Spec’sology Blog

Kentucky Derby Cocktails

Cocktails to Celebrate the Kentucky Derby – May 5, 2018

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes
We’ve had Queen’s ‘We Are The Champions’ playing on a loop. All. Week. Long. Why do you ask? We’re excited about the Kentucky Derby; a new champion will be crowned this Saturday, May 5th! Referred to as the most prestigious horse race in the world; the derby has been conducted at the most famous racetrack, Churchill Downs, continually since 1875. A crowd of 155,000 roars with jubilation as jockeys from around the world and their thoroughbred steeds emerge victoriously. They are lauded ... Read More

San Antonio Tastings May 7-12

Entertain
Taste some good stuff this week and HOP by these San Antonio area locations for our in-store samplings. LIVE OAK – 14623 IH 35 N 5/11 – Monopolva Gin 5/11 – Malibu Beer Lager 5/11 – Prairie Vodka & Gin 5/11 – Sauza Hornito’s Tequila 5/11 – Sugarlands Moonshine 5/11 – Uno Por Favor Tequila 5/12 – Bailey’s 5/12 – Angry Orchard Cider 5/12 – Bailey’s 5/12 – Crown Royal 5/12 – Hennessy 5/12 – Soley Cocktails 5/12 R... Read More

Lubbock Tastings May 7-12

Entertain
Taste some good stuff this month and HOP by the Lubbock store for our in-store samplings.   6816 Slide Road 5/11 – Malibu Beer Lager 5/11 – Prairie Vodka & Gin 5/12 – Shiner Bock 5/12 – Angry Orchard Cider 5/12 – Malibu Beer

San Antonio Tastings April 30-May 5

Entertain
Taste some good stuff this week and HOP by these San Antonio area locations for our in-store samplings. LIVE OAK – 14623 IH 35 N 5/2 – TASTE, SAVOR & SAVE 5/4 – Distinguido Tequila 5/4 – Z Tequila and Paula’s Liqueur 5/4 – DON JULIO TRUCK 5/4 – 30-30 Tequila 5/4 – Altstadt Lager 5/4 – Sauza Hornito Tequila 5/5 – 1800 Silver Tequila 5/5 – Barossa and Oyster Bay Vineyard 5/5 – Tanteo Tequila SA SUPERSTORE– 5219 De Zavala Ro... Read More

San Antonio Tastings April 23-28

Entertain
Taste some good stuff this week and HOP by these San Antonio area locations for our in-store samplings. LIVE OAK – 14623 IH 35 N 4/26 – Nue Vodka 4/27 – Black Feather Whiskey 4/27 – Distinguido Tequila 4/27 – Sauza Hornitos Tequila 4/27 – Western Son Vodka 4/27 – 1800 Silver Tequila 4/27 – Amorada Tequila 4/27 – Codigo 1530 Tequila 4/27 – Glenmorangie 4/27 – Malibu Lager Beer 4/27 – Western Son Vodka 4/28 – Barossa & O... Read More

Lubbock Tastings April 23-28

Entertain
Taste some good stuff this month and HOP by the Lubbock store for our in-store samplings.   6816 Slide Road 4/20 – 4/27 Black Feather Whiskey 4/28 – Black Feather Whiskey 4/28 – Rebecca Creek Whiskey, Enchanted Rock Vodka and Texas Ranger Whiskey 4/28 – Landon Winery
National Amaretto Day

National Amaretto Day – April 19, 2018

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes
April 19th is a ‘nutty’ holiday for sure! It marks the celebration of National Amaretto Day, one of the world’s most popular liqueurs. The word Amaretto literally means “a little bitter” in Italian—and rightly so. This famous Italian concoction is made from bitter almonds, or apricot kernels. The nuts are infused in pure alcohol or brandy, giving the liqueur a distinctively bold almond flavor. To celebrate National Amaretto Day, sip on this savory liqueur at home and mix up one of ou... Read More
World Malbec Day

Celebrate World Malbec Day – April 17, 2018

Spec’sology Blog, Wine
What is World Malbec Day? World Malbec Day isn’t just a seemingly random day to sip on wine. (Though any reason to drink wine is a good one if you ask us.) April 17th actually marks a fateful day in wine history, commemorating Argentina’s wine renaissance. This was a time when president Domingo Faustino Sarmiento made it his mission to transform Argentina’s wine industry in 1853, by ordering a botanist to transport and plant the French grape to South American soil. Why does it matter... Read More

Lubbock Tastings April 16-21

Entertain
Taste some good stuff this month and HOP by the Lubbock store for our in-store samplings.   6816 Slide Road 4/20 – Shiner Brewery 4/20 – Black Feather Whiskey 4/20 – Dogfish Brewery 4/20 – Prairie Vodka and Gin 4/21 – Black Feather Whiskey 4/21 – Blk Eye Vodka 4/21 – Malibu Lager Beer

San Antonio Tastings April 16-21

Entertain
Taste some good stuff this week and HOP by these San Antonio area locations for our in-store samplings. LIVE OAK – 14623 IH 35 N 4/19 – Penasco Tequila 4/19 – Canadian Mist 4/19 – Dogfish Brewery 4/20 – Devil’s River Bourbon 4/20 – Fire Oak Vodka 4/20 – Western Son Vodka 4/20 – Black Feather Whiskey 4/20 – Deep Eddy Straight Vodka 4/20 – Fire Oak Vodka 4/20 – Malibu Lager Beer 4/20 – Prairie Vodka 4/20 – Talamonti Vi... Read More

What the Helles?– THE TASTING

Beer, Spec’sology Blog
Who’s not a fan of “cold bubbles”? You know, the kind of beer that’s just beer flavored. Not every liquid that touches my lips or tickles my fancy has to be thought provoking, or even memorable, but it does have to be enjoyable! That’s where the Munich Helles, a light, crisp, pale golden German style of lager beer, comes in handy. So let’s take a little dive into what the Helles going on. Right off the bat, Helles (pronounced something like “Hell-ess”) is German for “bright,”... Read More

What the Helles?

Spec’sology Blog, Beer
THE TASTING I’ve done a handful of these style tastings and have had good results with this format. What I do is go to both the BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program) and Brewer’s Association websites to get style guidelines. https://www.bjcp.org/docs/2015_Guidelines_Beer.pdf https://www.brewersassociation.org/resources/brewers-association-beer-style-guidelines/ These are the parameters that are used to judge amateur/homebrew (BJCP) and professional/commercial (Brewer’s Association) com... Read More