Product Features Archives

Your Guide to the Holidays at France 44

We’re just a couple weeks away from Christmas & Hanukkah. Like every year, we’re finding ourselves looking for those last minute gifts for friends, family, our many many games of White Elephant & Secret Santa.

So, here we are with our annual gift guide. Some brand new cocktail gift boxes, TONS of cooking & wine classes, super special cheeses, exclusive bourbons. There’s a little something for every person and every budget in here.

And as always, if you’re not seeing what you’re looking for, fill out a Custom Gift Request form on our website and we’ll find you the perfect option!

Gift Boxes & Accessories

NEW: WHISKEY COCKTAIL KIT

This whiskey box gives you all the tools to master two classic cocktails: the Maple Old-Fashioned and the Manhattan. Just add an orange!

BLIND WINE TASTING KIT

Welcome to the world of blind tasting! Everything you'll need to blind two delicious wines is included in this kit. We'll guide through the process of blind tasting, and you'll come out a more experienced taster!

CHEESE & WINE DELUXE

The perfect gift for anyone who loves to eat great cheese and drink great wine! We’ve selected a few of our favorites and paired them with amazing Minnesota honey, organic crackers, and more.

NEW: GLASSWARE & ACCESSORIES

We have a brand new selection of glassware, linens, cocktail cart accessories, wine books, and more in the store! The absolute perfect gifts for the cocktail lovers in your life,

Experiences & Education

COOKING CLASSES

We offer hands-on cooking classes in our Event Space ranging from pizza to gnocchi and even chicken butchering, all taught by our network of excellent local chefs! You can either gift tickets to a particular class, or a 'gift a class' card to be used for any offering!

WINE CLASSES

We taste so many new wines every single week in this store, and we love nothing more than the opportunity to share them with you in our classes. Each class focuses on a region or theme, and always offers a guided tasting of several wines paired with cheeses from our shop. You can either gift tickets to a particular class, or a 'gift a class' card to be used for any offering!

WINE CERTIFICATIONS

Whether you are looking for professional training or just thoughtful imbibing, France 44 Wine & Spirits Education is your home for inclusive, accessible learning about all things fermented. We have a set of wine certification classes beginning January 11th! Learn more here about our wine education opportunities HERE!

Cheese & Wine Subscriptions

CHEESE OF THE MONTH CLUB

Each month our mongers work tirelessly to source unique and delicious cheeses for our club members. In each box, members will receive three pieces of cheese; the styles will vary from month to month according to a new theme.

WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB

Each month, members of Wine of the Month will receive three bottles of wine, tasting notes, and suggestions for further exploration. The wines will follow a new theme each month - a varietal spotlight, a region, a holiday or even a single producer.

WINE DISCOVERY CLUB

In this club, we focus is on small-production and artisanal-quality wines, each with a unique story behind them. Members will receive a case of wine every other month, with detailed tasting notes and the opportunity to come in and taste the wines at our bar!

Gift Cards

FRANCE 44 GIFT CARD

Still can't decide? We have gift cards available for use at France 44 Cheese, France 44 Wines & Spirits, St. Paul Cheese Shop, & St. Paul Meat Shop.

GIFT A CLASS

Give the gift of education & experience this holiday season with a class at France 44! We have more classes on our calendar than ever before. Coming up early 2024: Wines & Cheeses of Italy, The Art of Scotch, Baguette Making, and more! Not sure which class to choose? No problem. Buy a "Gift a Class" gift card!

WSET GIFT CARD

Give the gift of education! These eGift Cards may be used
toward any WSET class through France 44 Education. Choose
an amount and include a personalized message!

Shaking Up Your Home Bar

Jake Rollin

Jake (he/him) can be found primarily working in the Beer and Spirits departments, though he occasionally dabbles in Wine. He loves helping customers brainstorm ideas for new and interesting cocktails (ask him about his Caprese Sour cocktail), and talking all things whiskey. His fridge is stocked with a healthy combination of local hazy IPAs, Belgian beers, and Riesling, and he has an ever-growing whiskey collection.

