Note: The blog was written by the good folks of The Prime Barrel

We are pleased to announce not one but two fantastic picks to close out the month of September (for those who are counting, this brings our total to three this month).

We were super stoked about having a chance to pick a High West barrel for several reasons. First, we are huge fans of the brand, with both Yippe Ki Yay and Midwinter's Night Dram being staples in our collective bars. Second, it's not often that the opportunity to pick the High West barrel comes along in the NY market. So imagine our surprise when our rep showed up with not one but an opportunity to pick two barrels at once!

Still, we were not going to pick two just for the sake of picking. However, after tasting through available barrels, we were blown away by the two we ultimately selected. Big kudos to High West for being flexible and allowing this to happen - which means that now you get a shot at two fantastic bottles as well.

On to the picks then. Both expressions - those being American Prairie and Double Rye! - were additionally finished in other barrels. The bourbon was finished in Aquavit barrel for additional 13 months, while the Double Rye got 16 months treatment of Pineau de Charentes barrel. 

Aquavit is a Scandinavian spirit distilled from grain and potatoes and is flavored with various herbs. Pineau de Charentes, in turn, is a regional aperitif of western France, made in the départements of Charente, Charente-Maritime, and (to a lesser extent) Dordogne. While popular within its production region, it is less well known in other areas of France and somewhat uncommon abroad. It is a fortified wine (mistelle or vin de liqueur), made from either fresh, unfermented grape juice or a blend of lightly fermented grape must to which a Cognac eau-de-vie is added and then matured.

You can taste the traditional notes of finishing spirits in both whiskeys. Still, they do not overpower the conventional signature of High West bourbon and their double rye. They are still predominantly bourbon and rye, respectively - just with a unique twist which we instantly gravitated towards. 

With bourbon, you can expect to taste aniseed, fennel, caraway (classic tasting notes of aquavit), subtle juniper, and citrus. The expression comes in at 101.2 proof.

With double rye, you can expect enhanced sweetness and mouthfeel (that's coming from Pineau des Charentes influence) combined with notes of dark fruits and berries. The expression comes in at 102.8 proof.

We think you will enjoy these. Keep in mind that the yield on the rye was significantly lower, so if you are planning to get the duo, act swiftly.

1. Proceeds from sales of American Prairie Bourbon will support Mission 22 charity. Donations will go towards healing America's veterans when they need it most — right now. They offer treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury and all of the issues veterans face today.
2. Proceeds from sales of Double Rye! will support Home For Troops. Donations will go towards building and donating specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans to enable them to rebuild their lives.

Dear 2020,

You were a year history books will be written about. You were filled with pain, solitude, hardships, violence, and chaos. But just like anything complicated in life, you brought us so much clarity, appreciation, love, patience, and strength. You taught us that we don’t need much in life, except for health, toilet paper, and - oh, yea - lots of alcohol!

Below are the top 10 whiskeys, wines, and tequilas bought by you, our loyal customers, over the course of the year to make it more bearable.

Bring on 2021!!!

1. Prosecco della Contessa Brut
2. Vigneti Del Sole Delle Venezie Pinot Grigio
3. Prisma Valle de Casablanca Sauvignon Blanc
4. Otto Constant Dream Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
5. Mapuche Valle del Maipo Cabernet Sauvignon
6. Bacchus GingerS Cuvee Pinot Noir
7. Gouguenheim Malbec
8. Viamora Prosecco ("2 for $20" offer is still active!)
9. The Atom Dark Matter Cabernet Sauvignon
10. Vina Echeverria No Es Pituko Valle Del Curico Chardonnay

1. 1792 Single Barrel Breaking Bourbon "Flavor Bomb" Pick (interested in single barrel picks? Sign up / update your preferences here)
2. Four Roses Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
3. New Riff Distilling Single Barrel Breaking Bourbon "Riffer Madness" Pick
4. New Riff Distilling Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey / 750ml
5. Bulleit Straight Bourbon Frontier Whiskey
6. Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whiskey
7. Evan Williams Sour Mash Straight Bourbon Whiskey
8. Old Overholt Straight Rye Whiskey
9. Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
10. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

