Food and Wine Pairing

We are excited to announce our new series of

Food and Wine Pairing

Classes at Provisions

July 28, 2009

For your enjoyment and education, we have "paired" two outstanding talents, Angela Ortmann, Certified Sommelier, and Scott Phillips, Executive Chef.

Chef Scott, Provisions Gourmet Market
Scott, creator of the award-winning gourmet foods at Provisions, will personally prepare special dishes for the evening’s fare. From seafood to barbeque, from salads to desserts, each tasty morsel will be presented for your enjoyment and paired with a complementary wine. July’s class will taste hors d’oeuvres, salad, entrée, and dessert with 4 to 5 excellent, affordable wines chosen for that evening’s pairing.

Angela Ortmann, Certified Sommelier
Angela, STLwinegirl (www.stlwinegirl.com) and recently named “goddess of wine” by Sauce Magazine, is an independent wine and food consultant. She will lead the class in learning what wine pairs with each dish, explain the difference the right wine with the right food makes, and how to use that knowledge in your own cooking and entertaining. Because pairing is a subjective art, the class will include an open discussion format.

Important facts:
Our first class will take place at Provisions Gourmet Market on July 28, 2009. Class size is limited to 25 people, so make your reservations now for what will undoubtedly prove to be one of the most enjoyable and entertaining classes in town!

Class: Summer Fare

Fee: $30
Date: July 28, 2009

Time: 6:30p – 7:45p
Reservations: Call Scott or Samantha, 314-989-0020.

Place: Provisions Gourmet Market
11615 Olive Blvd., Creve Coeur, MO

Payment is required at time of reservation. You may cancel up
to 7 days prior to the class. No refunds after that date.

Picobrouwerij Alvinne

(side note - pico-means tiny, smaller than Micro and brouwerij means Brewery)


"Picobrouwerij Alvinne, one of the excellent new tiny breweries in Belgium, located in Ingelmuenster {Western part of Belgium, not too far away from De Dolle Brouwers & Brouwerij de Regenboog}. probably the smallest authentic brewery in Belgium right now with a batch size of about 65 cases! Established in 2003!" -- importer



Gaspar Belgian Bitter Ale...$4.49 / 11oz btl
Probably the hoppiest beer in Belgium!
Alc./Vol.: 8% alc/vol
Malt: Pilsner, Pale, Chocolate, Wheat
Hops: Challenger, Saaz, East Kent Goldings

Unfiltered, Unpasteurized, bottle-conditioned
Aroma: Fruity with strong hoppy aroma
Flavor/Taste profile: Spicy, malt-sweet, hoppy-bitter palate, with a very very long dry & bitter finish.



Podge Imperial Stout...$4.49 / 11oz btl


"Podge Belgian Imperial Stout (10.5% ABV) Brewed at the request of English beer connoisseur Chris "Podge" Pollard (a CAMRA activist and craft beer authority), this strong stout is black in color and has a rich, silky mouthfeel and slightly spicy flavor, but very low carbonation and no head at all "for the English taste". Made with Pilsner plus six other malt varieties, crystalized sugar and dark candi sugar, and hopped with English Challenger and East Kent Goldings hops. After taste-testing of multiple strains, the Wyeast Irish Ale yeast variety was selected for this brew." -- Wikipedia


Wort is divided into four different parts with each part using a different yeast strain:- Irish yeast- English yeast- Dry yeast- “Witbread” yeast

Malt: Pilsner, Pale, Black, Chrystal, Chocolate
Hops: Challenger, Saaz , East Kent Goldings
Fermentation: 5 days
Maturation: 6 weeks
Aroma: Red wine character , licorice, dark fruits, molasse, coffee
Flavor/taste profile: Pronounced roasted/coffee/rich chocolate flavors with a touch of sourness [Stout character] combine with dark fruity flavors [Belgian influence]


Alvinne Extra IPA...$4.49 / 11oz btl
"(7.1% ABV) A dry-hopped strong golden ale. Brewed with Pilsner, wheat and caramel malts, crystalized sugar and English hops of the Fuggles, Target and East Kent Goldings varieties. 30 IBU." -- Wikipedia

So Tier Creme Brulee and Heavy Weizen

Just arrived!

Southern Tier Creme Brulee...$7.49 / 22oz
"crème brûlée Imperial Milk Stout -- “a stout of great contention”
We are not the harbingers of truth as some may suggest but it may indeed be argued that our brewing philosophy is tantamount to a dessert with a bellicose past. How, you may ask, would a brewery determine a likeness to hard-coated custard? Our response is simple; it’s all in the power of history, and of course, the extra finesse needed to top off a contentious treat with definition. By comprehending the labyrinthine movement of time, one would not think it strange to trace the errant path of an ordinary object such as a cream dessert only to discover that it has been the cause of cultural disputes since the middle ages. The British founders of burnt cream and from Spain, crema catalana, both stand by their creative originality and we respect that, but it was the French Crème Brûlée, amid the strife of contention, that survived to represent our deliciously creamy brew." -- brewery

10.0% abv • 25º plato • 195º L • 22 oz / 1/6 keg 2-row pale malt / dark caramel malt / vanilla bean / lactose sugar / kettle hops: columbus / aroma hops: horizon

Southern Tier Heavy Weizen...$5.99 / 22oz
Imperial Unfiltered Wheat Ale
forged with eloquent craft

