Did you grow that, or is it just organic?

I take a very skeptical look at “green cred” wines. I think if you have to sell your product based on things like the winery’s carbon footprint, then there’s probably a reason that you haven’t been able to sell your wine based on its quality. That said, what I value in a bottle (after, of course, establishing that it is good) is uniqueness and expressiveness. I want to be convinced by the winemaker that what I’m drinking is different than any other bottle, opened any other day. He can’t convince me if he didn’t put in the time making something that reflects what he grew, and to start at that basic level comes the responsibility of keeping a vineyard and cellar that will continue to produce for a very long time to come.

Here’s the rub: quality wine must be produced sustainably. Wine growers are, at their most basic, farmers. If you do not farm sustainably, you wear out your land, and as such you are no longer able to farm. The fact that so much is being made of so-called “green” wines is mostly marketing, because producers had to work that way to begin with. If they weren’t, they probably weren’t making wine very carefully, either. Continue reading Did you grow that, or is it just organic?

Blended Scotch Versus Single Malt Scotch

One of the most common misconceptions in the spirits world is that ‘single malt scotch’ is of a higher quality than ‘blended scotch.’  This is completely unfounded and untrue. The designations single malt and blended are simply different ways of expressing the same product.

Blended Scotch was first made around 1860 after the introduction of column stills in 1830 led to the creation of un-malted grain whisky (otherwise known as ‘grain’).  The smooth and mild mannered aspects of the grain helped to tone down the the more assertive characteristics of the malt whisky.  The resulting blended whisky proved to be subdued and much more appealing to foreign consumers, particularly the English, who took to Scotch during the 1870s after phylloxera affected the supply of Cognac and Port–two mainstays of British culture. Continue reading Blended Scotch Versus Single Malt Scotch

Merriam Wine Dinner at Sprigs Restaurant – April 28th

Please join Colonial Spirits and Host, Peter Merriam, for an amazing presentation of food and wine at Sprigs Restaurant in Acton.  The link below shows an incredible menu.  Coupled with the outstanding quality of Sprigs will be a delightful compliment of world class wines, presented by the winemaker.  This evening will be one to remember.

Please call Sprigs – 978.263.3325 – for your reservation.

A Taste of Spain – Friday, May 13th from 4-7pm

Please join us at Colonial Spirits on Acton for ‘A Taste of Spain’.  This unique tasting event will feature some of the finest creations of Spanish wine making, supported by the wine makers themselves.  The evening will give wine enthusiasts the opportunity to visit with world class producers and learn from their passion for wine.  Don’t miss out on a special experience and adventure in Spanish wine!

Three great Zinfandels that you should try…

Thoughts on Wine From Partick Suleski

Zinfandel has long been a dirty word in wine circles, all too often reminding us of pink, sweet juice devoid of personality. Since the advent of the term “Old Vine Zinfandel” over the past few years, however, consumers have been less afraid of Zin and as such, the grape is coming into its own. Vineyards over 100 years old are again producing wine from Napa to Lodi, and are giving adventurous drinkers and enthusiasts alike the opportunity to see that when a quintessentially American wine is made in deference to the dirt, sun, wind and rain the results can be marvelous.
Here are three of my favorite zinfandels well worth a try:

Continue reading Three great Zinfandels that you should try…

What’s up Mayflower!

It is time to dedicate a little time to Mayflower Brewing from Plymouth, MA.  My motivation for doing so has been driven, largely, by their newest seasonal offering – Spring Hop Ale.  Mayflower has been tops on my list for a while now, anyway.  I am a big fan of the great breweries that we have here, in Massachusetts, and love local flavor.  There are a lot of beers that come out that are extraordinarily exciting for people.  Founder’s Kentucky Bourbon Stout is a prime example.  I get excited about great beer releases also, but find that the rush wears off pretty quickly.   What I am most excited about, generally, is a beer company that I can rely on every day.  That consistency coupled with some really strong seasonal releases and a surprise here and there makes for a brewery worth bragging about.  (Their Imperial Stout was indeed a pleasant surprise!) Continue reading What’s up Mayflower!