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Hazed and Perceived

Entertain, Spec’sology Blog
For much of its history in American craft beer, the IPA has been a golden, or amber, beer with good clarity; meaning you can see straight through the glass. For any of you unaware, a movement has been under way for a handful of years now of IPAs that look like something other than what we’ve come to expect an IPA to look like. This movement, coming out of the Northeast, is towards IPAs that look cloudy like a hefeweizen (German wheat beer), resembling a glass of orange juice. Many articles hav... Read More

what’s the HAZE about?

Entertain, Beer Reviews, Spec’sology Blog
With the introduction of the pilsner hundreds of years ago, the look of a beer became a point of focus for drinkers. At the time, it was an interest in having brilliantly clear, golden beers like liquid sunshine. In recent years, starting in the American Northeast, a move towards cloudy beers, resembling orange or grapefruit juice, has begun. These “hazy” IPAs are prized for their bright, juicy hop-derived fruit flavors, restrained bitterness and softer mouthfeel. Texas being much further so... Read More

2014 (Mostly) Cru Classé Bordeaux Tasting

Entertain, Events, Spec’sology Blog, Wine
On Wednesday, January 18, 2017 from 4:30 to 8:30pm, Spec’s will host over 30 Bordeaux Chateau owners, directors, and/or winemakers presenting 59 mostly Cru Classé Bordeaux wines all from the fine 2014 vintage in a standup- and-walk-around tasting format. This is our fifth time to host such a delegation from Bordeaux and each of the previous events have been smashing successes. By appellation, they include … Pomerol: Chx. Clinet, Gazin, Croix St. Georges, and La Pointe (along with 2nd vi... Read More

Happy National Beverage Day!

Entertain
Grab your vessel of choice, proudly fill it with your favorite liquid and raise it high in honor of National Beverage Day! Yes that’s correct, National Beverage Day comes directly after Cinco De Mayo! Perhaps it’s for those of us who overestimated our level of festive consumption and were wondering what to do with the remaining drinks? With many countries celebrating anything and everything, for instance on February 10th Korea celebrates ‘Seollal’ or their new year, they typicall... Read More

10 Champagnes Under $15!

Entertain
If you plan to pop, fizz and clink your way into the New Year, we have the selection and savings to fill up your flute! Taking your night up a notch with a crisp, quality champagne doesn’t have to be costly. Here is a list of our favorite bubblys on a budget, in no particular order: Segura Viudas Spanish Extra Dry Reserve $10.69 Aria Brut Sparkling $7.99 Zonin Asti Spumante $8.49 Labet Cremant De Bourgogne $14.99 Castellblanch Spanish Extra Brut Sparkling $7.99 Dibon Brut Riserva Spanish Spark... Read More
Finer Things

Last Minute Gift Ideas!

Entertain
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but it can be hectic! If you’re scrambling to find last minute gift ideas that will impress without breaking the bank, we have a guide to help. Zonin Prosecco Well-balanced and appealing, it makes an excellent aperitif and can also be served throughout any meal. Turin Liqueur Chocolates These world-class, premium chocolates offer a unique and luscious experience that will satisfy even the most sophisticated palate. 99 West Pinot Noir Cinnamon, clove,... Read More

Cheers to the New Year!

Entertain
Let the countdown begin! 2013 is coming to a close and it’s time to raise our glasses to the start of a new year! To help ring in 2014 why not take the bubbly up a notch and give one of these Champagne cocktails a try? Have your own favorite New Years drink? Share it with us in the comments! Bellini 4 oz Champagne or sparkling wine 2 oz peach juice Pour the peach juice into a champagne flute. Slowly add champagne and serve. Black Velvet 4 oz Champagne or sparkling wine 4 oz chilled stout Pour ... Read More

Treat Yourself: Delicious Dessert Cocktails!

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Lose the fork and pop the cork, it’s dessert time! Using infused liquors, creamy mixers and sweets to top them off, these recipes transform classic desserts into delicious drinks. The best part? There is no cooking involved, they are easy to make and are sure to impress the guests at your next dinner party. Red & White Delight 2 oz strawberry flavored vodka 3 dashes white crème de menthe 2 1/2 oz cranberry juice Candy cane for garnish Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with i... Read More

Summer Seasonals! Saison and Session Beers

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Summer is the season for both saison and session beers, and Spec’s has plenty of both! A saison beer (also known as “farmhouse-style”) is a pale ale that originated in Belgium for farm workers to drink in the summer. As craft brewing has taken off, several interpretations of this style have developed, but it is always light, with grassy, “funky” flavors and the hoppiness of pale ale. “Session” is the term for a lower-alcohol beer with a balanced flavor and clean finish that can be ... Read More