New Vodka!

Ceren Vodka is new to St. Louis and the spokesman for it is Cedric the Entertainer. He is in town today for the kick off at the distributor.
Ceren Vodka...$25.99 / 750ml

Ceren's Press Release:
CERÉN® Vodka captures Gold Medal at the The San Francsico World Spririts Competition

MARCH 28, 2008:

CERÉN® Vodka, a premium luxury vodka brand, created from organic sugar cane and volcanically filtered spring water, has been awarded the Gold Medal in the vodka category at the renowned 2008 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In its first competition since its July, 2007 launch, CERÉN® Vodka catapulted to the winner’s circle of the vodka category at the competition, held on March 15th and 16th, 2008 at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in San Francisco, California. The event, the largest ever in America, attracted more than 847 spirits submitted from every continent except Antarctica....using a continuous five-column distillation process, and then charcoal-filtered three times for an exceptional finish. It retains two of the most precious elements in quality vodka production: the purity of the water and the quality of 100% organic alcohol extracted from natural sugar cane. As a result, CERÉN® Vodka boasts an extraordinarily smooth taste, texture, and finish. “We set out to create a new and distinctive premium luxury vodka brand that combined exceptional purity with full character and subtle finish,” says Rio Blanco Spirits CEO Josh Erlich. “We’re proud of our vodka and honored that the judges saw fit to recognize and award our brand. We look forward to introducing CERÉN® Vodka to new markets throughout the rest of the year and beyond.”

In stock at Forstyh now...

The Wine Advocate
Rated 92/100
2006 Wairau River Pinot Noir "Home Block"...$29.99
The 2006 Homeblock Pinot Noir is very impressive, a ripe but well-defined nose with red cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry, the palate displaying ripe tannins, a lithe, supple mouthfeel – very natural with cherry and wild strawberry on the earthy finish.Pioneers of the Rapaura District in Marlborough having cultivated vines there back in 1978, Phil and Chris Rose supplied grapes to other growers before establishing Wairau River in 1991, their wines 100% estate grown from their five holdings with their own winery constructed in 2002 alongside a much-improved irrigation system.

Fresh Schlafly...

Just a note...
Arrived today at Forsyth...

Schlafly Pale Ale -- bottled 1/20/09
Schlafly Scotch Ale -- bottled 1/22/09
Schlafly Hefeweizen -- bottled 1/15/09
Schlafly APA -- bottle 1/08/09

New from Missouri --

Charleville Tripel Wit...$4.19 / 22oz

The latest release from Missouri's own Charleville. 9%ABV

"A beer experience with a true distinction, our Triple wit is a unique bottle conditioned Belgian style ale. Made from two row barley, white wheat and rolled oats. To compliment the satiating taste only found by using a traditional top fermenting yeast, coriander and oranges are added. This addition during the brewing process lends to the delicate balance of flavors between the malt hops and yeast." -- Charleville

Avery hot new release, New Belgium, Schlafly

Very limited, only 10 cases for Missouri

Avery Mephistopheles Stout...$7.99

Mephistopheles is the final installment of "The Demons of Ale" series we had the Beast and Samaels.

Beer Style: Stout

Hop Variety: Magnum, Styrian Goldings

Malt Variety: Two-row barley, black malt,roasted barley,Belgian special B, aromatic

Alcohol By Volume: 15.92%

Bottled on Novembe 2008

Batch #4

IBU's: 107

Color: Coal Black
"Mephistopheles is the crafty shape shifter, the second fallen angel. Amazingly complex, coal black, velvety and liqueurish, this demon has a bouquet of vine-ripened grapes, anise and chocolate covered cherries with flavors of rum-soaked caramelized dark fruits and a double espresso finish. IBU's 107. "

-- Avery

Rated 99 percentile on ratebeer.com

Rated A- on beeradvocate.com

We also got in a brand new one from New Belgium

Mighty Arrow Pale Ale 12pk

"MIGHTY ARROW Pale Ale provides lots of pleasurable sniffs from Amarillo and Cascade hops with a fetching honey malt base. This is our brewed tribute to Arrow, Kim's Aussie/Border Collie mix who ran (literally) New Belgium for 12 years. When she wasn't patrolling the brewery grounds, she was famous for her office visits: She never met a tummy rub she didn't like. Atta girl Arrow." -- New Belgium

90 points and only $11.99

Great wines and great for the budget!

2008 Maipe Malbec....$11.99

"The 2008 Malbec is a glass-coating purple color with a striking perfume of violets, black cherry, and black raspberry. Exhibiting surprising complexity for its price category, the wine has gobs of fruit, savory flavors, and excellent depth and length. It is an outstanding value for drinking over the next 3-4 years."

Rated 90/100 The Wine Advocate

2007 Souverain Chardonnay...$11.99

$17.00 at www.souverain.com

"This classic Alexander Valley Chardonnay offers vibrant aromas of ripe pear, white peach and yellow apple. On the palate the wine has a nice viscosity and creamy texture with lasting flavors of lemon, pear and honeycomb. The wine has bright acidity and a long, lingering finish." -- Souverain Winery

"Complex aromas of citrus, pear, apple and honeysuckle, with touches of toasty oak. Full-bodied, rich and elegant, with a long, lingering finish. Drink now through 2011. 35,000 cases made. –JL"

Rated 90/100 The Wine Spectator

Beer tasting at Provisions Gourmet Market

Pre-Super Bowl Beer Tasting

January 30th from 5pm-7pm

This Friday!

Open House Format!

Provisions Gourmet Market

11615 Olive Blvd.

Creve Coeur, MO 63141

314.989.0020

We will have snacks, meats and cheese and a variety of beer to taste...
Scheduled beers to be tasted include...

Amager Bryghus Hr. Frederiksen

Trois Mousquetieres Imperial Weizen

Dieu du Ciel Corne de Diable

Dieu du Ciel Route de espices

O'Fallon Goat's Breath
Curim Celtic Wheat
Czech Rebel
Azugar Romanian Beer
Boulevard Smokesack Imperial Stout
Schlafly Triple and Grand Cru
Left Hand Smoke Jumper

A new Southern Tier...

