Spec’sology Blog

Saké To Me

Spec’sology Blog, Spirits
When you think about saké you probably think about Japan and rice, and you’d be correct on both counts. Saké, the oldest known spirit in the world, is often incorrectly referred to as rice wine. Rice wine, like Western wine with grapes, is made from the fermentation of rice. While saké is indeed made from rice, it goes through a brewing process where starch is converted to alcohol much like how beer is brewed, although the ABV is sustainably higher than either beer or wine.How Is Saké Made... Read More

A Bourbon Ball For All

Entertain, Spec’sology Blog
DIY Bourbon Tasting Party TipsTasting parties, usually reserved for wines, are now being hosted for bourbons due to the meteoric rise in bourbon’s popularity. But, if you’ve looked into any of the ones near you, you’ve likely noticed that they’re being hosted by one particular brand and therefore have offerings limited to that brand. So, if you want to try a variety of bourbons and learn about the differences through a hands-on experience, you’ll have to throw your own bourbon tast... Read More

Austin Tastings June 17

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BRODIE LANE – 4970 W Hwy 29012/24

6/20
Duke Bourbon
6/21
Red Eye Rye
Lake Sonoma Vineyard
Blue Chair Bay Rum
Bayou Rum
Knob Creek Bourbon
Austin Cocktails
High Noon Sun Sips
Truly Tropical Hard Seltzer Variety
Jim Beam Bourbon
Still Austin Bourbon
6/22
Naked Turtle Rum
Cat Tequila
Roscato Vineyard
Jack Daniel
Ballotin Whiskey
Naked Turtle Rum
Makers Mark Bourbon
QUI Tequila
Somrus Liqueur
Zignum Tequila
Bushmills Whiskey
Herradura Tequila
Chambord Liqueur

ARBOR WALK – 10515 N Mop... Read More

Lubbock Tastings June 17

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Taste some good stuff this month and HOP by the Lubbock store for our in-store samplings.

6816 Slide Road

6/21
Texas Southwind
Knob Creek Bourbon
Truly Tropical Hard Seltzer Variety
6/22
Red Eye Rye
Bon & Viv Spiked Seltzer Variety
Campo Viejo Vineyard

Father’s Day Gifts

Spec’sology Blog, Entertain, Finer Foods, Gifts
The Ultimate Guide For PopsJust a friendly reminder that Father’s Day is Sunday, June 16th!So, once searching the Internet for “cool gifts for dad” fails, head over to Spec’s and reclaim your title of “Number 1 Kid!” Spec’s has thousands of world-class wines, rare spirits, hard to find beers, and a walk-in humidor featuring thousands of fine cigars!It’s the perfect place to shop for the man who thinks he has it all! You can even create the perfect pops-pleasing gift basket with a... Read More

Party Hard Tea: Iced Tea Cocktails

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Entertain
There’s not much better than an ice-cold glass of iced tea on a hot summer day! The key to that sentence was “not much” as there is in fact something better – hard iced tea.Origins of Iced TeaThe history of iced tea in America dates back to South Carolina in the late 1700’s when the French botanist, Andre Michaux, imported and planted the first tea plants in what is now known as the Middleton Place Gardens. Shortly after the plants arrival, American cookbooks began popularizing cold te... Read More

Michelada

Beer, Entertain, Finer Foods, Pairings
“Now that we’ve got a solid base recipe to play with, why stop? There are a number of things you can add on your favorite michelada to put it over the top!”If you’re still reading after the first Michelada post (https://specsonline.com/blog/beer/beer-snacks-belgian-strong-golden-2/), it’s safe to say you’re open to adding a little more than extra to your beer. Well, in the spirit of not “leaving well enough alone”, we’re not stopping at a good “basic” michelada. Why should ... Read More

Austin Tastings June 10-15

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BRODIE LANE – 4970 W Hwy 29012/24

6/14

Cat Tequila
Bailey’s
Il Borro
Western Son Vodka
Tequila Uno Por Favor
A.D Laws Four Grain Bourbon
Old Hickory Whiskey & Vodka
Cat Tequila
Bayou Rum
Makers Mark Bourbon
Ciroc Vodka
Ole Smoky
Western Son Vodka
Casareyna Vineyard
Nine Banded Whiskey
Black Feather Whiskey
6/15
MANCAN Vineyard
Frankly Organic Vodka
Ciroc Brandy
1010 Premium
QUI Platinum
Titan Craft Cocktails
A.D Laws Bourbon & Whiskey
Revolucion Tequila
Second Glance Whiske... Read More

Howling at the Moonshine

Entertain
The BackgroundShine, rotgut, white lightning, hooch, mountain dew, firewater, popskull, sugar whiskey, bush whiskey, sweet spirits of cats a-fighting, happy Sally, blue John, jump steady, corn squeezing, or ruckus juice. America’s most infamous liquor has many names, but most folks just call it moonshine. The term originates from the way it was distilled in secret during the night using the moon light. Moonshine IngredientsThe basic ingredients for moonshine are quite simple: corn meal, sugar,... Read More

An insider guide to your next cider for June!

Beer, Beer Reviews, Entertain, Pairings
By Zach DehghanpoorBishop Cider Company The Dark Cide Black Currant CiderBishop Cider Company,The Dark Cide Black Currant CiderAfter years of enjoying the hops-mania that’s been surging in the beer community, cider is coming in as a real game changer and palette cleanser. Gluten free, dry and sweet, and so, so easy to drink – the cider side of craft and local beer is what Apples to Apples is here to explore!Bishop Cider Company, the Dark Cide Black Currant CiderBursting with black currant fl... Read More