When is too much information too much information? I wish I knew where that tipping point was especially when it comes to wine, wine, beer & ciders.

In order to scientifically determine the tipping point I set out with my family last week. There are 11 in total of which 6 were of legal drinking age and I believe that makes a quorum although perhaps not a statistically relevant survey pool.

I was well armed and had 6 different Pinot Grigio’s and one Gavi. Of the Pinot Grigio’s 4 were Italian, 1 Californian and one from BC.

One night, after the kids were in bed I held the experiment. My methodology was simple. Use the same wines in three different scenarios and measure the results.

First, without showcasing the labels I asked them to taste each wine and asked them to rank the wines in order of preference. I tried to insure that this round was not about the wine, rather I wanted it to be about which wine made the occasion better so I kept talking about ‘stuff’. Everyone joined in insuring that this was about the occasion, much like a dinner party or wedding would be.

The second round of tasting was of the same wines but I messed up the order and spoke in detail about each one insuring that I had the floor the whole time. I started with region, then vintage, then grape or blend, viticultural practices, then winemaking technique, my own description of the wine in terms of colour, aromas, flavour and finish, and finally price. This time it was about the wine in every detail and not about the label or occasion.

The third round I once again messed up the order but this time showed the labels but didn’t utter a word. They were free to make their preferences known. This round was about how the label and price of each wine and the effects these factors had on the enjoyment.

What I found out is that the more the environment is about enjoyment and not about the wine the greater the appeal of juicier easy to drink wines.

The more the focus in on the practical elements of the wines the enjoyment was heavily influenced by the description. In fact the favourite in the first round, the Castellani Pinot Grigio Ramato, came last in the second round when I described the wine in detail. Fascinating as this wine had a ton of details that enthralled me.. the cork dork of the group.

The third round showed something very interesting. No one wine came out on top, rather each person’s favourite was the they wine whose label spoke to them the most.

Lastly I brought out some cheeses and other nibblies and said have at it. The first bottle to be finished was the Castellani Pinot Grigio Ramato, followed closely by the Arrowleaf Pinot Gris and San Silvestro Gavi.

The only conclusion is simple: enjoy your family, your food and your wine and you will have a higher quality of life… one sip at a time.

This week sees the release of the Phillips 24 Mile Blueberry Pail Ale. This is the first release of this beer but what makes it groundbreaking is the idea that lives in its soul.

I haven’t even tasted the beer and I am really excited about it. All the ingredients have been sourced within 24 miles of the brewery, and it will only be distributed to shops within 24 miles of the brewery (sorry Duncan you are outside the range). The malt, the hops, the yeast, the blueberries and of course the water are all truly local.

Like all things the whether this bee, or other beers and products for that matter, will be determined by the success of this idea. I say idea as I know that the beer itself will be of a high standard (do you know of anything that Matt Phillips has done that has been less than top quality), and like all of Matt’s short run releases it will sell out within weeks if not days. Nope the real success of this  product will be measured through the conversation it inspires. If there are hundreds of tweets, facebook updates and blogs about the principle at the heart of this beer, then it will be a success. If, on the other hand, people simply talk about how good the beer tastes then, in my books it won’t have been a complete success.

I am really pulling for this product to grab at peoples heart strings as I fully support the concept and I think more of this kind of thing should be available in the market place. As long as the products are of a high quality standard, I can say that Liquor Plus would support the products through all means reasonable… and perhaps a few that are not .

Anyway the Phillips 24 Mile Blueberry Pail Ale will be available in stores by Thursday August 10, 2010. It comes in a 650ml bottle, is 5% alcohol and will be priced around $5.99. If you want some you will either have to be really quick or reserve ahead. To reserve your bottles simple contact your favourite Liquor Plus store or post a comment here, our Facebook page or send the stores a tweet to @LPDouglas, @LPSaanich, @LPRoyalOak. You can even tweet yours truly and I will make sure that your reservations goes to the right place.

