Off the beaten path
Who needs something new to drink? Every once in a while you need to shake it up and drink outside the box. This week we’re highlighting a few bottles that might not be on your radar. A little whisky, some vermouth, and a wine/cider collab from two of our favorite producers. So have a look and crawl your way out of the doldrums with these bottles found just off the beaten path. Cheers!
Michel Couvreur, The Unique Whisky
Distilled in Scotland but aged and bottled in France. Because these whiskeys don’t play according to Hoyle, they can’t be called Scotch. But make no mistake, the single malts of Michel Couvreur deserve your attention. After his passing, Michel’s son-in-law and cellar master Jean-Arnaud Frantzen continued the work of producing nuanced, one of a kind whisky.
Notes of black tea, orange peel, and vanilla seed make this a dream to sip on.
Jester King, Grisette Currant Farmhouse Ale
Just a little Farmhouse Ale refermented with black currants. Doesn’t that sound like fun? Well, it is. The Grisette is the perfect thing to add to your picnic basket. Easygoing, dry, and just a little tart. If you find yourself in a rut, I highly recommend taking a look at what Jester King has to offer. As someone who is primarily a wine drinker, I find myself enjoying everything I open from these guys.
Shacksbury Cellars + Martha Stoumen, Rosa
Do you like wine and also cider? Then we have the bottle for you. Nero D’Avola grape skins from Martha Stoumen with some Shacksbury apples left alone to co-ferment in peace. The result? A punchy, lightly fruity dream of wild strawberries and sharp apples. Is it a cider, is it a pét nat? The answer is yes, and we love it. We recommend you getting your hands on this cellar release toDAY.
Cascade, Valley Flora Sour Ale
Fans of sour beers and pét nats, listen up. This barrel aged red ale is a fantastic offering from the Pacific Northwest. Fermented with a little Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, this sour red is a real treat. And at 500mL there’s no shame in finishing a whole bottle yourself!
Think blackberry, candied lemon peel, and a little malt on the finish. This is for anyone who wants a serious pucker.
Partida Creus, MUZ Vermouth
A couple of crazy Piedmontese making vermut in Catalunya. We need more people like Antonella Gerona and Massimo Marchiori in the world. A little organically grown Vermentino It’s time to shake up your spritz game. Give the MUZ a splash of tonic and you’ve got the ideal aperitivo. In your glass you’ll find notes of blood orange, clove, and a little thyme. We can’t get enough.
Trabanco, Poma Aurea Brut Nature Sidra de Asturias
You’re not a cider drinker until you’ve opened and appreciated this guy. Along with its steady stream of bubbles you get a little chamomile, fresh pear, and refreshing zip of acid. This is what Asturian cider is supposed to be. To be honest, I think I take home more of this than any two customers combined. It’s an absolute must-try.
