Spec’sology Blog

chocolate and wine pairings

How To Pair Wine And Chocolate

Spec’sology Blog, Pairings
Can you hear the fluttering of cupid’s wings? Valentine’s day is right around the corner. Whether you plan to buy something sweet for your sweetie, or you just plan to ‘treat yo’ self,” there’s no denying that now’s the time for some rich, decadent chocolate. The only thing better than that is pairing it with the perfect wine. But you don’t have to be a sommelier to enjoy the right chocolate and wine pairing. Before you pop a cork, fill up the tub, and light some candles, follow ... Read More
Free Hotbox for Hotshot Coffee

Special Offer: Free HotBox from Hotshot Coffee!

Spec’sology Blog
Spec’s is happy to bring you a HOT new innovative twist on coffee in a can! It’s called HotShot and it’s the ultimate convenience in a can. You will never have to make a cup of coffee or wait in line ever again. Hotshot is Always Hot and Always Ready. Free HotBox Details *This Friday and Saturday, February 2nd & 3rd, Spec’s is offering you a free HotBox with the purchase of two 12 packs of HotShot coffee! That’s a $48 value, for free! As seen on Shark Tank, HotShot is the first Gra... Read More
Game Day Pairings

Beer and Gourmet Food Pairings for the Big Game

Spec’sology Blog, Beer, Pairings
Cheering on your team during the big game works up quite the appetite—and thirst! But before you rally up your game day party guests, be sure you’re prepared. It’s not just about stocking the cooler with old brews and tossing some pretzels in a big bowl. You could easily up the wow factor of your football watch party by pairing the right types of beer with gourmet foods. We’ve collected a few pairings suggestions so you can take your party to the next level of deliciousness! Pale Ale and... Read More
Irish coffee recipes

National Irish Coffee Day

Spec’sology Blog, Coffee, Drink Recipes
Top o’ the morning! Today we celebrate National Irish Coffee Day. This steamy, invigorating cocktail was introduced to Americans in the 1940’s after a group of U.S passengers disembarked a Pan Am flying boat one blustery evening. Joe Sheridan, head chef in the airport bar of Foynes, County Limerick added whisky to the coffee to warm the passengers, stating that it was “Irish Coffee.” But variations of this energizing concoction pre-date the modern version by at least 100 years. Warm the ... Read More

Vintage 2015 (Mostly) Cru Classé Bordeaux Tasting

Spec’sology Blog, Entertain, Events, Wine
Vintage 2015 Mostly Cru Classé Bordeaux Tasting Hosted by Spec’s Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at the Crystal Ballroom at the Rice Spec’s will host over 30 Bordeaux chateau owners, directors, and/or winemakers presenting 62 mostly Cru Classé Bordeaux wines all from the suberb 2015 vintage in a standup- and-walk-around tasting format. This is our seventh time to host such a delegation from Bordeaux and each of the previous events have been smashing successes. The list of well-known... Read More
Champagne and New Year's Eve Party Tips

NYE Champagne and Party Tips

Spec’sology Blog, Holidays
2018 is right around the corner! And that means it’s almost time for the big new year’s party. But before you go poppin’ bottles with your friends or family, read these very simple party-hosting tips. They’ll help make the last party of 2017, (and the first of 2018), one to remember. 1: Party Trays No New Year’s Eve party is complete without appetizers! But why spend extra time in the kitchen preparing, when you can order some gourmet party trays. A cheese plate or two is a NYE celebr... Read More
Christmas Cocktails

Christmas Cocktail Recipes

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Holidays
Cocktails and Christmas tend to go hand in hand. Whether it’s a decadent twist on hot cocoa or a sweet and spiced cider cocktail, there are plenty of reasons why you might want to sip a few fancy drinks during the most wonderful time of the year. Perhaps you need to get through an awkward work mixer, or maybe it’s the only way to tolerate a certain in-law. Regardless of your reason this season, these festive Christmas cocktails are sure to keep your spirits high and your Grinch low. Candy Ca... Read More
Holiday party tray from Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Party Trays For The Holidays

Spec’sology Blog, Catering, Entertain, Holidays
The holidays are here and that means family, friends, parties, and, unfortunately, lots of time in the kitchen. For those who aren’t confident in their cooking skills, are unsure what to bring to the office party, or just don’t want to spend the holidays in the kitchen trying to keep everybody fed – a Spec’s party tray may be just the answer you’re looking for. With platters featuring artisanal cheeses, savory tenderloin, charcuterie, sliders, sandwiches and so much more, Spec’s will... Read More

We Need to Talk…2

Entertain, Beer, Beer Reviews
The holidays are a time for good food and drink, with great family and friends. I’m here to tell you that some of that “good drink” can (and should) be beer! There are countless beers produced around the world that deserve a place at any dinner table, in every glass all the time, but few carry the quality, consistency and prestige of the Trappist ales. Trappist ales are less of a style of beer, and more of a family viewed as the “cream of the crop” – so much so that non-Trappist brew... Read More
National Cocoa Day

National Cocoa Day – December 13

Drink Recipes, Spec’sology Blog
Today marks the celebration of #NationalCocoaDay! Hot cocoa is the warm, and velvety holiday drink that you’re never too old for. If you’re craving your winter cocoa fix, we have some perfect hot cocoa cocktail recipes to satiate your sweet tooth. Mix up one of these confectionary concoctions or mix up your own cup of hot cocoa and tag it with #NationalCocoaDay on social media. If you want to experiment with a boozy cocoa cocktail of your own, here are some other delicious hot cocoa brands a... Read More
Thanksgiving Pairings

Thanksgiving Wine Pairing Tips

Spec’sology Blog, Holidays, Pairings, Wine
Thanksgiving is almost here and that means the holiday stress is just starting to peak. We’re going to take care of that with some wine pairing tips you and your guests will be grateful for! Here are a few ways to go about this. One White, One Red A good and simple strategy for Thanksgiving wine is to select a very good white and a very good red, offering your guests their choice. For reds, look for soft tannins that will yield to and blend with your dishes, like Pinot Noir, Syrah, a fruity Z... Read More