Southern Tier "Back Burner"
Imperial Barley Wine Style Ale...$5.99 / 22oz
First brew of the year from this New York brewer.
"Long ago, British farmhouse brewers made special ales using the first runnings of the mash. These beers, now called barley wine, are brewed in the tradition of days past. At Southern Tier this long awaited brew is placed on the back burner until the start of the new year. Back Burner Barley Wine is a celebration of things to come and things remembered. It’s conceived in three small batches, using voluminous amounts of barley and hops. The process starts early in the morning and ends late into the night. We hope this rare brew reignites your spirit for another trip around the sun. 10% abv. • 15ºL • Imperial Barley Wine • 22 oz / 1/2 keg / 1/6 keg

Rated 95 percentile on www.ratebeer.com

Rated A- on www.beeradvocate.com

More from He'Brew...

A new seasonal from He'Brew/Schmaltz Brewing Company. Available Jan-March

Coney Island Human Blockhead...$4.69 / 22oz

“Tough-as-Nails Strong Lager."

LAGER FREAKS & BEER GEEKS…STEP RIGHT UP!!!
SHMALTZ BREWING COMPANY PROUDLY INTRODUCES A STUNNING NEW OFFERING OF THE SEASON:
CONEY ISLAND Human Blockhead™
New York, NY – January 12, 2009 – Shmaltz Brewing Company, ringleaders for well over a decade of HE’BREW – The Chosen Beer™, continues the national release of its new line of sideshow-inspired Coney Island Craft Lagers™ with their latest seasonal attraction, Coney Island Human Blockhead™ (Tough-As-Nails Strong Lager). Proceeds help Coney Island USA, a 501(c)(3) Arts Non-Profit fulfill its mission to defend the honor of lost forms of American popular culture in Brooklyn’s historic Coney Island neighborhood. Shmaltz Brewing celebrates the national release of its new line as they host and participate in National and NYC-based events throughout 2009.
Pound for pound, Coney Island Human Blockhead™ is a finely crafted professional.

8 specialty malts of barley, wheat, rye, and oats create an enormously developed body

Juggling 6 hop varieties from European Noble roots to American Pacific Northwest new school flavors balances this weighty task. Traditional proprietary Lager yeast shines true elegance on this innovative recipe for a complex demonstration of pure enjoyment.

10% alcohol nails it home.

Originally developed by renowned magician and sideshow performer Melvin Burkhardt, the “human blockhead” stunt remains a staple at the Coney Island sideshow to this day. With Burkhardt leaving after 25 years of performance in Coney Island, the act is kept alive by the current MC of the CI Sideshow, Donny Vomit. The sideshow runs from April – September, and since Donny joined in 2004, he has performed over 2,000 shows. He comments, “As a kid, I always thought it would be cool to have an action figure made after me, but having a kickass beer is a whole lot better. Drink my beer!!” Coney Island Human Blockhead™ pays delicious tribute to the wildly mustachioed MC and the legacy of this shocking act." -- brewery press release

Great new German beers...

The classic German wheat beer, Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier, was Beer Advocate's #8 beer of the year and rated "A" outstanding with 947 Reviews. We have just received two new beers from Weihenstephaner. You know they have to be good.

Weihenstephaner VITUS...$2.69 / pint
" In good time for Lent Weihenstephan's brewers are following an ancient monastic tradition and presenting their VITUS single-bock wheat beer. The monks knew what was good for body and soul and preferred to drink bock beer. During Lent, when no solid food might be eaten, the nourishing, satisfying beverage became a substitute for meals. Nowadays, though, dietary rules are not so strictly kept to, so VITUS can be enjoyed all the year round – even with a hearty meal. Bock beers are often named after important saints. The new single-bock wheat beer from the Weihenstephan brewery takes its name from Saint Vitus, one of the 14 patron saints of the Roman Catholic church. Saint Vitus is, amongst other things, the patron saint of beer brewers. VITUS is a light-coloured, spicy wheat bock beer, infused with fine, top-fermented yeast. Brewed by the traditional double-mash process, it has a mellowness and a compact, firm head which promises lasting, unique enjoyment. Extra long and cold storage in our monastery cellars makes this single-bock a really special beer with full body and a distinctively great mouthfeel. VITUS is brewed to the highest quality standards and in strict accordance with Bavaria's Purity Law. Only the best brewing water, selected wheat, barley, hops and yeast are used to make VITUS. The high-quality label, decorated with filigree nostalgia motifs, emphasises the premium quality of the wheat bock beer and its traditional origins. The neck label bears an ancient, traditional portrait of Saint Vitus." -- brewery


VITUS in brief: Light-coloured single-bock wheat beerfull-bodied, spicy flavour only top-fermented yeast
Original wort: 16.5% weight
bitter value: 17
alcohol content: 7.7% vol.






Weihenstephaner Korbinian...$2.69 / pint
"A double bock beer that has what it takes. Not just for lovers of strong beer. With a malty aroma and great taste, our Korbinian is a true beer speciality. It goes well with smoked meat and fish as well as wild roasts and fowl." -- brewery
Original wort: 18,3 % weight
Bittering power: 32
Alcohol content: 7,4 % vol.

Congrats to O'Fallon

A big congratulations to everybody
at O'Fallon Brewery right here in Missouri.


I just noticed in the Beer Enthusiast's Draft Magazine Jan/Feb issue...

O'Fallon Whiskey Barrel Smoked Porter was named one of the top 25 beers in the world in 2008. It is great to see them get some recognition from a national magazine. It is amazing how many great beers there are in the world and O'Fallon made the top 25. Well done!! Unfortunately, the winning edition (Buffalo Trace) has been sold out for awhile. I have only 1 bottle left the the Weller Edition at Forsyth and maybe some at Provisions Gourmet Market. I also heard that there is some O'Fallon Cocoa Cream currently in barrel waiting for release.

