Spec’sology Blog

Delicious Cheese & Drink Pairings - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Delicious Cheese And Drink Pairings

Spec’sology Blog, Pairings
When you think of pairing cheese with a drink, wine is usually the first to come to mind. And with good reason; cheese’s high fat content tends to coat the tongue and dampen taste receptors to beverages, but the acidity of a well-paired wine can cut through this creamy barrier and unlock flavors of both itself and the cheese. But wine isn’t the only beverage that does wonders with cheese! Join us on National Cheese Lover’s Day as we explore some interesting cheese pairings that’ll have y... Read More
Playoff Pairings - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Playoff Pairings

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes
With the NFL’s expansion of the playoffs for the 2021 postseason, there will now be seven teams from each conference taking the field during the month of January. So, you’ll get even more football than usual and that means you’ll need more ways to keep your mouth entertained (besides yelling at the TV). While beer might be the go-to for gathering around the TV and pairing with snacks, a cocktail can be a great thing to sip on while you spend almost all of January glued to the tube. Whether... Read More

New Wines, Spirits & Beers for 2021

Spec’sology Blog, Beer, Spirits, Wine
It’s January so you’ve probably finished reading all the 2020 recaps and are beyond ready to move on and leave those 365 days as far behind as possible! We feel you. So, what’s new for beverages in the year 2021 you ask? Well, settle on down and get ready to have your happy hour future read by the experts. 2021 will see the continued rise of hard seltzers as more and more brands get in on the action with new and unique offerings. Online wine education courses skyrocketed during quarantine ... Read More
Best Cocktails of 2020 - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

The Best Cocktails of 2020

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Holidays
Every year we offer up dozens and dozens of cocktails for you to try and 2020 was no different. Seeing as how 2020 was the year of stay-at-home cocktails, we decided to showcase the top four most popular drinks of the year. So, grab a glass and enjoy of our year-end cocktail roundup! Mango Sunrise Piña Colada With a tropical twist on an already tropical cocktail, our blissful Mango Sunrise Piña Colada was a summertime standout. It’s like taking a vacation in the middle of a vacation! Ingredi... Read More
holiday Gift Guide - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide

Spec’sology Blog, Gifts, Holidays
Some of our top gifts to give your friends and loved ones for the holiday season! Homemade Maple Pecan Pie made with Crown Royal It’s everything you love about pie with a subtle kick of everything you love about bourbon. The infusion of Crown Royal Maple Bourbon highlights the seasonal flavors in every slice of sticky sweet perfection! But you’ll want to hurry in and get yours soon as they’re only available for a limited time! Fat Ice Cocktail Spheres Super premium, crystal clear ice. Best... Read More
Top 10 Rioja Wines of 2020 - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Top 10 Most Impactful Riojas of 2020

Spec’sology Blog, Wine
A Word From Our Wine Expert… Many major reviewers have been releasing their “Best Of” and “Top” wines of the year lists over the past month. Fun as they may be to obsess over and reference, those lists are obviously subjective. While I have never been disappointed in a wine I’ve bought from one of these lists, there have been plenty of instances where I have vehemently disagreed with the rankings. Below is my own list of noteworthy Riojas. I tasted a lot of Riojas in 2020, but the be... Read More
The Best Holiday Cocktails - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

The Best Holiday Cocktails

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes
Looking for the best holiday cocktails to impress the relatives? Well, lucky for you so were we, and that’s why we’ve got such a great list for you! Because everyone is different, we’ve narrowed it down to four cocktails that we think express the best flavors of the season. It’s the easiest way to wow your family without becoming a doctor. North Pole Eggnog Ingredients 1 oz. amaretto 1 oz. vodka 2 oz. store bought eggnog pinch of nutmeg pinch of cinnamon caramel sauce for rimming the gl... Read More
Best Texas Holiday Wines - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Best Texas Holiday Wines

Spec’sology Blog, Wine
Besides the fact that shopping local is more important than ever this holiday season; Texas makes some really good wines! So, whether you’re gifting or treating yourself, we’ve put together 5 Texas wines that will go wonderfully with your seasonal dishes and help to support a local business. But first, some Texas wine history! History of Texas Wine When you think of wine production in the U.S. people tend to think of California as the original region, but Texas is one of the oldest wine grow... Read More
Holiday Movie & Drink Pairings - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Holiday Movie & Cocktail Pairings

Spec’sology Blog, Holidays, Pairings
We’ve found that the best way to enjoy some of our favorite holiday movies is with a perfectly paired beverage! From old favorites to new classics, we hope you find a film to enjoy…and if not, these drinks are delicious no matter how you enjoy them! National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation A story of a man whose one wish for the holidays is to have the perfect Christmas. His efforts spiral into the hilarious as countless obstacles line up to impede his dream including electrical issues, feral... Read More
Explore Wines from Rioja - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Wines From Rioja – The Perfect Holiday Companion!

Spec’sology Blog, Wine
With a myriad of dishes served during the holidays, there is no better accompaniment to a meal – or finer gift to give – than an exquisite wine from Rioja. These vibrant wines offer unmatched versatility. Excellent conditions for vine cultivation allow for a multitude of wine styles – this variation rivals almost any other top region in the world. Rioja wines are standouts due to a diversity of climate, landscape, soil type and grape varieties. Rioja Sub-Zones Rioja has three distinct s... Read More
Thanksgiving Host Gift Guide - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Gifts For Thanksgiving Hosts

Spec’sology Blog, Gifts, Holidays
When someone opens their home to you and plans and prepares a Thanksgiving Day feast, it’s always appropriate to show your gratitude by bringing something your host or hostess will appreciate. The time of year lends itself to celebration through giving. To help with any gift-giving anxiety you may be experiencing, we’ve put together a handful of gift items that are perfect for a host who loves to plan dinner parties.   SPEC’S HOMEMADE CROWN ROYAL MAPLE BOURBON PECAN PIE After spending... Read More
Best Pumpkin Beers 2020 - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Best Pumpkin Craft Beers

Entertain
It’s fall and you know what that means, pumpkin everything! From coffee to ice cream to potpourri, it’s hard to step outside and not get a whiff of this seasonal gourd. And what better way to celebrate pumpkin season than with a delicious craft beer? With so many pumpkin beers to choose from, we figured we’d give you a list of some of our favorites, so you can celebrate the season the right way! New Belgium Voodoo Atomic Pumpkin – 6.4% New Belgium is known for their Voodoo Ranger IPA... Read More