Cheers

Sacred Hill 'Helmsman' $49.99

Last week I was in our Royal Oak store. It has been freshly renovated and looks just great. As I was fidgeting with some detail Glen came by. Glen is a customer that has been visiting our stores for a number of years. We chatted and caught up on family matters, we shared our opinions on the world’s problems and eventually the conversation turned to the price of wines. I am para-phrasing  but his question was essentially this: “What makes people spend $500-$600/bottle for a bottle of Grand Cru Bordeaux?” You got me and it seems you also have Harvey Steinman of the Wine Spectator.

There is a region of New Zealand that the famed houses of Bordeaux would rather you didn’t know about. The reason is not because of the magnificent views, but because the soil and climate are a tad better than it is in Bordeaux.

The fact is that 2 out of every 10 years is a good vintage in Bordeaux (notwithstanding global warming), so if your closest geologic and climatic competition could showcase that you can get all the flavours and depth that you get out of 2 out of every 10 vintages but in 5-7 vintages out of every 10, wouldn’t you be frightened to? 

At a recent tasting this hypothesis was put to the test.

Harvey and a number of his cronies at the Wine Spectator were in the mood to taste some top rated Bordeaux against some of the top wines from New Zealand. 

The tasting included the likes of the Château Mouton-Rothschild Pauillac 2006 ($695US), Vieux-Château-Certan Pomerol 2006 ($175US), Sacred Hill 2007 ‘Helmsman’ Cabernet Merlot ($50CDN), Craggy Range Sophia 2007 ($50US), Château Rauzan-Ségla Margaux 2005 ($140US): Château Pavie St-Emilion 2006 ($200US) Château L’Evangile Pomerol 2005 ($250US), Blake Family Vineyard Redd Gravels 2006 ($54US), Château Pontet-Canet 2005 ($190US). Wouldn’t you know it the Sacred Hill ‘Helmsman’ 2007 Cabernet Merlot was Harvey’s pick of the bunch. In fact he scored it 97 out of 100 points. 

The wine is like someone who doesn’t really want you to see who they are. At first sip it is a little gritty in the hopes that you don’t go further, but if you simply ask the question “who are you really?” You will be introduced to a world of wonderful flavours of blueberry, blackberry and ripe plums, with hints of spices on layers that have a sultry swagger. The trick here is to give it at least 45 minutes to blossom and open up. 

The moral of the story is twofold; 1) the price of the worlds big ticket wines are not about the cost of goods, rather it is about global demand for something that is in short supply, and 2) Stupendous value can be found in a wine that is $50/bottle. So if you would really like to find that juggernaut collectible wine, or simply want to enjoy the beauty of a great wine without feeling guilty, splurge, treat yourself or save it for that special occasion. Believe me you will not be disappointed. 

Sacred Hill 2007 ‘Helmsman’ Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot $49.99

SCORE: 9.1/$1

World Cup 2010 in South Africa starts this week. The first match is at 7am local time and features the home South Africans against Mexico. Even if you are not a soccer fan this is a very exciting time; perhaps even more exciting than the Olympics.

Like the Olympics every known product or service associated with the World Cup needs to licensed. When it comes to beer Budweiser and Carlsberg have bought their way in which isn’t that surprising, but it gets interesting when it comes to wine. Naturally the official wine of World Cup 2010 must be South African and it really isn’t surprising that one of South Africa’s oldest and indeed largest wineries won the bidding- Nederburg.

I am certain that the fee that they had to pay FIFA was exorbitant, much like what Jackson-Triggs must have paid the IOC for the rights to be the official wines (Espirit) of the Vancouver 2010 Games. Much like what happened with the Espirit wines (great packaging and advertising, but less than stellar quality), I would expect Nederburg to skimp on the wine quality and focus on the marketing. They didn’t. Instead they looked at it from an interesting view point; one which I was able to hear first hand while visiting the Winery in January.