"These are the beers that, in the last year, have made us stop, think and beg for more. Some are old, some are new, but every one is worth the hunt and deserves a place on a pedestal (or in your fridge). -- Draft Magazine

Check out some of the other names on the list top 25 beers of 2008. Others on the list include
Three Floyds Dark Lord
Bell's Hopslam
Deschutes The Abyss
Struise Pannepot
Lost Abbey Angel's Share
Westmalle Tripel
Russian River Pliny the Elder
Dark Horse Reserve Black Bier
Dogfish Head Palo Santo Marron
New Holland Dragon's Milk
Odell Woodcut #1
Surly Darkness
.......this is almost a who's who in the brewing business.


O'Fallon Whiskey Barrel Smoked Porter (Buffalo Trace Edition)
"Robust Porter: This Missouri brewery made a name for itself with beers like Wheach (due out soon), but this smoked beer is something extra special. O'Fallon's brewers obtained remarkable results when they took their GABF-gold-winning smoked porter and aged it in Buffalo Trace whiskey barrels.
Tasting notes: While the whiskey imparts a strong sweetness to the brew, it doesn't take away from the smoky, chocolaty complexity of the malts, achieving a rare balance of barrel aged beers."
-- Draft Magazine



** From the top 25 we have in stock the following
Struise Pannepot (Ratebeer.com's #1 Brewer of 2007)
"For five years, de Struise has rented space at Belgium's Deca Brewery to brew its beer. In that time, de Struise has become recognized as one of the world's premier breweries, and in the last two years, we've been fortunate to get this beer on our side of the pond. This Belgian treat is perfectly balanced, with bold flavors that never overwhelm the palate.
Tasting notes: Pannepot starts with a deep toffee sweetness marked by fruity fermentatation notes. It has an incredible body that is full but not heavy. The deep toffee sweetness and plum fruit notes move like a slow dance, deliberate and sensual, and the finish is a crescendo of taste and balance." -- Draft Magazine - read more
Harviestoun Ola Dubh 16 yr
Westmalle Tripel
New Holland Dragon's Milk RIS -- Due in February

Here but now gone...
Odell Woodcut #1 - sold out
Bell's Hopslam - sold out
O'Fallon Bourbon Smoked Porter (Buffalo Trace) - sold out

Some news...

A lot of great beers have arrived this week....Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA, Sierra Nevada Bigfoot, Sierra Nevada ESB, Old Danish Braggot, BFM Bon Chien, Wintercoat Vildmoseol, Aventinus Vintage 2005, de Dolle Stille Nacht, 2009 Hitachino Nest Commemorative Ale, Amager Bryghus, Pannepot Reserva, Saint Somewhere, Dieu du Ciel, Mikkeller Not Just another Wit, Mikkeller Big Worse, Nils Oscar Coffee.....

Check all the posts below...


Back available in St. Louis....
Felinfoel Double Dragon Ale...$3.99 / pint
Thames Welsh ESB Extra Special Bitter...$3.99 / pint

Both of these disappeared for about 6 months, it is good to have these Welsh ales back, because they are very popular.
The other interesting note is that they went down in price? That does not happen too often.

New Christmas Ale...

de Dolle Stille Nacht...$5.69 / 11.2oz

Even though it is a "Christmas" beer, it has just arrived. But this one at 12% ABV can age for awhile.

"Stille Nacht (Silent Night) is a prestige beer from De Dolle Brouwers brewed for Christmas. It has the highest density of any Belgian beer (27°Pl). It has been boiling for many hours, brewed with pale malt with white candi sugar in the kettle. The Nugget hops gives an extra bitterness to balance the extreme sweetness due to the density. The taste triangle is completed with some acidity of the fermentation. It is a very interesting beer to age. We have samples of every bottling we have done so far and aging does not mean decreasing quality with this beer. Keep some samples at 10°C and mark the year on the cap with an alcohol marker. Cheers!!" -- importer

Rated 98 percentile on ratebeer.com

12% Alcohol by volume.

Hitachino...

2009 Hitachino Nest Commemorative Ale....$4.49 / 11.2 oz

We have 1 bottle left of the 2008

From Japan's Most Prestigious Brewery
"Hitachino Nestbeer Commemorative Ale is brewed in the tradition of a true Eisbock where the brew is concentrated by allowing the water to freeze {but not the alcohol}. After the mashing of five different malts {Pale, Munich, Crystal, Chocolate , and wheat} four differing types of hops are added in the brewkettle for bitterness & aroma {Styrian Goldings, Hallertauer, Tettnang, Saaz} . Five different spices complete the Commemorative Ale recipe {coriander, orange peel, nutmeg, cinnamon & vanilla beans}. After a freezing period of three days at 24F {= -4C} the frozen water & protein are removed. The bottle conditioning will then ring in a six month maturation time in the bottle. Enjoy Kiuchi's Hitachino Commemorative Ale while you forget the worries and troubles of the old year!" -- importer



FYI -- other Eisbocks we carry...
Schneider Aventinus Eisbock
Kulmbacher Eisbock

"Eisbocks are created by freezing off a portion of the water, and removing it from the beer. This form of concentration, of sorts, increases the beer's body, flavor, and alcohol content. They can range from near black to as light as tawny red. Hop bitterness and flavor are mostly cast aside with a big alcohol presence replacing it, which can range from sweet to spicy, and fruity to often times fusel. Look for a heavy or almost syrupy body with tons of malty flavor." -- www.beeradvocate.com

Limited Swiss brews...

We just received another case of each
BFM Abbaye de Saint Bon Chien
2006 Vintage....$23.99 / 750ml

BFM Abbaye de Saint Bon Chien
2007 Vintage....$23.99 / 750ml
BFM = Brasserie des Franches-Montagnes
"Boldly treading the boundary between port, wine and beer, l'Abbaye de Saint Bon-Chien is a unique ale aged in wooden casks which have been used for several years before to age Merlot, Merlot Cabernet, Whisky and then Grappa. It manages to merge into L'Abbaye all the complex aromas of a vintage red wine along with the delicate harmony and flavors of the wood and its former contents. This process requires close monitoring of the beer's evolution. The final version is blended from different casks, to ensure optimal balance, complexity and enjoyment! A mere one thousand bottles have been earmarked for the US market in 2006. [Thus named in fond memory of Bon-Chien, the late brewery cat, deceased in June 2005, whose antics were very popular with brewery visitors]" -- importer

Sierra Nevada Seasonal

In addition to the new Sierra Nevada Torpedo Ale - read more
We now have

2009 Sierra Nevada ESB...$8.19 / 6pk

ESB = Early Spring Beer

Release on one of the coldest days of the year, get some spring weather early.

