Beer boasts some surprising health benefits

https://253qv1sx4ey389p9wtpp9sj0-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/GettyImages-1044350714.jpg — Beer boasts some surprising health benefits

To some, the major food groups include burgers, chicken wings and beer.Whether hanging out with buddies watching a game on TV or firing up the grill for a backyard barbecue, many people prefer beer as their beverage of choice in social settings.

Though beer is not something many people associate with health, some might be surprised to learn that beer does provide some notable health benefits. Beer should always be consumed in moderation, but beer fans should know that those cold ones aren’t just refreshing, but are also potentially healthy as well.

A 2009 study from researchers at Tufts University determined older men and women who consumed one or two drinks daily had higher bone density. Beer contains silicon, which has been linked to bone health. Of the various types of beer, pale ale has been shown to have the highest concentration of silicon, so beer drinkers might want to enjoy a pale ale when having their next beer. Keep in mind, however, that having more than two drinks has been linked to increased risk of bone fractures, so stick to one or two.

Beer contains flavonoids, which are natural antioxidants that help to protect the body from disease. Dark beer contains more flavonoids than other varieties. Beer also contains vitamin B6, which is essential to making hemoglobin, the red protein in blood that also helps ferry oxygen around in the body. More oxygen helps muscles work more efficiently and has other health benefits.

Dark beers also have roughly one gram of soluble fiber in each 12-ounce serving. Research suggests that consuming adequate amounts of soluble fiber through a healthy diet can help lower LDL, or bad cholesterol, in the blood. Any source of alcohol, including beer or wine, increases the level of good cholesterol in the blood, too. Hops and malt used in beer-making also provide polyphenols, which are heart-healthy antioxidants.

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, compounds in hops could help slow the release of calcium from bones, which may prevent kidney stone formation. A study in Finland singled out beer among other alcoholic drinks, finding that each bottle of beer men drank daily lowered their risk of developing kidney stones by 40 percent. Researchers suggest beer’s high water content helps keep the kidneys working and flushing out the system.

Beer may be associated with hazy thinking and forgetfulness the morning after consumption, but that’s only when consumers overindulge. A 2005 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine examined the effects of moderate alcohol consumption on cognitive function and found older women who consumed about one drink per day lowered their risk of mental decline by as much as 20 percent, when compared to nondrinkers. Such benefits may be applicable to men as well.

According to researchers at Harvard School of Public Health, moderate amounts of alcohol, including beer, help prevent blood clots that block blood flow to the heart, neck and brain. These clots are contributors to ischemic stroke, which occurs when an artery to the brain is blocked.

Beer can also promote relaxation, reduce stress levels and help bring on a more restful sleep. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also reviewed various studies that indicate moderate drinkers live longer than nondrinkers due to lower rates of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

The best quality beer is available at the liquor stores in Avon, Colorado. Grab your bottle and enjoy!

Is Whiskey Good for Your Health?

Whiskey is an alcoholic beverage that is obtained through grain distillation. It is 40% alcohol, which qualifies it as hard liquor.

For a whiskey to yield any health benefit, it should be consumed in moderation and with the necessary precaution.

The roots of whiskey can be traced back to the Celtic regions of Scotland and Ireland, with both these countries claiming provenance of the drink.

Nutrient Content of Whiskey

According to the US Department of Agriculture, 100 grams of distilled whiskey contains the following:

Water: 63.9 g
Energy: 350 kcal
Carbohydrates: 0.1 g
Iron: 0.02 mg
Potassium: 1 mg
Alcohol: 36 g

Types of Whiskey

The multiple varieties of whiskey hailing from different geographical locations tend to come with their specific character, name, taste, and ingredients.

Scotland is known for producing a specific type of whiskey called scotch, which is distilled from malted barley. America is known for yet another variety of whiskey called bourbon, which is distilled from corn.

Other than bourbon, some other popular types of American whiskey include corn whiskey, rye whiskey, malt whiskey, rye-malt whiskey, wheat whiskey, and Tennessee whiskey.

Production of Whiskey

The production process involves steeping the grains and then adding yeast to the mix. The yeast acts as a fermenting agent that breaks down the sugars in the grains to release alcohol as a by-product.

The liquid alcohol is then separated from the grain mash through various distillation processes depending upon the type of whiskey to be produced.