1. Espolon Tequila Blanco
2. La Gritona Reposado Tequila
3. Rejon Tequila Blanco
4. Espolon Tequila Reposado
5. Casamigos Tequila Blanco
6. Clase Azul Reposado Tequila
7. Patron Silver Tequila
8. Cimarron Tequila Blanco
9. Espolon Tequila Anejo
10. Cimarron Tequila Reposado

This year there’s lots to be thankful for, particularly for the exceptional recent vintages that offer a spectacular selection of wines to pair with your Thanksgiving feast. We’d like to introduce you to some classic wine choices for Thanksgiving as well as a few new intriguing options that you might not have considered.

Thanksgiving Wine Pairings (and why they work):

Zinfandel

• It will amplify Thanksgiving spices such as clove, cinnamon, and allspice.
• It often adds a touch of smokiness to the taste profile.
• It’s typically bolder and richer (higher alcohol) and thus, pairs well with dark meat turkey.

Here is a great American Zin to get your mouth watering:

2011 Easton Wines Fiddletown Zinfandel (California, USA; $20)

Pinot Noir

• A great pick for classic Thanksgiving dishes with simple spicing (salt + pepper) or cream-based dishes like creamy mashed potatoes or casserole.
• Pinot works well with both dark and white meat turkey.
• It will do great to accentuate cranberry-like flavors.

The following wines highlight Pinot Noir’s brilliant red fruit and spice flavors:

2016 Au Bon Climat Santa Barbara Pinot Noir (Santa Barbara County, CA; $25)
2014 Bacchus GingerS Cuvee Pinot Noir (California; $13)
2014 Calera Central Coast Pinot Noir (Santa Maria Valley, CA; $30)

Beaujolais

• It pairs exceptionally well with wild rice, salads, roasted squash, and cranberries.
• It balances Thanksgiving dinners that have a high sweetness factor (yams, etc.) with Bojo’s savory and earthy quality.
• Its lighter, less tannic style works well with white meat turkey.

Here is our staff favorite:

2017 Domaine de la Madone Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau (Burgundy, France; $12)

GSM/Rhône Blends

• The bolder blending varieties of Mourvèdre and Syrah make this wine pair well with smoked turkey.
• The tertiary flavors of fig or dried berries from a properly aged GSM Blend match well with roasted squash and stuffing.
• The earthy and meaty quality of the wine accentuates the savory quality of turkey gravy.

A few examples of Rhône Blends from all over the world include:

2014 Domaine de la Graveirette Cotes du Rhone Rouge (Rhone Valley, France; $16)
2014 Domaine Andezon Cotes du Rhone (Rhone Valley, France; $16)

Rosé or Blanc de Noirs Champagne

• It’s a great choice for a pre-Thanksgiving aperitif.
• It’s bold enough to pair alongside dinner (for Champagne pairing with the main course).
• Its strawberry, white currant and white raspberry flavors accentuate the cranberry flavors in the dish.
• It acts as a palate cleanser to rich gravies and meats.

A few examples that are both awesome and affordable:

Val de Mer French Sparkling Brut Nature Rose (Burgundy, France; $20)
Mousse Fils Effusion Rose Brut Champagne (Marne River Valley, Champagne; $59)

Sancerre

• It pairs exceptionally well with green bean casserole, brussels sprouts, and roast asparagus.
• It acts as a palate cleanser to rich gravies and meats.

A few examples include:

2016 Thomas-Labaille Les Monts Damnes Sancerre (Loire Valley, France; $30)
2015 Paul Bernier Silex Sancerre (Loire Valley, France; $29)
2016 Emile Balland 'Croq'caillotte' Sancerre (Loire Valley, France; $25)

Amarone della Valpolicella

• Its redolent cherry flavors accentuate the sweetness of ham.
• Its moderate acidity acts as a palate cleanser, which is ideal for complementing rich meats and gravies.
• Its dried fruit aromas of fig and raisins add to the harvest taste palate.