As you may know South African wines are enjoying a surge in popularity in countries like the UK, Denmark & Sweden, but in terms of global popularity South Africa lags behind and is relatively small. What better way for the South African wine industry to showcase itself than when the world comes to town to watch the ‘beautiful’ game. They asked themselves do we want these people to return home without a better impression of South African wines? Of course the answer was no. So when Distell (parent company of Nederburg) bid on being the official wines of World Cup 2010 they set upon creating a ‘class’ of wine that was at once above their usual offerings, juicy and approachable, but still at a price point that was affordable (here in B.C. that means under $20).

Generally when I taste through a line-up of wines I don’t want to hear how it was made. I am the same way when it comes to buying a car; I don’t need to know how the car was put together until I have a feel for the overall quality and value. This was my approach to these three wines.

Nederburg 2009 ‘twenty10’ Dry Rose- $18.99: The colour is like the first ripe strawberry of spring and the nose is much the same but with the addition of bright raspberry, hints of cranberry, and black pepper. The palate is fresh and alive. It’s kind of like that feeling you get when the ambient temperature is just right. Your mouth feels great: SCORE 5.2/$1

Nederburg 2009 ‘twenty10’ Sauvignon Blanc – 18.99: Sauvignon Blanc is so common in South Africa that it is difficult to showcase a ‘personality’. This wine shows a personality like an adorable person that has a mischievous edge that often creates a smile. Fresh, good minearlity, herbal and tropical fruit driven: SCORE 5/$1.

Nederburg 2007 ‘twenty10’ Cabernet Sauvignon- $19.99: This is the flagship of the line and a huge step up in quality from their entry level wines. Richly perfumed and textured on the nose and palate. Delicious seamless flavours of dark and red fruits with layers of spices, mocha and fresh ground coffee. Have with a big hunk of steak and it is a dream. Let breathe for 45min: SCORE 4.75/$1

Let me know your thoughts and if these wines improve the quality of World Cup 2010 … one sip at a time.

There have been lots of mergers, consolidation and acquisitions in liquor industry over the last 20 years. Some have worked out and some have not. I think that the reason for the success with some is that they start with a quality product. One of the world’s most tried and true brands has undergone management and ownership changes over its lifetime, yet regardless of who is in charge the product has maintained, and perhaps improved, its level of quality.

The brand of course is Guinness which celebrates it’s 250th Anniversary celebration this year. There are numerous celebrations that will be conducted at the brewery, St. James Gate in Dublin, but if you can’t make it to Dublin you can celebrate with a couple of Anniversary releases now available.

First is a very limited two bottle pack that follows the exact recipe used by Arthur Guinness in 1759. The beer itself is a little stronger and more robust than today’s version, and was brewed in very limited quantities. Not only do you get the two bottles, but you also get to commemorative glasses and a certificate of authenticity.

Availability: Liquor Plus Douglas 8 units, Liquor Plus Royal Oak 8 units, Liquor Plus Saanich 6 units. Not available in Government Liquor Stores.

Price: $29.99 + deposit.

The second features 2x 500ml cans, a commemorative classic Guinness Pint Glass and warm and cozy Guinness 250th Anniversary Jersey.

Availability: Liquor Plus Douglas 20 units, Liquor Plus Royal Oak 20 units, Liquor Plus Douglas 10 units.

Price: $27.99 + deposit.

For those that don’t below is the abridged edition of the history of Arthur Guinness and the Guinness Beer.

Did you know that the most famous stout on the planet owes it’s creation to the porters at Covent Garden in London. 

The son of Elizabeth and Richard, Arthur Guinness, the founder of the Guinness Brewery, was born in 1725 in Celbridge in County Kildare, Ireland. 

In 1759 Arthur made a real estate deal that would make Donald Trump cry. He signed a 9000 year lease for buildings and land where the Guinness Brewery now stands. Here is the kicker, the down payment was L100 with annual rents of L45. The deal still exists today. 

In the 1770’s Arthur was locked in a battle with the City of Dublin over water rights, all the while a new brewing craze was sweeping the UK. 

The porters of Covent Garden in London had made a new style of ale, porter, all the rage in England and in downtown Dublin. Dublin Stout was on the street within days. 