Summer is in full swing! With spring cleaning behind us, leases ending, and new adventures beginning, it’s the perfect time to make this the summer of cocktails (or mocktails!). Starting a home bar can be intimidating, but this blog is here to guide you through everything you need to start making fantastic drinks at home.

Take it one step at a time, start small with just the basics. We’ve laid them out for you below.

The Equipment

First, let’s get the equipment covered. With so many different styles of bar tools out there, it can be daunting to buy equipment. However, for a basic set up, you really only need three pieces of equipment:

cocktail shaker
strainer
jigger

2-Part Boston Shaker with Hawthorn Strainer

Cocktail shakers come in a few different formats. The two most common are a two-piece Boston shaker and a three-piece cobbler shaker. Both have pros and cons, and ultimately it comes down to personal preference. Boston shakers tend to be more widely used in bars and restaurants because of their ease of use. A firm strike on the side of the shaker will release the two halves easily. The drawback is that you will need to buy a strainer (more on that later) to use with a Boston shaker.

On the other hand, cobbler shakers have a built-in strainer, meaning you have one less item to buy. Due to their design however, cobbler shakers can sometimes be very difficult to open.

Strainers also come in a few formats. The most common type is a Hawthorne strainer. Hawthorne strainers prevent large pieces of ice and citrus pulp from getting into your finished cocktail. Finer ice chips and pulp can sometimes make it through however, which is where something like a fine mesh strainer can come in handy. By double straining through a mesh strainer, you can catch those fine pieces of ice and pulp, leaving you with a silky smooth cocktail. Fine mesh strainers are not necessarily a required piece of equipment, but they can be very useful.

Jigger, used to measure ingredients in cocktails

Finally, you’ll need a jigger (or a 2oz liquid measuring cup). Jiggers come in different styles and sizes. Some of the most common sizes have a 1oz side and a 2oz side, often with lines for 0.5oz, 0.75oz, and 1.5oz measurements on the inside.

I cannot stress this enough: measure your ingredients. We measure so that cocktails are well balanced and consistent every time. If you eyeball ingredients, you might make a really fantastic cocktail one time and never be able to replicate it. So, for the sake of consistency and quality, measure.

The Ingredients

So, now that you have all this fancy bar equipment, you’re going to need ingredients that you can use to make some fantastic cocktails.

Spirits

There are literally thousands of products out there, so choosing spirits can be tough. The most important thing to remember is that you don’t always need expensive liquor to make good cocktails. There are many budget brands that are fantastic for cocktails.

As far as base spirits go, you’ll want three to start. These can be anything you prefer, but my choices would be bourbon, gin, and tequila. These three spirits will allow you to make classic drinks like an Old Fashioned, a Gin and Tonic, and a Margarita, but also give you the opportunity to make slightly more advanced cocktails like a Mint Julep, a Bee’s Knee’s, or a Paloma.

Citrus

Citrus juice is an essential element of many cocktails, providing both flavor and balancing acidity. While the stuff from the bottle works in a pinch, your cocktails will almost always turn out better with fresh squeezed juice. The flavor is more vibrant and will help take your cocktails to bar quality.

Syrups

Where citrus provides acidity, simple syrup or liqueur provide sweetness, another important element in a balanced cocktail. Basic simple syrup is made with just water and sugar, but flavored syrups can be made using fruits and extracts. Syrups also add more than just sweetness. The viscosity of the syrup adds essential body to a cocktail that gives it a rich mouthfeel. Feel free to experiment with making your own syrups, or buy them in the store! Liber & Co makes some of our favorites, and locally too!

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start exploring advanced techniques like split bases, infusing liquors, and fat washing, though we’ll save those for another blog. While this guide isn’t an exhaustive list of all the equipment or ingredients available, we hope it makes setting up a home bar a little less intimidating. For specific recommendations on spirits, mixers, or equipment, feel free to ask our exceptionally knowledgeable staff!

bar cart classic cocktails cocktail cocktail inspiration

From Scotland to Japan: How Masataka Taketsuru Crafted Japanese Whisky’s Future

Dylan Hager

Dylan (he/him) is a manager and part of our spirits staff. He finds Kentucky Bourbon and Rye Whiskey particularly riveting, and also keeps a decent amount of beer and too much vermouth in his fridge. He once tore his MCL doing the limbo, and has been to Bonnaroo 29 times.