Of course, Amarone della Valpolicella is an expensive wine due to its production process. Here are the best values we could find:

2011 Santi Amarone della Valpolicella DOC (Veneto, Italy; $45)

Most importantly, have a great Thanksgiving - from our table to yours!

If you're anything like me, you've been planning your holiday dinner festivities for months now. Every little detail, down to the seasonings and plating, is ready to go in your head. Well, except for one. Deciding what beverage to serve with your celebratory culinary creation is the final step, the garniture that ties everything together.

• Roasted Turkey: Don't let my aversion to turkey fool you, eating it with the right wine can completely change the experience. Every Thanksgiving, I'm tasked with finding the right wines for my friends and lately, I've gone Pinot Noir for them as opposed to Riesling. This year, I recommended the 2014 Banshee Pinot Noir and it wasn't just a hit, many of them went right back to their stores to pick it up by the case. It manages to straddle the line between classic Cali Pinot, bold fruit and rich texture, and a more restrained style with higher acidity and more of a floral component. If this is the direction of Pinot in Sonoma, count me in (I'll save you a spot on the bandwagon).

Earlier this month, our team was lucky enough get a behind-the-scenes peek of Hillrock Estate Distillery. The distillery is nestled deep in the rolling hills of the Hudson Valley at the historic 200-year-old Hillrock Estate. The estate, originally built in 1806 by a Revolutionary War Captain, was restored in 2006 by the current owner, Jeff Baker. An avid enthusiast of fine spirits, Baker teamed up with Master Distiller and whiskey legend, Dave Pickerell, to produce one of the nation's first estate grown whiskeys.

Arguably the most important factor for making a great whiskey is the quality of the grain used. Similar to fine estate wineries, Hillrock uses their estate grains, naturally farmed and harvested on Hillrock’s estate and surrounding farms without the use of pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers. By raising their grain, Hillrock highlights the subtle nuances between their spirits, showcasing a unique terroir that is an exceptional representation of Hudson Valley spirits.

Here's what we tasted that day:

Hillrock Estate Distillery Single Malt Whiskey - Hillrock’s flagship whiskey is one of the first single malt whiskeys produced in New York since Prohibition. It is made with barley exclusively grown at the estate and is malted at the Hillrock Malthouse.

Dark amber in color. The texture is rich with strong notes of malt and vanilla on the nose. Traces of honey, caramel and butterscotch appear and are complimented by chewy notes of cinnamon, oak, and woody spices. Finish is everlasting and pleasantly spicy.

Hillrock Estate Distillery Double Cask Rye Whiskey: Made with their organic estate rye, this is a limited bottled whiskey that has been double-barreled, or finished, in secondary casks.

Rich amber color with notes of sweet black cherry and dried currants dominate the nose. This whiskey is hot and heavy on the palate with spicy cinnamon and rye flavors. The finish is satisfyingly complex, with oak coming through clearly with more rye and berry notes.

Hillrock Estate Distillery Solera Aged Bourbon Whiskey: This is the first and only Solera aged bourbon produced in the world. Solera aging is a common practice for aging rums. It involves blending in younger spirit with older spirit to ensure consistent product from year to year.

Corn is immediately detected on the nose followed by more complex notes of raisins, root beer, and light honey. Smooth on the palate with long finishing flavors of honey, vanilla and oak.

If you click the button, then you will see the shipping rates for your selection, as well as the shipping address you've loaded into Apple Pay. You will be asked to use your fingerprint to authenticate the purchase. After you finish the authentication, the purchase is complete. Easy peasy.

Happy Shopping!

Grain & Vine Team
PS. Should you encounter any issues with Apple Pay on our site, please read our support post, or drop us a line.

Another industry icon is Master Distiller Dave Pickerell. He directs Hillrock’s production and operations. Dave has earned respect worldwide as one of the top Master Distillers and spirit experts. He was a Board Member and Past Chair of the Kentucky Distillers Association and recipient of the “best distillery visitor attraction in the world” designation by Whiskey Magazine.

