Spirits Weekly Webinar: A trip through Scotland

By SOMDATTA SENGUPTA

You can say that we saved the best for last. This is our last Webinar before Christmas and we wanted to bring you a new host on our series, someone with great experience in Scotch whisky.

Meet Dave Conroy, the East Coast Region Manager for International Beverage Company. To listen to Dave is a pleasure because when he talks about Scotch whisky he actually takes you there, to the lush countryside of Scotland, giving you a feel of the soil, the air and the peat that lends its flavor to each bottle you buy and taste.

As you listen to Dave, layers of information unfold to take you into the background of each product, the ingredients and the careful craftsmanship with which each bottle of Scotch is produced.

With Dave, the more you listen the more you learn. The most important thing I learned so far ... that more than the soil, the air or the peat, water is the key to a great tasting Scotch whisky! Imagine that!

If you are like me, you will like to know the history, the story and the details behind every gift you give this Christmas, of what you serve for your guests or even what you taste yourself. When I taste a wine or liqueur that I have researched and learned about, my enjoyment of the product doubles because I can go deeper into the taste, the nuances of the product and the experience becomes even more delicious.

Thanks to our knowledgeable pool of experts, who are always willing to spend their time with our readers and customers to make their wine and fine spirits shopping experience much more exciting and fun.

When you are ready to brave your way through Scotland, please drop by our store at 853 Route 35 N, where the clown is and walk through Aisle 3 to make your fine selections.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Drink of the Day: Cinnamon Toast

By SOMDATTA SENGUPTA

And so this is Christmas!

Anywhere you go these days, you are sure to hear some holiday music playing at the store. This weekend is heavy shopping and shipping weekend. The lines at the post office have already doubled. The malls....well, you know, they are crowded but that's a good sign right? The economy is supposed to be getting better.

The New York Times reported today that U.S. employers have stopped laying people off, at least during the holidays. The jobless rate is the lowest currently (10 percent) since the recession began, the report says.

While there is a nagging concern that this trend might change come January, one cannot live in fear and anxiety. After all, this is the holiday season.

Let's drink to that. Today's drink comes from Middletown Store Manager Raymond Kimble and is called Cinnamon Toast. Ray, as he is popularly known, is very knowledgeable about bartending and can answer any questions you have about wines and spirits.

To make this drink, Ray suggests mixing 1 tablespoon cinnamon powder with 1 tablespoon sugar, add to that one-and-half-ounce of your favorite spiced rum, then mix in 6 oz of hot apple cider and serve in a mug.

At Spirits Unlimited Middletown you can find over 20 varieties of spiced rums in Aisle 3. So stop by on your way home and we will help you pick one. If you have any questions, e-mail us at spiritsmiddletown@gmail.com.

We know the holidays are busy, that's why we are here for you.

Drink of the Day: Black Cherry Bourbon + coke

By SOMDATTA SENGUPTA

Dec. 2 and the skies get dark earlier.

The BRIGHTER side to that — Christmas lights are on.

On the way back from work, it is a pretty sight to see the neighborhood light up with holiday spirit.

Tonight we celebrate the community spirit found in one's own nook of the world during the holidays.

The drink, Black Cherry Bourbon + coke, is a contribution from our team member Greg.

To prepare this, mix 1 part Jim Beam Red Stag Bourbon with 2 parts coke or cherry coke. Then add ice and stir.

According to Greg, this drink is a great twist of the classic whiskey and coke.

While you enjoy your drink, check out more recipes at the Red Stag site.

Drink of the Day: Dunkin Dutch

By SOMDATTA SENGUPTA

Today is Dec. 1 and the countdown to Christmas is on.

With the holidays coming, we know that you have tons of holiday stuff to do once you get home from work. So, we thought we have to do something to keep you in good spirits.

Throughout this month, as the countdown continues, we will bring you a "Drink of the Day" recipe, just a little something to make this December special for you.

Today's recipe is "Dunkin Dutch." This is a perfect "pick-me-up" after a day's work and has been suggested to us by Spirits Unlimited Middletown team member, Ellen.

It's the simplest cocktail recipe that I have come across that tastes great. To prepare this, you need to pick up a French Vanilla Iced coffee on your way home from work and add a shot of Van Gogh's Dutch Caramel Vodka to it when you reach home. "Voila!" Your evening has now become perfect.