“Our ESB blends the best of English tradition with the boldness of West Coast style. Featuring English ingredients, we added a Sierra Nevada twist by leaving the ale unfiltered, which enhances mouthfeel and hop aroma creating a slightly reddish-copper hue,” said brewery founder Ken Grossman.
The 2008 ESB features England’s premier heritage malt, Maris Otter, and is blended with Canadian two-row malt to create a uniquely rich, malty sweetness. With the addition of hand-selected English Challenger hops (used for their earthy spiciness) and blended with U.S. Goldings, the beer presents a woodsy-cedar note and a slight citrusy aroma.
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. was founded in 1980 and is one of America’s first microbreweries. It is regarded as the standard of quality for American craft brewers and has won numerous awards for its beers and ales. Its flagship product, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, has been the number one selling craft beer brand in America for the past five years according to IRI scan data. The brewery is still 100% owned by Ken Grossman." -- brewery

Dan Aykroyd wines

In stock at our Ballwin location and our Forsyth location.

Dan Aykroyd Wines

"This is a new project form Dan Aykroyd, apparently he is a hands on celebrity. Unlike many that just sell their name, he actually worked the harvest and helped with the blending. He has been a wine lover since his days on Saturday Night Live when the musician Steve Cropper introduced him to great Bordeaux. His movie credits include Ghostbusters, Dragnet, Blues Brothers, My Girl, Crossroads, Driving Miss Daisy, The Great Outdoors and many more."

"Dan Aykroyd Wines celebrate the spirit and flavour of the world’s top wine producing regions. From his highly successful career in film and television to his co-founding the House of Blues, Dan Aykroyd has brought laughter, music and entertainment into the homes and hearts of millions of people around the globe." -- winery

2007 Dan Aykroyd Cabernet Sauvignon....$17.99

"Produce in Sonoma County, this Cabernet is blended in the true Bordeaux tradition, giving the wine its elegance and complexity. The Cabernet lends structure and tannins, which are complemented by small amounts of other varietal including Merlot and Carmenere. The Merlot adds soft, fleshy berry and plum flavors while the Carmenere balances the tannins of the Cabernet and adds cherry and spice components...The wonderful, ripe aromas and flavors of blackberry and raspberry are followed by a lovely touch of spice at the finish. Approachable, flavorful and very balanced, this wine is perfect to enjoy with friends and family--exactly as Dan intended!" -- winery

2007 Dan Aykroyd Chardonnay...$17.99

Made in the Sonoma style with Burgundian flair and finesse, this wine is a blend of 7 vineyards from Sonoma County's finest terroirs, including the Russian River Valley. The region's fox slows ripening, allowing for the full develoopment of aroma and flavor compounds so that the grapes ripen with higher acidity. The result is a perfect balance of fresh mouthfeel and soft, creamy texture. The round, full-bodied texture, sweet vanilla notes and increased depth are a result of ageing in a mixture of new and neutral Frenach and American oak barrels. The lovely fruit-forward flavor with essence of pear, Gravenstein apple, and pineapple contrasts with a very floral nose and slight hints of vanilla on the back palate. This chardonnay boasts a versatile and approachable nature that is complex enought to stand up to richer dishes, yet is perfectly refreshing on its own. Enjoy with friends and family - exactly as Dan intended!" -- Winery

President Barack Obama's Inauguration

President Barack Obama's Inaugural luncheon was held on January 20, 2009. The two wines served were the Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc and the Goldeneye Pinot Noir. We stock both at our Forsyth location.


2009 Presidential Inaugural Luncheon
"We are honored to announce that the 2007 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc and the 2005 Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir were selected by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies to be served at the 2009 Inaugural Luncheon on January 20th.
Approximately 200 guests including the new President, Vice President, members of their families, the Supreme Court, Cabinet designees, and members of the Congressional leadership attended the event in Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol." -- Duckhorn Vineyards


2009 Inaugural Luncheon Menu

First Course
Seafood Stew
2007 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
Seafood Stew recipe


Second Course
A Brace of American Birds (pheasant and duck)
Sour Cherry Chutney and Molasses Sweet Potatoes
2005 Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
Duck Breast recipe Pheasant recipe


Third Course
Apple Cinnamon Sponge Cake & Sweet Cream Glace
Korbel "Special Inaugural Cuvee"


2007 Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc
"Duckhorn has been remarkably consistent with this bottling, although the price has crept up the last few years. The ‘07 is right up there, a sweetly oaked, leesy wine whose citrus and lemongrass flavors are fattened up with the pears and figs of Sémillon. The finish is quite dry and rich."
Rated 90/100 The Wine Enthusiast

2005 Goldeneye Pinot Noir
"Rich and distinctive, with complex, concentrated loamy earth, black cherry, wild berry, savory spice and fresh earth scents. The tannins are rich and mouthcoating, yet the fruit pours through."
Rated 92/100 The Wine Spectator

St. Louis Style - Dogtown Pizza

Pick up some pizza for Super Bowl!
Dogtown Pizza
St. Louis Style Frozen Pizza





"Every Dogtown Pizza starts with fresh ingredients. Locally bought, fresh and often, we do everything possible to make sure your pizza is absolutely perfect - right out of YOUR oven.
You can be proud to serve the perfect and classic St. Louis style pizza to your family just as we do for ours." -- Dogtown

Keep a few in your freezer and you are ready for surprise guests or a quick dinner or snack!!



Cheese
A Classic Cheese Pizza with our signature 3 cheese blend. Our special cheese blend melts perfectly, is never stringy and provides the basis for all of our great pizza creations.

