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.