At Spirits Unlimited Middletown (on Highway 35 North) we carry over 14 varieties of Van Gogh Vodka and the Dutch Caramel is the first to disappear off our shelf, it's that popular. So, in case if you have not bought a bottle already, stop by our store and stock up on the good stuff. You will find it on the top shelf (left) toward the end of Aisle 3 in our store.

Spirits Middletown presents even more savings online!!!

By SOMDATTA SENGUPTA

Who wants to save a dollar? Or better even save $5?

We, at Spirits Unlimited Middletown, bring you a special holiday offer with our first-ever Internet Discount Coupons.

For a limited time only, we are offering two great red wines, the Estancia and Franciscan Cabernet Sauvignon at unbelievable prices.

While at the store you will get the Estancia for $15:99, you can save an additional $3:41 by downloading and printing this Internet coupon and buy the same great wine for only $12:58.

Similarly, the store price for the Franciscan is $24:99. You save an additional $5:01 by downloading and printing this Internet coupon and treat yourself to an amazing wine at an unbelievable price of $19:98.

Both wines have received very high customer feedback. In addition, we have Jerry Johnston, the Premium Wine Manager from R&R Marketing, reviewing these two wines for you right here, so you can understand what great value and quality you will receive for printing out these coupons and coming to our store with them.


Notes on Estancia Cabernet Sauvignon


Color: Deep red


Nose: Spicy, berry notes and hints of toasted sweet oak.


Taste: Rich fruit-flavor up front with soft tannins and a smooth finish.

Regular store price: $15:99
Internet price: $12:58
Savings: $3:41

Notes on Franciscan Cabernet Sauvignon


Color: Ruby Red


Nose: Fruity, jammy notes with hints of cocoa and oak


Taste: Flavors evolve in layers with tastes in mid and end palate

Regular store price: $24:99
Internet price: $19:98
Savings: $5:01

Wouldn't you like to save more and stretch the value of your dollar this holiday season? We all would! That's why Spirits Unlimited Middletown is always here for you, thinking about you and giving you amazing discounts to put you in the holiday spirit.

But hurry! This offer is really too good to be true. Print this coupon and rush to the Middletown store at 853 Highway 35 to get your special discount.





Please remember to present your online coupon to the cashier before the beginning of the transaction. In case you have problems printing, then mention the online coupon codes (Estancia #02720 and Franciscan #02719) to the cashier at the Middletown Spirits Unlimited store before your items are scanned to redeem your savings.

If you have any questions, please write to us at spiritsmiddletown@gmail.com

Spirits Weekly Webinar: Craft Beers

By SOMDATTA SENGUPTA

Craft beers are as American as apple pie.

These beers are usually produced in a specialized brewery and are brewed with great care to achieve distinctive taste and flavor. They are also produced for a specific target audience who prefer that style. Craft beers are never mass-produced but there might be exceptions. The largest American craft brewery is Samuel Adams.

With brewpubs, microbreweries and restaurants, the craft beer scene is New Jersey is hot and happening. My three favorite brewpubs in the state — Harvest Moon (New Brunswick), Triumph (Princeton) and Basil T's just down the road in Red Bank, serve some great selections. The food to go with beer isn't bad either, with Basil T's Italian grill ranking pretty high on the culinary scene. I highly recommend trying a "growler" at your nearest brewpub because we have a lot of new varieties brewing in the Garden State (Check out the Garden State Craft Brewers Guild) and there will surely be more than one that will knock your socks off.

But if you are not feeling adventurous enough to venture out, and just want to relax at home and chill, we highly recommend that you drop by Spirits Unlimited Middletown and grab your favorite craft brew. We have a huge selection and can almost guarantee you will find what you are looking for. In case we don't have it on our shelf, just ask us to get you your beer of choice. We will do our best to keep you happy and "chill'n!"

On that note, I would like to present to you our expert on beer, Jonathan Wurm, the Imports and Crafts Account Manager with MillerCoors. Today he will share with you some aspects of the Leinenkugel Brewing Company, one of the seventh-oldest brewery in this country. Like every microbrewery, there is a story behind Leinenkugel as well, a lore that takes you back in time to 1867, to the era of the lumberjacks in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.

