It was quite an eventful weekend at Holiday Wine Cellar, with beer, wine, and spirits tastings galore. Well, come to think of it, that’s pretty much what every weekend is like at the cellar!
Some of the highlights included the Glenmorangie tasting on Thursday, which included five different Scotch whiskys from the Highland region of Scotland. Such a storied distillery producing some of the world’s finest single malt Scotches, Glenmorangie has been at it since 1843, and is now a household name in the world of Scotch. Available for samples on Thursday were their original 10 year, 12 year sherry cask, 12 year port cask, 12 year sauternes cask, and 18 year extremely rare. Needless to say, this was quite a tasting.
Chris from California Craft Distributors was here on Saturday pouring the beers of Propolis Brewing. Hailing from Townsend, Washington, Propolis produces mainly dry ales, many of which are spiced and inoculated with various yeast and bacteria strains. These strains help to lend these beers varying flavors of funk, fruit, and acidity, while the herbs and spices increase complexity and flavor.
Now a mainstay at Holiday Wine Cellar, Peter from Koo-Koo Liqueur was here sampling his decadent chocolate liqueur on Saturday. This liqueur is made with neutral grain spirits and pure dark chocolate with no dairy, and is extremely versatile. Try it over a fruit salad or devil’s food cake, or in your favorite dessert cocktail; it makes for a great chocolate martini!
Saturday also brought in the wines of Nicolas Feuillatte, a winery from the commune of Épernay, France, which produces Champagnes of some of the finest quality. If you are in the market for an excellent champagne this holiday season, these are a great option, with flavors varying from brioche and toasted almonds to citrus and melon, and excellent for a cheese spread. The rosé made for a fantastic pairing with the smoked gouda!
The marquis event of the weekend was the Firestone Walker tasting, for which Mark Hodges from HWC’s beer department poured some of Firestone’s core beers, as well as some rarities. These not-so-easy to find beers included 19th Anniversary Ale, Stickee Monkee, Velvet Merkin, Parabola, and Helldorado. What a great showing for this event, and why not? With a lineup like that, you’re crazy if you missed it!
Thanks to all of our event-goers for trying the suds, spirits, and bubbly. For a list of upcoming tasting events, visit our calendar of events page on our website. See you this weekend!
