Spec’sology Blog

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

It may be hard to hear, much less comprehend, but not everyone is a fan of sipping straight whiskey. Personal preference aside, there will come a time when even a diehard whiskey purist must admit a whiskey cocktail is what’s called for. It could be you end up hosting a gathering where not everyone drinks straight spirits. It could be one of those lovely 104 degrees days in Texas. Or you might have ended up with a bottle of something you don’t particularly care for on its own. This is when knowing a couple of essential whiskey cocktails is key.

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 now days most producers use standard bottles and have left the straw off completely. 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. The first known "Chianti recipe" was created in 1872, and recommended 70% Sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo and 15% Malvasia

America is undoubtedly home to a wild variety of beers, from double IPAs to coffee barrel-aged imperial stouts, but that doesn’t mean you have to restrict your brews to the 50 states! The rest of the world also makes beer. In fact, numerous countries have been brewing up suds centuries before America was founded, so they might know a thing or two about crafting an excellent beer. Checkout our six favorites from around the globe and crack open an ice-cold can of culture!

Is it really summer without a road trip to some Texas breweries? The answer is no. So, if you’ve never made a day of hitting the taps across Texas, you’ll want to check out some excellent breweries listed below and start plotting your course to Lonestar refreshment! Spoetzl Brewery - Shiner, Texas Located in Shiner, Texas it’s the oldest independent brewery in the state. They produce a diverse line of Shiner beers with the most popular being Shiner Bock. They also have a wonderful selection of highly anticipated seasonal beers they release throughout the year such as their Ruby Red

First appearing in Jerry Thomas’ The Bartender’s Guide in 1862, the Whiskey Sour had been around decades earlier as a way to combat scurvy in sailors. Ships would stock up on citrus fruits on shore while the sailors brought liquors like rum or whiskey on board, so they had something safe to drink during months at sea. The citrus (typically lemon) was mixed with a liquor and water to create a drink that would not only quench thirst, but also effectively prevent the onset of scurvy. Sailors spread the cocktail through port cities and it quickly became popular enough to