"Heavy Weizen explores the inner depths of creativity and craftsmanship, taking a style of ale that is delicate and quaffable and shaping it into something exuberant and sturdy. The foundation of Heavy Weizen begins with prodigious quantities of North American malted barley and wheat. Next, the finest European hops are added to complement this ale’s unique disposition by giving it spicy aromas. Its spirit is forged during fermentation where our Bavarian weizen yeast consumes sugars and creates flavors reminiscent of bananas and cloves. then by aging this ale, we allow the divergent characteristics to blend together, becoming one. To capture Heavy Weizen’s spirit, this wheat ale remains unfiltered to leave some of the yeast in the bottle. Serving this ale with a wedge of lemon is recommended, but optional." -- brewery

8.0% abv • 4.5ºL • Imperial Unfiltered Wheat Ale • 22 oz / 1/2 keg / 1/6 keg

This week's tastings

Provisions Gourmet Market

in Creve Coeur

Beer Tasting

Every Wednesday

5pm-7pm

===============

Forsyth Info

7435 Forsyth Blvd

Clayton, MO
317-727-8788

Beer Tasting

Every Friday

4pm - 6:30 pm

July 10

Southern Tier Creme Brulee

Caldera Ashland Amber

St. Germaine Page 24 Blanche

Breckenridge Small Batch Extra ESB

Breckenridge Small Batch Mighty Brown

=============

Bordeaux Values!

Who said you could not find Grand Cru St. Emilion wines that are affordable?

These are both delicious and affordable.
2004 Rol Valentin St. Emilion Grand Cru....$35.99
Next lowest price on WineSearcher is:$41.85 at Pops Wine and Spirits

"Fresh and aromatic, with blackberry, chocolate and raspberry. A gorgeous nose. Full-bodied, yet balanced and refined, with caressing tannins and a long finish. Wonderful for the vintage. Harmonious. Consistently outstanding. Best after 2010. 1,585 cases made. –JS"
Rated 92/100 The Wine Spectator

order online

2006 Chateau Teyssier

St. Emilion Grand Cru....$22.99
“The 2006 (90), which I did not review in my report published in issue #181, is an outstanding success as well as a sleeper of the vintage. Its dark ruby color is accompanied by plenty of black fruit, licorice, earth, and spice characteristics. It should drink nicely for 8-10 years..”
Rated 90/100 The Wine Advocate

order online

Exciting new find...

Currently at our Rock Hill and Forsyth locations.
Q-Tonic -- $6.99 /4pk
We are very excited to find this amazing new product. We first brought you Agave Nectar as a natural sweetener and then all natural Freshies Margarita mixes with no high fructose corn syrup, and now all natural Q-Tonic with no high fructose corn syrup (sweetened with Agave Nectar).

Do you know the facts about your current tonic/mixer?
Calorie count:
24 = Q-Tonic
110 = Schweppes Tonic
100 = 7 up
High Fructose Corn Syrup
0 grams = Q-Tonic
25 grams = Schweppes Tonic
75 grams = 7up


“Amazing”
— Gourmet Magazine
“If you’re lucky enough to find the Q brand, snap it up”.
— Esquire Magazine
“The perfect tonic water.”
— Darcy O’Neil, Art of the Drink


Read the history of tonic water - click here
Check out some Q-Tonic recipes - click here


A ton of information, but very interesting from their website...
"We are inspired to change your relationship with tonic water. You now have no alternative but to drown your gin, vodka, or rum of choice with a tonic water of compromised quality. Designed from unpronounceable ingredients by multinational corporations, sweetened beyond recognition with high fructose corn syrup, and packaged in generic containers, the typical tonic water is an afterthought that adds nothing to the drinking experience. Q Tonic is dedicated to making the world’s best tonic water - a clean, crisp, completely ungeneric beverage that enhances the finest spirits or stands proudly on its own. We’ve used the best ingredients we could find. We went to the slopes of the Peruvian Andes for hand-picked quinine and to the Mexican countryside for organic agave, a sweetener better than honey with a gently rounded sweetness. We meticulously refined our recipe with both food scientists and mixologists. Then we worked with one of New York City’s best design shops to develop a bottle as beautiful as the liquid it holds. We think we’ve come up with a superior tonic water. One that’s good enough for the gin, vodka, or rum you’d choose to mix it with. And good enough to change the way you think about tonic water."

More facts:
Unlike other tonic waters, Q Tonic is made with:
** Hand-picked quinine from the Peruvian Andes
** Organic agave as the sweetener
** 60% fewer calories than regular tonic water
** All natural ingredients
** No high fructose corn syrup
** 85% lower glycemic rating than other tonic waters
"Q Tonic tastes clean and crisp, as tonic water was intended, with a quick sharpness and a gently rounded sweetness. The bottle is perfectly proportioned for one proper drink.And there’s a reason it’s called tonic. Q Tonic’s natural quinine is believed to improve circulation and accelerate digestion. For centuries natural Peruvian quinine has been used by naturalists and herbalists to improve health, increase energy, and stimulate blood flow."
--- Q - Tonic website

Paul Hobbs

(available online -- click here)

New Releases from Paul Hobbs!

"Another fabulous vintage for Paul Hobbs, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignons may ultimately come close to resembling the great successes he has had, including his brilliant 2001s and 2002s."

-- Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

2007 Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir Ulises Valdez....$66.99

"Revealing a distinctive meaty, herbal character, the full-bodied, rich, Burgundian-styled 2007 Pinot Noir Ulises Valdez Vineyard exhibits plenty of red and black fruits, a foresty component, and a sweet, beefy juiciness to its texture and flavors. It, too, should drink nicely for 7-8 years."