Both Scottish and American whiskeys go through a double round of distillation, whereas Irish whiskey is distilled thrice to produce the final product. The more distilled the product, the lighter and smoother is its flavor.

Grains with high sugar content naturally produce sweeter-tasting whiskey. Aging the whiskey also helps mellow its taste.

Whiskey is traditionally stored or aged in barrels, and the wood interacts with the distilled liquid inside to impart it an appetizing flavor.

Health Benefits of Whiskey

The potential benefits of drinking alcohol should not compel non-drinkers to start drinking or responsible drinkers to overindulge.

The principle of moderation especially applies to alcohol, as excessive intake can severely harm your body and your social well-being.

A measured intake of whiskey is believed to offer the following benefits.

1. May help protect against cognitive disorders

All types of alcoholic beverages, including whiskey, have been shown to exhibit antioxidant properties.

The antioxidant phytochemicals in whiskey positively influence GABA receptors to maintain a healthy chemical balance in the brain. This can help protect against the debilitating repercussions of depression, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, schizophrenia, etc., but more research is needed to establish these claims conclusively.

2. May decrease the risk of heart disease

People who engage in light to moderate drinking tend to have a lower risk of congestive heart failure, stroke, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and total mortality. However, there is no direct study to link these factors.

Conversely, people who consume excessive amounts of alcohol are more prone to cardiovascular problems.

3. May help control urate levels

High uric acid levels are responsible for painful conditions such as gout, wherein the excess uric acid crystallizes and accumulates in the joints.

Some clinical studies suggest that light to moderate whiskey consumption can promote the excretion of urate through the urine.

4. Other benefits

Some other suggested benefits of limited whiskey intake include weight loss and improved digestion, but these claims have little to no scientific backing.

Whiskey is extremely low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium, and it also has a negligible level of carbohydrates.

It has only 70 calories in 100 ml. However, it is, first and foremost, an intoxicant that should be consumed judiciously and responsibly.

You should be aware of both the risks and benefits associated with alcohol consumption and stay within the stipulated limit to avoid any undue complications. To buy the best quality whiskey visit your nearby liquor store in Avon, CO.

6 Festive Cocktails to Shake Up Any Celebration

Christmas parties, birthdays, and family reunions – these gatherings would not be complete without bonding through drinks. Whatever the occasion, people look forward to drinking their favorite festive cocktails and punches. For example, preparing the best Christmas drinks for a holiday party are as much a staple of the season as decorating our houses with Christmas trees and lights. But the most important thing is from where to buy the quality drinks. The best place to buy quality liquor is Avon, CO liquor store.

If you are looking for some festive cocktail recipes for your next party, here are some festive cocktails that have stood the test of time and would surely brighten any celebration.

Popular Festive Cocktail Recipes

Eggnog

Traditionally made with cream, sugar, milk, egg whites, and egg yolks, eggnog can be made more fun and delicious by adding in some booze. Eggnog is easy to make and the ingredients are readily available in supermarkets or grocery stores as compared to other festive cocktails. There are also several festive cocktail recipes for eggnog online, even including non-alcoholic and vegan options. It’s no wonder eggnog has long been part of holiday traditions across the world.

Tom and Jerry Cocktail

Since we’ve already mentioned milk and how well it mixes into festive cocktails, why not try another superb cocktail that has milk in it? Made with warm milk and shots of brandy and rum, the Tom and Jerry cocktail is the perfect social drink when reminiscing and catching up with family and friends that you don’t see very often. Such an easy and effortless drink to make gives you more time to bond and socialize.

Hot Buttered Rum

Holiday nights can sometimes be cold. As such, one of the best Christmas drinks would be hot buttered rum. It provides a boozy, warm, and comforting feeling. There are many possible festive cocktail recipes for hot buttered rum, but the most common ones are made with hot water, sugar, butter, other optional spices, and, of course, rum. Some even add ice cream to their hot buttered rum to add more creaminess to the drink. While you can use any rum for hot buttered rum festive cocktails, a Jamaican or blackstrap rum would be the best way to go.

Wine Cocktails

Of course, who would ever forget about wine? Wine is good for any occasion, and is used in some of the best festive cocktail recipes, like mulled wine and sangria.

With a mix of red wine, brandy, and some holiday spices, mulled wine is the perfect winter drink when dining by candlelight or sitting by the fire. Sangria, on the other hand, with its cool mix of red wine, berries, and citrus makes a refreshing summer treat.

