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The Revival of a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyard: A Century After Uprooting
Mustard flowers in the vineyards of Napa Valley
At a train station, panic ensued as two men were tragically killed. Among the dead was a pillar of their community, JC Weinberger. This untimely death left a void which was filled by his wife, Hannah Weinberger. She took over as director of the Bank of St. Helena in Napa Valley. More so, she became the first acknowledged female winemaker in California, managing the olive tree grove and vineyards on their terraced hillsides.
Central dome of the Machine Gallery at the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. Artist Louis Beroud.
In 1889, Hannah journeyed to Europe for the Paris World’s Fair and was awarded a silver medal in a wine contest. Her success spanned both as a businesswoman and winemaker. Despite all odds and the advent of Prohibition in 1920, she never remarried and had to pull out her vines.
Almost a century after termination of the vineyard, a couple recognising a place with immense potential for producing excellent Cabernet Sauvignon coupled with a rich historical authenticity replanted vines in 2019. This was after a strenuous journey that included buying the property in 2013 and waiting for a permit that only came through at the end of 2018. However, the overriding excitement was the chance to revitalize a superior vineyard that gave a woman an opportunity to prosper at a period in time when being a woman was considered a disadvantage. This also meant continuing the legacy of the first female vintner in Napa Valley to make superb wine.
Both husband and wife, Caren and Nick Orum, were undeterred by the magnitude of the task they had taken on. Self-proclaimed as two Jews from the South, Caren, born in a secluded region of Arkansas, and Nick, hailing from Austin, Texas, first moved to a more perilous New York City in the early nineties only to end up in San Francisco where they pursued their dream to produce incredible wine owing to Nick’s longstanding admiration of Bordeaux wine.
Caren and Nick Orum
In their pursuit, they stumbled upon a property in close proximity to two Napa Valley vineyards that had been the recipients of seven perfect 100-point scores from Wine Advocate, Vineyard 29 and Colgin’s Tychson Hill Vineyard- located north of the town of St. Helena. Consequently, they hired vineyard engineers to inspect the soils among other site conditions to establish the possibility of producing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. Every feedback undoubtedly verified that the site was definitely capable of matching the high prospects of its esteemed neighbors.
The concept for their wine, Arborum, was conceived. Arborum is a blend of the word ‘arbor’, signifying their intention to protect the environment on their land, and their surname.
Arborum’s Hidden Key Estate Vineyards
This property’s genuine history drew them in, owing to the rustic house initially built as a hunting lodge. This lodge has become one with the woods on their land, serving as their residence with their three children today. Surprisingly, a grove of over century-old olive trees, some reaching up to 50-feet tall, was found within that forest. These trees, marked with hand-forged square nails and antique metal stamps indicating their planting in the 1870s, had become one with the forest due to neglect. Unaware of these rare, heritage olive trees, Caren and Nick had set about clearing the underbrush on their 20-acre property with a slope of 26 degrees. The estate adjoins Spring Mountain, which has a natural spring flowing through the property and a rich biodiversity that aids in pest control with the presence of hawks, owls, and beneficial insects.
Oscar Renteria and his team at Renteria Vineyard Management were hired by Caren and Nick to meticulously manage their 2.5 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, which spans altitudes from 500 to 800 feet. With an approach that involved precise, hands-on management of each vine, they earned organic certification in 2021. However, they realized the necessity of finding the perfect winemaker who could bring out the unique characteristics of their historical site.
Winemaker Andy Erickson
Caren explained their choice of collaborating with some of the topmost winemakers in Napa Valley. Among all, they selected Andy Erickson, a name of high prestige with over 25 years of experience in the wine-making industry of Napa Valley. Known for his holistic methodologies, Andy emphasizes vineyard-focused practices, expressing the vine’s environment, and an abundance of experience with Cabernet Sauvignon vines in numerous premium sites in Napa Valley. Describing Arborum estate as “a real sweet spot”, Andy shares his perspective of being on any special land capable of producing something magical and his capability to create a wine reflecting this “special place.”
In the past, Hannah Weinberger, a renowned personality, had won a silver medal in Paris with her wine from this same wonderful property. However, due to prohibition laws, she had to uproot her vineyards. Gradually, the once-admired vineyard grew wild, more resembling a natural reserve. Co-owner Nick humorously suggests how, in his next life, he would prefer to buy a property that already has a vineyard due to the overwhelming time and effort in planting and maintaining it. However, this daunting challenge of restoration was taken up by Caren and Nick Orum.
Upon their initial property acquisition, Caren noticed a grand old oak tree in the middle of their driveway. This tree, like many others on the property, became a playful spot for their children aged four, seven, and ten. One day, their middle child found a peculiar old key apparently from Hannah’s era, in a secret compartment within the oak tree. This discovery led them to name their estate vineyards as ‘Hidden Key.’ However, within two days, the oak tree fell apart from the same place, a significant loss for Caren and Nick as they value every part of their property’s history.
As they stood there looking at the place where the majestic oak tree once proudly stood, knowing that it had lived through so much and seen so many changes, a feeling came over Caren. It was a sign. It was a sign that the property was making the transition to them, as they had been handed the key, and Hannah’s legacy would not be forgotten as they would take it from where she left off, almost 100 years later.