Pepperoni
A Pepperoni Pizza - with mildly spiced and delicious pepperoni

Sausage
Our italian sausage is perfectly tangy and straight from the hill

Sausage & Pepperoni
The quintessential topping combo

Veggie
Onion, Mushroom, Green Pepper & Black Olives

Deluxe
Sausage, Bacon, Onion & Mushroom

4 Meat
Sausage, Bacon, Pepperoni & Ham

Chicken Wing Pizza
Grilled Chicken, Cheese and plenty of Rick's homemade Hot Wing Sauce



Found in the freezer at both Rock Hill and our Clayton store.
(we do not carry all flavors at all times)

Beer news...

Samuel Adams Imperial Series is arriving to STL soon.
Imperial White
Imperial Stout
Imperial Double Bock
I am told it has left Sam Adams warehouse and is on its way to St. Louis.

Sierra Nevada ESB arriving 1/27/09


Random note...
Head to the Schlafly Tap Room on January 30th to hear some music.
Our own Chris Spina, the wine manager at our Rock Hill location, is playing music that night. His band is called "Black for a Second" and they are on the bill probably 9ish. There are two other bands playing that night also--TOK and That's My Daughter

Also just in...

Another very rare one..
Just a quick update...
We only received 30 bottles yesterday (1/23/09)
We only have 6 bottles left at Forysth -- it might be gone by the end of the day
and 6 bottles just arrived at Rock Hill


2005 Pannepot RESERVA Oak Aged...$17.99 / 750ml
"The Pannepot Reserva was an idea from my brew collegue Carlo who wanted to age Pannepot in genuine French oak barrels (barrique 225 liters). We have brewed 90HL at the end of 2005 which has been aging on oak ever since (14 months). 30 Hl was bottled Tuesday 8th May 2007. 60Hl has been transferred now to second hand calvados oak vessels and will be bottled again early autumn 2007, we will name that batch Pannepot Grand Reserva. As quality and results rule at Struise, the Reserva was already brewed again and aging on oak."
Rated 100 percentile on ratebeer.com

Mikkeller - new ones to STL

Now in stock at both Forsyth and Rock Hill

We are proud to introduce
some new Mikkeler beers to St. Louis...



Mikkeller Big Worse Barley Wine Style...$8.99 / 375ml
Barley Wine Style
"Big Worse is the long awaited big brother of the small test brew Big Bad Barley Wine. The idea behind Big Worse is still to make a simple yet heavy barley wine - just like it’s smaller brother. But this time both the alcohol and bitterness has been pumped up! Big Worse is both thick and sweet and is the perfect beer for desserts. Enjoy it now or keep it for many years. Best stored dark and at cellar temperature." -- Mikkeller
Ingredients :Water, malt (pils and caramunich), candy sugar, hops (nugget, cascade and centennial) and ale yeast.




Mikkeller Not Just Another Wit...$12.99 / 750ml
Belgian White (Witbier)
Not just another wit bier. The style taken to another level. Strong and hoppy. The world's first IPW?
Ingredients :Water, malt (pale and amber), unmalted wheat, flaked oats, hops (goldings, amarillo, saaz and cascade), spices (orange peel and coriander seeds) and yeast.




Of course we have plenty of other goodies in stock from Mikkeller...
It's Alive
Beer Geek Breakfast
Monk's Brew
Draft Bear
Stateside IPA
All Other's Pale

Nils Oscar release a new one...

Another new one to St. Louis...

Nils Oscar Coffee Stout...$5.49 / 11.2oz

"Nils Oscar Coffee Stout is a collaboration with coffee grinders Johan & Nystom**. To an already robust stout, we have set up espresso brew on the first single-estate coffee from Gatsinga Farm in Rwanda. By brewing espresso and adding to the beer extracted whole coffee character that complements the beer with roasted chocolate tones in an exquisite way. Rwanda Gatsinga has deep sweetness, peerlessly complex, vivid flavors of fresh fruit, vegetables and spicy Juniper. The body is medium-rich, with a light citrus acidity.

What distinguishes this stout from many others is that Nils Oscar completely moves away from cold-brewing of coffee, for taste's sake, it is instead only espresso.

** Johan & Nystom is a young and innovative coffee roaster, which was founded in November 2004. The ambition is to change Sweden's coffee supply and make it more exclusive, better, more fun, fairer and more organic. For those who work at Johan & Nystrom Coffee is more than a normal job - it's a passion and a lifestyle." -- Nils Oscar

.

.

More about Nils Oscar and other beers in stock now..

Nils Oscar Brewery (The Nils Oscar Company) is a Swedish microbrewery and spirits company based in Nykoping.The brewery was founded in Stockholm 1996 as Kungsholmens Kvartersbryggeri i Kungsholmen, Stockholm but changed name to Tärnö Bryggeri rather quickly. During 2006 major relocations were conducted and the company got it's current name.Nils Oscar Brewery is considered one of the top breweries in Sweden and constantly receives good reviews from national beer critics. Nils Oscar beers have been awarded several gold medals at Stockholm Beer Festival during the last years." -- wikipedia.com
Nils Oscar Imperial Stout...$5.69 / 11oz
"This hearty dark ale is roughly modeled on the big satisfying stouts once brewed in England for travel to Russia and the court of the Czar" -- brewery
Rated 96/100 Ratebeer.com
Nils Oscar IPA...$4.49 / 11oz
"The Nils Oscar brewery, like its namesake, has learned a few things from the New World. I.P.A. was virtually reinvented in America; this one uses American Amarillo hops to give the exotic aroma of tropical fruits." -- brewery
Nils Oscar Kalasol...$4.49 / 11oz
"A rich, satisfying festbeer of Swedish barley and rye, modeled on the classic brew once served at the Oktoberfest in Munich,but with extra hoppiness derived from Czech, English and American varieties." -- brewery
Nils Oscar Barley Wine...$6.39 / 11oz
"This classic, hearty ale started out a gold medal winner in the Swedish Home Brewing Championships in 1993, and wen on to win gold in the World Beer Cup in 2000. A little something to see yo through the longest, darkest night." -- brewery

Tiny brewery from Quebec..

In stock at Forsyth and Rock Hill!