English Christmas Punch

From its name alone, you can surely deduce that this is one of those festive cocktails that should be included on your Christmas table. But this drink is perfect for any occasion. The English Christmas Punch boasts of a delicious blend of flavors which includes red wine, dark rum, tea, and citrus, giving it a vibrant flavor that is perfect for any holiday celebration.

Wassail

Of all the festive cocktails we have listed so far, Wassail probably has the longest history. Wassail started out as a verb in the Medieval Period that the hosts would shout when taking a drink with partygoers (similar to a toast). It later became associated with drunk Christmas carolers. In addition to its historical significance, Wassail is a warm festive cocktail filled with diverse aromatic spices depending on which festive cocktail recipe you choose.

Throughout the world, drinking during special occasions has surely become an integral part of celebrating with friends and family. That is why it should come as no surprise that there are hundreds of options for festive cocktails available as well as diverse festive cocktail recipes with rich histories and traditions.

THE DOS AND DON’TS OF GIVING WINE AS A GIFT

The Dos And Don’ts Of Giving Wine As A Gift

There are a couple of things to consider when you buy wine as a gift for a friend from the Avon, Colorado liquor stores. Here are a couple of pointers

The Do’s

When you want to present wine as a gift to your friend makes sure you have the right opportunity to present the wine to them.

Don’t be afraid to pick something unusual. You can also introduce your friend to something new.

Know your Friend’s taste as most wine drinkers have particular tastes, whether a dry or more fruity wine. If you are not sure, rather ask for advice or look at our wine descriptions of flavors.

Keep the wine in a cool place not to warm up.

Consider the season you want to present the wine in.
• White wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé and Merlot are good wines lighter, and Chardonnay or Viognier more fuller bodies for Summer.

• Winter wines are heavier wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Chardonnay.

• Spring wines you want to choose a lighter, fruitier wine like Chenin Blanc or Rosé.

Consider an accessory to add. You can pick a funky corkscrew, a whine thermometer or a unique set of wine glasses that match the wine, red or white.

The Don’ts

Never underestimate your friend’s taste in wine. Consider a kind of wine your friend enjoys and with the same flavour.

Don’t over complicate the wrapping, and a bow around the neck should be just fine. Boxes can heat up the wine and destroy a good wine if the bottle heats up.

Don’t’ buy your friend a wine you have never tasted before. It needs to be a wine they will drink and not store away.

Don’t store the wine before you present it to your friend standing up.

9 Health Benefits of Bourbon

Growing up, we were taught that drinking alcoholic drinks will only cause negative side effects to the body. But did you know that drinking a certain type of liquor can actually be beneficial to your health? Studies show that bourbon contains properties that can help with certain health issues.

You may ask yourself, is bourbon really healthy? Well, bourbon has no carbs, no fats, and a very low sugar content, which makes it an unbelievably healthy drink. Aside from that, it also has a lot of qualities that can help with medical issues when consumed moderately. One to two glasses of this delicious drink, and you will definitely see the benefits.

According to a recent study, whiskey has a lot of antioxidants and can also kick start our blood’s ability to use them. It can also help dementia, boost memory, and many more. In this article, you will learn all the health benefits of bourbon and why you should drink bourbon more regularly.

1. Weight Loss

Many of us struggle with losing weight, but despite that fact, weight loss remains the number one New Year’s resolution for many people. If you have been struggling for years to lose weight, we’ve got some good news for you! Bourbon can actually help you achieve your life-long resolution!

Bourbon has a low, if not zero, calorie and carb count. If you want to do a lifestyle makeover and go on a low-carb diet, bourbon contains zero dietary sugar and is therefore perfect for this kind of diet. Don’t forget to drink the liquor moderately, because the key to using it for weight loss is, of course, taking the right dosage.

2. Weight Management

As stated above, bourbon has no fat, low carbs, and low sugar. Aside from all of tha, it also contains very little sodium. If you are okay with your weight and are just very keen on maintaining it, you must count calories. In doing so, you will want to switch your light beer to a shot of bourbon instead. That way, you will get fewer calories and more flavor as you drink. An absolute win-win situation, if you ask me.

3. Fights Cancer

Aside from weight loss, there are also some benefits of bourbon that have a major effect on medical issues. Take cancer for example, a disease that has taken the lives of so many people. Did you know that bourbon contains a huge amount of ellagic acid? This is an antioxidant that can help decrease the risk of carcinogens forming.

