Spec’sology Blog - Pairings

Your backyard grill outs may not always be burgers and dogs for the masses. Sometimes grilling up dinner for two on a hot summer night is just what the doctor ordered! And just because you’re grilling doesn’t mean you have to drink beer. Checkout our collection of dishes, each paired with a cocktail, beer, and a wine, because you never know what the mood might call for. Steak A good grilled steak is rich and fatty with a lingering smokiness that demands a beverage just as big and bold. A higher level of acidity can help cut the fatty richness

Before we get started, the most important thing to remember for any pairing situation is to go with what you like. It doesn’t matter what anyone else says, if you enjoy it go for it! That being said, we’ve put together some general guidelines you’re totally free to ignore. If you don’t know much about cheese or wine, just remember to pair by flavor intensity - and keep in mind that age and intensity are directly related. Young fresh cheeses have a high water content and a milky and delicate texture. As the cheese ages, the moisture slowly evaporates leaving

When it comes to Memorial Day celebrations, we tend to think of firing up the grill and throwing a couple of extra delicious M’s in front of Mmmemorial. And for good reason; Memorial Day is the 2nd most popular day to cook up some backyard BBQ in America! (the first being Independence Day) Grilling up hotdogs and hamburgers is an American tradition, but what you wash it down with can make all the difference in the world. The right beer can elevate subtle flavors while the wrong one can diminish all of the delicious highlights. That’s why we’ve decided to

Moscato, famous for its sweetness, is made from one of the oldest wine grapes in the world - Muscat Blanc. Typical Moscato flavors include: Meyer Lemon, Mandarin Orange, Pear, Orange Blossom, and Honeysuckle. But did you know that there are 5 types of Moscato wine? Sparkling & Semi - Sparkling Moscato - the most common type Still Moscato - made with Muscat Blanc grapes but also other Muscat varieties, like Muscat of Alexandria. Pink Moscato - made with mostly Muscat grapes and usually a dollop of Merlot to give it a ruby pink color and light strawberry taste. Red Moscato

We’d like to take a moment to raise a glass to you for doing your part to keep everyone safe! 6 weeks of social distancing and/or isolation is no easy feat so, thank you. This week we’ve got a rowdy Philly bar series, a classy (and a bit rowdy) NYC ad agency, and a Star Wars movie! So grab your shaker and a seat, and let’s kick this off! It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia • Hulu “Always Sunny”, as fans call it, follows "The Gang," the owners of the unsuccessful Paddy's Pub; a group of degenerates who love nothing more

We hope week 5 in our Sip & Stream series finds you well! This week we’re bringing back some old favorites and a new classic that’s sure to pass plenty of time. Downton Abbey • Amazon Prime A six-season period drama that focuses on the lives of the Crawleys, the aristocratic family who lives in Downton Abbey. The series takes as its starting point actual historical events, including the sinking of the Titanic, and the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, then filters them through the characters' reactions. The drama ensues as the characters try to navigate their rapidly changing, post-Edwardian world

We’ve got some real cinematic treats in week 4 of our Sip & Stream series! The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel • Amazon Prime It's the late 1950s and Miriam "Midge" Maisel has everything she has ever wanted -- the perfect husband, two kids and an elegant apartment on New York's Upper West Side. Her seemingly idyllic life takes a surprising turn when she discovers she’s been suppressing a hidden talent -- stand-up comedy. Pair it with: Cocktails from the 1950’s Rum Runner Boozy and full of healthy juices! Ingredients 1 oz. pineapple juice1 oz. orange juice1 oz. blackberry liqueur1 oz. banana

Here we are in week 3 of Spec’s Sip & Stream pairing suggestions, and we’re still finding things to watch. It really is amazing how much entertainment is at our fingertips in this digital age of convenience! Anyway, let’s get to mixing up some deliciousness. Castle Rock • Hulu The Stephen King multiverse is the setting for this psychological horror series that takes place in Castle Rock, Maine, which is a location familiar to fans of King's work. An anonymous phone call lures death-row attorney Henry Deaver back to Castle Rock. He is unsettled by his hometown, but he returns

Just when you thought you’d exhausted all possibilities for entertainment and started considering wallpapering the ceiling as a good use of your time - Spec’s is here to help you raise a glass and sit on your…couch. In case you missed week 1, Spec’s will be serving up streaming content recommendations paired with a beverage that matches the entertainment’s theme. So, without further ado, let’s get into week 2’s picks! The Stranger • Netflix Based on Harlan Coben's novel of the same name, the series follows Adam Price, who seems to be living the perfect life - two great sons,

Soooo, here we are stuck at home wondering how to keep ourselves entertained. …running out of ideas already? Luckily for you we’ve put together beverage and boredom pairings to keep you entertained. We’re pairing the latest, trending shows and movies with themed drinks so you can get your social on without leaving the couch. Love is Blind • Netflix Love is Blind is the ultimate combination of social distancing meets the dating game. According to Netflix - “Nick and Vanessa Lachey host this social experiment where single men and women look for love and get engaged, all before meeting in

New Year, New Wines and Pies! Could there be a more perfect union than wine and pie? The proper wine can turn a slice of pie into a transcendental experience. Pairing is key here as the wrong wine can overpower a sweet pie or just clash in the palate ruining both. Also, be careful with mixing lots of sugar and alcohol as there are rumors, not research, that an abundance of both can lead to quite the unpleasant hangover. But we assume you’re eating more than just pie and wine, so you should be fine. And if you are just

Your significant other isn’t the only thing that can sweep you off your feet this Valentine’s Day! Chocolate and wine have been having a discreet love affair for centuries and we think you should get in on the action. If paired correctly, chocolate and wine can be the ultimate power couple. Check out our pairing list and get ready to indulge! Chocolate & Sea Salt + Verdejo White wine goes wonderfully with salty foods and the combination of this Spanish Verdejo with a sea salt milk chocolate will unlock a wonderful new world of flavors. Cherry Cordials + Tempranillo The