Next, comes Tim Welly, who serves as head of operations and distiller. He has spent over 12 years in the restaurant and wine industry, training under Winemaker John Graziano for more than four years. Tim attended Ohio Wesleyan University, where he studied Economics and Management.

Finally, Danielle Eddy serves as the Director of PR/Marketing and Sales. She has more than 12 years of experience in the food and beverage industry. Danielle served as the Director of Public Relations at the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States before joining Hillrock in 2012.

So about those spirits. The World’s First Solera Aged Bourbon has been created at Hillrock. Solera is a stack of barrels where a small portion of whiskey is removed periodically as new whiskey is added. The age and complexity increase over time, but no barrel is ever completely emptied. Hillrock combines small barrel-aged Hillrock Estate Bourbon with mature seed bourbon and finishes in 20-year-old Oloroso Sherry casks to balance flavors. The spirit you’ll find has a pronounced nose of caramel, dried fruit, vanilla, oak, and spice. It’s accented by an elegant floral note. The full-bodied palate opens with rich notes of brown sugar, molasses, and toffee, and is followed by roasted corn, clove, cinnamon and a touch of spicy rye. The long, balanced finish is completed when the Oloroso sherry notes of walnut, fig and candied fruit blend with caramel and butterscotch. Hillrock’s Solera Bourbon’s current average age is more than 6 years and the rye content sets at approximately 37-percent.

Next on tap is double cask rye. Why "Double Cask"? Well, after a couple of years aging in standard American oak barrels, the rye finishes aging in a second barrel made from deeply charred wood, which gives the whiskey a ton of mellow sweetness and vanilla as well as hints of prunes, apricots, and rye. Notes of caramel and rye dominate the palate and are complemented by touches of cinnamon, cloves, mint, and butterscotch. Long, warming finish that is slightly sweet. This rye whiskey is a total masterpiece... black pepper spice floating on a rich and malty sweet body with an unbelievably long finish.

Lastly, with a sweet and full-bodied profile, the Single Malt is our favorite of the bunch. The maltiness of the barley is the most noticeable trait on first taste, like pumpernickel bread. Then toasted caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, and cedar join the party. Finishes with a pleasant heat somewhat akin to a bourbon or rye, with a slight leatheriness.

We recently made a trek to the distillery ourselves and learned that the distillery plans on adding 2 (perhaps even 3) more siblings to it's lineup. We were told that Bourbon and Rye offerings both might be available in Sauternes cask finish AND the rye might also be offered in port cask finish. We tried the new items at the distillery and all 3 are outstanding, we the port cask finish being our favorite (you can find more pictures of our day at the distillery on our Facebook page and we strongly recommend you do the same if you love whiskey and happen to be in the New York area).

Are you thirsty yet?

Just weeks after the the biggest gin bar in London opened, comes the news that this lucky, lucky city is getting a brand new multi-million pound distillery.

'The Distillery' (and why not) is a four-floor enterprise due to open on Portobello Road later this year. In addition to the distillery itself, the complex will feature a gin museum, blending rooms, a Spanish-style 'Gintonic' bar and restaurant, a traditional gin bar, a specialist gin shop and boutique guest rooms. Phew, we're feeling squiffy already.

The people behind it are the owners of gin making experience, The Ginstitute. They'll be moving to their swanky new digs before the end of 2016, offering more people than ever the chance to craft their own unique gin.

Like gin? Check out our unique, curated selections from best distilleries around the world.

This, my friends, is the dream of Albariño.

For most foreign consumers, Albariño is the white wine most associated with Spain, with its luscious tropical fruits, singing acidity, and underlining frame of saline minerality crafting what can only be described as one of the most pleasant and food friendly wines on the market today. Tucked just above the border of Portugal in northwestern Spain, the grape finds its home in the maritime climate of Rias Baixas—isolated from the majority of Spanish wine growing regions, Rias Baixas performs uniquely compared to its national cohorts.