Rated 92-94/100 The Wine Advocate

2007 Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir Russian River....$43.99

"The generic 2007 Pinot Noir Russian River is an outstanding example of Hobbs’ meticulous vineyard sourcing and winemaking. With copious sweet forest floor, plum, black cherry, and earthy notes, a luscious, medium to full-bodied texture, and a long finish, it can be enjoyed over the next 7-8 years. The good news is there are over 2,000 cases of this wine."

Rated 91-93/100 The Wine Advocate

2007 Paul Hobbs Chardonnay Russian River....$43.99

"The generic 2007 Chardonnay Russian River exhibits plenty of lemon and orange blossoms as well as hints of pineapple, oak, and earth. Full-bodied with abundant opulence and flavors, it should drink nicely for 3-4 years."

Rated 90/100 The Wine Advocate

2007 Paul Hobbs Chardonnay Richard Dinner....$63.99

"The 2007 Chardonnay Richard Dinner Vineyard reveals more earth, crushed rock, and tropical fruit (pineapple, orange marmalade, and peach) notes as well as admirable depth, medium to full body, well-integrated smoky oak, and a long finish."

Rated 92-93/100 The Wine Advocate

2006 Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Crane....$146.99

"From another outstanding vineyard, the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard’s scorched earth/burning ember, blueberry, graphite, and black currant characteristics are reminiscent of a top Bordeaux such as La Mission Haut-Brion. Dense, full-bodied and chewy with fabulous concentration, sweet tannins, and remarkable length, this profound Cabernet Sauvignon should last for 25-30 years."

Rated 95/100 The Wine Advocate

Wine Class

This Monday's wine class!

Monday, July 13

The Wines of Oregon

$20/person

Chris Hoskins will lead

us through these great wines

2007 St. Innocent Pinot Gris Vitae Springs Vineyard (Willamette)
2007 King Estate Pinot Gris Oregon (Eugene, Southwest Oregon)
2005 Shea Wine Cellars Willamette Chardonnay Shea Vineyard
2005 Belle Vallee Cellars Southern Oregon Red Wine
2007 Foris Pinot Noir (Rogue Valley)
2006 Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir (Willamette)
2006 Elk Cove Pinot Noir Windhill Vineyard (Willamette)
2006 Domaine Serene Pinot Noir Yamhill Cuvee (Wilamette)

Reservations required
Call 314-727-8788 for reservations
Seating is limited!
Or sign up online --click here

New Breckenridge

In stock at Forsyth...
Breckenridge
Small Batch Series --

Breckenridge Small Batch Mighty Brown....$7.99 / 22oz
"Breckenridge Brewery's Mighty Brown is a towering behemoth of a brown ale, rich, robust and full of personality. And it will go well with every other big event, meal or day in your life. Savor it. And ration it accordingly."-- brewery

Breckenridge Small Batch Extra ESB...$7.99 / 22oz
"471 ESB - Extra Special Bitter
Extra, extra? You better believe it. We like to say it’s double extra special. The balance of malt and hops makes it truly one-of-a-kind. Warming malt notes at the onset with a hop kick in the back and opens up to a nice dry finish. Our small batch ESB is a big traditional ale with characteristics that break tradition and a complexity that constantly surprises."
Yeast: Scottish Ale
Malts: English Pale, Amber, Crystal and Roasted Barley
Hops: Chinook, Centennial, Fuggle
Bitterness Units: 55
Alcohol By Volume: 7.8%

Breckenridge 471 Imperial Porter....$7.99 / 22oz
Cannot find out anything on this one. It must be brand new.


Breckenridge 471 Small Batch Double Hopped IPA...$7.99 / 22oz
"471 IPA. Aggressive Hoppiness
Hoppy? Brother, 471 IPA redefines hoppy. 471 is a small batch, limited edition ale that was created by our Brewmaster to separate the weak from the strong. 471 is a double IPA, that combines Pale, Munich, Caramel-30, Carapils and Torrified Wheat malts, with Chinook, Centennial, Simcoe and Fuggles hops. It has a big sweet mouthfeel, followed by more hoppiness than you've ever had at one time. Enjoy" -- Brewery


Yeast: British Ale Yeast
Malts: Pale, Munich, Caramel-30, Carapils, Torrified Wehat
Hops: Chinook, Centennial, Simcoe, Fuggles
Color: Copper
Bitterness Units: 70
Alcohol By Volume: 9.2%

All painted on label bombers

Russian River Bargain!

Great price -- Great Wine!

2006 Chasseur Chardonnay Russian River....$23.99
Next lowest price on WineSearcher is:
$32.99 at Hops and Grapes




"This relies on smoky, toasty oak, yet it's well-executed, with a mix of spice, melon and green apple that's focused and tapered on the finish, ending with a sense of elegance and grace. Drink now through 2011. 660 cases made. –JL"
Rated 90/100 The Wine Spectator


order online

Premium cans!!

Back in stock -- fresh batch just arrived of the IPA and Pale Ale
Plus a new one---

Caldera Ashland Amber....$11.99 / 6pk cans
"A crisp, well balanced, refreshing amber. Simplicity is the key to this recipe." -- brewery


Grist: premium two row, crystal
Hops: Cascade, Galena
ABV = 5.6%

*******************
Check out their canning line ==

Caldera from Ashland, Oregon
"One thing that sets Caldera apart from many other Northwest breweries besides the beer clarity is the incorporation of fresh whole flower hops into the brewing process. Whole flower hops have a cleaner taste than pelletized hops." -- brewery


Caldera was draft only until 2005 when the starting canning their beer -- the first craft brewer in Oregon.