Japanese whisky traces its origins to the early 20th century, with Masataka Taketsuru playing a pivotal role in its development. Often referred to as the “father of Japanese whisky,” Taketsuru studied organic chemistry at the University of Glasgow and apprenticed at several Scottish distilleries. In 1920, he returned to Japan, armed with extensive knowledge and experience, and was instrumental in establishing the country’s first whisky distillery.

Then in 1923, Shinjiro Torii, the founder of Suntory, established the Yamazaki distillery near Kyoto, and hired Taketsuru as his first distillery manager. This event marked the official birth of Japanese whisky. Inspired by the techniques and styles of Scotch whisky, Yamazaki aimed to create a product tailored to Japanese tastes.

Taketsuru left Suntory in 1934 to establish his own company, which would become Nikka Whisky. He founded the Yoichi distillery in Hokkaido, a location chosen for its climate and environmental similarities to Scotland. Nikka’s first whisky, released in 1940, helped cement Japanese whisky’s reputation for quality and craftsmanship.

Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky - $69.99

Today, Suntory and Nikka remain the two powerhouses of Japanese whisky. Both produce a wide variety of whiskies that are popular not only in Japan but also in the US. Nikka's use of the Coffey still, a continuous column still originally invented by Aeneas Coffey in the 19th century, stands as a hallmark of their whiskey-making artistry. This technique infuses their expressions with a unique character and unparalleled smoothness, showcasing a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky is a great example of what the Coffey still can bring to the table. Distilled mainly from corn, it’s exotic, fruity and rich. A great Japanese Whisky for a bourbon drinker and a great Father’s Day gift.

japanese whiskey suntory whiskey

Zero Proof Pours: Navigating Non-Alcoholic Beers

Jake Rollin

Jake (he/him) can be found primarily working in the Beer and Spirits departments, though he occasionally dabbles in Wine. He loves helping customers brainstorm ideas for new and interesting cocktails (ask him about his Caprese Sour cocktail), and talking all things whiskey. His fridge is stocked with a healthy combination of local hazy IPAs, Belgian beers, and Riesling, and he has an ever-growing whiskey collection.

Non-alcoholic and low ABV alternatives are currently all the rage. You may have preconceived notions of what non-alcoholic beer will taste like, but the category as a whole has come a very long way. Gone are the days of products that only vaguely resemble beer. The non-alcoholic beers of today present much of the same flavor as their full strength counterparts, but without the potential side effects of alcohol.

Non-alcoholic beer dates all the way back to prohibition when, in order to stay in business, some breweries began to brew beers capped at 0.5% ABV. But after the 21st amendment passed, the prevalence of non-alcoholic beer decreased drastically.

Now, jump forward to the 1990’s. Anheuser-Busch launches O’Doul’s, arguably one of the most well known non-alcoholic beers of all time. While most people won’t claim that O’Doul’s was an award winning example of non-alcoholic beer, the effect it had on the non-alcoholic beer movement is undeniable, forever creating a market for non-alcoholic beer.

In order to understand the process of making non-alcoholic beer, we first need to start with the process of making regular beer.

At the most basic level, hot water is added to malted barley and left to soak, extracting fermentable sugars and creating a sugar-rich liquid called wort. This wort serves as the perfect food source for yeast.

However, before the yeast is added, the wort is boiled with hops, which serve as both preservatives and a flavoring agents. Once the boil is complete, the wort is cooled, and the yeast is introduced. The yeast consumes the sugars in the cooled wort, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide as byproducts. After fermentation is complete, the beer is kegged, bottled, or canned, ready to be enjoyed.

