Feature - A Modern Take on a Classic Wine

The story of Port goes back to the 17th century when trade wars between the French and English dried up the supply of wine for thirsty Brits. Looking a little further afield they found a new source along the Duoro River in Portugal. To stabilize these wines for shipment back to England, to ensure they arrived in good condition, the merchants would add a measure of brandy. They learned the technique from local monks who added brandy to wines before the fermentation was complete, killing the active yeast and resulting in a sort of sweet, alcoholic wine. This became the wine we now call Port, named for Oporto, second largest city in Portugal and the place from which the wine was shipped to England.

Our suppliers have now added an interesting twist to this classic style, layering intense flavours of fruit on top of an already rich wine. Two seasonal releases up the flavour ante even further with Port's natural companion, chocolate - the Chocolate Raspberry Port described below, and also an Orange Chocolate Port - and there are other year-round products. For more information on these unique wines, please ask at the store.

Cabernet Quartet - an exclusive

This year, exclusively for our group of Carafe and Brew Kettle stores, Cellar Craft has assembled a very special Cabernet Quartet with Cabernet Sauvignon juice from France, Chile, California, and Washington State, and packaged it with their crushed grape pack. This will be very similar to the 2006 limited release that our customers enjoyed thoroughly, and can be made while supplies last for $180.

Ready For the Festive Season?

After great popularity last year, the Chocolate Raspberry Port is back. A gold medal winner at the 2008 WineMaker Amateur Wine Competition, this seasonal product boasts true traditional Port character. With rich, intense flavours and aromas of cherry, plum and raspberry, coupled with chocolate, coffee and vanilla, and a hint of oak, this rich finish is ideal on its own or with a dessert. It is a unique wine that makes a great hostess gift or stocking stuffer for friends and family. It is in stock now, and you can make an 11.5L batch for $155. (Remember that for holiday gift-giving you need to start it soon!).

Festa Brew West Coast IPA

Back by very popular demand, for the fifth year, is the West Coast IPA. If you like the commercial beers advertised as being "smooth, with no aftertaste", this is NOT the beer for you. This style of beer has plenty of hop bitterness, about 45 units, and a dry-hopped aftertaste that lingers long after you swallow. The reservation list for this release is already long, and I know it will sell out very quickly. If you are interested, I suggest that you get your name on the list right away. The price will be $65 for the 23L batch or $115 for 46L.

Canadian Brewing Awards

Once a year the commercial brewers of Canada get together to celebrate the success of the industry and to honour the best that the country has to offer. The 2008 event was held recently, and medals were awarded in a total of 24 categories. Brewer of the year was Toronto's own Mill Street Brewery (maker of the Tankhouse Pale Ale, Geoff's favourite commercial brew) and the beer of the year was Garrison Brewing's Imperial Pale Ale. For a full list of the 2008 winners, check here.