Why cans?
Eliminates light and oxidation (causes skunkiness)
Quality beer for float trips and other places glass is not allowed
Click for more reasons and read about the "Myth of the metallic taste".

How about some west coast hops...
Caldera I.P.A....$11.99 for 6/12oz cans
A- on BeerAdvocate (with over 70 reviews)
"An American-style Indian Pale Ale brewed with plenty of body and assertive hop profile.
Grist: premium Two Row, Munich, Crystal, Carahell
Hops: Simcoe, Centennial, Amarilla
ABV = 6.1%
GOLD MEDAL: Category: Strong Beer 6.0% to 7.9%

Competition: Stockholm Beer and Whiskey Fest 2008- Sweden
SILVER MEDAL:Category: American Strong Pale Ale
Competition: North American Beer Awards 2008
SILVER MEDAL: Category: India Pale Ale
Competition: Australian International Beer Awards 2008


Caldera Pale Ale....$11.99 for 6/12oz cans
A West Coast-style pale ale balancing plenty of hops with a malty backbone.Grist: Two Row, Light Munich, CrystalHops: Cascade

Caldera is a very small brewery
Last year Caldera brewed only 2,211 barrels of beer
Three Floyds about 6,000 barrels last year.
Schlafly produces about 23,000 barrels per year.
Stone Brewing produced 67,000 in 2007
Bells Brewery produces 91,000 barrels per year.
Boulevard produces 140,000 barrels per year
New Belgium produces about 440,000 barrels per year
Sierra Nevada produces about 700,000 barrels per year
Anheuser-Busch produced 24,000,000 barrels in 2007

They only distribute in Oregon, Washington, California, Virginia, Maryland, Puerto Rico and now St. Louis!!

This week's specials

Sorry, I went out of town this weekend -- we will keep the same specials as last week (they are some good ones anyway)

Amazing Beer Specials!

(prices good in store only)

Founders Centennial IPA....6pk......$7.49
Moylans Kilt Lifter.....22oz....$4.09
"Robust and Strapping , Our Scotch Ale takes BIG Beersto a whole new level. Rich malt balances perfectly with delicate hops to provide a concentrated and intense flavor; an ideal companion for hearty foods, or as a meal unto itsself. Allow this ale to warm slightly in your glass to enhance its truly bold character .Sharing is encouraged, as this is one beer that lives up to its name! Hey! No peeking! Slainté!" -- Brewery
ABV =8%

Great Divide Double Wit......22oz.....$5.49

"Double Wit is our more muscular take on the beloved white ales of Belgium. Unmalted wheat and Belgian malted barley give the beer a light body and straw hue, while coriander and curaçao provide the traditional notes of spice and light acidity. This cloudy, deceptively drinkable creation should be enjoyed without the addition of fruit. 8.1% ABV." -- brewery
Bells Oberon....6pk.......$7.99
Schlafly Helles Lager....6pk.....$6.99

Wine Specials!!

Jean Laurent Blanc de Blanc.....$29.99

Our best value in real Champagne!

Rated 92+/100 The Wine Advocate
2008 Matua Paratei Sauv Blanc.....$14.99
This wine has an amazing track record and it does it again with the 2008

Rated 92/100 The Wine Spectator

2006 Pegau Chat du Pape.....$54.99

Rated 93\100 The Wine Spectator

Gazela Vinho Verde......$5.49

Great summer light white from Portugal!

Prices net, no additional discounts

Prices good through July 11th

Rick Ankiel Wine Notes:

Pre-Arrival -----

2006 Rick Ankiel Napa Valley Red....$55

Autograph on Rick Ankiel's Wine...$20

($20 is donated to St. Louis Stray Rescue)

order online

Tasting notes:

A Note From the Winemaker:

Production: 56 cases

Composition: 57% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon

Vineyards: 12% Beauterre, Oak Knoll Appellation, Valley Floor

10% Baker and Soda Canyon, Atlas Peak Appellation,

1500ft elevation

42% Dunlop, Napa Carneros

30% Glendale Ranch, Napa

6% Lazar Ranch, Wooden Canyon

Cooperage: 16 months in 85% French oak barrels, 10% American Oak, and 5% Hungarian Oak, (45% new barrels)

Alcohol: 15.28% alc, 3.65 pH, 0.63 TA

"This Cabernet Blend is our chance to create the best blend possible from the 2006 vintage. It allows us to use many small select lots made from specific sites farmed by the Hill Family that fall outside of the flagship Beauterre Vineyard. Blending this wine is always a challenge, as expectations are high, and the lots themselves have strong voices that do not always want to balance the way one would expect. The final blend shimmers and forms complex layers that will grow and improve for years to come. The nose takes off with really pretty blackberry and violets, some toasty oak; full, rich, and fruity with jammy berry and black licorice undertones and chewy tannin, but tasty and drinkable (palate softens and lengthens as it sits out in the glass)." -- winemaker

Read more about autographs and the official release party!

Rick Ankiel Wine!

We are now taking reservations for the kick off party.
Reservations must be made online on our website. Obviously, a limited number of guests will be allowed, so sign up early.
Click here to make reservations.

