendly. And, cheese is a great place to start. The carbonation in beer acts as an exfoliant. It clears the palate between bites, whereas wine without carbonation tends to bounce off the cheese and go down your throat without intermingling. The overlap in the world of cheese and beer is also really obvious. Wonderful beer producers like Chimay in Belgium make their own in-house cheese, and Maytag blue cheese is made by the Maytag family, who own the pioneering microbrewery Anchor in San Francisco.

Are there any foods that are notoriously difficult to pair with beverages?

MARNIE: Artichokes are challenging vegetables for the sommelier to work with. They’re also the darling of every chef from here to Hawaii. There’s a compound in artichokes that confuses taste buds into perceiving all flavor sensations as sweet. After you eat them, everything else tastes saccharine. There’s no question that wines don’t taste true to their real flavors when dealing with artichokes in high quantities. Certain wine styles can handle this better than others, though. Light-bodied, un-oaked white wines like Grüner Veltliner from Austria work particularly well.

SAM: I think it’s ironic that wine has all these Achilles heels, like artichokes and asparagus. There’s really no problem with these foods when it comes to beer. I’d pair artichokes with a dark, malt beer like a milk stout or porter. While artichokes don’t tend to work very well with the vegetal components of hoppy beers like pilsners or I.P.A.s, those beers would work well with asparagus.

Beer in China and Alabama

2008-03-31T09:39:00.002-06:00

Industry News
Click on title link to read the entire article:

Anheuser-Busch to Relocate and Expand Tangshan Brewery
"HONG KONG (March 28, 2008) - Anheuser-Busch announced today it will build a new brewery in the Fengnan District of Tangshan to replace a smaller downtown brewery. The move supports the local government's efforts to relocate industrial facilities outside the city and redevelop Tangshan's downtown into a more residential and commercial area. In 2004, Anheuser-Busch acquired Harbin Brewery Group and its 13 breweries. Harbin is China's oldest brewery, founded in 1900, and holds a leading position in Northeast China. Anheuser-Busch first invested in China in 1993, when the company made a minority investment in Tsingtao Brewery Co. Ltd.

Alabama Beer Fans Wage Bible Belt Fight
"In defiance of Alabama Criminal Code 28-4-20, he pours his buddy a beer. 'John Tipton's Chocolate Porter,' he announces. It's a dark brown beer, almost black, with a taste that starts out astringent, like cheap red wine, then mellows into a silky chocolate flavor, with fleeting notes of coffee and cinnamon. Tipton, a big-bellied mechanical engineer, brewed it at home, for fun. That's illegal in Alabama. He estimates the beer is about 8 percent alcohol by volume. That's illegal, too. But it won't be for long, if the guys in the basement get their way."

A Concise History of Australian Wine

2008-03-31T07:33:00.001-06:00

by Ian Love

In 1788 Governor Arthur Phillips brought grape cuttings with him to New South Wales, a newly formed British penal colony. The journey from Portsmouth to Australia was long and arduous, and when the First Fleet, led by Governor Phillips, stopped in Cape of Good Hope in Africa for the final provisions they needed to settle in Australia, Phillips procured vine cuttings from some of the best vines in Africa to plant in Australia.

Governor Phillips' first attempts at producing grapes in Australia were unsuccessful, largely due to strange climate conditions. With the arrivals of the Second and Third Fleets and then the arrival of free colonists, more and more people tried their hand at viticulture in Australia.

Spreading out from the coast of New South Wales, people found that if they worked with the weather in Australia instead of trying to grow grapes just as they had in Europe, that they could produce very fine wines. In 1833, James Bushby arrived in Australia with quite a few Spanish and French grape cuttings from which he was able to produce fine wines.

He also brought with him a good selection of vines that were perfect for making fortified wines. These cuttings proved to be very useful later in history.

By 1873, Australian wine makers were winning international awards for their wines. Wine makers had discovered by then that the perfect grapes for their climate are Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Riesling. Between 1873 and 1889, the Australian wine making industry steadily increased in quality. Several wines per year earned gold medals at various international wine competitions and people from around the world enjoyed the wine that Australia had to offer them.

Unfortunately, a great phylloxera epidemic shattered the production of wine in Australia from the 1890s through the early 20th century. Phylloxera, a pest similar to aphids, laid waste to Australia's wine industry and the only wines that Australia produced from 1890 through the late 20th century were sweet wine and fortified wine.

In the late 1970s, Australia rose from the ashes of wine making and began once again to produce the wines for which it had once been famous. Utilizing hybridization and resistant rootstock, Australians were able again to produce the Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Riesling for which they had once gained notoriety.

