Oktoberfest: Top 5 German Beers - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Oktoberfest – Top 5 German Beers

Spec’sology Blog, Beer
We all know what Oktoberfest is and which country it takes place in, but do we know why it even occurs in the first place? Sure, Germany makes some world-class beers, but is that the reason for the season? Turns out, this beer bash was born out of another party; a wedding party to be precise. Back in 1810, the crown prince of Bavaria, who later became King Louis I, opted to turn the traditionally stuffy, private, nobles-only wedding celebration into a massive public festival complete with a huge... Read More
Top Fall Wines 2021 - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Top Fall Wines

Spec’sology Blog, Wine
With the hot summer days coming to an end, it’s time to stop reaching for refreshing rosés and start leaning towards big warm reds and rich whites. Here are some of our favorite fall wines that pair perfectly with shorter days and cooler nights.   Achaval-Ferrer Malbec A fresh and floral Malbec featuring blackberry, raspberry and violets. Dense and hearty with a noticeable mineral frame. Old World acidity with silky tannins and a lengthy finish. Columbia Crest H3 Cabernet Sauvignon For a bol... Read More
American Whiskey - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

History of American Whiskey & Top Rated Recommendations

Spec’sology Blog, Spirits
The History of Whiskey The history of whiskey dates back to Medieval monks in Scotland and Ireland whose monasteries, lacking the vineyards and grapes of the European continent, turned to fermenting grain mash, resulting in the first distillations of modern whisky. The Old Bushmills Distillery, the oldest licensed distillery in the world, opened in Northern Ireland in 1608, but it would take nearly 200 more years for America to put its own whiskey on the map. American Whiskey Is Born Whiskey mad... Read More
Texas Tailgate Essentials - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Texas Tailgate Essentials

Spec’sology Blog, Entertain
Tailgating can be a simple affair with a couple of six packs and some pals to share them with before the game. Or tailgating can turn the back of your truck into a grand banquet hall fit for gridiron kings! (There’s probably a middle ground here as well, something above average, but not requiring pyrotechnics or FAA clearance.) Turn your tailgate into a top shelf experience with these simple tips and ideas from your fun-loving friends at Spec’s!   Eat Up your grub game with some high-qualit... Read More
Labor Day Cocktails - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Things

Labor Day Cocktails

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Holidays
Send summer off with a delicious bang with these perfect end of summer cocktails!   Blood Orange Champagne Mule Ingredients 1 ½ oz. vodka juice of ½ a medium blood orange juice of ½ a lime 4 mint leaves 2 oz. chilled ginger beer Top off with chilled champagne or prosecco Directions Add all ingredients to a glass and top off with a splash of bubbly. Grilled Watermelon Margarita Ingredients 1 oz. Cointreau 2 oz. tequila 1 oz. fresh lime juice 0.5 oz. grilled watermelon syrup 0.5 oz. fresh gra... Read More
The Key To Chianti - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

The Key To Chianti Wine

Spec’sology Blog, Wine
Chianti, pronounced “kee-on-tee”, is a red wine blend from the Chianti region of Tuscany, Italy, made primarily with Sangiovese grapes. You used to see it in a squat bottle wrapped in straw, but nowadays most producers use standard bottles and have left the straw off completely. The History Of Chianti The history of Chianti dates back to at least the 13th century with the earliest incarnations of Chianti as a white wine. Over the years, Chianti has evolved into the red blend you see today. T... Read More
How To Find The Perfect Pinot Noir - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

How To Find The Perfect Pinot Noir

Spec’sology Blog, Wine
Pinot Noir is a black wine grape variety that hails from France. It’s one of France’s oldest grapes, cultivated more than a century ago by the Cistercian monks in Burgundy. Today, collectors prize Pinot Noir for its finesse and age-worthiness. Due to its popularity and difficulty to grow, it’s one of the world’s most expensive wines. Finding the right Pinot Noir for you can be deliciously challenging as Pinot Noir wine taste varies based on climate, soil, and producer style. Cooler clima... Read More
Texas Travel Treats - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Texas Travel Treats

Spec’sology Blog, Seltzers, Spirits, Wine
You don’t have to fly to some exotic location to enjoy a much-needed summer vacation! With a state as big as Texas, there’s plenty to do all within a day of travel! Check out some of our favorite summer spots in Texas and be sure to hit up Spec’s on your way for everything you’ll need to have a great time!   New Braunfels New Braunfels is known for being a city that loves to have fun on its rivers. With two rivers to choose from, and plenty of tubing companies for each, you could spend ... Read More
The History of Rum - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

The History of Rum

Spec’sology Blog, Spirits
The history of rum as we know it today begins in 2010. Before this period, rum was considered a mythical libation due to its draconian production methods. It was reported that in order to make rum, one was required to do so on a ship, in the eye of a hurricane. The rum was then rapidly bottled and sold to the sailors under the prerequisite that they must consume the rum before sailing through the hurricane. Hence the nickname “Suffering Sea Sugar”. Things changed in 2010 with the birth of Ar... Read More
Texas Concerts & Cocktails

Texas Concerts & Cocktails

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes
With Texas opened back up and everyone looking for something to do this summer, we thought it might be nice to put together a list of no-stress good times. We couldn’t think of a better way to get back out there than by enjoying some live music. So, we’ve put together a handful of shows across Texas and even did you the courtesy of pairing them with a pre-concert cocktail to get you in the mood to groove!   Justin Bieber – DFW – Aug 6 The Despacito   Ingredients 1 ½ oz. reposado tequi... Read More
Italian Wines For Any Budget - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Italian Wines For Every Budget

Spec’sology Blog, Wine
Choosing an Italian wine can be a bit overwhelming, but that’s what happens when a country has been making wine for several thousand years. In fact, Italy is the leading wine producing country in the world both in terms of volume and exports. Italian wine is produced in every region of Italy and is home to some of the oldest wine-​producing regions on Earth. But don’t let the sheer number of options keep you from exploring all Italian wines have to offer! With such a large array of Italian... Read More
Cocktails Around The World - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Cocktails Around The World

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes
The 2021 Summer Games, previously known as the 2020 Summer Games, kickoff on July 23rd with the first sporting event starting the following day. New to the games this year are 4 sports making their Olympic debut: surfing, skateboarding, sport climbing, and karate. Rumor has it that breakdancing will make its first appearance at the winter Pairs games. With 205 countries participating, we thought it was a good opportunity to explore some unique cocktails from various countries. So, in the spirit ... Read More