Rick Ankiel 2006 Napa

Valley Red Wine

Release Party!
Hosted by Rick and Lory Ankiel

Saturday, July 18, 2009
8pm-11pm

The Wine and Cheese Place

7435 Forsyth Blvd

Clayton, MO 63105

Join us for the highly anticipated release of Rick Ankiel's 2006 Napa Valley Red Wine. Selected from a very limited harvest, only 56 cases of Rick's wine were bottled, making this a true wine and sports collectible. Join Rick and his wife Lory, and maybe even a few special guests at St.Louis' premier wine establishment, the Wine & Cheese Place as Rick uncorks the very first bottle.

$25 per person

$25 includes wine tasting, a selection of fine meats, cheeses and gourmet olives. Each couple are encouraged to purchase a minimum of 1 bottle of Rick Ankiel wine which includes an in-person autograph and personalized inscription for $75.

25% of proceeds from Rick's wine are donated to Stray Rescue of St. Louis.

A number of select and truly unique sports collectibles and memorabilia pieces will also be through silent auction. The evening is sponsored by TAG Sports and the Wine & Cheese Place.

Good wine always.

.

.

2006 Rick Ankiel Cabernet Blend

*Available With Limited Edition Autographed Winebat™

*Limited Edition Custom Wine Box Including: The Winebat™ (Rick's game model Rawlings bat, hand-stained with "Hill Harvest Red" wine stain and autographed by Rick) & 3 bottles of Ankiel's Cabernet Blend.

*Only 100 hand-numbered boxes are available.

see some pictures from some previous examples

Rick Ankiel and possibly some other special guests will arrive after the the baseball game that starts at 6:15 to sign autographs. It is going to be an amazing event to mingle with Rick Ankiel and his wife Lory and other special guests. Wine tasting and of course some great cheese.


2006 Rick Ankiel Napa Valley Red
The Ankiels have chosen St. Louis Stray Rescue to donate part of the proceeds of the sale of the wine.


"As an elite athlete, Rick Ankiel accomplished what most said was impossible: making the switch from a starting pitcher to a star center fielder in professional baseball. His perseverance, dedication and work ethic have made him a true fan favorite in St. Louis. Off the field, Rick and his wife Lory are committed to helping animals in need and support Stray Rescue of St. Louis to ensure a safe home for all stray animals." -- back label of the wine



This is a very limited edition that will be a collector's item. This will make a great gift for any baseball lover as Rick Ankiel has always been a fan favorite for St. Louis and all of baseball!

Some websites worth checking out related to this event...
Visit Tag Sports for great sports collectibles
Rick Ankiel's website
Uncork for a Cause
St. Louis Stray Rescue

Founders Fun!

Now in stock at Ballwin!
Founders Devil Dancer and the fresh Founders Centennial IPA
Avery Anniversary Sixteen Saison
St. Germain Page 24 beers (all 4 flavors)


Just noticed this on the bottom of the Founder's case box..
"If you can read this message then something is really wrong. Seriously. Look at the box. It's upside down. Turn this bad-boy over carefully, open it up, and enjoy the premium love inside."

Also just noticed that the....

Founders Red's Rye was bottled June 25th!!!
...more fresh beer to go along with the Centennial IPA that was bottled June 30th.

Avery 16th Anniversary

Just arrived at Forsyth and Ballwin!
Avery Anniversary Ale
Sixteen Saison....$6.79 / 750ml
Limited edition - brewed once and then it is gone!



Beer Style: Saison Ale
Hop Variety: Sterling
Malt Variety: Two-row barley, pale malted wheat
OG: 1.065 ABV: 7.69%
Adjuncts: peaches, jasmine and honey
Availability: One and done. Bottled in May of '09

"Finally, we're SIXTEEN! Dad, can we have the keys? No really, we'll totally take care of her--keep her clean--fill up her tanks--show her off to our friends and let 'em see what we can really do. Really? Thanks, dude! Promise to make you proud. Now to go find Jasmin, Peches and Miel! Well, we got her started and decided to add a few things to the tank. SIXTEEN is a harmonious combination of jasmine, peaches and honey fermented with an unmistakable Belgian yeast strain, all weaving a marvelously spicy and fruity, massively estery and dry, saison ale." -- brewery

Ola Dubh - Old Engine Oil in Highland Park Casks

Harviestoun aged in Highland Park Casks

order online now

Just Arrived -- two new Highland Park Cask years
Ola Dubh 18 year Casks...$9.99 / 11oz - New
Ola Dubh 40 year Casks...$15.99 / 11oz - New


We also have these in stock....
Ola Dubh 12 year Casks...$6.99 / 11oz
Rated 97 percentile on RateBeer
Ola Dubh 16 year Casks...$7.99 / 11oz
Rated 97 percentile on RateBeer
Ola Dubh 30 year Casks...$12.99 / 11oz
Rated 99 percentile on RateBeer

"Ola Dubh (or ‘Black Oil’) is a collaboration between Harviestoun Brewery and Highland Park, Distiller of the Year*. It is based on Harviestoun’s award-winning Old Engine Oil. With more than a stylistic nod to the classic Imperial Porters (and Stouts) of the nineteenth century, this deliciously rich, dark, 8% a.b.v. beer is the first ale to be aged in malt whisky casks from a named distillery and, with traceable casks and numbered bottles, the rest with genuine provenance. Ola Dubh will initially be available in three different expressions; the initial release will be of small batches aged in casks formerly used to mature Highland Park 12 Year Old, Highland Park 16 Year Old and Highland Park 30 Year Old. Further variants are planned for the future. Ola Dubh is, in the words of beer aficionado Owen D.L. Barstow: “The most interesting new British beer I have tried in years.” Retaining the appearance of used motor oil from which the beer gets its name, it is deep dark brown, dense and oily. On the nose there are notes of true oil and cocoa as well as faint smoke and heathery peat from the whisky casks. Although lighter in body that its appearance suggests, Ola Dubh is pithy, oily, salty and bitter on the palate. The finish is exceptional; burnt and bitter notes with an interplay of late hop characters, orange oil, fruity tartness and then delicate, fragrant smoke." -- importer

Devil Dancer!