While Australia still produces a fine selection of sweet and fortified wines, they export over forty million liters of dry and unfortified wines each year and they sell over forty million liters to locals each year. Even old wine producing countries such as France and Italy import Australian wines.

Australia's most famous wine, Shiraz, was formerly known as Syrah in France and other wine growing regions, but Australia has made it such a famous grape under the name Shiraz, that most wine makers have followed their lead and begun calling their Syrah grapes Shiraz.

Today, Australia is the fourth largest wine exporting country in the world. Australia's wine production is a major factor in Australia's economy because of employment, export and tourism.

Ian Love is the boss of Australian wine store - Liquor Merchants, and has been a leader in the Perth restaurant industry for over 30 years and writes a blog on the wine business in Australia.

Bourbon at its Best

2008-03-30T20:34:00.001-06:00

Book Review

Bourbon at its Best: The Love and Allure of America's Finest Spirits, by Ron Givens. Whether they drink it straight, on the rocks, or in classic cocktails, Americans love their bourbon. Bourbon at Its Best is the most comprehensive guide to this drink available, with detailed descriptions of these elixirs, from the tried and true ways in which they are made to the amazing range of flavors they deliver. Bourbon at Its Best reveals the flavorful history of this red-white-and-blue spirit, from its rural origins as "corn likker" to its rough- and- tumble days as moonshine to its downright genteel status as a premium liquor. Readers will find out what makes bourbon different from other whiskeys of the world and how to truly savor all of its better qualities. They'll experience the magic of bourbon-making first-hand, traveling to classic distilleries in America's heartland. Perfect for both newcomers and connoisseurs, Bourbon at Its Best is an entertaining, informative tour of this intoxicating world.

Burgundy and Its Wines

2008-03-30T20:31:00.000-06:00

Book Review

Burgundy and Its Wines, by Nicholas Faith and Robert M. Parker. Burgundy is a unique mix of historic towns and vineyards, great wines, and thousands of stubbornly individualistic wine makers, brokers, and merchants. The spirit of the region comes alive here, through text by award-winning wine writer Nicholas Faith and Andy Katz’s incomparable photographs. Through this perfect marriage of words and images, oenophiles can travel to the Côte d’Or, which produces outstanding Chardonnay and Pinot Noir; the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, home of the world’s most expensive red wine; the three outlying regions of Chablis; as well as the Mâconnais, Beaujolais, and many other lovely sites. A selective guide to the best merchants and producers, as well as a directory of appellations and Grands Crus, help wine-lovers in their purchases and on visits to the area. Order from Amazon.com.

Beer Glossary

2008-03-30T18:04:00.000-06:00

Amber - Amber colored beers are light and slightly hopped; top fermented beers with a caramelized, fruity, spicey, or yeasty character and a bitterish aftertaste.

Belgian Beers - Belgian beers range from golden to deep amber, with the occasional example coming in darker. Body tends to be light to medium, with a wide range of hop and malt levels. Yeastiness and acidity may be present.

Brown Ales - Brown ales range from deep amber to brown in color. Caramel and chocolate flavors are evident cue to the use of roasted malt. Slight citrus accent and an aroma, bitterness, and medium body from the hops.

IPAs - (Indian Pale Ale) - IPAs are deep gold to amber in color and are usually characterized by floral hop aromas and a distinctive hop bitterness on the finish.

Lagers - Lagers are generally light to medium bodied with a light to medium hop impression and a clean, crisp malt character. Usually golden color but can also be dark.

Pale Ales - Pale ales range in color from deep golden to copper, with a bitterness, flavor, and aroma dominated by hops. Pale ales have medium body, and low to medium maltiness.

Porters - Porters are well hopped and heavily malted. Black or chocolate malt gives theporter its dark brown color. This is a medium-bodied beer. Hoppiness can range from bitter to mild.

Stouts - Stouts are usually extremely dark brown to black in color. It has an extreme malty, roasted flavor and the bitterness is medium.

Strong Ales - Strong ales can vary from pale to dark brown in color; darker ales may be colored with dark candy sugar. Hop flavor can range from low to high, while hop aroma is low. The beers are medium to full-bodied and have a high alcoholic character.

Wine Glossary

2008-03-30T17:55:00.001-06:00

Acidity - The quality of wine that gives it its crispiness and vitality. A proper balance of acidity must be struck with the other elements of a wine, or else the wine may be said to be too sharp - having disproportionately high levels of acidity - or too flat - having disproportionately low levels of acidity.