The process for non-alcoholic beer is essentially the same, but there’s no one way to ensure the ABV is under 0.5%. The simplest method is heating the alcohol out of the beer, though this can have a detrimental effect on flavor, as beer and heat don’t often mix well. Another option is to use specific yeast strains that don’t produce alcohol. In theory, these preserve the flavors of the beer, thereby creating a product that is closer to a beer made in the standard way. Other breweries have their own proprietary methods for producing their non-alcoholic beers (like Athletic Brewing). There is still constant innovation happening in the industry as non-alcoholic beer becomes more widely enjoyed.

With an ever expanding selection of non-alcoholic products, there has never been a better time to get into non-alcoholic beer. Many of our favorite local companies have started to create non-alcoholic products that we’re proud to sell and enjoy. Our beer staff is extremely knowledgeable about the newest non-alcoholic beers in the cooler, so if you have no idea where to start, please don’t be afraid to ask!

artisan beer beer craft beer local beer mn beer n/a non-alcoholic summer beer

The Sláinte Buck

Cocktail in a highball glass sits on a coffee table

🍀 Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style with a cocktail that pays homage to the Emerald Isle’s rich whiskey tradition: the Sláinte Buck. This delightful cocktail combines the smooth warmth of Irish whiskey with the crisp tang of an Apple Rosemary Shrub, topped off with a touch of ginger beer. The result? A refreshing, crushable cocktail that perfectly balances sweet, tart, and spicy flavors, making it an ideal choice for toasting the occasion. So raise your glass and toast to the luck of the Irish! Sláinte!

2oz Irish Whiskey
1oz Sharab Shrubs Apple Rosemary Shrub
Ginger Beer to top
Rosemary sprig to garnish (optional)

Shake the whiskey and shrub in a cocktail shaker with ice until lightly chilled and diluted, about 5 seconds. Strain into a highball or Collins glass over fresh ice. Top with ginger beer and lightly stir. Optionally, garnish with a rosemary sprig.

With light notes of toffee and dried fruit, Irish whiskey pairs incredibly well with apple. The acidity from the Shrub provides bite, while the ginger beer rounds out this cocktail with a little sweetness and spice. Undertones of rosemary tie the whole drink together and will leave you wanting a second one. Sláinte!

classic cocktails cocktail cocktail inspiration cocktail recipe festive cocktails irish whiskey keeper's heart recipe slainte spirits st. paddy's day st. patrick's day

Mardi Gras Cocktail Recipes

Sazerac cocktail site in front of cocktail shaker

“Laissez les bon temps rouler”, let the good times roll. Mardi Gras is coming up, and just because you’re not in New Orleans doesn’t mean you can’t party this weekend. Check out these new Mardi Gras cocktails crafted by our spirits team!

Polar Vortex

The Minnesota Hurricane

Invented in New Orleans in the 1940’s, the Hurricane is known as a booze-forward party cocktail. We’ve decided to mix it up a bit by swapping the rum for coconut aquavit. The caraway profile of the aquavit helps add complexity, while the coconut fits in with the other tropical elements.

2 oz Tattersall Coconut Aquavit
½ oz Lime Juice
½ oz Orange Juice
½ oz Liber & Co Passion Fruit Syrup
1 tsp Grenadine

Add the aquavit, lime juice, orange juice, and passion fruit syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until just chilled. Strain into a rocks glass with crushed ice. Add the teaspoon of grenadine over the top. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Sazerac

A New Orleans staple, this Old Fashioned riff tones down the sweetness by swapping bourbon for rye. Bitters bring some botanical and licorice elements to the party, and the absinthe rinse amplifies those notes. The result is a spicy, botanical forward cocktail that swaps some of the classic Old Fashioned elements for new, interesting flavors.

2 oz Rye Whiskey
½ oz Simple Syrup
2 – 4 Dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
Optional: La Fee Absinthe to rinse

Add ¼ oz of absinthe to a rocks glass and rotate the glass in hand so that the absinthe coats the walls of the glass. Discard the remaining absinthe. Add the whiskey, simple syrup, and Peychaud’s to a mixing glass with ice and stir until well chilled. Strain into the absinthe rinsed glass over fresh ice.