We are proud to introduce to Missouri...

Microbrasserie Les Trois Mousquetaires

"The Three Musketeers Microbrewery"

Québec, Canada

Another brewery from Quebec, home of the delicious and famous Unibroue nectars. This brewery has only been in business for a few years (2004), but there is a lot of buzz about it on the internet. They specialize in German style beers with their own twist added. Head brewer, Jonathon Lafortune, likens himself to a chef that cooks with passion and feeling.

Les Trois Mousquetaires

Imperial Weizen...$3.19 / 11oz

According to http://www.ratebeer.com/ this is the #8 best wheat ale in the world as rated by beer drinkers around the world. This is an impressive feat since the brewery has not been around very long.

Cheese stuff....

CHEESE FAMILIES
"The cheese case at The Wine & Cheese Place may look like a mystifying jumble of myriad cheeses to many customers, but almost all cheeses informally belong to one of seven cheese “families.” These groupings are generally defined by the process used to make each type of cheese.

Bloomy rind cheeses are covered with a downy velvet of white mold, and ripen from the outside inward. When ripe, the centers should have a definite “give” when gently pressed in the middle. Before being shipped for sale, they are wrapped in paper and sometimes put into individual wooden boxes so that they can breathe and continue to mature. The inside (paste) will have a very soft, buttery or almost melting consistency. Their rinds are edible, but may not be to the taste of everybody. Popular bloomy rind cheeses are single, double and triple crème Bries, Camembert, Chaource, Fleur de Alpes, and the goat milk Florette. Appropriate wines for bloomy rind cheeses include Pinot Noir or Gamay. Try Mark West Pinot Noir or Duboeuf Moulin a Vent.

Washed rind cheeses have rinds that are tan to almost orangy. During the ripening process they are washed, rubbed or even immersed in a liquid bath that can consist of brine, wine, beer or simply water. This liquid acts as food for the surface bacteria that give these cheeses their distinctive and full flavor. Inside the paste is semi-soft to soft. Well-known washed rind cheeses include Pont l’Eveque, Epoisses, Liverot, Munster, Chimay and Italian Taleggio. They are best served with a minerally white wine like Hunold Pinot Gris.

Natural rind cheeses have rinds that are formed as the cheese is exposed to air and dried. Some are tightly wrapped in cloth for maturing. Their paste is firm to crumbly with a generally creamy, “cheesey” taste. This family includes Cheshire, Mimolette, Cantel, and Tomme de Savoie, and are very good with a nice Cotes do Rhone like the Chateau Segries ($11.99)

Uncooked pressed cheeses are made from curds that have not been cooked before they are pressed into moulds and drained of whey. (However, the milk is usually heat pasteurized.) They are semi-firm to firm, depending on their age. Their taste ranges from mild and smooth (young cheeses) to tangy and sharp (aged cheeses). Best known are Cheddar, French Morbier, Spanish Manchego, and Basque sheep cheeses. Accompany them with a good hearty read like a Atteca Spanish Grenache.

Cooked pressed cheeses are some of the most well-loved, and are often used in cooking. They are made from curds that have been heated to break down proteins before they are pressed into moulds. This is why they melt so well. Most cooked pressed cheeses are aged and firm to hard. They include favorites like Emmenthaler (Swiss), Gruyere, Gouda, Edam and Parmesan.

Veined cheeses are often called “blue cheese,” although their molds can also be green, yellow or purple. Almost every cheese-producing Western country makes a veined cheese, caused by the introduction of penicillium bacteria that either forms naturally or is injected into the cheese as it matures. Veined cheeses are neither cooked nor pressed. The curds are scooped into moulds which are turned frequently to allow the curds to press out most of the whey. Some of the whey remains, however, which is why veined cheeses often weep or drip liquid when they are fresh. Veined cheeses can range from creamy and mild to strong, tangy and crumbly. The three kings of veined cheeses are British Stilton, French Roquefort, and Italian Gorgonzola. Traditionally they are matched with a great bottle of Port

Fresh cheeses are uncooked and unripened. They are very moist and mild, with a pleasant, somewhat tart taste. Examples include cream cheese, cottage cheese, Chevre (fresh goat cheese), fresh Ricotta, and Mascarpone.

--- Bonnie Canning, Cheesemonger

Remember, to come in and taste before you buy. We never pre-cut cheese, cut FRESH to order. This is the only way to buy cheese, because cheese is a living organism.

Another new Smokestack

Sold Out!
Boulevard Smokestack
Imperial Stout...$11.99 / 750ml
Brewery Description --
Only 11,960 bottles made!
"Like India Pale Ale, Imperial Stout was originally brewed with high levels of alcohol and hops to withstand the rigors of a long sea journey, not to India, but to Imperial Russia and the Baltic States. These beers were exceptionally strong and complex, and were said to age well for as long as seven years. Our not-so-traditional version starts with a huge grain bill featuring several kinds of malted barley, wheat, rye, oats and spelt. Hopping is no less generous, with large portions of Fuggles and Hallertau Magnum, along with Hallertau Perle and Athanum. To enhance the body of the beer, we employ an ancient technique which uses the last runoff from the lautering one brew as mash-in water for the next. During fermentation, Belgian yeast contributes a most uncharacteristic fruitiness and complexity. Finally approximately 10% of the batch is barrel-aged for four months, then blended with fresh beer before bottling. The result is a unique blend of english tradition, Belgian eccentricity, and American ingenuity. Due in part to its strength, our Imperial Stout is an excellent choice for long cellering, so be sure to put a few bottles by for some deferred gratification. And check back with us in seven years or so." -- Boulevard Brewery
11% ABV

FYI - Boulevard Single Wide IPA is scheduled for March 2009

Wines not to miss....

Two of our best under $20 wines!

