20 best bourbons to give as a gift

20 Of The Best Bourbons to Give As A Gift for Under $100

Spec’sology Blog, Spirits
Estimated Reading Time: 7 MinutesFinding 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 Unc... Read More
what is small batch bourbon

What is Small Batch Bourbon? The Ultimate Guide to Small Batch Bourbons

Spec’sology Blog, Spirits
Estimated Reading Time: 7 MinutesBourbon 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 PRODUCTSWhat is Small Batch Bourb... Read More
best winter wines

Winter Wines: The Best Red and White Wines to Enjoy During Winter

Spec’sology Blog, Wine
Estimated Reading Time: 6 MinutesAs 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 ... Read More
how to read beer label

Understanding Beer Labels: Decoding ABV, IBU, and Other Key Terms 

Spec’sology Blog, Beer
Estimated Reading Time: 6 MinutesHow 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 ... Read More
how to read a wine label

How to Read a Wine Label – 5 Essential Things to Look For

Spec’sology Blog, Wine
Estimated Reading Time: 8 MinutesHow 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 ... Read More
halloween liquors

Best Spooky Spirits & Halloween Liquors

Spec’sology Blog, Spirits
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 V... Read More
guide to amarone wine

Your Guide to Amarone Wine

Entertain
WHAT IS AMARONE WINE?If you’re a fan of bold, flavorful wines, Amarone is definitely one that needs to be on your radar and in your cellar. Amarone della Valpolicella, often simply called Amarone, is a rich and robust red wine that is most commonly associated with the Valpolicella region in northern Italy. There are distinctions within this area, including Amarone della Valpolicella Classico and Amarone della Valpolicella Valpantena. This wine is produced by the same grapes that go into Valpol... Read More
halloween cocktails guide

The Ultimate Guide to Halloween Cocktails

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes
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 SHOTSLooking for the perfect potion as the witching hour draws near? Then go with Witch’s Brew, my dears!Ingredients2 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 RosemaryDirectionsAdd ice, luster dust, Empress Gin, soda water, and lemon juice... Read More
spec's charities

Spec’s Charitable Foundation: Empowering Texas Communities

Spec’sology Blog
ABOUT SPEC’S CHARITIES OF THE MONTHEach 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... Read More

What is Potato Vodka? How does it taste & How is it Made?

Spec’sology Blog, Spirits
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. Howeve... Read More

The Art of Bourbon Tasting – How to Savor Every Sip

Spec’sology Blog, Spirits
How to Savor Every SipBourbon. 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 JourneyTo start to learn the art of bourbon tasting, you’ll obv... Read More

Flavored Whiskey – The Next Big Thing in Spirits

Spec’sology Blog, Spirits
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 flavore... Read More