Beer

summer ales and wheat beers

Craft Summer Ales and Wheat Beers to Try this Summer

Spec’sology Blog, Beer
When temperatures soar and the sun beats down, nothing quite satisfies like an ice-cold beer perfectly suited for the season. Summer beer represents more than just any cold beverage – it’s a carefully crafted category of brews designed specifically for hot weather refreshment, outdoor gatherings, and extended drinking sessions under the blazing sun. The magic of summer beer lies in its unique characteristics that distinguish it from heavier, darker brews better suited for cooler months. T... Read More
best low calorie seltzers

The Best Low Calorie Seltzers

Spec’sology Blog, Beer
Hard seltzers and canned cocktails have revolutionized the beverage industry. In 2025, they are more than just a passing fad; they represent a lifestyle choice. As consumers increasingly seek healthier alternatives that are low in sugar, carbohydrates, and calories, yet still deliver on flavor and enjoyment, the market has seen an explosion of diverse options to suit every palate and dietary need. For those tracking macros, monitoring sugar intake, or simply desiring a drink free from the blo... Read More
local ingredients for texas brewery and distillery

From Grain to Glass – How Texas Breweries & Distilleries Source Local Ingredients

Spec’sology Blog, Beer, Spirits
Estimated Reading Time: 8 Minutes The craft beverage industry in Texas is flourishing, with local breweries and distilleries utilizing the state’s abundant agricultural resources. Through collaborations with local farmers and the use of traditional methods, these producers are crafting exceptional beers and spirits using homegrown ingredients. On the blog today, we’ll dive into the advantages and techniques of incorporating locally sourced ingredients into Texas-made craft beverages. ... 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 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... Read More
does alcohol expire

Does Alcohol Go Bad? The Ultimate Guide To Liquor Lifespan

Spec’sology Blog, Beer, Spirits, Wine
Does Alcohol Expire? We all have that one. That one bottle or can that’s been with us for quite some time. Perhaps it’s a bottle of Champagne you bought for a bridal shower that no one got to. Or the last can from a limited-edition beer that’s been chilling in the fridge. Or maybe it’s that the bourbon you’re waiting for just the right reason to open. Whichever one is your one, you can’t help but to wonder about its shelf life. So it leads us to the big question. Does alcohol e... Read More
Top Hard Ciders To Try

8 Must-Try Hard Ciders For Fall

Spec’sology Blog, Beer
As the leaves begin to change color and a crispness fills the air, there’s no better way to embrace the beauty of autumn than with a glass of hard cider. Fall is the perfect season to indulge in the rich flavors and cozy warmth that hard cider offers. Whether you’re a seasoned cider enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of fermented apple beverages, this guide is here to help you discover eight must-try hard ciders for fall. From traditional classics to innovative newcomers, these se... Read More
Best Oktoberfest Beers

Best Oktoberfest Beer

Spec’sology Blog, Beer
Every year, millions of people from around the world gather in Munich, Germany, to celebrate the beloved Oktoberfest. This grand festival, steeped in history and tradition, is a vibrant celebration of German beer & culture. In today’s blog, we’ll explore the history of Oktoberfest, explore what makes it such a beloved event, and raise our glasses to the German beer that flows freely during this remarkable time of year. A Toast to History – What is Oktoberfest? Oktoberfest... Read More
Picture of Gluten Free Beer

Best Gluten-Free Beers – The Spec’s 2023 Insider

Spec’sology Blog, Beer
Gluten-Free Beers Giving up gluten used to mean missing out on tasty new craft beers and having to settle for unpleasant knockoffs of the real thing. Now, however brewers have it dialed in and are ramping up efforts to put out some truly good beers. Good enough that you wouldn’t know they were gluten-free unless you read the bottle! But first, for those wondering why gluten-free beer is even a thing, let’s answer a few common questions before getting to the recommendations! What is ... Read More
Top 7 German Beers for Oktoberfest - Spec's

Top 7 German Beers For Oktoberfest

Spec’sology Blog, Beer
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 s... Read More
Texas Craft Breweries to Visit - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

5 Texas Craft Breweries to Visit This Summer

Spec’sology Blog, Beer

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 ... Read More

Liquor & Beer Marinades - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Alcohol Marinades: Memorial Day Recipes

Spec’sology Blog, Beer, Entertain, Spirits

Memorial Day is here and that means it’s time to drag your grill into the kitchen and put it to use! OK, you should probably skip the dragging inside part, but either way, your grill will definitely be the center of attention this holiday weekend. And where there’s grilling, there’s marinating!

Everyone has their preferred method of marinating meats, and one of the most popular ways to do it involves alcohol. A bourbon marinade is an excellent choice for chicken or steak, but there are ... Read More

Top Ten Texas Beers - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Top Ten Texas Beers

Spec’sology Blog, Beer
If you’re drinking local Texas beers, make sure you’re doing it right! Check out our list of the ten most popular Texas brews, and get ready to add a top shelf to your beer fridge! If your near our Smith Street liquor store in Houston, be sure to check out these great Texas beers. Lone Pine Yellow Rose Rated #1 Texas Brewed IPA, on both BeerAdvocate.com and RateBeer.com, I believe. A SMASH IPA (single malt, single hop), Yellow Rose is as nice to look at as it is to drink. ... Read More