Spec’sology Blog

Estimated Reading Time: 5 Minutes All wine enthusiasts know that having the right wine tools elevates the experience of enjoying their favorite bottle of wine. So, what better gift to give the wine lover in your life? The best part is: you don’t have to break the bank. Here’s a curated list of essential wine accessories at Spec’s under $50 that make perfect gifts for anyone who loves a good glass of vino. Wine Accessories For A Gift When choosing a wine accessory as a gift, be sure to prioritize both practicality and style. The right accessory can not only

Estimated Reading Time: 7 Minutes Finding the perfect gift can be challenging, especially when shopping for someone who appreciates the finer things in life. For bourbon lovers, a thoughtfully selected bottle is always a welcome present. With a wide range of flavors, age statements, and price points, bourbon offers a little something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll explore 20 of the best bourbons you can gift for under $200, divided into categories to suit your budget. Bourbons Under $50 Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Uncle Nearest Small Batch is more than just a bottle of bourbon—it’s a celebration of

Estimated Reading Time: 7 Minutes Bourbon has seen an incredible rise in popularity over recent years, with more people exploring different types and learning about the intricacies of this beloved American spirit. Among the many styles and variations, "small batch" bourbon is often seen as a premium category that offers distinctive qualities for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. But what exactly is small batch bourbon, and why is it so special? SHOP THE PRODUCTS What is Small Batch Bourbon? Small batch bourbon is bourbon that’s made by blending a carefully curated, limited number of barrels to achieve a desired taste or

Estimated Reading Time: 6 Minutes As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing quite like the warmth and comfort of a great winter wine. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner party, cozying up by the fire, or simply enjoying a quiet evening indoors, choosing the right wine can elevate any winter moment. From crisp whites that pair perfectly with hearty winter salads to robust reds that complement rich, slow-cooked stews, winter offers an opportunity to explore a wide variety of wines that suit the season. Here’s a curated selection of winter wines, both white and red, that

Estimated Reading Time: 6 Minutes How Does One Read A Beer Label? So you’re interested in Meadophily or the study of beer bottle labels. Now sure, we could spend the whole blog talking about beer label design and with there being over 8,000 breweries in the United States alone, it's more crucial than ever for a beer to have a cool looking label so it can stand out in the crowd. But we're not. Instead, we are interested in what they say and the meaning of them. So join us in a little Meadophily 101 and learn how to read

Estimated Reading Time: 8 Minutes How Does One Read A Bottle Of Wine? Imagine you're walking down the aisles of a store (Spec’s) that has one of the largest selections of wine in Texas. While this is a fun task, it can also be overwhelming. Especially if you aren't an expert sommelier, or wine steward. But fret not, in this blog we are going to uncork the secret of wine labels so you can find the perfect bottle for any occasion and make you a better wine consumer. So pour yourself a glass of whatever wine you have handy and

What are the Best Spooky Spirits and Halloween Liquors? Halloween is coming in all its spooky scary splendor. But there’s no need to be afraid, because we’ve got just what you need. Spooky Spirits and Halloween Liquors. We’ve searched and searched for the best ones and we’ve found them. So let’s get ready for spooky season and check out these spirits. Crystal Head Vodka Halloween and skulls go together like peanut butter and jelly. So you know we were going to recommend Crystal Head Vodka and its iconic skull bottle. In fact, the Crystal Head bottle was designed with the

WHO’S READY FOR A SPOOKY GOOD TIME THIS HALLOWEEN? We are! And after this spine-tingling collection of Halloween cocktails, you will be too. Check them out! WITCH’S BREW SHOTS Looking for the perfect potion as the witching hour draws near? Then go with Witch’s Brew, my dears! Ingredients 2 oz of Empress Gin 3 oz of Soda Water ½ oz of Simple Syrup 2 oz Lemon Juice ½ oz of Blue Curacao Pearl Luster Dust Fresh Rosemary Directions Add ice, luster dust, Empress Gin, soda water, and lemon juice to glass. Stir to combine. Slowly top layer with blue curaçao.

ABOUT SPEC’S CHARITIES OF THE MONTH Each month, Spec’s highlights a nonprofit whose mission is near and dear to our hearts. You might have seen some of our posts on social media or displays in our stores highlighting them. It’s because of your support we were able to raise over one million dollars last year for our charities, and we’re on pace to raise even more this year! If you’d like to donate to Spec’s Charity of the Month, you can do so at the register of your local Spec’s. ABOUT SPEC’S CHARITABLE FOUNDATION The Spec's Charitable Foundation is dedicated

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. However, over the years, we’ve been trying potato vodka and love it! SHOP THE PRODUCTS

How to Savor Every Sip Bourbon. 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 Journey To start to learn the art of bourbon tasting, you’ll obviously need bourbon. Now, you may already know your

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 flavored-whiskey boom! But how do distillers create a flavored whiskey? Glad you asked! To create flavored whiskey, one