2022 Arborum Proprietary White & 2021 Arborum Proprietary Red
Arborum will have their inaugural release this Fall, in 2024, and the two wines that will initially be released are below, 2022 Proprietary White and 2021 Proprietary Red, with a 100% Estate Cabernet Sauvignon planned for release in a few years. They intend to make around 500 cases of wine annually.
Caren and Nick Orum are committing to donate one million dollars ahead of the launch to kick off their mission to give back to their community and protect the environment. Then, in the future, 100% of Arborum’s net earnings will go to charitable causes. They will divide it between 50% of people who live and work in Napa Valley, as they recognize that the wonderful wines that come out of Napa happen through hard work from people who struggle to survive, helping with social services and safety nets. The other 50% will be allocated to environmental causes with a conservation focus.
They’ve taken great care with their environmental practices on their property, conducting numerous soil studies and slope reports as part of their vineyard management assessments. Along with the mandatories, they carried out extra environmental studies, even checking for endangered northern spotted owls. If the property turns out to be a habitat for these owls, they aim to protect it, emphasizing their desire to maintain their land as a “wildlife thoroughfare,” especially considering the scarcity of such heavily forested properties in their neighborhood.
The Arborum wine labels cleverly pay tribute to their origins. There’s a tiny golden key in the center, and another one atop the capsule, signifying the link to an old key discovered in an oak tree on the property. The label also bears a woodcut impression at the bottom right, an artistic reference to a petrified stump found in their Hidden Key vineyard.
The 2022 Arborum, Proprietary White, from Napa Valley, California is a fine mix: 70% Sauvignon Blanc, and 30% Semillon, derived from the cool climate vineyards in Coombsville. It boasts a delightful bouquet of honeysuckle, white peach, and crushed rocks, with a fleshy fruit palate that’s brightened by lemon peel notes, significant acidity, and saline minerality. The introductory price is set at $125.
The 2021 Arborum, Proprietary Red, also from Napa Valley, California, is winning hearts with its purity. It’s a lively blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon from Arborum’s Hidden Key Vineyard and 5% Cabernet Franc from Pritchard Hill. There’s a lovely spectrum of fruit flavors – ranging from ripe black cherries to luminous red cranberries, mingled with blackcurrant leaves and cocoa powder. High energy on the palate is skillfully offset by dense black raspberry flavors, enriched by undertones of forest floor and volcanic rock, seamlessly woven together with refined tannins. The finish is long-lasting, enchanting with hints of violet aromas. The launch price stands at $265.
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How Beer Stimulates the Oregon Economy: A Response from Readers
While the last year has been rocky for the beer industry, there continue to be shining moments that remind us that beer is an Oregon economic and cultural driver. Recently, there were two such reminders.
First, start with the unprecedented naming of Portland’s Migration Brewing as the Small Business Administration’s 2024 Oregon Small Business of the Year. This is the first time a craft brewery has won the award, bringing much pride to everyone in the industry, especially those of us who have the honor of partnering with the Migration team. Last week, Migration was honored in Washington, D.C., with small business peers from all 50 states. It was another chapter in Oregon’s legendary beer story.
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The Unfulfilled Expectations from Non-Alcoholic Wine
The past ten years have proven challenging for wine enthusiasts who appreciate a fine wine with their meal. The rise of Dry January and Sober October, along with the demand for ‘healthy’ low-sugar wines suitable for keto dieters, have been difficult trends to navigate. Even the suggestion of substituting wine with fermented tea like kombucha was floated around, much to the dismay of wine lovers. However, it seems there’s more ahead.
According to marketers and consultants in the wine industry, nonalcoholic wine could be the solution. They believe it could not only save the industry from health warnings issued by institutions such as the World Health Organization and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention but also make wine more appealing to health-conscious young people. This could potentially give a much-needed boost to grape cultivation against the backdrop of a persistent decrease in demand over the last 15 years. They back these assertions with statistics indicating a rise in the sales of non-alcoholic wine and a decrease in young people choosing to drink alcohol. No amount of alcohol is safe to drink. Alcohol consumption has decreased by almost 14 percent in the past two decades.
While these numbers might be impressive, they hardly paint a complete picture of wine. They overlook its rich history, cultural significance and, most importantly, the sheer enjoyment of wine consumption. If I may say so, non-alcoholic wine seems to be a contradiction in terms. Wine’s essence is in its alcohol content, and removing that makes it, essentially, an odd concoction of grape juice.
Producing non-alcoholic wine involves elaborate and arguably unnecessary industrial processes which are time-consuming, expensive, and involve complex machinery. Thus, they hardly seem like the ideal solutions in these climate change-conscious times. The most common methods – vacuum distillation, reverse osmosis, and spinning (which involves separating the components of the liquid including alcohol through a series of spinning cones) – involve heating the grape juice to almost body temperature.
Why does wine need to contain alcohol, you might wonder? For the production process, it’s necessary for wine grapes to be fermented, becoming genuine wine before the alcohol can be taken out, yielding non-alcoholic (NA) wine. It’s an intriguing paradox, isn’t it?
