Spec's

Owned and operated by the same Houston family since 1962, Spec’s is a true destination shopping experience. We now operate over 150 stores all over the great state of Texas and offer a large selection of wines, spirits and finer foods.

What is Potato Vodka? How does it taste & How is it Made?

Spec’sology Blog, Spirits
Potato Vodka?Ah, the mighty potato! The starchy root vegetable behind such delicious delicacies as fries, chips, mashed potatoes, curly fries, hash browns, latkes, shepherd’s pie. We could go on and on. But vodka? That’s not one of the first things on our minds when we think about this staple food. We usually see vodka being made with grains such as wheat, rye, or barley. It’s because of these grains that we get the neutral flavor and smooth flavor we are familiar with in vodka. Howeve... Read More

The Art of Bourbon Tasting – How to Savor Every Sip

Spec’sology Blog, Spirits
How to Savor Every SipBourbon. The American Heartland in a glass. A spirit like no other that carries with it a legacy steeped in unparalleled craftsmanship. The best way to enjoy bourbon is, of course, to savor every sip. Discover the rich tapestry of flavors and aromas it has. And while this may seem like a daunting task, we assure you it’s not. You just have to be ready to learn and take the journey.Let’s Begin Your Tasting JourneyTo start to learn the art of bourbon tasting, you’ll obv... Read More

Flavored Whiskey – The Next Big Thing in Spirits

Spec’sology Blog, Spirits
Ready for the Unique World of Flavored Whiskeys?Like their name suggests, flavored whiskey is a type of whiskey that has been infused or blended with natural or artificial flavors. Contrary to what some ‘serious’ whiskey drinkers might tell you, flavored whiskeys are indeed making a big splash in the community. It all started when the big names like Wild Turkey and Jack Daniels added honey into their drinks to make them sweeter. Then others joined in and now, we’re in a flavore... Read More
best boozy alcohol popsicles

The Best Boozy Popsicle Recipes 

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes
Are You For Real? Alcoholic Popsicles are a Thing?Of course we’re for real. Popsicles with alcohol in them are totally a thing! And since it’s summer, the unofficial official season of popsicles, we wanted to share some recipes we have for these sweet treats.Feel Like Having a Margarita Pop?Everyone loves a frozen margarita. So it’s only natural that some turned them into popsicles. Try these for your next summer get together. All your guests will thank you!Ingredients1 ¼ Cup of Fresh Lim... Read More
exploring natural wines

Exploring Natural Wines – The Rise of Organic & Biodynamic Wine

Spec’sology Blog, Wine
What Are Natural WinesLast year, we wrote a blog about organic wines. While it’s easy for one to think that organic wines and natural wines are the same, there are differences and this blog is for you. This blog is also for those of you who think all wines are natural wines because they come from grapes and grapes are found in nature.So what are natural wines?While the term “natural wine” is not regulated by a specific set of rules or guidelines, it’s a commonly accepted defi... Read More
explore Japanese sake best sake

Explore The Sake Regions of Japan Discover Regional Flavors & Styles

Spec’sology Blog, Spirits
What is Sake?There’s many reasons to love Japan. The people. The delicious food. The astounding efficiency. The anime and manga. The kaijus who destroy giant buildings. But what we at Spec’s love the most about Japan is the sake.For those who haven’t experienced this unique drink, sake is a Japanese alcoholic beverage made from fermenting rice. It’s characterized by its pale yellow or green color, mildly sweet flavor, high alcohol content (most have about 19% ABV), and rich history t... Read More
Texas Liquor Makers

Supporting Local – Why Texas Liquors Are Worth The Hype

Spec’sology Blog, Spirits
Is Texas Known for Alcohol?When you think of alcohol. Texas isn’t usually the first state that pops in your mind. Kentucky has its whiskey and bourbons. California has all its vineyards and wines. New York has its cider. But Texas? We’re more known for the beef that pairs with the beverage, not the drink itself.Well not anymore.Over the years, Texas has been gaining ground and slowly establishing itself as a state known for not just alcohol, but great alcohol.So Why Texas?So why has Texas de... Read More
what is fat washed bourbon

WHAT IS FAT WASHED BOURBON? 

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Spirits
What is Fat Washed Bourbon?No, you read that right. Fat Washed Bourbon. The process of flavoring bourbon using fat.While fat washing does involve some science, anyone can do it with the right equipment. No need for a mixology or bartending degree. It’s about extracting fat from one source and infusing its flavors into another, without introducing the fat solids. Though this may sound unusual, it actually is quite delicious and worth the investment.Since its inception in the early 2000s, a ... Read More
bahama mama recipe

The Ultimate Bahama Mama Recipe

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Spirits
What is A Bahama Mama?Summer is in full swing. The sun is out, the good vibes are in, and you’re dreaming of a tropical island getaway.Enter The Bahama MamaThis delicious, tropical-flavored cocktail is perfect for this time of year. It combines bright, fruity flavors with ultra-smooth rum. Best of all, it’s an easy-to-make drink that quenches your thirst and whisks you away to a tropical island paradise.How to Make a Bahama Mama?Ingredients1 Cup of Crushed Ice 1 oz. of Orange Juice 1 oz. o... Read More
does alcohol expire

Does Alcohol Go Bad? The Ultimate Guide To Liquor Lifespan

Spec’sology Blog, Beer, Spirits, Wine
Does Alcohol Expire?We all have that one. That one bottle or can that’s been with us for quite some time. Perhaps it’s a bottle of Champagne you bought for a bridal shower that no one got to. Or the last can from a limited-edition beer that’s been chilling in the fridge. Or maybe it’s that the bourbon you’re waiting for just the right reason to open. Whichever one is your one, you can’t help but to wonder about its shelf life.So it leads us to the big question. Does alcohol expire? A... Read More
jamaican rum vs puerto rican rum

Jamaican Rum Vs. Puerto Rican Rum

Spec’sology Blog, Spirits
What is Rum?Summer Lovin’, Having Some Rummmmm. Ok, those may not be the exact lyrics used in the 1978 movie, Grease, but the facts remain the same. Summer is the perfect time to sip on the rum you love. And while we know that rum is made from the fermentation of molasses and sugarcane juice, it is also important to know that different areas create different rums. The Black River, integral to Jamaica’s rum history, provides the limestone-filtered water used to craft their rum. And recent... Read More
4th of july cocktail recipes

4th of July Cocktails

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes
Are There Any 4th of July Cocktails?The Fourth of July. America’s birthday. A date where 56 of our forefathers signed their John Hancocks on The Declaration of Independence to give us the unalienable right to the pursuit of happiness. Now, there are plenty of ways you can pursue happiness. A long road trip to see all of what this country has to offer. Chilling and grilling by the pool. You could even do what the Founding Fathers did and toast with a glass of Madeira wine. But we’ve found thi... Read More