By 1799 the success of Dublin Stout and other porters, made Arthur abandon the production of his other ales to concentrate on his stout. The result was Guinness Stout. 

Guinness Stout was first exported in 1811 to Lisbon, Portugal and is now available in 151 countries around the world. 

The beer itself is unique in its texture, aroma and taste. Just watching a Guinness being poured, either from a can or tap is an event.  As the beer and its head separates you see a storm of activity that builds your anticipation for your first heavenly sip. 

Did you know… 

• 116 pints of Guinness are consumed around the world every second of every day. 
• There are fewer calories in 1 pint of Guinness than there is in most lagers, skim milk or orange juice – 196 total calories 
• A pint of Guinness has less carbonation than almost all other beers and therefore doesn’t fill you up. 
• The perfect pour will takes 119.5 seconds. 
• Over 1 million pints of Guinness will be poured in Canada on St. Patrick’s Day.

Driftwood’s Blackstone Porter 650ml is hitting Liquor Plus stores today Nov. 4, 2009. This is a ’seasonal’ beer from Jason Meyer,

Driftwood Blackstone Porter 650ml $5.99

 Brewmaster, that is perfect for snuggling up in front of the fire on a wet, chilling winter’s eve.

This is a London style porter that has a lovely flavour of bittersweet chocolate. Serve this just below room temperature and you will get the deep creamy, malty sweetness and the fullness of the body.

I would have this with a great big stew, or a grilled steak. I particularly enjoy the Blackstone with a healthy slice of aged Gouda, aged Cheddar and some quality Beemster. In fact I think I will do that tonight.

Price: $5.99/650ml Bottle

Availability: The plan is to make enough to have from now through March. Liquor Plus will carry this as long as there is stock available. Liquor Plus Douglas 60 bottles, Liquor Plus Royal Oak 60 bottles, Liquor Plus Saanich 36 bottles. Not available in BC Government Liquor Stores.

Service: Just below room temperature or just slightly chilled. If it is too cold you will miss out on the smooth creamy body and chocolate tones from the malt.

Reservations: If you would like to reserve some bottles of the Driftwood Blackstone Porter please contact me via e-mail at askrod@liquorplus.ca, or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Rod_Phillips, or by writing on our Facebook wall under the post for the Blackstone.

Cheers

Rod Phillips- Buyer

Phillips Brewing Crooked Tooth Pumpkin Ale

The Phillips Crooked Tooth Pumpkin Ale is one of the most sought after releases of the year. Originally intended to last through Halloween, it rarely lasts the weekend in our stores.

The Crooked Tooth is a rich malty ale that is enhanced with a touch of pumpkin and pumpkin spices. The palate is filled with the rich creamy texture of the malty while the finish becomes vibrant with the essence of pumpkin and pumpkin spices.

Last year was the first release and it sold out within 3 days of arrival in the stores wo I would make plans to either reserve your bottles now or get down to one of the store and purchase today or tomorrow.

Serving:Serve at about 4C to get the full creamy texture. Last year I had this with a simple plate of medium gouda and some muenster and it was the ‘bomb’. It was so enjoyable that I am likely going to do it again.

Availability: Liquor Plus Douglas 180 bottles, Liquor Plus Saanich 180 bottles, Liquor Plus Royal Oak 180 bottles as of 3pm Tuesday October 6, 2009

Price: $5.29/bottle + deposit, $63.48/case of 12 + deposit

Reservations: If you would like to reserve bottles please send me a note either via e-mail (askrod@liquorplus.ca) or via Twitter ar www.Twitter.com/Rod_Phillips. Please specific the number of bottles and your preferred Liquor Plus pick up store. All reservations must be collected by Sunday October 11, 2009.

I am really excited about this one.

In January of this year I ordered 56 cases of Ca’ Del Re Prosecco and it has finally arrived in stores.

Ca' Del Re Prosecco Extra Dry

Prosecco, for those of you who don’t know is a deliciously light sparkling wine from North Eastern Italy made from the Prosecco grape. Really good Proseccos are  fresh, fruity and filled with millions of little bubbles that make wine dance on your palate.