Experts are still doing a lot of research about the effective amount of ellagic acid in preventing cancer, but it wouldn’t hurt to try it on your own — in moderation of course.

4. Protects Against Diabetes

Just like cancer, diabetes is one of the most common diseases among adults. Well, you can add fighting diabetes as one of the many health benefits of bourbon, because studies show that bourbon can actually help protect the body from type 2 diabetes.

When whiskey is stored in wooden barrels, it ages beautifully. It obtains ellagic acid that helps control and maintain the amount of glucose the liver releases, resulting in a more regulated insulin level. When your body slows down the production of glucose in the liver, your blood sugar will be kept in check and will therefore greatly reduce the chance of developing diabetes.

5. Rich in Antioxidants

You may already be really amazed with all of the benefits of bourbon to the human body, but there is even more! Aside from protecting the body from major diseases like cancer and diabetes, bourbon also contains heart healthy benefits. Since it is rich with antioxidants, it effectively prevents cholesterol build up and will lead to reduced risk of heart attack and even stroke.

6. Improves Blood Circulation

Drinking bourbon keeps the blood circulation in check and helps keep the circulation of the blood to the brain intact. With moderate amounts of bourbon, clots and blockages are easily prevented and dangerous health risks like restricted blood supply to the brain are diminished.

This will result in the prevention of ischemic stroke, thrombosis, and even heart attacks.

7. Boosts Immune Function

It has long been said that a shot of whiskey helps with colds. Some people dismiss this as an old wives’ tale, but it actually has a lot of truth to it. The ingredients in bourbon contain healthy properties that help reduce cold symptoms by acting as a decongestant and helping to dilate the blood vessels. Also, the antioxidants in bourbon effectively boost the immune system.

8. Improves Cognitive Performance

A lot of research has been conducted to prove that bourbon is healthy. A study showed that the antioxidants in whiskey can increase cognitive performance while lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia. The study further showed that people who do not drink bourbon are more likely to develop dementia than those who do.

9. Reduces Hangover

If you drink alcohol, occasionally or for leisure, you most likely have suffered from a hangover. Unlike the rest of the spirits, bourbon leaves you with a mild hangover. A lot of whiskey drinkers have testified that they experience fewer and less severe hangovers from drinking bourbon than any other liquor.

As you can see, bourbon has a lot of benefits and the potential to provide a long and healthy life. Try consuming two to three ounces everyday to get all of the health benefits of bourbon. Visit your nearby liquor store in Avon, Colorado and see if bourbon is available or not.

6 Mistakes You Should Avoid When You Buy Wine as a Gift

When going to a party or a small dinner with friends, most people opt to bring a bottle of wine as a present. Giving wine as a gift seems like the easiest and most practical option for busy people because buying a bottle of wine is easier than picking out gifts or cooking food.

While this may be an easier option to many, choosing the best bottle of wine for a certain occasion is actually more complicated than it seems. According to my experience the best quality wines are available at the liquor stores in Avon, CO. Here are the most common mistakes people make with their wine purchase and how to avoid them.

1. Being Unprepared

Before shopping for wine, one must already know exactly what they are going to buy. Always prepare and plan ahead when you buy your loved ones a bottle of wine because simply picking out a random wine can be a very bad decision on your part and may lead to gift-giving failure.

If you want your loved ones to be impressed by your present, do some research and find the best affordable wine in your area. There are a lot of blogs and recommendations online that will surely help with your decision. You can also buy wine online as there are a lot more options online than there are in stores.

2. Buying Wine Based on Appearance

Picking a gift may sometimes be based on appearance and elegance, but that is not the case with wines. A luxurious bottle is not enough to describe the wine inside. Most of the time, the best wine you will ever drink is in a plain bottle. Learn to read the fine print to know more about the wine and its production, and choose based on what you read. You can buy all the elegant bottles of wine you want, but it’s those who read the label who will go home with the finest ones.

3. Purchasing Based on Price

In an attempt to look fancy, most of us base our wine purchases on the price. Have a budget and do some research to find the nicest wine within your budget. Some people may think that the price of the wine is directly related to its quality, but there are actually a lot of other factors that contribute to the price of wines, like the production process, bottling materials, and taxes. Try to search for wines produced in lesser known places, and you will get yourself a better deal.

