Spec’sology Blog

Cognac Vs Brandy Brandy and cognac are two renowned spirits with deep-rooted histories that captivate connoisseurs around the world. While both are derived from grapes and share similar production methods, there are fundamental factors that set them apart. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of both beverages, explore their origins, production techniques, aging processes, flavor profiles, and more. Both brandy and cognac trace their roots back to the first discoverings of distillation techniques. Brandy, derived from the Dutch word "brandewijn" meaning "burnt wine," has a history dating back to the 12th century and was first used as

Gluten-Free Beers Giving up gluten used to mean missing out on tasty new craft beers and having to settle for unpleasant knockoffs of the real thing. Now, however brewers have it dialed in and are ramping up efforts to put out some truly good beers. Good enough that you wouldn’t know they were gluten-free unless you read the bottle! But first, for those wondering why gluten-free beer is even a thing, let’s answer a few common questions before getting to the recommendations! What is Gluten? Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It is responsible

Cocktail Garnishes Guide Having a snack hanging off your cocktail will not only please your hungry pal, but it will also do wonders for your drink. We’re talking about garnishes, of course! (Unless there’s some secret glassware grub group we’re not aware of. In which case please let us in!) At first glance, it might not seem like much, but the way a cocktail is presented to us is a critical component of the drinking experience. And that’s where garnishes come in. Garnishes up the visual appeal as well as introduce aromatics and subtle flavors to cocktails. These small elements

Estimated Reading Time: 6 Minutes The Best Sipping Tequilas While margaritas and shots are a lovely way to imbibe tequila, but the best sipping tequilas are good for so much more than making icy mixed drinks or shooters. Complex notes on the nose and palate—think honey, toast, and caramel—accompany many sipping tequilas. Imagine them at the after-dinner fire, in lieu of your favorite scotch. In fact, high-quality sipping tequilas, rooted in Mexican tradition and reliant upon generations of knowledge and care, are just as compelling as that glass of single malt. Before we get to our recommendations, let’s take a

Top 5 Frozen Margarita Recipes Based on years of extensive research, we’ve determined that there’s a direct correlation between a rise in temperature and the number of frozen concoctions being made. And when it comes to summer cocktails, few are as perfect for poolside lounging or patio happy hours as the frozen margarita. With its icy blend of tequila, lime juice, and triple sec, the classic rita is both tangy and sweet, providing a satisfying thirst-quenching experience that's hard to beat. It’s basically Summer’s love language, and we’re here to get you fluent! Who invented the frozen margarita and where

Red Wine From Spain Curious about Spanish red wines? We got you covered with answers to your questions, regional info, and of course, some delicious recommendations! What is Spanish Wine? Spanish wine refers to the wine produced in Spain, a country with a long history of winemaking that dates back to the Roman era. Spanish wine is known for its diverse styles, unique grape varieties, and high quality. In recent years, Spanish wines have gained popularity among wine enthusiasts and critics, who appreciate their complexity, depth, and affordability compared to wines from other regions. Additionally, Spain has been investing in

Estimated Reading Time: 4 Minutes Flavored Vodka Flavored vodka has been growing in popularity over the years, and for good reason. Vodka is a versatile spirit that can take on a wide range of flavors, making it an excellent choice for mixing cocktails or enjoying on its own. Whether you prefer fruity, spicy, or herbal flavors, there's a flavored vodka out there for everyone. Flavored vodka is a type of distilled spirit that has been infused or flavored with natural or artificial flavorings. There are a few different methods for infusing vodka, but the most common involves soaking the flavoring

Estimated Reading Time: 6 Minutes What is the best champagne for mimosas? Mimosas are a classic brunch cocktail that have been enjoyed for decades. Made with orange juice and Champagne or sparkling wine, they are refreshing, sweet, and perfect for any occasion. However, with so many bubbly options on the market, it can be challenging to know which one to use. In this post, we'll cover the types of sparkling wines, the eight best Champagnes for mimosas, how much Champagne to use, how many mimosas you can make from one bottle, and the steps to make a perfect mimosa! What

Home Bar Essentials For those who enjoy entertaining, having a well-stocked bar is pivotal to your success. A handcrafted cocktail can lighten the mood, schmooze the in-laws, wow a friend, and impress a date. Being able to mix a variety of drinks at home adds a certain swanky swagger to your hosting ego, and rightly so! It’s a heck of a lot cooler than only being able to offer canned beer and shots of Fireball. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, we’re just helping you raise the bar a little! Stocking a home bar can be a fun and

Estimated Reading Time: 7 Minutes Explore the Hottest Korean Liquor With the global rise in popularity of South Korean K-Pop music, it’s no surprise that another part of the culture has taken off as well. You may not have heard of it before, but you will! What exactly is Soju? Soju is a distilled spirit that originated in Korea. It is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in South Korea, and it has also gained popularity around the world in recent years. In fact, Jinro Soju is the best-selling spirit brand in the world! The International Wine and Spirits

The History of Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods Spec's, the iconic Texas retail chain, began in 1962 when Carroll B. “Spec” Jackson and his wife Carolynn opened their first store in Houston. The name of the store originated from “Spec” Jackson's nickname, which referred to his spectacles. The couple's goal was simply to make enough to support their family while being of service to their community. Turns out Texas had bigger plans in store for these two entrepreneurs! Spec's celebrated its first year of business in 1963 and continued to grow in popularity, attracting customers with its excellent service

After a chilly winter nothing warms the heart quite like Spring’s vivid flowers and fresh blooms! And we can’t think of a prettier way to praise the petals than by adding them to a cocktail. Floral cocktails are as delicious as they are beautiful, and we think they’re the perfect way to welcome in the changing of the seasons! Check out some of our favorite floral cocktails and be sure to hit up your local florists for the pretty parts! Aviation Ingredients 2 oz. Bloom London Dry Gin ½ maraschino liqueur ¾ lemon juice ¼ crème de violette edible violet