From new a new era of experimentation in scotch production to NJ’s fast changing brewery industry, it’s an exciting time to tip a glass

by Neil Shrodo

BONDING WITH BORDEAUX
Most parts of the wine world are all about the vintage, and Bordeaux often encompasses the most vivid examples of highs and lows… sometimes in the same year. 2016 was a great example of this. The growing started out badly, with rain and more rain. Concerns about mildew on vines ran rampant, with some major producers estimating a loss of 20% of harvest before the end of May. Then came three months of pure sunshine in fact the driest stretch in a quarter century, and the resulting wines wound up being ripe, rich, and surprisingly balanced. And best of all, many have hit that sweet spot where, though age worthy, they are friendly, forward, and affordable. Some selections you should pop the cork on:

Bonding with Bordeaux1

De Quintus 2016, St. Emilion
Spicy cherries and black plum with a hint of licorice and loam. Forward and approachable, with layers of black fruits, berries, and wood spice. $39.99

Chateau Meyney 2016, St. Estephe
Laden with aromas of fresh cut violets and cassis, those same flavors follow through on the palate, where they mingle with dark cherries, tobacco, and a hint of salinity. $44.99

Chateau Pontet Canet 2016, Pauillac
A stunning release that is incredibly balanced even at this young age. Savory aromatics are paired with rich flavors of black currants, graphite, crushed mint, and spice cake. Rich and so very bold!

NEW JERSEY’S CRAFT BEER RENAISSANCE
The Garden State has become a hotbed of creative and capable breweries, now numbering well over 110 the state seeing a 43% increase in the number of breweries over the past four years alone (tied with Kentucky for the largest increase). A few you might not have tasted yet:

GP SPREAD

New Jersey_s Craft Beer Renaissance

Kane Brewing Company, Ocean Township, Overhead Imperial IPA
Loaded with our favorite hops; Amarillo, Columbus, Centennial, and Simcoe. It’s bittered with a gigantic charge of Columbus and Simcoe early in the kettle, followed by several rounds of late kettle and whirlpool hops using Amarillo, Centennial, and Simcoe. In the end, Overhead is brewed with over five pounds of hops per barrel (including two rounds of dry hopping), to, as its brewers notes read, “create a cascade of pine, resin and citrus hop flavors that consume the palate.” $16

Bolero Snort Brewery, Ridgefield Park, Limited Runs
Famed for both its bull themed labels and small production runs, Bolero Snort is widely praised for its OVB series of Orange or Strawberry Creamsicle IPAs, crooked Labulls Double IPA, and more exotic lines that contain tea, lime…even breakfast cereal! $13 to $20

Cape May Brewing, Cape May County, Coastal Evacuation Double IPA
Established in 2011, Cape May Brewing with a tasting room that’s among the largest in the state makes an impressive year round selection of ales as well as many seasonals. Its Coastal Evac won the silver medal at the World Beer Championships for best American IPA, is loaded with floral and citrus notes, and offers a zesty finish. $12

HOT SCOTCHES!
Malt and grain whisky from England’s northern neighbor nation has entered a new era of experimentation and innovation, presenting more styles, flavors, and options than ever before. New aging techniques, cask treatments, and finishes are only a few of the trends afoot in the production of one of the most venerable and distinct spirits made. A few of our favorite releases:

Hot Scotches!

Glenlivet 14 year Cognac Cask
A rich golden color, this scotch has aromas of apricot jam, wild honey, and a kiss of baking spices. Smooth and lush, with raisin and poached pear flavors. $69.99

Old Particular 27 year Cameron bridge Single Grain Scotch
Distilled in 1991, this single cask Lowland gem is packed with flavors of maple and spice, caramelized fruit, toasted almond, and an allspice finish that is almost sweet. $109.99

Glen Fiddich 23 year Grand Cruff
Aged 23 years in a mix of French and American oak then finished in small French oak, this stunning new release has a deep golden color, aromas of pain grille and apple blossom, and sumptuous layers of vanilla scented oak, brioche fresh from the oven, and exotic wood spices. $299.99