Body - A tasting term describing the weight and fullness of a wine that can be sensed. A wine may be light-, medium-, or full-bodied. A less specific term than texture, wines rich in concentration, extract, alcohol, tannin and glycerol may be described as full-bodied.

Bouquet - A tasting term for the complex aromas of an aged wine. The term aroma is used for younger wines.

Brandy - A liquor made from distilled wine. It is often the source of additional alcohol in fortified wines.

Brut - A French term for a very dry champagne or sparkling wine. Drier than extra dry.

Cabernet Franc - "One of the parent grape varieties that gave rise to the Cabernet Sauvignon. Mainly found in cooler, damper climatic conditions than its offspring. Widely grown in the Loire region of southwest France. Bordeaux wines commonly contain a blend of both Cabernet varietal wines, a practice increasingly being followed in California and elsewhere. Wine from these grapes has a deep purple color, when young, with a herbaceous aroma." - from Vino.com

Cabernet Savignon - "A "noble" grape famous as one of the main varieties, along with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and others used to create the magnificent French Bordeaux region blended red wines. The most successful plantings in North America are mainly on Long Island (N.Y.) and the cooler regions of northern California. In the warmer regions of California, grapes made into a single varietal wine will often produce higher than optimum levels of alcohol due to high sugar content and, conversely, lower than optimum acid levels in most years and so may tend to age less successfully than the blended french versions. Many other countries have seen their regions develop into prime producers - Argentina, Chile, Italy and New Zealand)." - from Vino.com

Chardonnay - The best known white wine grown in France, widely planted in the Burgundy and Chablis regions. In the late 1900s it was planted across the globe with much success.

Chenin Blanc - A widely grown white-wine made from a hard, acidic grape. Known as "steen" in South Africa. Also known as Pinot Blanco. A sweet wine that ages well in the bottle.

Chianti - Italy's most famous wine; derived from the sangiovese grape.

Dessert Wine - Varies by region. In the UK, a very sweet, low alcohol wine. In the US by law, any wine containing over 15% alcohol.

Dry - Wines with zero or very low levels of residual sugar. The opposite of sweet, except in sparkling wines, where dry means sweet.

Gewurztraminer - White wine with a strong floral aroma and lychee nut-like flavor. Originally from the Alsace region of France.

Grenache - A pale red wine used mostly in blends.

Malbec - A semi-classic grape that creates an intense, inky, red wine. Used extensively in blends.

Merlot - "Classic grape widely grown in the Bordeaux region of France and elsewhere. The red wine bears a resemblance to Cabernet Sauvignon wine, with which it is sometimes blended, but is usually not so intense, with softer tannins." - from Vino.com

Pinot Noir - Hailing from the Burgundy region of France, this red wine is lighter in color than Cabernets and Merlots.

Pinot Griggio - Crisp, dry white wine with good acid "bite".

Port - A sweet fortified wine, which is produced from grapes grown and processed in the Douro region of Portugal. This wine is fortified with the addition of distilled grape spirits in order to boost the alcohol content and stop fermentation thus preserving some of the natural grape sugars.

Reisling - Sweet white wine from Germany.

Rose Wines - Pink wines that are produced from the shortened contact of red wine juice with its skins, reducing the red colour of the wine. These wines can also be made by blending a small amount of red wine with white wine.

Sauvignon Blanc - Classic white wine from the Bordeaux and eastern Loire regions of France, now grown around the world. Herbaceous flavor and aroma.

Sherry - Originally from Spain, A fortified wine that has been subjected to controlled oxidation to produce a distinctive flavor.

Shiraz - "Alternate name for the french Syrah clone grape grown in Australia and responsible for very big red wines that are not quite as intense in flavor as the french Rhone versions. In the past it was also known under the alias name Hermitage." - from Vino.com

Sparkling Wine - Effervescent wine containing significant levels of carbon dioxide.

Sulfites - Compounds (typically: potassium metabisulfite or sodium metabisulfite) which are added to wine to prevent oxidation and microbial spoilage. Sulfites are also found naturally in the grapes.

Syrah - A red wine varietal associated with the Rhone Valley region of France.

Tannin - Polyphenolic compounds that give wine a bitter, dry, or puckery feeling in the mouth.

Texture - A tasting term for the mouthfeel of wine on the palate

Varietal - Wines made from a single grape variety.

Vermouth - A fortified wine that has been flavored with as many as 40 herbs and spices.

Vinho Verde - An effervescent white wine produced in Portugal.