The second point to grasp is that the majority of a wine’s flavour, character, and sensation on the palate derive from its alcohol content. Emulating these attributes calls for a series of complex substitutes. Wine’s delightful characteristics come about through fermentation, which converts grape sugar into alcohol. Remove the alcohol, and you end up with a beverage that has a likeness to wine but is not the same thing—it’s more than merely grape juice. In many cases, the output can be simple at best, herby and repelling at worst. And the endeavour is even more formidable for NA red wine, as red varieties generally have a heavier texture, possess more alcohol to be extracted, and require the replacement of more flavour.
The science behind this involves different compounds called esters, which contribute to wine’s flavour and fragrance. These are present in the alcohol post-fermentation. Therefore, they mostly disappear once the alcohol is eliminated. Hence, producers must supplement NA wines with other ingredients to reproduce flavour and sensation in the mouth, such as sugar for taste, and glycerol, a thick liquid present in shaving foam and toothpaste, for a similar mouthfeel.
So, how much sugar, which is considered one of the principal dietary culprits in the United States (accompanying salt, fat, and cholesterol)? The amount varies depending on the type of wine and grape utilised. Giesen in New Zealand, one of the world’s leading NA wine producers, makes a non-alcoholic riesling that contains 22 grams of sugar per serving. That’s roughly one-third more per serving than a conventional riesling. While it may not necessarily be less “healthy,” it does present a sort of irony.
Wine’s existence owes to fermentation – to alcohol – providing a safe and reliable drink during the thousands of years prior to modern food preservation like pasteurization. Ancients like the Greeks and Romans regularly indulged in wine, not to simply revel in intoxication but due to its being a safer choice compared to the contaminated, choleric, dysentery-causing, and typhoid-laced water of their times. While our current water sources are substantially safer, it hardly seems fair to forgo a refreshing glass of rosé in warmer climates.
Let’s be clear that the intention here isn’t advocating extreme drinking or consumption when it’s not desired or advisable. Instead, as per Californian winemaker Jon McPherson,”Moderation isn’t complicated. It’s club soda with a lime twist”. So, how did we arrive at the situation where relaxed drinking, embodied by Non-Alcoholic (NA) wine, depends on such an mount of techno-industrial complexities?
This can possibly be attributed to the American propensity for scientific shortcuts as solutions to problems that would otherwise necessitate serious thought. If replacing full-sugar drinks with saccharin and aspartame, or tricking our minds into believing that a carefully constructed meatless burger equals cardiac health has worked, why not opt for wine devoid of alcohol? That would lead to eternal life, right? The simplicity of reducing soft drink or beef intake apparently eludes us. Where’s the fun in that?
Intriguingly, this thirst for perpetual life could be a factor behind the surge in NA wine trend. Jeff Slankard, the wine and beer manager for an upscale grocery chain called Barons Market in Southern California, observed that the stores with the highest NA wine sales had older customers, on average. The expectation was that the younger crowd consuming less alcohol would make up the majority of the market. The surprising outcome makes sense upon reflection considering the health-conscious disposition of their older clientele.
One final contradiction: No one, in any of the marketing literature for NA wine, claims that the stuff is actually better for us than real wine. Yes, it has fewer calories and no alcohol (dubious measures of healthiness, especially out of context), but anything beyond those limited points would run afoul of federal regulations. To claim broader benefits would require scientific studies and developing guidelines based on those studies. This is a process usually reserved for blockbuster drugs, not something to drink with dinner. Would that consumers understood that NA wine is not medicine.
The true believers will scoff at this, being true believers, but it’s possible to drink real wine, get low alcohol, and enjoy what you’re drinking. Hundreds and hundreds of options exist, and they have for years—and learning about them is as simple as a Google search. Know, too, that the amount of alcohol is listed on every bottle by law, so finding low-alcohol wines does not require a degree in winemaking. Most vinho verdes, a Portuguese white, are 9 percent alcohol or less. Riesling can be as low as 6 percent, and it’s even sweet for those who appreciate that. I drink rosés and whites from southwestern France, and the alcohol is about 10 percent. No, none of those are zero, but most of the wines in that list have close to one-third less alcohol than the typical California red. And best of all, they taste like wine and can be drunk with as much moderation as you please.
Finally, a little perspective: Aaron E. Carroll, who teaches at the Indiana University School of Medicine, wrote in an assessment of alcohol science that “15 desserts a day would be bad for you. This could lead to assertions that ‘there’s no safe amount of dessert.’ But it doesn’t mean you should never, ever eat dessert.” As it is with whipped cream, so let it be with wine.
A Plea for Restorative Justice: Parents Speak out on Son’s NYC Bodega Killing Over a Single Beer
The parents of a suspected shoplifter have expressed that they do not wish for the Queens bodega worker, who is accused of stabbing their son to death, to be incarcerated.
Dylan Marino tragically lost his life on Tuesday after authorities reported that he had attempted to nick a beer from a bodega in Rego Park. The United Bodegas of America has mentioned that Netesh Netesh, a shop clerk, pursued Marino outdoors to retrieve the stolen beer, and during a tussel, he stabbed the 21-year-old.