French 44

Our take on the classic French 75

Though not an invention of the Crescent City, the French 75 become wildly popular in New Orleans. The simple recipe of gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and sparkling wine is simple to prepare infinitely riff-able, and astonishingly delicious.

1 oz Citadelle Gin
½ oz Lemon Juice
½ oz Liber & Co Grapefruit Cordial
3 oz Kraemer Blanc de Blancs

Add the gin, lemon juice, and Grapfruit Cordial to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until well chilled. Double strain with a fine mesh strainer into a champagne flute and top with the sparkling wine. Garnish with a lemon twist or a raspberry.

classic cocktails cocktail cocktail inspiration cocktail recipe french 75 hurricane mardi gras recipe sazerac spirits

Valentine’s Day Guide to France 44

It’s that time of year again – check out our favorite Valentine’s Day picks below!

The Valentine's Pairing Box

Wine & Cheese Exploration

Sign up a loved one by January 31st and they’ll receive their first box the week of Valentine’s Day!

Wine of the Month

Embark on a wine journey with us. Each month, our wine team puts together a themed box of three bottles of wine for you to explore. Based on a varietal, single producer, style, or seasonal theme, these bottles will take you on a wine adventure month after month - and we provide tasting notes and pairing suggestions to guide you along your way.

Sign Up Now

Cheese of the Month

Our Cheese of the Month club takes you on a voyage across the world of cheese. We'll introduce you to our favorite cheese staples, and some adventurous ones you may have never tried (or even heard of!) before. Let us inspire your monthly cheese boards with this curated box, and if you want to really take it to the next level, add our wine pairing as well!

Sign Up Now

Dinner for Two

Our Valentine’s menu this year features a delicious, hand-made dinner for two – including beef tenderloin, roasted vegetables, macarons, and more! We also have individual desserts and cheeses available for pre-order.

Exclusive Bourbons

For the bourbon lover in your life, we have a couple of special bottles in stock that you can’t get anywhere else! A truly one of a kind gift.

Bottle of New Riff Bourbon on wooden table

New Riff Single Barrel

$54.99 - Shop Now

Elijah Craig Lucky 13 Private Barrel

$89.99 - Shop Now

Maker's Mark Private Selection

Our fourth Private Selection from Maker’s Mark featuring a unique stave selection. With heavy baking spices and candied banana on the nose, this bourbon is rich, sweet, and complex. The palate evokes toasty French oak, salted caramel, and vanilla.

$74.99 - Shop Now

Romantic Wines by Argyle Vineyards

Chocolate local Red Wine small production spirits Valentine's Day whiskey Wine and Chocolate

The Non-Alcoholic Pineapple Paloma

Cocktail in a coupe glass sits on a snowy table in front of three bottles

Welcome to Junuary. Yeah, you read that right. Frankly, it’s going to be COLD this weekend, and we will all need a little pick me up, a little taste of the warm weather to come (hopefully soon!). You don’t need alcohol to create flavorful, interesting cocktails and we’re here with one that emulates summer sun & happiness: The Pineapple Paloma. Pineapple syrup adds a tropical sweetness, which is balanced with the bright acidity of the On The Fly Paloma Mixer. It’ll make you feel like you’re sitting on the beach. So throw on a pair of sunglasses, mix yourself this N/A Paloma, stick a cocktail umbrella in your glass, and enjoy this below zero weekend in style with a summery drink in hand.

2 oz On The Fly Paloma Mixer: On the Fly elixirs are locally produced by Earl Giles Distillery. The Paloma Mixer, made with juice from ruby red grapefruit and lime, is tart with balanced sweetness and vibrant flavors.
¼ oz Liber & Co Pineapple Gum Syrup: Cold-pressed pineapple juice makes this syrup a truly tropical delight. The syrup is rich in flavor and sweetness, so even this ¼ oz goes a long way to bring summery flavors to the forefront of this cocktail.
½ oz Lime Juice: Both the Pineapple Syrup and the Paloma Mixer bring quite a bit of sweetness, and the addition of extra lime juice balances the drink with a bit of extra acidity. Non-Alcoholic cocktails are famously hard to balance and citrus does a great job at leveling the sweetness.
2 oz Topo Chico Mineral Water: Lastly, the addition of Topo Chico tops of the cocktail with a bit of texture!