Family-owned and operated, Leinenkugel beers are handcrafted and bring home the adventures of the Northwoods in Wisconsin. Between four seasonals and year-round brews this self-described "old-world Germanic brewery" has won many awards, and will win your heart as well.

The Point is here in Middletown

By SOMDATTA SENGUPTA

How can a cold, rainy day sizzle?

When you have a great radio station to rock with. Now playing at Spirits Unlimited Middletown is 94.3 The Point.

The Point Crew is also giving you a chance to win a 4-pack of tickets to see the Devils battle the New York Rangers at the Prudential Center in Newark on March 10.

So rush to the store now, the radio station is here only until 7 p.m. tonight!

We are going to rock your world this Friday!

Spirits Weekly Webinar: Great wines, Incredible value for money

By SOMDATTA SENGUPTA

Go Red!

The color Red represents so many aspects of life. It represents life, love and passion. It is in essence what red wines have come to symbolize to the wine enthusiast.

(Click on picture to view video)

Our expert on the Webinar series today is Jerry Johnston from R&R Marketing, New Jersey's premier wine and spirits wholesaler. Today on camera, Jerry introduces us to two Napa Valley classics: Estancia and Franciscan Cabernet Sauvignon.

Jerry notes that both wines are full-bodied and rich, and delivers exceptional quality for their price range. Both are special wines that will be featured in the store and on this blog throughout this holiday season.

According to the Estancia website, the grapes are grown in a region along the Estrella River in Paso Robles. It is ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon grapes as the rugged landscape and the unique microclimate produces harvests with high skin-to-juice ratios for complex wines.

Official notes on Estancia:

Color: Deep red

Nose: Spicy, berry notes and hints of toasted sweet oak.

Taste: Rich fruit-flavor up front with soft tannins and a smooth finish.

For a slightly richer red, Jerry switches to the Franciscan Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine with "significant jump in quality and character."

To learn about this wine is to indulge yourself in luxury as Jerry opens up the secrets behind this great classic wine. With a deep, rich color, intense flavor and a dusty cocoa hint on the palate, Jerry describes for you why this wine is a "must-buy" at Spirits Unlimited Middletown.

(Click on picture to view video)

Officially, Franciscan claims to be the quintessential Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. On the California coast, a combination of cool evenings and warm-cool days allow slow ripening with full maturity time for sugars and tannins.

Color: Ruby Red

Nose: Overwhelming fruity, jammy notes with hints of cocoa and oak

Taste: Flavors evolve in layers with tastes in mid and end palate

For more information on these wines or questions that come to mind, write to us at
spiritsmiddletown@gmail.com.

Spirits Weekly Webinar: A bit about beer

By SOMDATTA SENGUPTA

After each holiday weekend there is that time where you just need to ease into your daily routine, get back into your groove, get on with your to-do list and relax.

This week we bring you Jonathan Wurm who will help you do just that but with style — beer style, that is.

(Click on picture to view video)

Jonathan is the Imports and Crafts Account Manager with MillerCoors and represents Leinenkugel Brewing Company, one of the seventh-oldest brewery in this country. It is reported on the official company website that Jacob Leinenkugel established this brewery in 1867 and handed down the tradition to his successors. Five generations and 140 years later, this brewery can still inspire you with its craftsmanship, taste and quality. The magic continues to brew in Wisconsin as we speak.

Now, why Wisconsin, one might wonder. The reason is pure and simple: water.

When Native American tribes settled in an area, they did so after determining the location's natural attributes, like water. In Ojibwan, Wisconsin means gathering of the waters, according to the Leinenkugel Brewing website. And for Mr. Leinenkugel, the waters of the Chippewa River, Duncan Creek and Big Eddy Springs was inspiration enough to start brewing.

Jonathan says that officially there are 140 different styles of beer as per the Brewers Association.

A quick FYI: The Brewers Association is an organization of brewers, for brewers and by brewers. More than 1,000 US brewery members and 19,000 members of the American Homebrewers Association are joined by members of the allied trade, beer wholesalers, individuals, other associate members and the Brewers Association staff to make up the Brewers Association. Its purpose is to promote and protect small and independent American brewers, their craft beers and the community of brewing enthusiasts.

Jonathan explains in this video report how the different styles of beer can be pared down to two basic types — ales and lagers. Stay with Jonathan to learn about these styles and then drop by Spirits Unlimited Middletown to casually select your style of beer from our huge collection of popular and exclusive beers.