2006 Grand Veneur Cotes du Rhone
Villages "Champauvins"....$15.99
"The estate Cotes du Rhone-Villages is always a winner, and the 2006 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Les Champauvins is again a classic example of southern France. It is a pure wine, with notes of garrigue, meat, and sweet kirsch in a medium to full-bodied, ripe, lovely style meant for drinking in its first 4-5 years of life."
-- Rated 90/100 The Wine Advocate



2007 Thorn Clarke Shotfire Shiraz...$15.99
One of our favorite wines in the store
"Deep red/purple in color. A lifted nose of clean blackberry fruit accompanied by cedar wood characters, the oak elements are complex and layered with mocha and spices. The palate shows sweet fruit characters dominated by blackberry and plum, complimented by sweet Indian spices, in particular Turmeric and Cinnamon. The sweet fruit characters are balanced by rich savory elements. The mid-weight palate is rich and mouth filling; finishing with fine-grained tannins and great length of the savory fruit and oak." -- importer

This wine has an amazing track record:
2002 Rated 94/100 The Wine Advocate
2003 Rated 93/100 The Wine Spectator
2004 Rated 92/100 The Wine Advocate
2005 Rated 91/100 The Wine Advocate
2006 Rated 91/100 The Wine Spectator

Super Bowl!!

Super Bowl - February 1, 2009
Get your party trays at Provisions Gourmet Market
We offer:
Chili
Meatballs
Dollar Rolls
Chicken Wings
& Much More!
Call Samantha at 314-989-0020
for more details!

*All orders must be picked up Saturday, January 31, 2009

at Provisions Gourmet Market

11615 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63141

Plus check out our ever growing beer department!

Cuervo Reserva

Cuervo Reserva de la Familia....$93.99

"Reserva de la Familia is the Jose Cuervo family’s finest Tequila. In fact, for over 10 generations it was a family secret only shared with the closest of friends. In 1995, to celebrate their 200-year anniversary as the world’s leading producer of Tequila, the Cuervo family decided to share this blend of its special Tequila reserves with people who truly savor an exceptional taste sensation.

Reserva de la Familia is often served in a snifter, where its complex flavors and aromas can be fully appreciated. Produced in limited quantities with a distinct personality that varies from year to year, Reserva de la Familia has been recognized with several prestigious awards in Mexico, the United States and Europe.

Each bottle is handcrafted, numbered, dated and sealed in wax, and every year the Cuervo family commissions a different Mexican artist to design the new collectible box for Reserva de la Familia." -- Cuervo

Hoppy beers

With the release of Hopslam next week, I thought I would post some high IBU beers....
IBU --
"The International Bitterness Units scale, or simply IBU scale, provides a measure of the bitterness of beer, which is provided by the hops used during brewing. An IBU is one part per million of isohumulone — the higher number, the greater the bitterness.
The bittering effect is less noticeable in beers with a high quantity of malt, so a higher IBU is needed in heavier beers to balance the flavor. For example, an Imperial Stout may have an IBU of 50, but will taste less bitter than an English Bitter with an IBU of 30, because the first beer uses much more malt than the second. The technical limit for IBU's is around 100, others have tried to surpass this number but there is no real gauge after 100 IBUs when it comes to taste threshold." http://www.beeripedia.com/

Highest IBU's...

153 IBUs Southern Tier Un*Earthly Imperial IPA
120 IBUs Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA
115 IBUs Alvinne Gaspar ***
112 IBUs Avery The Maharaja Imperial IPA (seasonal, due in March)

106 IBUs Bell's Hopslam - Due 1/21/09

105 IBUs Stone Ruination IPA
100 IBUs Three Floyds Dreadnaught IPA
90+ IBUs Bear Republic Hop Rod
85 IBUs Great Divide Hercules Double IPA
69 IBUs Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA
65 IBUs Great Divide Titan IPA
56 IBUs Bell's Two Hearted Ale
37 IBUs Sierra Nevada Pale Ale

We stock all the beers in red, I have included some other famous "bitter" beers for reference that are not currently available in St. Louis.

*** Not many people know this one.
Alvinne Gaspar...$4.49 / 11oz
"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." -- brewery

New beers --

If all goes well, we are expecting some exciting new beers ---Sorry, it did not go well, the truck is delayed until next week.
For the tasting tonight, we will taste tonight 1/16/09 at Forsyth starting at 4:00
Southern Tier Gemini
Curim Gold Irish Wheat
Panil Bariqquee Oak Aged Sour Red
Mendocino Imperial IPA
Baird Kurofune Porter

Next week -- one of the most anticipated releases each year is
Bell's Hopslam!

Back again...Tennents

Back after a long absence in St. Louis....

Tennents Lager...$8.29 / 6pk

"Tennent's Lager has been the market leader in Scotland since it was first brewed in 1885 at Wellpark Brewery. It is a distinctive, well-balanced lager whose sweet, malty flavors combine with a tangy hoppiness to create its crisp, refreshing character. Tennent's Lager (4% ABV), fresh from the heart of Scotland, is best served between 4° and 6°C." -- Tennents

New Red Bull Cola

Try mixing it with Jack Daniels or Jim Beam...

Red Bull Cola...$1.29 / 8.4oz

"Why Red Bull Cola?

Why not? And we simply believe that a cola can also be made from natural ingredients. Just like back in the old days.The cola from Red Bull can do without a secret formula. On the contrary: all our ingredients are listed on the back of the can.Thanks to its special recipe, the cola from Red Bull is not just a cola, but a cola of a special kind: strong and natural." -- Red Bull

"The cola from Red Bull is a unique blend of ingredients, all from 100 % natural sources.In addition, it is the only cola which contains both the original Kola nut and the Coca leaf. Therefore, it is a very special recipe. Or what else would you have expected from Red Bull? The result is a natural, not-too-sweet cola taste, which comes from using the right plant extracts." -- Red Bull

"We followed this simple principle in the making of our cola. Therefore, the cola from Red Bull contains• no phosphoric acid• no preservatives• no artificial colouring• no artificial flavourings.So you see, making a first-class cola can be that easy. Just Simply Cola." -- Red Bull

Sour Red Ale...