The Ca’ Del Re is just such a wine and is so versatile with it is ashame not to have a bottle of this kicking around for any excuse you can think of.

Serve chilled but not cold and it will be divine. What I mean is if when you remove it from the fridge there is condensation, it is too cold. Let if warm up for a few minutes and it will be perfect.

Have this as an aperitif or with a selection of cheeses, olives (nicoise love this). As for meals have this with light pastas (Jamie Oliver’s Pasta Bianca is phenom with this), fish, seafood, and poultry.

Price:Intro price of $15.99 going to $17.99 on Monday October 7th.

Availability: Exclusive to Liquor Plus – at present Liquor Plus Royal Oak 120 bottles. Similar numbers arriving next week to Liquor Plus Douglas and Liquor Plus Saanich.

Comparable to: Valdo Prosecco ($21), Santa Margharita Prosecco ($20), Martini Prosecco ($20)

Cheers

Rod Phillips – Buyer

I came was doing some research on the DeuS Brut Des Flandres and came across another fascinating brew from Bosteels in Belgium.

Bosteels Triple Karmeliet 1.5L

The name is Tripel Karmeliet and since its re-introduction to the market in the late 90’s it has one scads of awards including “World’s Best Ale” in 2008 from the World Beer Awards.

What makes this beer unique is that it is a blend of 3 grains: Barley, Wheat and Oats. Each brings different and wonderful elements to the aroma, flavour and texture of this ale.

The next distinguishing feature you will note is that this comes in the very rare 1.5L format. There were only a few cases in BC so I snapped them up.

If you and your friends are looking to do some exploration in the world of beer here is a great one to go with.

Price: $32.99 +deposit

Availability: Liquor Plus Royal Oak 3 bottles, Liquor Plus Douglas 3 bottles. Not available in BC Government Liquor Stores.

Cheers

Rod Phillips

Buyer – Liquor Plus

Driftwood Brewery has a new release that will available in all Liquor Plus stores tomorrow Oct. 1, 2009 by 3pm; Sartoria Harvest IPA.

Driftwood Sartori Harvest IPA

Jason Meyer, Brewmaster, Beer Geek and all round nice guy, has an incredible passion for expressing himself through his beer. After each conversation I have with him I can’t help but feel energized.

Jason’s approach is incredibly simple- he brews beer that he likes, and what he likes is beer that is a true expression of the four players in the band. Like great musicians, the combinations of sounds, harmony and rhythm that can come out 4 quality players is infinite if ignited by a common passion. The story of the Sartori Harvest IPA is a perfect example of this.

You may have noticed a few tweets from Jason a few weeks back. They were pretty simple: “walking lines of fresh hops” “stuffed the car full of Sartori hops; wow the smell is amazing.” But he was talking about the exact hops that he has now brewed into the Harvest IPA.

The Harvest IPA is a unique style of IPA as it can only be brewed upon the harvest of the hops. In many beers the hops are either dry or in pellet form, thus allowing them to be used throughout the year. In a Harvest IPA the hops are still wet and are at their most flavourful and pungent.

What distinguishes this brew further it the fact that the hops come from the Sartori Cedar Ranch hop farm south of Chilliwack. Like a wine, hops, and the resulting beer, will have a flavour that is unique to our region. So for a very short time you can have a beer that is a true expression of the time of the year and our region. Brilliant!!!

Price: $6.49 +deposit $77.88 + deposit case of 12

Availability: One Time Offer

Liquor Plus Douglas 120 bottles, Liquor Plus Royal Oak 120 bottles, Liquor Plus Saanich 84 bottles (not available in BC Government Liquor Stores)

Reservations: If you would like to reserve some bottles please send me a note via twitter at www.twitter.com/Rod_Phillips or via e-mail at askrod@liquorplus.ca. Reservations are only held for 7 days from date of release. In this case all reservations not collected by Thursday Oct. 8, 2009 will be released.

Cheers

Rod Phillips

Buyer – Liquor Plus