But drinking any wine from Spain, and certainly when it comes to Albariño, is all about lifestyle. If you’re looking for fussy dinners, fussy wines, and fussy company, the Spanish are not for you. Rather, Spain’s culture is about relaxation and the enjoyment of life’s simple pleasures, like that patio and its accompanying pairings described above.

After a long week of grinding, New York style, nothing is better than embracing and channeling the inner-Spaniard that lies within all of us—or, at least, that we hope does.

There’s no better place to get that process started than Grain & Vine, where our love for Albariño has been taken to new heights as of late. Currently in stock are four selections that show off Albariño’s versatility and seductive qualities. Between Pazo San Mauro, Laxas, Paco & Lola, and Martín Codax, you’ve got a chance to sample the best of Rias Baixas in the comfort of your own home…or your roof/fire escape.

Come in today and you’ll get 10% off a two bottle purchase—or a whopping 20% off for heading out with all four producers. Plus, you'll get a full brochure with insight into who these producers are and why Rias Baixas is worth celebrating!

Sit down and compare the differences or just pop open a few bottles with your friends on a sunny weekend day. When you're drinking this well (heck, when you're living this well), don't get too caught up in the details. Do it like the Spanish and relax with mother nature's most delicious elixir.

Part of that love is due to the fact that there are few things on this planet that brighten up a room like a popped bottle of bubbles. Part of it, too, is that there are few types of wine that I feel have been more cornered into a niche section of the market, unfairly, than sparkling wine.

For centuries, Champagne and wines like it have been principally enjoyed on special occasions, New Year's Eve to birthdays to weddings and anniversaries. Like I said, that distinctive "pop" is what gives this genre part of its pizazz. While I'm not going to tell anyone to stop enjoying their spumante during such events, the reality is that sparkling wine deserves so much more than simply being reserved for them.

Take grower Champagne as an example - "grower Champagne" being defined as a wine that is made by the growers of the grapes themselves, from their own vineyards that they themselves tend and nurture along during the growing season, as opposed to House Champagne, like Möet Chandon or Veuve Cliquot, where the grapes for the wines are sourced externally and blending together for a house style.

Grower Champagne aims to create a cuvée (blend) that reflects the vineyards themselves, providing an expression of terroir that can show off the soil, the region, and ultimately, the grapes themselves. These wines have distinct characteristics like complex minerality or impressive structure that pair wonderfully with your every night cheese plate, selections of cured meats, or even an entrée course. Personally, I make it a point to enjoy these wines with my Sunday brunch (bacon, Benedict, and more bacon) whenever possible.

With estimations putting grower Champagne around only 5% of all Champagne imports to the U.S., you may be concerned about the availability to of these beautiful wines at prices accessible to the average consumer. Take Pierre Brigandat and Jean Velut as examples that are priced competitively against the big name brands and offer more than those big boys could ever dream of.

If you're the kind of consumer that likes to stay on a tighter wine budget, which we all are at one point or another, don't live in fear. There are plenty of sparkling wines from around the world produced in the grower method that offer up lively individuality at a bargain.

One can enjoy (and surely will enjoy) grower Cava and Domaine produced Vouvray for under $20, not to mention 100% Pinot Noir from New York. The choices are endless.

So next time you wander into Grain & Vine, don't be afraid to ask for grower sparkling wine for whatever the occasion, even if it's just a relaxing Wednesday evening in front of the television. It's never a bad time for bubbles.

It goes deeper than that though, changing our dietary disposition as well. Refreshing salads are replaced by roasts with root vegetables and hearty soups that function as much like a down comforter as they do a simple culinary craving. The same, too, can be said for our wine buying habits.

Rosé and beach pounding Sauvignon Blanc--or even delicate, easy going Pinot Noir--are often passed over in favor of dense, rich, and full bodied reds that make the perfect accompaniment to our food or fireplace. But what about those of us who lean towards white wine more often than its blush counterpart?