Kate DeSommes, the mother of Marino, lamented, “A bodega employee caused the death of my child over a single beer.”
While the shop clerk was taken into custody, he was released shortly thereafter as prosecutors stated the investigation is still ongoing. The UBA insists that the shop clerk reacted in self-defense.
<a href=”https://www.news4.com/story” rel=”nofollow” target=”_blank”>”It’s clear to everyone that this man was defending himself and his life could have been taken away,” said Fernando Mateo.</a>
<a href=”https://www.desommesclaims.com/story” rel=”nofollow” target=”_blank”>DeSommes blasted the UBA spokesman, whom she claims slandered her son as being violent.</a>
<a href=”https://www.tapepublished.com/story” rel=”nofollow” target=”_blank”>”He was pursued by a bodega employee outside the store. It was absolutely, 100% not self-defense,” she said. “This tape has been published.”</a>
<a href=”https://www.news4verified.com/story” rel=”nofollow” target=”_blank”>News 4 viewed the video DeSommes is referring to, showing what appears to be the clerk first chasing Marino, then Marino chasing the clerk into the street. It is unclear what happened before Marino is stabbed. News 4 has not independently verified the video.</a>
“The DA’s office right now, they’re accumulating video tape, trying to see exactly what happened,” said former prosecutor Michael Bachner. “If Mr. Marino was choking Mr. Netish, or using aggression against him, and Mr. Netesh believed he needed to use deadly physical force to protect himself, no jury in the world would convict.”
DeSommes is confident the clerk will be charged in her son’s murder, but her sights are set on a specific end goal.
“I do not want him to be incarcerated. I know that will ruin his life,” she said. Instead, she wants her son’s death to not have been in vain.
“Restorative justice is when the district attorney and the victim and the perpetrator and the perpetrator’s representatives come together and discuss the situation,” she said. “No one should be incarcerated at Rikers. It is a human atrocity.”
Marino’s funeral was planned for Saturday morning. DeSommes extended an invitation to the ex-inmates from Rikers that she might have assisted to serve as his pallbearers.
Michael Flatley Dives into Whiskey Business Amid Home Troubles
Michael Flatley, the former Riverdance star, has spoken of his distress over a drama with his home, Castlehyde House in Co Cork.
The Chicago-born Irish dancer, 65, who is celebrating 30 years since he shot to fame following his performance at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1994, has brought proceedings against several parties before the commercial division of the High Court over an alleged €30 million worth of damage to the house. The defendants are fully contesting the case.
“My heart is broken over this whole thing,” he says of the issues with the house, which was damaged by a fire in 2016. “I started to notice once we moved back in that it didn’t feel the same. We handed the keys over to the
Unveiling the Best Vodka from the 2024 American Distilling Institute Judging
The Best of Category Flavored Vodka is Safe House Distilling, Teller Green Chile Vodka, 40% ABV, 750 ml.
One vodka brand secured Best of Class honors, and two others grabbed Best of Category at the 2024 American Distilling Institute (ADI) International Spirits Competition (ISC) assessment. The victors reflected a diverse range of aroma and taste profiles across flavored vodka, along with neutral character and foundational character vodka.
The yearly competition, a spring event that attracts some of America’s leading spirit judges, is a prestigious platform. It does not just highlight standout craft distillers and their spirits amongst American and international manufacturers but also offers significant recognition for their endeavours. This year, the contest yet again showcased its worth, with numerous emerging distillers earning Double Gold and Gold medals, confirming their dedication and proficiency.
The ISC terms the top spirits in each category as Best of Class, while the leading spirits in every sub-category are referred to as Best of Category. The Best of Class victors are selected from the Best of Category winners.
Historically, the TTB defined vodka as a “neutral” spirit “to be without distinctive character, aroma, taste, or color.” It’s long been recognized, however, that the base materials used in the mash often leave trace flavor elements.
The ADI judging was among the first spirit competitions to distinguish between vodkas that were neutral and those that retained some element of flavor derived from the original mash components. These flavor components are different from “flavored vodkas,” which have been flavored with artificial compounds, and botanical vodkas, which have been flavored with naturally occurring substances.
The Best of Class Vodka – Residual Base Character is GlenPharmer Distillery, Vodka, 40% ABV, 750 ml.
GlenPharmer Distillery is a Massachusetts, grain to glass craft distillery. The ADI Judging Panel described the vodka as exhibiting:
Slightly herbal and vegetative on the nose and a bit spirity. On the palate it’s smooth with a noticeable herbal/vegetative note along with a touch of wet stone minerality. The finish has a sweet note and is slightly peppery.
The Best of Category Vodka Neutral Character is 1879 Distilling Red Barn Premium Vodka, 40% ABV, 750 ml.
1879 Distilling is a family-owned craft distiller in St. Louis Missouri that draws its grains from its own 2,800-acre farm. The ADI Judging Panel described the vodka as showing:
Very slight vegetative and fruity notes on the nose. On the palate it’s sweet and smooth, although slightly drying. The finish is long and smooth with slight but lingering fruity notes.
The premier category flavored vodka is Safe House Distilling, Teller Green Chile Vodka, with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 40% and a volume of 750 ml.