Now in stock at Forsyth and Ballwin! Moving fast!
Also available online - click here


Very limited -- only 50 cases for Missouri
Founders Devil Dancer
Triple IPA...$17.99 / 4pk

Bottled June 17, 2009

"When you dance with the Devil the Devil don’t change. You do. Massive in complexity, the huge malt character balances the insane amount of alphas used to create it. At an incredible 112 IBU’s it’s dry-hopped with a combination of ten hop varieties. This one can age with the best of them."
-- Founders

Rated 99 percentile on RateBeer Rated A- or Beer Advocate

Also

Centennial IPA

is back in stock now and on sale!

Bottled June 30th

1 day old!!!!

This has to be the freshest beer we have!!

New Beer!

Just arrived at Forsyth and now Ballwin!
From what I read, this is the first time available in the U.S.
There is zero distribution according to BeerAdvocate and RateBeer.

Available online -- order now

read more about the brewery -- click here

Brasserie St. Germain
Page 24 Biere de Printemps....$8.49 / 750ml fliptop
Farmhouse Ale
ABV = 6.0%
"The Printemps is a beer for Spring that is brewed and packaged during the winter months, but it can provide refreshment for any season. This beer announces the coming of nicer days with a deep blonde color and a delicate bitterness." -- importer

Page 24 Blanche....$8.49 / 750ml fliptop

Witbier

ABV = 4.9%

"The Blanche is a refreshing wheat beer made from a subtle mix of various malts and spices. It was a silver medal winner at the Concours General Agricole in Paris in 2008." -- importer

Page 24 Hildegarde Ambree...$8.49 / 750ml fliptop

Amber Ale

ABV = 6.9%

"The Reserve Hildegarde beers, a Blonde and an Ambrée, are a special tribute to Hildegard of Bingen, who lived and loved hops more than 800 years ago - well before they were so popular. They are generously-hopped with Brewer’s Gold (what the St. Germain brewers call ‘B.G.’) and a lesser known variety called Strissel Spalt, both grown in northern France, and are a good bit stronger than the other St. Germain beers." -- importer

Page 24 Hildegarde Blonde....$8.49 / 750ml fliptop

Blond Ale

ABV = 6.9%

"The Reserve Hildegarde beers, a Blonde and an Ambrée, are a special tribute to Hildegard of Bingen, who lived and loved hops morethan 800 years ago - well before they were so popular. They are generously-hopped with Brewer’s Gold (what the St. Germain brewerscall ‘B.G.’) and a lesser known variety called Strissel Spalt, both grown in northern France, and are a good bit stronger than the other St. Germain beers." -- importer

Red Car

Very Limited Selections!

2007 Red Car Heaven & Earth La Bohème Vineyard.....$59.99
"Delivers a tight, focused beam of rich, pure, concentrated blackberry and wild berry fruit that's full-bodied, complex and expansive on the finish, where this keeps unlocking doors of subtle flavors. Drink now through 2014. 292 cases made. –JL"
Rated 97/100 The Wine Spectator





2007 Red Car Sonoma Coast Trolley Series....$45.99
Focused on a core of black cherry and blackberry fruit that's medium- to full-bodied, complex and spicy. Smooth-textured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2014. 733 cases made. –JL"
Rated 94/100 The Wine Spectator





2007 Red Car Pinot Noir the Aphorist....$49.99
Loamy earth, blackberry and wild berry fruit is delicate and caressing, smooth and polished. Full-bodied, this ends with a spicy cola and sassafras edge. Drink now through 2014. 300 cases made. –JL"
Rated 90/100 The Wine Spectator



2007 Red Car Syrah Tomorrowland...$44.99
"Dense and chewy, showing exotic earth, tar, wild berry and pebble flavors that are intense and concentrated, still echoing hints of fermentation aromas. Ends with full-bodied, chewy tannins. Best from 2010 through 2016. 647 cases made. –JL"
Rated 91/100 The Wine Spectator

Reader's Poll

Sauce Magazine 2009 Reader's Choice
We are very excited to announce that we have been voted by St. Louis as:

Favorite Place to Buy Cheese
1st Place -- The Wine and Cheese Place

Favorite Wine Shop
1st Place -- The Wine and Cheese Place


Thank you for voting for us!!

New beers

Read about the beers....click here

St. Germain Brasserie - France

Here is an interesting story about the brewery.

"All of our brewers have something to teach us. But it's not often that an enthusiastic brewer turns us on to something as strange and cool as Hildegard of Bingen, a woman of the Rhine River Valley (now Germany) who was packed off to a Benedictine monastery at birth, and eventually became the founder of a convent, a theologian and philosopher, a musical composer, a scientist and healer, pioneer of holistic medicine, and, more or less, the progenitor of the women's liberation movement. Way back in the 12th Century A.D., a time when women were regarded as little more than property, hardly ever educated, and generally unable to read or write, Hildegard gave counsel to popes and kings, and produced many important works in a range of disciplines. She is considered by many to be the first writer ever to describe the female orgasm, and was known for her positive views on sex (not typical of the Roman Catholic Church at that time, or since).

