Pairings

Cigar & Spirit Pairings, Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer foods

Easy Cigar & Spirit Pairings

Spec’sology Blog, Entertain, Pairings, Spirits
“Shall we retire to the study for cigars and brandy?” You’ve heard this before in a movie and they always make it sound so relaxing, but what happens if you have no idea what you’re doing when it comes to pairing a cigar with a fine spirit? Well, you either get it wrong and everyone notices, or you get it right and everyone notices. Either way, people are going to find out whether you know what you’re doing or not and, depending on the company, judge you accordingly.  So, inst... Read More

An insider guide to your next cider for November!

Beer, Beer Reviews, Entertain, Pairings
By Zach Dehghanpoor After 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!   Ace Perry Cider Fall is upon us! The time of hearty stew, thick scarfs, and pumpkin spice lattes. Enter Ace Perry Cider – a not-too-sweet, fruity pear cider that m... Read More

An insider guide to your next cider for October!

Beer, Beer Reviews, Entertain, Pairings
By Zach Dehghanpoor After 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! Saint Arnold Honey Agave Cider In a crisis of taste recently, I sent a prayer to my favorite saint. Then out of nowhere appeared a divine gift of local Texas cider! Saint Arnold ... Read More

Crushable Crustacean: Lobster & Wine Pairings

Spec’sology Blog, Entertain, Pairings
Lobster, the most decadent of crustacea, has been delighting humans since 1984. Ok, more likely since humans first discovered them dwelling below the surface of the ocean. Timelines aside, lobster is ridiculously tasty! Always has been, always will be. But did you know there are different kinds of lobster? As a general rule, if it has front claws it’s a cold-water lobster. If it has no front claws and five appendages, it’s a warm-water lobster. Types of Lobster There are four types... Read More

If You Mustard…

Spec’sology Blog, Beer, Beer Reviews, Pairings, Reviews
It’s still prime grilling season (outside of the occasional tropical depression) and that coupled with Oktoberfest means lots of flame-kissed meats! Whether you’re serving dogs in buns, sausage links or bigger cuts, a good mustard is something you should absolutely have at hand. So, is there a “better” mustard for certain things? What makes them different? It’s time to take a quick bite into this centuries old condiment. Mustard is a mix of mustard seeds and liquid that’s ground i... Read More

How Do You Schnitzel?

Spec’sology Blog, Finer Foods, Pairings
In honor of Oktoberfest starting at the end of the month, and also in honor of the perfect Austria dish, the wiener schnitzel, we’ll be pairing up beers with your bites! But first, some background! What Is Schnitzel? Schnitzel is a cooking method. Pounding a piece of meat to tenderness and then lightly coating it in a flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixture before quickly pan-frying the whole thing is called “schnitzel.” Food historians debate the true origins of the method, but Austri... Read More

An insider guide to your next cider for September!

Beer, Beer Reviews, Entertain, Pairings
By Zach Dehghanpoor After 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! Rekorderlig Strawberry Lime Cider. Rekorderlig Strawberry Lime is a delicate cider; the fruit flavors are so bright and upfront it’s like you are drinking a freshly squeeze... Read More

Cheesy Wines: Grilled Cheese & Wine Pairings

Spec’sology Blog, Finer Foods, Pairings, Wine
The simple pleasure of a grilled cheese is one of the most magical joys in life. We all know how the salty, fatty goodness that is melted cheese can make you stop, drop, and drool should you get even a tiny whiff. And we all know wine and cheese are basically the most perfect match ever created, but when was the last time you sat down with a homemade grilled cheese and poured yourself a glass of your favorite wine? There’s just something about the buttery, toasted bread, the rich, melty ch... Read More

Still Grillin’

Beer, Entertain, Finer Foods, Pairings
“We’re heading into Oktoberfest season and that means great things for your next barbecue. Where we talked about the Helles style being straight forward beer flavored beer, Oktoberfest and other amber styles like it bring toasted malt flavors that make them perfect alongside the things you’re cooking on your grill or in your smoker.” Few beer styles have as storied a past as Oktoberfest does. A perfect retelling of its history can be found here, by Michael Jackson (the beer/scotch wri... Read More

Sour Power

Spec’sology Blog, Beer, Beer Reviews, Pairings, Reviews
“When most people are introduced to the idea of “sour beer” they often assume something has gone wrong with the liquid. But, most of those same people are surprised and delighted with their first sip or a sour beer. The acidity comes across in a very citric, lemon way that, coupled with the carbonation and chill of the liquid, makes for a perfect hot weather thirst quencher.” The idea of beer as a flavor doesn’t usually shout a noticeable acidity, but historically most beer had a pr... Read More

An insider guide to your next cider for August!

Beer, Beer Reviews, Entertain, Pairings
By Zach Dehghanpoor After 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! Woodchuck Sangria Cider Being a man, you’re not really expected to enjoy certain things; Facials, Appletinis, Sangria… Well it’s 2019 and things are different!  ... Read More

An insider guide to your next cider for July!

Beer, Beer Reviews, Entertain, Pairings
By Zach Dehghanpoor After 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! With summer just getting started, what better way to quench your thirst in this hot sticky Texas heat than a nice, ice-cold glass of pink lemonade Cider! Houston Cider Co. is ma... Read More