The Teller Green Chili Vodka from Safe House Distilling is distinct and tasty, celebrating the deep-rooted food culture of the American Southwest. This vodka incorporates a mix of charred green chili peppers, providing it with a hot and lively personality.
Here’s how the ADI Judging Panel described the flavored vodka:
On the nose, there are herbaceous, earthy, and green chili pepper impressions. When tasted, the vodka is sugary and smooth having a remarkable green chili spiciness that gradually escalates. The aftertaste is extended and a bit sweet with a powerful, persistent green chili pepper trail.
The 2024 ADI winners highlighted an impressive class of up-and-coming craft distillers. Some of the winners are well-known, while others are still relatively new and have limited national distribution.
All of them produce outstanding vodkas, and all are very reasonably priced. They are well worth seeking out and will prove excellent, either straight up or in cocktails. Once again, ADI has done a superb job of identifying the craft distillery industry’s up-and-coming vodka producers.
See the ADI’s website for a complete listing of all the medalists in the American Distilling Institute’s International Spirits Competition.
Cheers
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Ballast Point Brewery Shutdown: Assessing the Impact on San Diego’s Brew Scene
I was on a trip in Oregon – see “Quick Sips” link – when the news broke that Ballast Point had decided to leave its enormous 107,000-square-foot brewery in the Miramar area of San Diego.
Presently under the ownership of Kings & Convicts, Ballast’s strategy is to lower expenses by carrying out beer production in smaller establishments. This might be a financially sound move, but it’s certainly a regrettable situation! The widely known Sculpin IPA originated here, and now we’re witnessing a well-loved, nationally-recognized brewery dwindling in size.
This is the most recent setback for our local beer aficionados. Just two years prior, we had as many as 144 artisan breweries operating at 232 locations. Now, the count has reduced to 126 breweries and 220 locations.
Vince Vasquez, an independent sector analyst, observes that “No brewery has been spared from the trials of changing consumer preferences, inflation, hikes in labor costs and cost of living, as well as heightened competition, especially for breweries with an expansive distribution network.”
Still, that’s a fair number of breweries. Are any taking steps to survive, and even thrive, in these turbulent times?
Absolutely.
Here’s Vasquez again: “Some of the breweries I see doing well are focused more on onsite consumption, frequently rotating taps and an elevated customer experience.”
He named Pure Project “as a great example of all this.”
Omar Passons, a fervent advocate of the craft beer society, praised Kelsey McNair’s North Park Beer.
“… the distinguishing factor for North Park Beer, apart from its superb beer is the genuineness and authenticity that mirrors its founder,” expressed Passons through an email. “He has always maintained his aim to be a good neighbor and contribute positively to the community. I believe that this aspect is crucial to his endurance.”
Julie Wartell, an instructor of the course, “Craft Beer and the Urban Economy” at UC San Diego, emphasized the necessity of cultivating a wide-ranging audience.
“Of course, good beer places are followed by beer fans, but successful ones manage to capture the attention of people who are not strictly beer enthusiasts,” she stated.
They host trivia nights, running clubs, alumni associations, concerts and other non-beery attractions. Breweries large (Stone and AleSmith) and small (Deft and Duck Foot) maintain busy calendars of events.
These days, craft beer requires as much craft as beer.
In good times and bad, San Diego beer is a sure bet.
The World Beer Cup, one of the largest beer competitions anywhere, took place last month in Las Vegas. Our breweries captured 14 medals, improving on the 12 nabbed at the previous WBC.
The winners:
Coronado Brewing: gold, Nado, “international Lager” category.
North Park Beer (San Diego): gold, Ice-Fu!, “Hoppy Lager” category
Pizza Port Ocean Beach: gold, Junk in the Trunk Dunkel, “South German-style Dunkel Weizen” category.
Pizza Port Carlsbad: gold, 24th Annual Strong Ale Festival, “Wood- and Barrel-Aged Beer” category.
Battlemage Brewing (Vista): silver, Summon Ifrit, “American-Style Amber/Red Ale” category.
Craft Coast Beer & Tacos (Oceanside): silver, Chlllzner, “International Pilsner” category.
Culture Brewing (Solana Beach): silver, Kosta-busser, “Honey Beer” category.
Karl Strauss Brewing (San Diego): silver, Golden Stout, “Coffee Beer” category.
North Park Beer (San Diego): silver, Hop Fu!, “American-Style IPA” category.
Abnormal Beer (San Diego): bronze, Eddie’s Redux, “West Coast-Style IPA” category.
Craft Coast Beer & Tacos (Oceanside): bronze, XPA, “Australian-Style Pale Ale” category.
Fall Brewing (San Diego): bronze, Tora!, “International Lager” category.
Julian Beer: bronze, Dolphin of the Desert, “Belgian-Style Quadrupel” category.
Kilowatt Brewing (San Diego): bronze, OB Bubble Dubbel, “Belgian-Style Dubbel” category.
“Winning,” said San Diego Brewers Guild Executive Director Erik Fowler, “never gets old.”
Capitulation
From: Monkless Belgian Ales, Bend, Ore.