You can find a lot of interesting info on Hildegard on the so-called Internet - click here

What particularly interests the founders of the Brasserie St. Germain is Hildegard's writings on hops. She was an early advocate of hops in brewing, and in that way too she was out of step with church doctrine. (Before hops came into wide use, beer was usually laced with gruit, a mixture of spice and herbs; the Church had the exclusive right to make gruit in some places, and so railed against the use of hops.) Any serious history of hops must mention Hildegard of Bingen.

read more.

The brewers of St. Germain see themselves also as defenders of the hop flower, in opposition to the brewing orthodoxy of their region. That region, French Flanders, lays claim to France's ancient bière de garde tradition. But the St. Germain brewers are of the opinion that most of the beer of the region in modern times is too sweet, and certainly not hoppy enough. They are fans of hoppier Belgian beers, and they've taken a healthy part of their inspiration from the Belgians. But they also see their hoppier beers as a return to the brewing heritage in French Flanders.

At the outset of the 20th century, there were more than 2000 breweries in this tiny region, many of them undoubtedly making refreshing, drinkable farmhouse ales, using great loads of local hops. Two world wars nearly killed brewing in French Flanders. By the end of the last century there were only about 20 breweries left, and there was no one left who remembered how those original bières de garde tasted. The Brasserie St. Germain, which opened in 2003, is part of a small revival of brewing in French Flanders. There are about 30 breweries now, including the Brasserie Thiriez, which is fighting along with St. Germain to put hops back into the local beer.

At bottom, the mission of the St. Germain brewers is just like that of most of the brewers we represent at Shelton Brothers. When asked to describe the brewery's 'philosophy,' brewer Stephane Bogaert replies simply that, 'We make the beers we like to drink.' In France, then, just as in Belgium, a pattern is beginning to emerge. As the bigger breweries go increasingly bland, brewing to suit the tastes of the lowest common denominator and relying more on marketing than quality work to make a living, a corps of independent passionate beer drinkers and homebrewers, unable to get the beer they really want to drink, have determined to make that beer themselves. And the people are starting to understand the difference. After only six years, St. Germain has made its mark, and grown. It is now, indisputably, the most awarded brewery in France. Put that down to the power of hops.

The Reserve Hildegarde beers, a Blonde and an Ambrée, are of course a special tribute to the revered abbess who lived and loved hops more than 800 years ago -- well before they were so popular. They are generously-hopped with Brewer's Gold (what the St. Germain brewers call 'B.G.') and a lesser known variety called Strissel Spalt, both grown in northern France, and are a good bit stronger than the other St. Germain beers.

In fact, the brewery itself is a tribute to Hildegard -- which brings us to the subject of that unusual name, Page 24, that the brewery has put on every one of its beers. Stephane explains that it refers to one of Hildegard's works, a treatise entitled 'The Benefits of Beer,' that has vanished in the modern era, but remains part of the legend of the famous lady. On page 24, according to legend, she revealed a great secret, which men have fought to obtain for generations. Historians tell us that much of the legend is really myth; Hildegard didn't do everything that her admirers and adherents claim. Did this book ever exist? Possibly not, say the brewers of St. Germain. But does that really matter? Even if it never existed, they say, it should have.

As for the wonderful secret of Page 24 . . . It may never be known, but one gets the feeling that the brewers of St. Germain believe they know what it is. Stephane tells the story of his grandfather and grandmother, who lived in French Flanders, sleeping on pillows that were stuffed with local hops. Hops, as Hildegard pointed out, have superb calmative properties. Perhaps the secret is that simple: whatever it is, you can make it better by putting in more hops." -- Importer

O'Fallon

I know it is early, but here is a look at the new label on O'Fallon Pumpkin Beer. O'Fallon was already around taking pre-orders. I think they ran out too fast last year and wanted to be ready for this fall.

More Absinthe...

Order Absinthe online - click here

Learn more about Absinthe..http://realabsinthe.blogspot.com/



La Valote Absinthe....$59.99 / 750ml
Authentic Swiss Absinthe
"La Valote is the name for a community of Absinthe distillers in Val-de-Travers. The absinthe produced in the small town Môtiers, using traditional Swiss methods. Two former clandestine producers do now, what they did for years – only one thing has changed – they do it legally. The combination of know-how and the desire to create something excellent unites these three men. They are using small stills from 25 litres up to 90 litres. Each one of them have their own, secret receipt, so each is distinctly different, but represents what others formerly described as the “holy grail” of Absinthe. La Valote still after many years, continues to stay focused on quality excellence in their production of fine absinthe rather than cheap imitation quantity. Willy Bovets / Francis Martin's La Valote Absinthe has a nice fennel aroma in the beginning which is surrounded by the wormwood bouquet in the background. Anise is present but not dominant to create a pleasant balance of flavor. The entire absinthe louches evenly into a wonderful milky display." -- importer









Pere Francois Absinthe...$49.99
Premium Swiss Absinthe
"This Absinthe Elixir from the original country of the green fairy is made by a specialized family business established more than40 years ago in Fleurier, Switzerland;The Bezençon Drinks Corporation.
With the absinthe ban recently being lifted, François Bezençon; founder, gave new light to the once feared drink of the world, and continues to still use all of the original formula and ingredients of the mystical drink." -- importer
Each bottle is individually numbered
Awards:Père François obtained a Gold Medal at the National Competition ofWaters-of-Swiss Noble Event in 2005/2006 (scored 18 out of a possible 20 points)
The jury commentary:"Very balanced and harmonious""The best example of a successful absinthe of great quality"






