Spec’sology Blog

It’s the time of year that we’d like to take a moment and send our love and appreciation to some of our favorite brands and products of 2022! So, without further ado… Branson Cognac Owned by award-winning musician, entrepreneur, actor and producer Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Branson Cognac represents a bespoke, exclusive and unique Cognac that showcases the highest quality of Cognac being made from the best vineyards in every bottle. Maker's Mark Private Select Beginning as fully matured Maker's Mark at cask strength, Private Selection is created by adding 10 custom wood finishing staves to each barrel. It's then

We were all taught that Thanksgiving was first celebrated in 1621 at Plymouth, Massachusetts. But there’s historical evidence pointing to present-day El Paso as being the location of the first Thanksgiving and it occurred more than 20 years earlier in 1597 when at least 400 Spaniards, in an exploration led by Juan de Oñate, feasted with the Mansos tribe. While that may not qualify as the Thanksgiving we know today, it certainly means there’s no right or wrong way to celebrate turkey day! So, if you’re hosting your first Thanksgiving, we’ve got some tips to ensure smooth sailing and festive

Pinot Noir is one of the world's most popular red wines. It's made from black-skinned grapes that thrive in a narrow spectrum of cooler climates. It's also notoriously difficult to grow. When done right, it produces lighter-bodied wines of elegance, complexity and longevity. They also pair wonderfully with almost everything you’ll have on your Thanksgiving table! Now let’s get to raising the bar on raising a glass with a collection of excellent Pinot Noirs that won’t break the bank! Pound Cake Pinot Noir This Pound Cake Pinot Noir reflects its terroir, or place of origin, more than just about any

It’s Scotch Month at Spec’s and we’re celebrating in style! But first, a quick summary of what scotch is and a couple of different types. What Is Scotch? So, what needs to be in a Scotch in order to be able to call it Scotch? It must be produced, bottled, and distilled in Scotland. Must be based on barley and water and must be aged in casks for at least three years. Whole grains and other cereal can be added to the malted barley mash in order to produce different flavor varieties. Probably the most popular scotch term is single

For some people, Halloween brings out their inner decorating monster, others get super creative with costumes, and then there are the creepy cocktail connoisseurs! These mixologists of mayhem are the ones who fuel the fun for all their fellow ghouls, and without them we’d just be adults dressed like children standing around someone’s yard. So, in order to get the most out of your Halloween hootenanny, check out this list of devilishly delicious cocktail recipes sure to keep your spirits raised until the witching hour! Dracula Juice Ingredients 750 ml Kraken Rum 64 oz Apple Cider 64 oz Cranberry Juice

When you think about saké you probably think about Japan and rice, and you’d be correct on both counts. Saké, the oldest known spirit in the world, is often incorrectly referred to as rice wine. Rice wine, like Western wine with grapes, is made from the fermentation of rice. While saké is indeed made from rice, it goes through a brewing process where starch is converted to alcohol much like how beer is brewed, although the ABV is substantially higher than either beer or wine. Wine typically contains an ABV between 9% and 16%, while beer is usually around 3%

In case you needed another excuse to visit the Texas Hill Country, there are now even more award-winning Texas wineries to visit! There are more than 400 wineries in Texas which makes us the 5th largest wine producing state in the nation. The Lone Star State is home to eight American Viticultural Areas ranging from the North-Central Region, to the South-Eastern Region, and the Trans-Pecos Region. Below you’ll find some of our favorite wineries in Texas that’ll have you raising a glass to these lip-smacking Lonestar wines! Becker Vineyards - Stonewall, Texas Surrounded by lavender fields like those found in

New wineries, incubators, and promising grape varieties are fueling a golden age of Texas wines. Currently, Texas has over 500 wineries and vineyards making it the third-largest American Viticultural Area in the country as well as the fifth-largest wine-producing state. But if you’re expecting Napa-style wines, we’ve got some news for you. Our short and extremely warm growing season constitutes an earlier harvest traditionally vs. regions like Napa. This means Texas wine won’t typically have the time on the vine to become the extremely ripe, highly extracted fruit-forward wines we have come to expect from Napa. You should expect softer

What Is Orange Wine? Contrary to the name, orange wine is not wine made from oranges or some sort of citrus wine cocktail. It’s a type of white wine made by leaving the grape skins and seeds in contact with the juice, creating a deep orange-hued finished product. To make orange wine, whole white grapes are crushed and then macerated (left to sit) with their skins and stems for as little as one week and up to one year - essentially making white wine in the same manner as red wine. Eventually, winemakers separate out the fermented juice, at which

The best thing about coffee is that you can mix it in throughout your entire day. And with a coffee cocktail, you can power up your evening with an extra kick of caffeine to keep you going strong! Plus, it’s delicious. Check out some of our favorite ways to enjoy coffee as a cocktail! Some drinks use brewed coffee, others use coffee liqueur like Kahlua. Whatever the case, if you love coffee, you’re going to love these cocktails! Espresso Martini Ingredients 2 ounces vodka ½ ounce coffee liqueur 1 ounce espresso, freshly brewed (or cold brew concentrate) ½ ounce simple

Horchata is a beloved beverage with a rich history, a drink whose origins are deeply rooted in ancient traditions, and over time, it has evolved into various regional variations enjoyed worldwide. In today’s blog, we’ll explore the fascinating history of horchata, from its early beginnings to its place in contemporary cuisine. What is Horchata? Horchata is a sweet, milky drink made from various plant-based ingredients. Here are a few common types: Mexican Horchata: The most well-known in the United States, Mexican horchata is made primarily from rice, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon. The rice is typically soaked and blended, then mixed

We all know what Oktoberfest is and which country it takes place in, but what are the best German Oktoberfest beers? And do we know why it even occurs in the first place? Sure, Germany makes some world-class beers, but which ones are the best to celebrate with? And what is 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