ABV (Alcohol By Volume): 8.1 percent
Style: Belgian-Style Tripel
Drink or dump: Drink. Capitulation’s fresh melon and strawberry aromas are irresistible, thanks to the use of Citra and Hallertau Blanc hops for dry hopping. With a bubbly and gently spiced profile, it feels surprisingly light on the palate. This beer is a real standout, earning a bronze medal at the 2024 World Beer Cup.
Venture
From: Sunriver Brewing, Sunriver, Ore.
ABV: 5.5 percent
Style: New Zealand-Style Pale Ale
Drink or dump: Drink. With its light body, Venture is easy to quaff. Moderately bitter, with the Nelson Sauvin and Superdelic hops kicking in during the sassy finish.
Electri-Fly
From: Wild Ride Brewing, Redmond, Ore.
ABV: 6.3 percent
Style: India Pale Ale
Drink or dump: Dump. This jammy IPA should be a hop bomb — the brewery claims it packs 60 bittering units — but any enticing bitterness drowns in the pudgy, sweet apricot body. Electri-Fly never takes off.
Rowe is a freelance writer.
Unveiling 11 Essential Facts About Costco Whiskey
If you’re a whisky enthusiast, you’ll be thrilled by the variety available at Costco. This retail behemoth is as renowned for its comprehensive liquor range as it is for its succulent rotisserie chickens and monstrous cakes, with whisky being a distinguished feature of its shelves. Costco merchandises a large number of whiskies, promoting many high-profile brands as well as its exclusive Kirkland brand which boasts an impressive range of whiskies. Names like Maker’s Mark, Jack Daniel’s, Jameson, and Crown Royal could be seen in the expansive stores, along with their very own Scotch, bourbon, and Irish whiskies.
Despite these eminent brands may be available at appealing prices, they may not account for some of the best deals among Costco’s other whisky products. Additionally, Costco offers some unusual whiskies you may not have expected to find, such as the elusive Pappy Van Winkle which purchasing demands specific information about its release and procurement. If you’ve been curious about the secrets behind Costco whisky, we’re here to provide you with the relevant facts. So fill up your glass and let’s take a closer look.
Find out more: All The Benefits Of A Costco Membership
Costco is not known to do things by halves, and that indeed extends to its collection of whiskies. The store offers a large selection under its Kirkland Signature brand, indicating a strong demand. As per the information in December 2023, seven distinct Kirkland Signature Scotch whisky formats are consistently available in the store. The blended Scotch whiskies are a constant offering, with an array of Speyside, Islay, and regular Single Malt scotches also frequently up for grabs.
Costco provides three distinct Kirkland Signature bourbon varieties, typically available and stocked during the summer season. The selection also includes Irish and Canadian whiskies, with the wholesaler occasionally offering limited-edition Kirkland whiskey products. Not included in this selection are whiskey-based beverages and liqueurs, such as Irish cream, which Costco also offers under its Kirkland label.
It’s important to note that like any large retailer, Costco may alter its product range unexpectedly. The items have changed over the years, which suggests that returning customers may experience changes in whiskey selection or flavor profiles. However, considering the indispensable popularity of the beverage, it’s likely that Costco will continue to stock whiskey for the foreseeable future.
Unsurprisingly, a large portion of Costco’s revenue stems from its whiskey sales. According to Forbes, the retailer sold approximately $6.5 to $7 billion worth of alcoholic beverages in 2023. These figures place Costco not only as the leading alcohol retailer in the United States but also worldwide. Around a quarter of these alcohol sales are attributed to spirit beverages. Given that a large portion of the Kirkland alcohol range consists of various whiskies, the sales figures imply a high volume of bottles being sold.
So, what does Costco owe to its successful alcohol sales? The answer is a mix of competitive pricing, high-quality products, larger bottle sizes (providing a sense of value), and the retailer’s influential subscription model. Costco’s membership model fosters customer loyalty by creating an impression of exclusivity and value-for-money, prompting customers to maximize their memberships. As a result, customers are inclined to bulk-buy whiskey and other alcoholic beverages, filling their carts with large, non-perishable items that appear to offer excellent value.
Costco’s subscription model creates a sense of exclusivity, leaving non-members feeling they might be missing something. However, in some places, you don’t need to be a member to purchase your favorite whiskey. There are standalone Costco liquor stores in a few places where you can go without having a full Costco membership and buy whiskey, vodka, among other spirits.
But for you to locate these outstanding stores, you need to be somewhere specific. Namely, Costco Liquor is situated only in Alberta, Canada, a province where alcohol is only sold in designated liquor outlets. Therefore, these stores are positioned right next to regular Costco locations, but they have a separate entrance. This means to buy your Canadian whisky, you have to just go next door. If you’re in the United States, you probably still need to obtain a Costco membership to buy its range of whiskies. Although some states, like Florida, separate the alcohol collection from the general product selection, you still need to show your membership card to get in.
Costco’s Kirkland alcohol products often generate rumors about their source. For instance, a question has been raised for years whether Kirkland Signature vodka is actually Grey Goose due to similarities in their flavors. Despite both Costco and Grey Goose denying such claims, the retailer seems not as enthusiastic in squashing the rumor that its Blended Canadian Whisky, which many suspect is produced by prominent Canadian whisky brand Crown Royal.