Mata Hari Absinthe...$49.99
Original recipe from 1881Produced in the last authentic historical Austrian Absinthe distilleryMata Hari is made of the finest herbs, above all Wormwood and SalviaHighest legal level of Thujon & AbsinthinMata Hari containes all-natural ingridients and is exclusively coloured with natural herbs onlynice louche effect with ice & waterno dominant anise taste and therefore outstanding mixing abilities
How to drink Absinthe














Grande Absente "Absinthe Originale"....$64.99
France
"The Absinthe Originale recipe with wormwood is back! In the late 19th century during the Belle Époque era in Paris, the renowned Absinthe culture was at its height of infamy. Absinthe was the trademark drink of artists like Degas, Manet, Picasso, Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec and Oscar Wilde. To recall this glorious time, Grande Absente, Absinthe Originale is one of the oldest traditional Absinthe recipes from the south of France. Hand crafted in Provence like it was from 1860-1912, Grande Absente is made exclusively with the highest quality spirits and select botanicals from the region, including the legendary botanical Wormwood, also known as Artemisia Absinthium. Grande Absente is 138 proof so please drink with extreme caution!" -- Distiller





Le Tourment Vert Absinthe....$6.99 / 50ml
Le Tourment Vert Absinthe....$49.99 / 750ml
French
Artists & Thinkers "We’re not the only ones inspired by absinthe. It’s captured the imaginations of some of the world’s most famous (and infamous) artists and writers. Masters from Degas to Picasso, van Gogh to Hemingway, Toulouse-Lautrec to Wilde, have found their muse to be green. Not only devoted absinthe enthusiasts, they also celebrated it prominently in their works. The complex flavors. The painterly color. The captivating spirit. These same qualities that made absinthe the artist’s creative juice of choice are now reimagined in Le Tourment Vert. We leave it open to your interpretation." -- importer
Death in the Afternoon Cocktail
Read about the Absinthe Myth
Hollywood and Le Tourment Vert
Cocktail recipes
Banned!"About a hundred years ago, absinthe became a victim of its own success. It was increasingly popular, particularly in France, with both the working class and the bourgeoisie. Some claimed it could protect against malaria. Others swore it unleashed their creative muse. The rituals required to prepare it found their ideal setting in the bohemian café scene of the Left Bank. But with the world descending into the turmoil of the First World War, absinthe began to take the blame for society’s decay. The prohibitionists launched a campaign against “The Green Torment”, claiming it was responsible for everything from general debauchery to insanity and death. By 1912, it was banned in the US and many other countries. Now absinthe is back and a whole new generation of distillers is creating a wide range of styles to choose from. In acknowledgement of absinthe’s checkered history we named ours “Le Tourment Vert” (The Green Torment): The very phrase that was used against absinthe by its detractors a century ago." -- importer



Lucid Absinthe....$59.99
France
Absinthe, first commercialized in the early 1800's, emerged as a powerful icon of freedom during the Belle Époque period, and it was during this time that the highly perfumed spirit reached unparalleled popularity and cult status among the worlds of art, literature, and fashion. Once proclaimed to fuel the fires of creativity, and subsequently demonized, Absinthe has recently reemerged on the world stage as a high quality, fine alcoholic libation recalling those earlier artistic times.
lucid is formulated by world renowned absinthe expert T.A. Breaux, and is distilled in strict accordance to traditional French methods. lucid is crafted in the historic Combier distillery, founded in 1834 and designed by Gustave Eiffel in the fabled Loire Valley of France. Each bottle of lucid is carefully prepared by skilled craftsmen, using ancient copper absinthe alembics. Unlike most contemporary imitators, lucid is distilled entirely from spirits and European herbs, and uses no artificial additives, oils, or dyes. lucid recalls the rich tradition of Absinthe, and is crafted using a full measure of Grande Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), Green Anise, Sweet Fennel, and other fine European herbs traditionally used in making fine Belle Époque absinthe.







Pernod Absinthe Superieure....$64.99
(we also have the Absinthe free Pernod $24.99)
"At the end of the 18th century, a man by the name of Major Dubied began distilling the elixir professionally. A few years later in 1805, his son-in-law, Henri Louis Pernod, opened a distillery in France where Pernod would later become known as the national beverage. The original Pernod drink consisted of 65-75% alcohol and the notorious hallucinogen, abinsthe "Arthemisia Abisnthium", which gave Pernod a distinct reputation around the world....THE drink of Bohemian society, enjoyed religiously by some fo the greatest artists of modern time including Wilde, Picasso, Van Gogh, Maupasant, Poe, Verlaine, Baudelaire and Rimbaud. due to the controversy surrounding the sometimes dangerous effects elicited by ansinthe, the ingredient was banned by the French government in 1915. As a result, the Pernod Fils Company closed temporily. It-re-opnened five years later when a controlled form of anise liquors was legalised with a new absinthe-free Pernod recipe. Since then, Pernod has had an ever-growing success in France and well beyond." -- Pernod

Heat Warning!

Just a reminder as we move in to this hot weather. Do not leave your wine in your car for any amount of time without the AC going. Your car heats up fast! Corks will pop, wine will ruin!