Cheers!!!

Take home the Vampyre in a bottle

By SOMDATTA SENGUPTA

Vampyre in a bottle?

Yes!!!

At Spirits Unlimited Middletown you will find red vodka, 80 proof, triple-distilled in England that is just what you need to take to a party.

In fact if you are the host, we suggest you buy two and keep one for yourself when the guests leave.

Whether you prefer this as a shot or in a martini, you will notice its initial smoothness and a latter warmth that will counter the evening chill as vampires, real or imagined, or in costumes, come knocking on your door.

Look for this incredible vodka in our Halloween section in front of Aisle 1.


Here are a few recipes from my bar.

Feel free to invent yours and email it to us at spiritsmiddletown@gmail.com.

Your recipes will be published on our blog under your name.

The Halloween Bar

Vampyre Martini
1.5 oz Red Vampyre Vodka
0.75 oz dry vermouth

Halloween Slush
Fill a martini glass with crushed ice.
Drizzle cranberry juice.
Add 1/2 oz of Vampyre Vodka.

Creamy Crawler
1/2 oz cream
1/4 oz coconut milk
1/2 oz triple sec
Crushed strawberries
Dash of Vampyre Vodka

Spirits Weekend Wine suggestion

By SOMDATTA SENGUPTA

With Halloween knocking on the door, Spirits Unlimited Middletown has some weekend wine suggestions that will help take the stress out, leaving you to enjoy the moment with friends and family.

Ravenswood Chardonnay at $10:99 a bottle located in front of Aisle 1 inside the store is the perfect compliment to any Fall table. This crisp wine carries the signature of Ravenwood's Joel Peterson, known for his ability to produce quality wines that can be used everyday.

In California Chardonnay style this wine has mild oak, which gives it a creamy texture. It has upfront fruit flavors with just the right amount of tartness. The balance on this wine is so good that it can be enjoyed just by itself, with food and during conversations.

Why our customers shop at Spirits Middletown?

By SOMDATTA SENGUPTA

Recently, I ran into a Middletown resident who shops at Spirits Unlimited Middletown.

A graduate of High School South, Middletown, Mr. Morehead is also the Chairman of the Monmouth County Bayshore Young Democrats and very involved in local social circles.

(Click on picture to view video)

Mr. Morehead said he loves to shop at Spirits Unlimited Middletown because it has a huge collection to choose from for any social occasion. He said he can always find the perfect wine or beer to take to any party or anyone he is visiting socially.

We thank customers like Mr. Morehead, who are part of our success story at Spirits Unlimited Middletown!

Spirits Weekly Wine Webinar

By SOMDATTA SENGUPTA

This week we take you back to Spain, home of some great red wines that would be perfect for the Fall table.

We have our expert on Spanish wines, Peter Fairfax talking about a wine from the Campo de Borja region, the oldest region in the world for Garnacha.

According to Peter, Bodegas Borsao S.A. was founded in 1958 in the town of Borja, called Bursao in the 4th century B.C.

(Click on picture to see video)

He said this winery represents what can be done with Garnacha. Through meticulous selection work in the fields and at reception time in the winery, modern winemaking produces these highly fruity wines. They are best examples of the region known as "The Garnacha land of Spain,” the lower part of the Ebro River.

The wine he is showcasing today, the Viña Borgia 2008, is located in our Discount Case Corner at Spirits Unlimited Middletown. It comes from vineyards that are located 1200 ft in elevation on chalky white limestone and sandy soils with some gravel.

The vines are planted primarily in the vaso system. The wine is 100% garnacha and is all fruit, as it is stainless steel fermented.

Dr. Jay Miller from The Wine Advocate said the 2008 vintage has a nose of violets, spice box, and black cherry. It is easy going, he remarked, as well as round and savory.

"This forward and friendly effort will drink well over the next three years," Miller noted.

At Spirits Unlimited Middletown the 2008 Viña Borgia is priced at $6.99 per bottle. With 25% case discount the price is $63.73 per bottle, which adds up to a savings of $16.56 per case.

Spirits Weekly Wine Webinar

By SOMDATTA SENGUPTA

This week I am simply going to refer you to an article in the New York Times that has excellent coverage on the secret of great beers: hops.