The comparison between the two is understandable due to their striking similarities. The Kirkland Signature Blended Canadian Whisky’s taste and smell are very similar to those of Crown Royal, although with minor differences and an extra hint of spice. As both whiskies are blended, it’s quite possible the Kirkland version has a slightly different recipe compared to other Crown Royal expressions, as there’s no exact comparison. The difference in taste could also be because of its six-year aging process, considering Crown Royal usually does not provide aging information on its whisky bottles.
Costco’s selection of Scotch under its Kirkland brand is impressive, with a diverse array of blended and single-malt options available. These Scotch expressions can age up to 25 years, ensuring a complex flavor profile. However, these products are not made by Costco. It’s widely believed that the company behind Costco’s Kirkland brand Scotch since 2007 is Alexander Murray & Co., a Scottish company operating in the United States.
Alexander Murray & Co. is named after the great uncle of owner Steve Lipp, a whisky aficionado himself. Established in California in 2004, the company supplies Scotch to the American alcohol market. Many liquor stores carry Alexander Murray & Co. products, but purchasing from Costco is an affordable way to enjoy their smooth, peaty whiskies.
Costco also sells bourbon under its Kirkland brand, providing a cost-effective alternative for customers. The supplier of Costco’s Kirkland bourbon is somewhat of an open secret, as Barton 1792 Distillery is named directly on the label.
Barton 1792 Distillery, based in Kentucky, has a deep-rooted history in bourbon making, dating back to 1879. They specialize in small-batch whiskies. Interesting to note, though, is the recent partnership with Costco. Records reveal that in 2011, Jim Beam was behind Costco’s Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Tennessee-based George Dickel Distillery is believed to have taken over for a period, before Costco settled on Barton 1792 Distillery as their bourbon supplier.
If you’re a fan of Irish whiskey, Costco may be your next stop. The warehouse behemoth’s Kirkland Signature variant offers the nuanced, barley-forward taste and extended maturation typical of this spirit. Furthermore, there are strong indications that its production is under competent management. It is speculated that Costco’s Irish whiskey hails from the stables of Irish Distillers Ltd., a subsidiary of Pernod Ricard. Surprisingly, this well-known firm also produces Jameson, which is also available at Costco, albeit at a significantly higher price than its Kirkland counterpart.
True to its style, Costco has refrained from officially recognizing Irish Distillers Ltd. as its Kirkland brand supplier. Nevertheless, the evidence seems compelling. Irish Distillers Ltd.’s nationwide presence and substantial production capacities make it a plausible supplier for Costco’s large volume requirements. Additionally, the firm’s reputation for quality products offers significant peace of mind. In addition to Jameson, Irish Distillers Ltd. is credited with creating Middleton Very Rare, Redbreast Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, and Powers Irish Whiskey, among others.
Worth noting is that Costco offers an even wider liquor selection beyond its Kirkland-branded products. In fact, Costco outstrips other outlets in sales of Johnnie Walker Blue and The Macallan, and its liquor aisles teem with a diverse range of whiskey options.
For those with a preference for Irish whiskies, a bottle of Jameson should suffice, either in its Black Label or standard form. However, expect to part with an extra $20 for the branded version. If bourbon is up your alley, Costco’s assortment is dizzying, featuring options like Bulleit, Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s, and Woodford Reserve. In addition, Glenlivet 14-Year-Old Single Scotch Malt Whiskey is available, besides the aforementioned Johnnie Walker Blue.
Just remember that these whiskeys may not always be a standard feature in Costco stores — and some of them can be extremely hard to find. On occasion, you can find a bottle of ultra-rare Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon on its shelves, at a slightly lower price than it’s sold elsewhere. These “drops” of Pappy Van Winkle only happen sporadically, though, and you’ll either have to be in the right place at the right time or be one of the lucky few that employees hand a ticket out to for a chance to purchase it.
Although you have to pay for a membership to Costco, you’re rewarded with a cavernous warehouse full of low-price items, including whisky. Costco whiskies are consistently cheaper than name-brand versions, and given that they’re made by reputable companies, you shouldn’t worry too much about their cheaper price point.
Take Costco Kirkland Blended Canadian Whisky, for example. A 1.75-liter bottle will generally cost you between $20 and 30, depending on which state you buy it in. A bottle of its closest name-brand competitor, Crown Royal (which may manufacture the Kirkland product), will come in closer to the $50 mark. Costco’s Kirkland Signature Blended Scotch Whisky may have a lower price difference, but buying it can still save you valuable dollars. Its 12-Year expression comes in at roughly $46 and is praised for its excellent, layered taste, with hints of cinnamon, prune, smoke, and brown sugar. Johnnie Walker Black Label usually comes in at over $50 per bottle for the same size, and while it will give you a similarly smooth experience, every penny counts.
It can feel like going for Kirkland whiskies over a name-brand version can leave you with an inferior product. If you’re smart, though, you can get a whiskey that tastes pretty similar to a more expensive option, saving you money and the hassle of going to a different store to get your liquor. Scotch pros have noted the similarity between Kirkland Signature Blended Scotch Whisky and Dewar’s White Label, although the Kirkland version may be a little darker. As such, if you’re using the Kirkland product in a cocktail instead of Dewar’s, you’re unlikely to tell the difference.