To a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice, add Paloma Mixer, Pineapple Syrup, and lime juice. Shake well to chill and combine, then pour into either a rocks glass or a coupe and top with Topo Chico sparkling mineral water. Garnish with a lime wheel.
*Optional – if you do wish to add alcohol to this cocktail, add 2 oz tequila or mezcal to the cocktail shaker.

cocktail cocktail recipe n/a non-alcoholic recipe spirits

The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide of 2023

The holiday season is officially here and it’s time to start shopping for the special people in your lives. Between our Cheese & Wine subscriptions, our gift boxes, and our classes, theres something for every food & beverage enthusiast at France 44. Browse below for a taste of what we can offer!

Don’t see exactly what you’re looking for? Come talk to our staff for inspiration or feel free to fill out this custom gift form. Cheers!

Gift Boxes

A few of our exciting gift boxes available this holiday season.

BLIND WINE TASTING KIT

Welcome to the world of blind tasting! Everything you'll need to blind two delicious wines is included in this kit. We'll guide through the process of blind tasting, and you'll come out a more experienced taster!

CHEESE & WINE DELUXE

The perfect gift for anyone who loves to eat great cheese and drink great wine! We’ve selected a few of our favorites and paired them with amazing Minnesota honey, organic crackers, and more.

ITALIAN BOX

A beautiful selection of some of the best Italian products imported into the USA. This box contains everything necessary to make a perfect Italian meal, including, of course, excellent Italian wine.

Cheese & Wine Subscriptions

CHEESE OF THE MONTH CLUB

Each month our mongers work tirelessly to source unique and delicious cheeses for our club members. In each box, members will receive three pieces of cheese; the styles will vary from month to month according to a new theme.

WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB

Each month, members of Wine of the Month will receive three bottles of wine, tasting notes, and suggestions for further exploration. The wines will follow a new theme each month - a varietal spotlight, a region, a holiday or even a single producer.

WINE DISCOVERY CLUB

In this club, we focus is on small-production and artisanal-quality wines, each with a unique story behind them. Members will receive a case of wine every other month, with detailed tasting notes and the opportunity to come in and taste the wines at our bar!

Gift Cards

France 44 Holiday Market

Join us for our first-ever Holiday Market on Sunday, 12/3, from 11am-3pm! This open-house style event will feature a variety of local makers, producers, and artists. Peruse unique handmade gifts and treats while you take in our gorgeous holiday decorations and sip on a hot drink, all within the coziness of the France 44 Event Space. No reservations necessary—just come on up and join the festivities! Here’s a sneak peak at some of the incredible vendors:

Single Barrel Spirits

We have a couple of single barrels in stock right now that we’re super excited to share with you! Gift an exclusive taste of spirits this holiday season!

Elijah Craig Bourbon

Bring this true one of a kind bourbon to your feast this year. Aged for 8 years, this could be our best Elijah Craig barrel to date. Rich caramel and vanilla dominate the nose, with subtle notes of apple and cherries following. The palate is bold and oily, starting with cedar wood that evolves into sweet toffee and balancing spice.

Rittenhouse Rye

Our second Rittenhouse Single Barrel! Sweet baking spices lead on the nose with caramel, subtle herbaceousness, and hints of black pepper following. On the palate, bright baking spices evolve in to deeply savory notes of black pepper, black tea, cardamom, and leather. The finish is surprisingly sweet and develops further as it sits.

Holiday Wines

Holiday Cheeses

Check out our selection of holiday exclusive cheeses – available in shop only!

drink local gifts holiday market Red Wine single barrel wine classes wine tasting

Thanksgiving Beverage Guide 2023

Thanksgiving is just a few days away, so we wanted to offer you a few suggestions for the big day. Unlike other holidays, Thanksgiving is a long celebration. For some, it may start as early as 4am when the turkey goes into the oven, and for others, it may last well into the night.