Contrary to popular opinion, there are a wide variety of whites that shine within the confines that these months try to establish upon us.

What you might consider going for are wines that pack a bit more punch than you may be used to. Whites coming out of Spain, Germany, Hungary, and even the U.S. can have the weight to stand up next to your meal pairing needs, while also hitting on the classic points of reference (with regards to finish and fruit profile) that white wine drinkers look for in their purchases.

Right off the bat, my mind goes to Verdejo of the old vine variety, coming out of Spain's famed Rueda region. A select few of the best vines from this region are nearly 100 years old, resulting in wines that are so eclectically deep in both concentration and character--meaning that these wines aren't just summer sippers, but something you can throw alongside your more savory winter dinners or simply drink alone after a long commute. The best part? They're almost always awesomely affordable.

A personal favorite, I find white Burgundy to hit the spot no matter the weather conditions, food pairing options, or even mood. Whether or not California-style Chardonnay is your jam, I highly encourage you to give the varietal another shot from its native region. Burgundy is producing crisp, clean, yet complex Chardonnay that has inspired generations of wine drinkers to rethink the way they view one of the most controversial varietals in the market. If you're trying to keep things within budget, consider Chablis or even non-1er Cru village level offerings.

There is so much more than just Verdejo and Chardonnay, obviously. Winter classics like Riesling, Vermentino, or more earthy natural-style wines will bring the kind of body, aromatics, and mouthfeel to keep things interesting while you're snowed in.

Of course, more important than my recommendations, is that you keep drinking what you want, when you want, and that you do it shamelessly. There's nothing wrong with someone drinking Sancerre when it's zero-degrees outside, or Grüner Veltliner when the wind chill is obscene. Drinking to your tastes is more imperative than drinking to an occasion or meal pairing.

If you're ready to try something new, though, stop on by the shop and it would be our pleasure to lend a helping hand.

In our February 5th, 2016 issue, our wine director William Whelan shows off a few of his new favorite wines in the store, including a Vermentino from Corsica, Susumaniello from Puglia, and a classic Garnacha from just south of Madrid.

With the site launching, the shelves stocked, windows adorned with displays arranged by our incredibly talented merchandiser, and a stream of regulars from throughout the community strolling through the door, I can’t help but think back to my first days here at the shop.

Before...and after.

There was, of course, a sense of uncertainty. How will we be welcomed into the community? What kind of wines and spirits will everyone enjoy--how can we cater to those desires? More than anything, though, there was a sense of excitement. The early wishes of luck from neighbors reminded all of us why we got into this business in the first place.

See, whether it’s a bottle of Barolo, a handle of affordable whiskey, or a ten-dollar pick me up bottle of Vinho Verde, our favorite drinks so often coincide with some of our favorite memories. I know that’s the case for me, as I think back to times shared with my family, the first bottle of whiskey I ever brought home to my first apartment, and the wines paired with holiday dinners. We’re sentient creatures after all.  Our hope for the store was to be more than just a place where you’d buy these beverages. We wanted to be the kind of store you actually wanted to be be in, even if it was just to say hi to the staff or check out the selection, any new wines or spirits that might have arrived. A place where someone smiled at you when you walked in the door, helped you find the perfect selection for whatever occasion was on tap, and most of all...played with your dog while you shopped.

But this is New York City, the home of the hustle. Not everyone has time to come into the shop and peruse the shelves. Sometimes, things have to get done with the quickness. So, that’s where this website comes in. Those imaginative tasting notes you’d ask me for, just waiting for me to go off on a tangent about silk dresses and braille? They’re all here, as are producer background notes and food pairing ideas. Clicking through our new website is as close to visiting the store as you can get, with its sensical layout and vibrant pictures that show off that signature Grain & Vine style.

Please, take a look around and get familiar - comfortable, even. Feel at home here on the new and improved GrainVine.com, just don’t forget to still come in once in awhile. We miss you, duh.

Thank you all for your support through the holiday season. We can’t wait to see what the rest of 2016 has in store for everyone!