Costco’s Kirkland Signature Canadian whisky is often likened to Crown Royal, not just in taste but also in the bottle’s design. The form of the bottle echoes the squat structure of Crown Royal’s. This resemblance might be seen as a nod to the pricier brand, offering customers a similar luxury at a more economical price — and almost identical flavor to boot.
One might imagine Kirkland products to be unvarying and uniform owing to the emphasis on delivering basic goods at lower prices. However, that doesn’t mean Costco shies away from experimenting. The company sometimes releases limited-edition versions of its whiskies, celebrating a new flavor or marking an occasion.
In early 2024, Costco introduced a blended Scotch whisky, matured for eight years, in celebration of the Lunar New Year. The bottle’s design incorporated the Year of the Dragon, featuring a formidable serpent, and came in a special edition box. The whisky had familiar taste notes, suggestive of it originating from the same producer as Costco’s other Scotches. It had a pronounced spiciness and a woody, peaty finish. The year prior, Costco had introduced a limited-edition 15-year-old single malt Scotch, and in 2022, it outdid itself with a 20-year-old Speyside Scotch. It is certainly worth keeping an eye on what Costco’s offering.
Read the original article on Daily Meal
Revival of Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience for its Third Year
Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience returns for its 3rd year from May 16-19th in Sonoma County, California.
The first time is a point, the second time is a line, and by the third time it’s a pattern. Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience (HWFE) is back on Thursday, May 16 for a 4-day celebration. It’s here in Sonoma County, amidst the clinking of wine glasses and laid back luxury that first-time visitors will question why they didn’t find this place and event sooner. Having had the distinct pleasure of attending this Healdsburg wine and food event since its inception, I’ve witnessed its evolution firsthand. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a must-visit for any serious food and wine aficionado, each year has built upon the last, refining and expanding the experience in ways both subtle and significant.
This year’s expansion includes:
“We’re thrilled for our third annual event in May,” exclaimed Steve Dveris, founder and CEO of the festival. “In just a short time, we’ve made a national impact as the first international wine and food festival in Sonoma County and Napa Valley, showcasing wines from around the globe. Our event pillars remain celebrating the talented makers, honoring our agricultural roots, culinary diversity, and sustainability, while pairing local talent with top chefs nationwide. Get ready for an incredible weekend packed with fun, surprises, music, and, of course, the finest wine and food!”
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram will be performing at Rodney Strong Vineyards during Healdsburg Wine & Food (HWFE)
In addition, HWFE will continue to offer special wine tastings and seminar discussions, exceptional lunches, dinners, celebrity chef demonstrations, cocktail experiences, and a live outdoor concert featuringKINGFISH at Rodney Strong on Friday, May 17. But what would a food and wine event be without a GRAND TASTING? The cornerstone event will be held from 12.30pm to 5pm on Saturday, May 18 for patrons to enjoy wine, spirits, and beers from over 150+ brands. Also top chefs like Crista Luedtke, Kelsey Barnard Clark, and Matt Horn will be on hand offering their hand crafted dishes and bites. I’m personally excited to finally try Sushi by Scratch, whose pop-up will be on-site.
The impact of Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience on the local community cannot be overstated. Beyond the immediate economic boost, which is palpable to anyone who has tried booking a room in the area during the festivities, there is a deeper, more lasting effect. The outdoor concert at Rodney Strong Vineyards on Friday evening with KINGFISH benefits Farm to Pantry, whose goal is to bring together our communities to end food injustice and reverse global warming by rescuing and sharing locally grown food with those who have been marginalized. In addition HWFE will contribute to the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation. The organization’s mission is to raise funds that support the Leadership Academy, which focuses on workforce development and other resources that elevate local vineyard workers, farmer workers and their families. Lastly this year’s event will also support Healdsburg Future Farmers of America (FFA). Sponsored by Foley Family Wines, a significant donation will go towards the HWFE Future Farmers Scholarship, created by HWFE for students from the local Healdsburg High School FFA chapter.
“As co-founders and partners in this remarkable endeavor, we are deeply committed to our dual mission: showcasing Sonoma County’s extraordinary wine, agriculture, and commitment to sustainability on a global platform, while simultaneously raising vital funds to uplift and honor our local vineyard workforce. This mission permeates every aspect of our events and messaging throughout the entire weekend. What could be more fulfilling than enjoying oneself while also making a positive impact?” – Karissa Kruse, CEO & President of Sonoma County Winegrowers and Executive Director of the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation.
Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience is a four-day celebration featuring the best of world-renowned food and wines and highlighting the “Makers Behind the Magic.” The festival showcases the region’s makers – farmers, growers, winemakers, and chefs – alongside globally recognized wines from the greatest wine regions of the world. HWFE highlights vibrant culinary diversity, sustainable farming practices and a deep connection to agriculture, through tastings, Culinary demonstrations, seminars, events, and more, in the beautiful setting of Healdsburg & Wine Country. Learn more here.
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