Spirits

Top Ten Peanut Butter Whiskeys - Spec's Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods

Top 10 Peanut Butter Whiskeys

Spec’sology Blog, Spirits
Estimated Reading Time: 3 MinutesPeanut butter whiskey is about as American as a spirit can get! The combination of whiskey and peanut butter may seem unconventional, but it makes delicious sense once it hits your tongue. The United States boasts the largest concentration and greatest diversity of whiskey production globally. Meanwhile, peanuts and peanut butter are widely available across the world, but no other country has integrated them into their cuisine as extensively as America has. So…... Read More
Top Ten Texas Bourbons - Shop Bourbon at Spec's

Top 10 Best Texas Bourbons

Spec’sology Blog, Spirits
All About Texas BourbonsThey say everything is bigger in Texas, and nowadays that goes for bourbon too! Texas has become a hotspot for up-and-coming spirits as well as the base of operations for several established Texas-owned distilleries. In fact, there are so many that we thought it’d be helpful if we gathered up all of our favorite Texas bourbons and gave you a little rundown on each.Cheers! Blackland Texas Pecan Brown Sugar Bourbon Distilled in Fort Worth, TX Blackland has partnered ex... Read More
6 Must-Try Texas Gins - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Top Texas Gins

Spec’sology Blog, Spirits

At its core, gin is simply a neutral spirit that has been flavored with a specific recipe of botanicals (herbs, roots, and citrus). By definition, juniper berries must be a part of that recipe as they give gin its defining flavor.

Thankfully for us, the Texas Hill Country is packed with natural flavors. From native pecan trees and rustic lavender to juniper trees and wild rosemary, our local landscape is awash in botanical inspiration.

Gin has been around since the thirteenth century, so w... Read More

Best Martini Recipes - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

The Best Martini Recipes

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Spirits

The martini is a timeless classic. It never falls out of fashion as it is fashion. And there’s never a shortage of Bond films to remind us of its cool factor as well as to pique the interest of younger generations. Numerous theories on the cocktail’s origins exist, as do numerous versions and recipes. From gin or vodka to fruity or savory, the martini is a jack of all trades. Although, attaching “tini” to the end of a cocktail usually just means it’s served in a v-shaped glass, often c... Read More

10 Must-Try Texas Liquors - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

10 Must-Try Texas Liquors

Spec’sology Blog, Spirits
They say everything is bigger in Texas, and nowadays that goes for liquor too! The Lone Star state has become a hotspot for up-and-coming spirits as well as the base of operations for several established Texas liquor brands. We’ll be taking a look at some of these and introducing you to a few new ones you may not have heard of yet.Best Texas Liquors Tito’s Handmade Vodka If you haven’t heard of Tito’s, you must have just gotten here so, Welcome to Texas! Tito’s Handmade Vodka is prod... Read More
Gifts for Bourbon Lovers - Holiday Gifts at Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Gift Ideas for the Bourbon Lover

Spec’sology Blog, Gifts, Holidays, Spirits

If you’ve got a bourbon lover on your gift list, you’re already aware of their love for the spirit. So, now is your chance to show them you get it…and hope they’ll share some of their special stash with you.

Check out some of our favorite gifts for bourbon lovers from glassware to highly rated bourbons.

 
Stanly Matte Black Flask
“Retro.” “Classic.” Iconic.” “Sexy.” It doesn’t matter what you call it, all we know is that this sturdy flask has your back and ne... Read More

Spec's Is Thankful For - Thanksgiving 2022

Spec’s Is Thankful For…

Spec’sology Blog, Entertain, Finer Foods, Holidays, Spirits, Wine

It’s the time of year that we’d like to take a moment and send our love and appreciation to some of our favorite brands and products of 2022!

So, without further ado…

 
Branson Cognac
Owned by award-winning musician, entrepreneur, actor and producer Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Branson Cognac represents a bespoke, exclusive and unique Cognac that showcases the highest quality of Cognac being made from the best vineyards in every bottle.
Maker’s Mark Private Select
Beg... Read More

Best Scotches Under $100 - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Best Scotches Under $100

Spec’sology Blog, Spirits

It’s Scotch Month at Spec’s and we’re celebrating in style! But first, a quick summary of what scotch is and a couple of different types.
What Is Scotch?
So, what needs to be in a Scotch in order to be able to call it Scotch? It must be produced, bottled, and distilled in Scotland. Must be based on barley and water and must be aged in casks for at least three years. Whole grains and other cereal can be added to the malted barley mash in order to produce different flavor varieties.

Pro... Read More

Best Sakes Under $30 - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Best Saké Under $30

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 substantially higher than either beer or wine. Wine typically... Read More

history of horchata

What is Horchata? History Of This Great Mexican Cocktail

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Spirits
Horchata is a beloved beverage with a rich history, a drink whose origins are deeply rooted in ancient traditions, and over time, it has evolved into various regional variations enjoyed worldwide. In today’s blog, we’ll explore the fascinating history of horchata, from its early beginnings to its place in contemporary cuisine.What is Horchata?Horchata is a sweet, milky drink made from various plant-based ingredients. Here are a few common types:Mexican Horchata: The most well-known in the Un... Read More
Essential American Whiskey Cocktails - Spec's

Essential American Whiskey Cocktails

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Spirits

It may be hard to hear, much less comprehend, but not everyone is a fan of sipping straight whiskey. Personal preference aside, there will come a time when even a diehard whiskey purist must admit a whiskey cocktail is what’s called for. It could be you end up hosting a gathering where not everyone drinks straight spirits. It could be one of those lovely 104 degrees days in Texas. Or you might have ended up with a bottle of something you don’t particularly care for on its own. This is when k... Read More

Evolution of The Whiskey Sour - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

The Evolution of The Whiskey Sour

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Spirits

First appearing in Jerry Thomas’ The Bartender’s Guide in 1862, the Whiskey Sour had been around decades earlier as a way to combat scurvy in sailors. Ships would stock up on citrus fruits on shore while the sailors brought liquors like rum or whiskey on board, so they had something safe to drink during months at sea. The citrus (typically lemon) was mixed with a liquor and water to create a drink that would not only quench thirst, but also effectively prevent the onset of scurvy.

Sailors... Read More