This year, we’ve categorized our beverage suggestions based on different parts of your day. We have something for the football game, something to pair with appetizers, impressive options for dinner, and even a drink to enjoy while digesting the massive meal.

Whether you’re hosting a traditional Thanksgiving feast or trying something completely new this year, you’ll find something here to enhance your day.

Beers for the Football Game

Junkyard Grandpa Bill’s Pils

Uffda, these are dangerous! Brewed with finest select malts, this working man’s Pilsner is lavish with flavor. Crisp, light, sessionable, and perfectly balanced with a trusty dry-hop of Citra. It’s the great outdoors, the call of the wild, and the often fresh and cheerful elder. Available in three distinct nature scenes- Deer, Duck, & Pheasant. Pitter patter, let’s get at ‘er!⁣

Castle Danger Cream Ale

Castle Cream Ale was created while sitting around the kitchen table during our start-up days, and the need for a sessionable beer became clear. Castle Cream is our version of a Cream Ale. Deep gold in color, it has a soft malty aroma, slightly sweet creamy texture with a balanced bitterness, while finishing smooth and clean.

Noshing Hour

Keepsake Organic Semi-Sweet Cider

A blend of old and new apples only picked from our organic orchard. Including Liberty, Northern Spy, Nova Spy, Keepsake and more. Bubbled naturally with the Charmat Method. All sugars are from the apple, none added. Just Cider. This sparkling hard cider is the perfect way to start out the Thanksgiving meal – festive & bright.

France 44 Pointettia

This festive cocktail is the best of Thanksgiving flavor. The Cranberry Liqueur by Tattersall (local!) adds the perfect touch of sweetness and the brut champagne balances the sweetness and texture beautifully. Add some sugared cranberries and you’ve got yourself a showstopper.

Pour 1oz Tattersall Cranberry Liqueur into a flute. Top with 5oz Kraemer Blanc de Blanc Brut. Garnish with sugared cranberries and a sprig of rosemary or thyme.

Dinner Time

Twisted Cedar Petite-Petit 2021

Twisted Cedar is a tribally owned and sustainably farmed winery in California. The brand is wholly owned by the Cedar Band of the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah. Their Petite-Petit is a perfect choice to celebrate Native American heritage this Thanksgiving. Juicy blackberry and bold blueberry notes show in this wine, with a vibrancy of color, aroma, and flavor.

Drew Suitcase Pinot Noir

This deep, ruby colored, mineral driven, California Pinot Noir shows deep savory red fruit tones, shitake mushrooms, and wet stones. A very elegant wine at a very competitive price. This Pinot Noir will pair beautifully with your turkey as well as with roasted butternut squash.

Gustave Lorentz Gewurztraminer Alsace 2021

This is the perfect choice for the white wine drinkers at your dinner. Gustave Lorentz Gewurztraminer Reserve has a clear and pale-yellow color, with an expressive floral and spicy nose. On the palate, it is a warm attack, but the acidity gives it its remarkable length. The wine is complex and rich but still elegant and food-friendly due to its freshness.

Post-Feast

Elijah Craig F44 Private Barrel Lucky 13 Bourbon

We just got this new Single Barrel Bourbon last week and we’re so excited to share it with you. Bring this true one of a kind bourbon to your feast this year. Aged for 8 years, this could be our best Elijah Craig barrel to date. Rich caramel and vanilla dominate the nose, with subtle notes of apple and cherries following. The palate is bold and oily, starting with cedar wood that evolves into sweet toffee and balancing spice.

Rittenhouse F44 Single Barrel Rye

Our second Rittenhouse Single Barrel! Sweet baking spices lead on the nose with caramel, subtle herbaceousness, and hints of black pepper following. As is breaths, expect sweeter notes of cinnamon and maple to come through. On the palate, bright baking spices evolve in to deeply savory notes of black pepper, black tea, cardamom, and leather. The finish is surprisingly sweet and develops further as it sits.