Vintage - The year in which a particular wine's grapes were harvested. When a vintage year is indicated on a label, it signifies that all the grapes used to make the wine in the bottle were harvested in that year.

Viognier - Semi-classic white grape varietal with full spicy flavor. Best when young.

Zinfandel - An important red grape used to produce robust red wine as well as very popular "blush wines" called "white Zinfandel".

Sources: Wikipedia and Vino.com

Submissions

2008-03-30T16:44:00.002-06:00

Would you like to submit a wine or beer review to Roxy's Bottle Shop? Write a review of your favorite wine or beer or liquor and send it to roxysbottleshop @ gmail.com, and we will consider your review for inclusion in our reviews on our website. Please send a positive review of something you truly love, explaining why you love it so. We will publish reviews as to our discretion. Please include your email address along with any photos you wish to include (in .JPEG or .jpg format only and no wider than 420 pixels please). Please note any information, if any, you want us to include about you, including a link to your website, if you have one.

Beer Reviews

2008-03-30T15:36:00.002-06:00

Are you a beer connoisseur? A hophead? Or just a beer lover? Would you like to share how you feel about your favorite beer? You can write a review of your favorite beer and share it with everyone right here on the Roxy's Bottle Shop website. You can submit your review by emailing it to roxysbottleshop @ gmail.com. Please be sure to include your name and the town you live in. You may also include a link to your website if you have one. We reserve the right to accept submissions solely at our discretion.

We'd like to compile a long list of beer reviews from our customers. This way our customers can promote their favorite beers and see what others are drinking and why. Each review will have a comment link where other readers can post their comments about the beer being reviewed. Please check through our Beer Review page to see if the beer you want to review has already been reviewed. If so, you can post your review as a comment to the original review. Let's talk about beer!

Recipes

2008-03-30T15:33:00.003-06:00

Do you have your own original recipe for a cocktail or punch that you created and would like to share with others? If so, send it to us at roxysbottleshop @ gmail.com and we will consider it for posting in our original recipes collection. Please include your name and the town you live in. Feel free to include other information such as when and how you came up with your original recipe as well as how the recipe may have changed over the years. If there's a story that goes along with your recipe we want to hear that, too. Please send only original recipes. If you have an original food recipe that includes wine, beer, or liquor you can send that in, too.

Wine Reviews

2008-03-30T15:31:00.002-06:00

Are you a wine connoisseur? Or just a wine drinker? Would you like to share how you feel about your favorite wine? You can write a review of your favorite wine and share it with everyone right here on the Roxy's Bottle Shop website. You can submit your review by emailing it to roxysbottleshop @ gmail.com. Please be sure to include your name and the town you live in. You may also include a link to your website if you have one. We reserve the right to accept submissions solely at our discretion.

We'd like to compile a long list of wine reviews from our customers. This way our customers can promote their favorite wines and see what others are drinking and why. Each review will have a comment link where other readers can post their comments about the wine being reviewed. Please check through our Wine Review page to see if the wine you want to review has already been reviewed. If so, you can post your review as a comment to the original review. Let's talk about wine!

About Us

2008-03-30T14:30:00.002-06:00

We--Grag and Roxy Amidon--have owned and operated Roxy’s Bottle Shop since 1998. We are a neighborhood full-service wine, beer and spirits store focusing on great wines and micro brews for every day in a clean and friendly atmosphere. We are a classic “mom and pop shop”, always working to improve the business. We value customer service and welcome special orders. We are also big supporters of the arts and are both very active throughout the community.

Roxy’s Bottle Shop business hours are Monday through Thursday 8:30 am to 10 pm and Friday and Saturday 8:30 am to 11 pm. We are located at the intersection of F Street and Highway 50 in Salida, Colorado. We cordially invite you to stop by and visit.

--Greg and Roxy Amidon

Privacy Policy

2008-03-30T13:05:00.002-06:00

Roxy's Bottle Shop never sells, rents, or gives away any email addresses subscribed to its newsletter. We respect everyone's privacy and insure your email address will only be used for the purpose of sending you our monthly newsletter. You can unsubscribe from the newsletter at any time by following the instructions in the newsletter or by emailing us at roxysbottleshop @ gmail.com with the word 'unsubscribe' in your subject box. Depending on your email's spam filter, you may have to watch for our newsletter, once you've subscribed, in both your inbox and your spam box. Once you find it just mark it as "safe" and you will then always receive it in your inbox.

Each newsletter will contain a coupon that you can print out and bring into the store for a special discount on select products. These special discounts are available only to newsletter subscribers.