Apparently most beers we carry and brewers we connect with to get you the best selection on our shelves, is in some way involved with hops.

So enjoy the article and send us your feedback on our beer selection at spiritsmiddletown@gmail.com.

Spirits Unlimited promotes Breast Cancer awareness

By SOMDATTA SENGUPTA

October is the national Breast Cancer Awareness month and what would be a better way to show support than to help prevent it by spreading the word.

In the spirit of sharing and caring Spirits Unlimited Middletown has created an awareness booth highlighting the Hope Shiraz, selling at an amazingly low $10:99 (750 ml) per bottle, and the Houdini corkscrew at $29.99 each.

The shiraz comes from the Hope Estate, located in Hunter Valley, Australia. It's the vision and labor of love of a pharmacist turned winemaker, Michael Hope, who lost his own mother to cancer.

According to the official website, the shiraz exhibits an elegant style, with plum and spicy pepper characters that have been enhanced from time in French oak.

The wine is a product of the partnership between Michael Hope and the National Breast Cancer Foundation and the money raised is used for research work for prevention and cure.

According to the Mayo Clinic, breast cancer is cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. Breast cancer can occur in both men and women, but it's far more common in women.

After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States. But breast cancer rates have fallen in recent years, though doctors aren't certain why. Still, for many women, breast cancer is the disease they fear most.

Public support for breast cancer awareness and research funding has helped improve the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Breast cancer survival rates have increased and the number of deaths has been declining, thanks to earlier detection, new treatments and a better understanding of the disease.

Spirits Weekly Wine Webinar

By SOMDATTA SENGUPTA

Spirits Unlimited Middletown is happy to present to you the experienced voice of Peter Fairfax, who represents an importer from Spain, to present to you three wines that would be great selections for the Fall.

(Click on picture to see video)

As part of a three-part presentation, this week Peter will explain to you the nuances of the Sierra Cantabria Rioja, a 100% tempranillo from Rioja, Spain.

This wines comes from the vineyards owned by the Eguren family. According to the official bodega Web site, since 1870 generation after generation of this family have been dedicated to grape growing and to the elaboration and ageing of great wines in one of the most prestigious estates in Rioja.

Situated on the border with France, this area is situated in a unique location, between the River Ebro and the Sierra Cantabria mountain range. This mountain range has given the name to the winery and protects the vineyard from the cold winds from the north, creating a specific microclimate for the cultivation of the vines and therefore providing a differentiated personality to the wines.


Peter said that he had personally visited these vineyards and will share his amazing experiences with Spirit Unlimited Middletown customers in the future.

(Click on picture to see video)


This 2006 vintage is available in Aisle 5b at Spirits Unlimited Middletown, where our Spanish wines are located.



Price: $8:99 (750 ml)

Oct. 10: Drink of the Day

Sweet Carolina Sweet Tea

2 parts Sweet Carolina Sweet Tea
2 parts lemonade on ice

Oct. 9: Drink of the Day

Beringer Napa Valley Chardonnay

Store Manager Ray Kimble says this wine is crisp, lean, dry and refreshing, with copious amounts of lemon oil, guava and nectarine aromas.According to the official Beringer Web site, it’s Chardonnay vineyards span several sub-appellations in southern Napa Valley, where fog from the San Pablo Bay works its way north each afternoon during the growing season, cooling the vineyards and allowing a longer maturation period. The cooler vineyards to the south produce grapes with crisp apple, pear and citrus characteristics, while vineyards closer to Yountville yield Chardonnay with a rich texture, and tropical fruit and pineapple aromas and flavors.

Oct. 8: Drink of the Day

Watermelon Martini

3 ounces vodka
3 ounces fresh watermelon puree
1.5 ounce sweet & sour
1.5 ounce lime juice

Oct. 7: Drink of the Day

Honey Beer

1/2 glass Leinenkugel Honey Weiss
1/2 glass Leinenkugel Berry Weiss

The Leinenkugel Honey Weiss, brewed by Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company from Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin is an American Pale ale.

With wheat malt, cluster hops and a hint of Wisconsin honey this beer has a clean, crisp and slightly sweet taste, according to the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company.

The Leinenkugel Berry Weiss on the other hand has a unique color and is brewed with pale and wheat malts, cluster hops and flavored with a blend of blackberries, elderberries and loganberries.