Panil Barriquee 2007 Vintage Batch #9...$17.99 / 750ml

All bottles are numbered, we have numbers between #980-1002

Oak Aged Sour Red Ale

"Save the wild yeasts! From senseless abuse and pasteurization. Suddenly beer-lovers here in the States are all a-titter over dark, sour, wood-aged ales. These complex, fruity-tasting beers, native to the Netherlands and Belgian Flanders, represent one of the oldest beer styles in the world. In their traditional form, these Sour Reds – also known as ‘Flemish Red’ or ‘Oud Bruin’ beers – are related to real lambic beers: a touch of wild yeast and bacteria coming from the wood give acidity, both lactic (sour) and acetic (vinegar).
Trouble is, it’s become nearly impossible to find a true, traditional Sour Red, even in the place where the style was born. The spate of Sour Reds turning up here now leaves most drinkers crying in their beer. They’re too damned sweet! Crass commercialization has brought even the generally recognized ‘classics’ of the style to their knees. They’re pasteurized, and sometimes laced with sugar or artificial sweeteners to make them appealing to the less-discerning beer drinker. The traditional complexity, character, and dryness are missing in action.
But now comes Panil Barriquée, and not a minute too soon. Barriquée is the only all-natural, traditionally-made example you will find today, and it comes from, of all places, Italy. This masterpiece is ‘triple-fermented.’ Primary fermentation is in stainless steel. The deep earthy, sour character results from three months of maturation in cognac barrels from Bordeaux(?), followed by re-fermentation and further aging in the bottle. Barriquée is not pasteurized or filtered, and no sweeteners are added, so it is uncompromisingly dry and complex, and endlessly interesting." -- importer

Rated A- with 95 reviews on www.beeradvocate.com

Rated 99 percentile on www.ratebeer.com

A couple of new bocks...

Breckenridge Pandora's Bock...$8.49

"Desire coupled with curiosity can drive you to do many foolish things. Fortunately, opening a bottle of our Pandora’s Bock is not one of them. Once it is released, a wealth of flavor and complexity will spill out into the world. With a traditional bock flavor profile and a hint of hoppy goodness, there’s a reason it’s spoken about in mythical terms." -- Brewery

Yeast: Bavarian Lager
Malts: Two Row Pale, Munich, Bonlander, Caramel
Hops: Strisselspalt, Chinook
Color: Mahogany
Bitterness Units: 16
Alcohol ByVolume: 7.5%

Leinenkugel's 1888 Bock...$6.89 / 6pk

"We've tapped our family's original bock recipe to create Leinenkugel's 1888 Bock, which features a robust head that seizes the rich aroma of toasted the caramel malts. The flavor of this full-bodied brew is heavily defined the Munich malts and teh 20 to 25 day cold lagering process which creates a smooth, toasted malt flavor. 1888 Bock also features caramel, pale and two-row chocolate malts while cluster hops add a touch of citrus character." -- brewery

Bitterness: 18 IBU

Alcohol: 5.1%

Scotch Class!

The Wine and Cheese Place

7435 Forsyth Blvd

Clayton, MO, 63105

314-727-8788

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

From 6pm-7:30pm

$15 / person

Scotch Series Continues
We are going to try some rare and different scotches.
we will taste these....

Michel Couvreur Scotch Whisky (12 year-old)...$59.99
Michel Couvreur "Clearach"...$36.99
Michel Couvreur Pale Single Single...$89.99
Michel Couvreur Scotch Grain...$36.99
Michel Couvreur Special Vatting...$99.99
Michel Couvreur PX 18 year-old...$41.99
Pigs Nose Scotch...$31.99
Sheep Dip Scotch....$35.99



read about Michel Couvreur - click here
read about Pig's Nose and Sheep dip - click here



Reservations required.
Seating is limited
Call 314-727-8788 for reservations

Information...

I have been getting a lot of people asking about our online store. It is back up now!

A word about the weekly specials...
Because of our computer system, the prices in the computer do not change until Monday after we close. So if you come in on Monday for the specials, make sure you mention they are on sale to the checker so they can change the price. (The added bonus is that the previous week's special still ring out at the sale price on Monday -- last week's and this week's both on sale!)

Beers not currently available in Missouri for assorted reasons...
Grimbergen
Kroenebourg 1664
Old Peculier
Felinfoel Double Dragon
Lemp
hopefully they will come back soon.

Quick store news...

Just in today at Forsyth...

After a long absence...
Peychaud Bitters...$4.49
(from New Orleans)
Pig's Nose Scotch...$31.99
"In Gloucestershire 'tis said that our Scotch is "as soft and smooth as a Pig's Nose". The local saying gave its name to our high quality blended whisky, which has been slowly matured and aged in the finest oak casks. The whisky is a blend of the finest Highland Malt and Grain Whiskies, carefully married, and then blended meticulously for incomparable smoothness." -- distillery
Sheep Dip Scotch...$35.99
"Our peculiar name comes from a time when farmers hid their home-made whisky from the excise officers in barrels marked "Sheep-Dip [excrement, so they would not look in the barrels]". Sheep Dip has been specially crafted by Richard Paterson, Scotland's only third generation Master Blender. Richard has selected sixteen single malts from the four traditional malt whisky regions, aged between eight and sixteen years and married them in fresh American oak barrels to produce this exceptional whisky." -- distillery
Taste: "Finesse and elegance gives way to a majestic assertion of pure malty flavours, drawn from the four distilling regions of Scotland. Each area makes its own inimitable contribution to this outstanding pure malt - the main accent being expressed from the Highlands and Speyside Valleys. Howerver, a subtle hint of Islay can just be detected on the aftertaste as it slowly ebbs into a clssic, pleasing finish" -- distillery


Also back in stock today is the IBERICO Ham in the deli...click for more info



Arriving--- 01/13/09
We will receive the new..
Southern Tier Gemini Double/Imperial IPA
"Blended hoppe & unearthly” High in the winter sky, two parallel stick figures are visible & known as “the twins,” or the constellation Gemini. The astronauts of the 1960s flew as teams of two in a program named after the celestial pairing. At Southern Tier, we have our own fraternal twins, Hoppe & Unearthly. Blended together & placed in this vessel, the mission of our Gemini is to travel high & take passengers on a journey far into the heavens. 10.5% abv • 5.8ºL " -- Brewery
Rated 95 percentile on ratebeer.com