Oct. 6: Drink of the Day

L de Lyeth Merlot

For a bright, sunny fall afternoon or evening what could be better than lazing on your porch with some wine and cheese?

Ray suggests trying a merlot from Sonoma County: L de Lyeth Merlot. With blackberry and sassafras aromas in addition to zesty black cherry and spice flavors, this wine is perfect for the season.

This merlot comes from a long line of quality wines that has become a signature of the Boisset Family Estates based in Burgundy, France.

The estate claims it is an innovative, eco-minded, family-owned producer and importer of fine wines. Founded in 1980, it offer wines from a variety of countries and key production regions around the world, including Sonoma County.

The L de Lyeth Merlot comes from the Lyeth Estate, which was established by Chip Lyeth in 1981. Notably, this winery has the distinction of combining the flavors of cabernet sauvignon with the other major Bordeaux varieties, now known as the Meritage style.

In fact, Chip Lyeth became a founding member of the Meritage Association in 1988, which created the Meritage concept as a means of identifying blends produced in the Bordeaux style. Today it continues the tradition of blending family and tradition in its wines, winning praise from critics and consumers worldwide.

The L de Lyeth merlot with aromas of ripe black cherry and lively raspberry, is a well balanced wine. This ruby red wine also features flavors of plum, currant and hints of mint and spices.

It pairs well paella, lasagna, beef, pasta and cheddar cheeses.

— Ray Kimble, Store Manager

Spirits Unlimited Middletown

Oct 5: Drink of the Day

Otter Creek Octoberfest

This medium-bodied beer starts sweet, then you get faint sour/bitterness, finishing sweet

— Ray Kimble, Store Manager
Spirits Unlimited Middletown

Oct 4: Spicy Bloody Mary

Spicy Bloody Mary

1 ounce vodka
Add tomato juice, salt, pepper, horseradish to taste

Shake n enjoy
From Ray Kimble and team at Spirits Unlimited Middletown

Oct 3: Drink of the Day

White Chocolate Gingerbread Martini

1 1/2 parts Stoli Vodka





1/2 part Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur



1 part gingerbead liqueur



Shake with ice and strain

From Ray Kimble and team at Spirits Unlimited Middletown

Great raffles, great prizes at Spirits Unlimited Middletown

Spirits Unlimited Middletown has great news for those who love to win raffles.

The winner of the Miller Lite 18 pack raffle for $200 Super Foodtown prize that just concluded on September 30 will shortly be announced.

Coors Light 30 pack raffle for Igloo Cooler with a trail hitch is still going on. Drawing will be on October 31.

Bud and Bud Light 30 pack raffle for NY Giants Portable Party refrigerator is also going on. Drawing will be on November 1.

For more information, questions or directions call (732) 957 9700 OR write to spiritsmiddletown@gmail.com.

Oct 2: Drink of the Day

Electric Lemonade
1 part Midori
2 part white rum
Ice as needed
Blend

From Ray Kimble and his team
Spirits Unlimited Middletown

Recipe contest winners announced!!!

Spirits Unlimited Middletown and Chef James Conroy is proud to announce the winners of our first-ever recipe contest.

First: Dominick Malgeri (Pasta with shrimp and wine)
Second: Wendy Soby (Red wine chicken)

Spirits Unlimited Middletown invites all customers and residents to the award ceremony scheduled for Saturday, October 3 at 11 a.m. The event will be held at the store, 853 Route 35 North, Middletown. There's plenty of space to park, and the landmark is the Circus clown. For further questions and directions, call the store (732) 957 9700.

Chef James Conroy will present the awards to the winners at the beginning of the event. In addition, all participants will also be given a Certificate of Participation.

At the ceremony, Chef James will prepare the two winning recipes and serve it to guests present. He will also discuss some of the other interesting recipes that were submitted during the month.

"Overall, it was a very rewarding experience going through all the unique recipes that I received," Chef James said. "It was heartening to see the creative side of people and I thank them for taking the time to send us their recipe."

And that's not all. Event Organizer Somdatta Sengupta will be present to talk to each participant and record their experience on camera. Each interview will then be posted on this blog, giving participants an opportunity to share their recipe and experience with the entire Spirits Unlimited Middletown community.

Manager of Liquor Operations Stuart Keats said he is happy to see the enthusiasm of Spirits Unlimited Middletown customers. "We are a family-owned operation. To us, our customers are the most important part of that family," he said.

Keats said he is looking forward to a fun-filled morning at Spirits Unlimited Middletown. "There's going to be food and fun, and after the award ceremony I invite everyone to take a look around our huge collection of wines and fine spirits."

Store Manager Ray Kimble said he anticipates having a great crowd tomorrow. "We are ready to host our first-ever award ceremony here at the store," he said. "We have made all the arrangements. All you need to do is come out and enjoy the cooking and tasting."

He specifically invited customers to check out the store's growing collection of fall beers and join in two ongoing raffles and win more prizes in the near future.

Keep checking our blog for more contests, events and wine sampling events coming your way.

Spirits Unlimted Middletown presents: Drink of the Day

By SOMDATTA SENGUPTA

Store Manager Ray Kimble and his team from Spirits Unlimited Middletown is proud to present to you our new feature: Drink of the Day.

Ray's pick for the first of October is Tiger Beer. This is one of the premium brands from Asia Pacific Breweries. This Asian brewery was founded as Malayan Breweries Ltd in 1931 as a joint venture between Heineken International and Fraser and Neave.

Ray says the beer is crisp and refreshing and a great way to start the fall.

Spirits Weekly Wine Webinar

By SOMDATTA SENGUPTA

Spirits Unlimited Middletown is bringing to you a new feature starting this week: the Spirits Weekly Wine Webinar.



Each week, one of the wine experts from Spirits Unlimited Middletown will share with you their insight about a wine or wines that they think stands out from competition.



This week Rick Allocca, the local wine expert and assistant manager at the Middletown store, shares his opinion on the Michel Torino Cuma Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec.



Both are organic wines from the Cafayate Valley in Argentina. According to the El Esteco Bodega, the winery was founded in 1892 when two French brothers David and Salvador plated their first vines. It is said that the local climate of the Cafayate Valley and beauty of the landscape is very conducive to quality grapes cultivation.



The bodega, situated at the heart of the Salta Province in Argentina, is a very modern winery, which started producing organic wines in the early 90s.

According to wine importer Frederick Wildman and Sons, Ltd., the Michel Torino line of wines is representative of pure, clean environment. Essentially, Cuma means “clean and pure” in the language of the Aymara, who occupied the lofty elevations of northern Argentina before the Incas and have long since migrated throughout South America’s Altiplano, or high plains, the official El Esteco Web site states.



The 2007 Cuma Cabernet Sauvignon (750 ml) selling at $12.99 at Spirits Unlimited Middletown has dark ruby-red color with purple highlights, Rick said. It has hints of spice, dark berries and black currants on the nose with a touch of red pepper and black olives. It has huge ripe fruit notes on the palate giving way to an elegant long finish.



The Cuma Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent wine to serve in good company.











The 2007 Cuma Malbec (750 ml) priced at $8.99 per bottle is red-violet in color with aromas of rosemary, raisin, vanilla and plum jam, Rick said. It has ripe fruit palate, a combination of raisins and dates, with sweet yet soft tannins and a long finish with hints of spice and nuts. 



The Cuma Malbec is an excellent everyday wine to enjoy with hearty meals and comfort food.

Both wines are located in aisle 4a in our Organic Wines section.

New wines from Argentina at Spirits Unlimited Middletown

By SOMDATTA SENGUPTA

Spirits Unlimited Middletown welcomed two wine specialists from Argentina on Friday, September 25 to sample three Argentine wines — Sangre De Vina Torrontes, Sangre De Vina Malbec and El Guardado Syrah. Notably, these three wines are featured in the 25% Case Discount Corner at the Middletown store.

From 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. Laura E. Ciacera and Miguel Cano shared their insight about the vineyards of San Juan area, the wines they were introducing and answered questions.

Ciacera, one of the owners and sales and marketing director of La Guarda vineyards, Argentina, explained how the San Juan area is working to produce some of the more interesting whites and reds that are appearing in American liquor stores at the moment.





Cano, president of Don Cano Wines Import Corp. in the New York/New Jersey region, is a wine producer from the up-and-coming San Juan region as well. He said the altitude and soil of the San Juan area help craft the complex wines that he was sampling at the store.


Overall, these wines are great buys, according to Rick Allocca, the local wine expert at the store.