4. Brand Bias

Famous brands can blindside people who are not used to buying wine. This may lead you to pay more than you can afford for a bottle of wine that has the same quality as those more affordable ones. In shopping for wine, it is helpful to be meticulous sometimes. Examine the famous brands to know where the wine was produced and what type of grapes it was made from. Find a unique brand from a lesser known region with a similar climate that uses the same grapes, and you will get the same quality wine at a more affordable price.

5. Ignoring Good Advice

While shopping at a liquor store, most of us make the same mistake of ignoring advice from the store assistant. Always remember that these people know more than you do because they have worked and tasted more wine in their line of work. Ask a bunch of important questions and you will find yourself ending up buying the nicest wine within your budget.

Learn to educate yourself about what you are buying; asking for assistance is not a sign of weakness or ignorance. The shop assistants are there to help you in any way they can, and you can use that to your advantage.

6. Looking for Special Offers

If you are one of those people who loves saving money, promos and special offers may be the most practical decision, but in shopping for wine, you must know that supermarkets use these special offers to sell all the bottles that have been in their stock for a long time.

If you want to purchase a good bottle of wine, don’t be distracted with all the price cuts and discounts. Spend more time looking through the labels, production process, and the type of grapes used for the wine. Get to know your wine before purchasing because you don’t want to seem cheap when giving away presents to family and friends.

If you don’t have time to shop at a local liquor store or supermarket, you can try shopping for wine online.

6 COCKTAILS TO SHAKE UP FOR TEQUILA DAY

Whether it’s a margarita from Mexico or a Paloma in Arizona, tequila cocktails are versatile, refreshing and delicious no matter where you’re sipping. To celebrate National Tequila Day shake it up with a global take on favorite spirit, asking W Hotels to submit their best tequila concoction. Spicy, fruity, or extra strong – these 6 festive tequila cocktails will keep you cheers-ing through the time zones.

W BOGOTA

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

15ml Tequila Don Julio Blanco
20ml Ancho de Reyes Chile Liquor
3 bar spoons of uayaba pureé
20ml grapefruit juice
15ml ginger syrup
Splash of Chardonnay wine

WHAT’S NEXT:

1. Shake everything except wine with crushed ice

2. Top it with a splash of chardonnay wine

3. Add mint and a thin slice of red chili and enjoy

W DALLAS

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

45ml El Jimador Tequila
20ml mango purée
Splash of lime juice
Pinch of sugar
Fresh habanero peppers
Paprika salt rim

WHAT’S NEXT:

1. Salt the rim of a collins glass

2. Mix the juices, sugar and the tequila

3. Add a lime and habanero pepper garnish

W MEXICO CITY

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

45ml white tequila
15ml tamarindo pulp
15ml orange juice
15ml pineapple juice
15ml lemon juice
Dash of simple syrup
Worm Salt for the rim

WHAT’S NEXT:

1. Salt the rim of a coup with worm salt

2. Shake everything

3. Enjoy

W SCOTTSDALE

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

45ml Casamigos Reposado
Local honey to taste
Splash of bitters
Grapefruit peel

WHAT’S NEXT:

1. Muddle bitters and honey with the tequila

2. Pour over rocks

3. Garnish with a spritz of grapefruit and the peel

W SANTIAGO

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

45ml Tequila Patron Silver
45ml Raspberry Juice
30ml Pink Grapefruit
20ml Tomato Juice
20ml Simple Syrup
3ml Chilli Liqueur

WHAT’S NEXT:

1. Shake everything and pour into a glass

2. Garnish with a grapefruit

3. Enjoy

W SAN FRANCISCO

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

45ml Casa Noble Reposado Tequila
Splash of Ancho Verde Chili Liqueur
65ml carrot juice
Squeeze of lemon
Honey

WHAT’S NEXT:

1. Shake everything and pour into a glass over ice

2. Garnish with a lime

3. Enjoy

To get quality spirits, wines and beers visit the Avon, CO liquor stores.

COCKTAILS TO GET YOU IN THE MOOD FOR SPRING

Spring is finally here! Even if you have to pair your puffy jacket with a pair of shorts, you can finally enjoy the longer days and budding trees. Unfortunately, most of us are stuck at home in self-quarantine — but that doesn’t mean you still can’t celebrate spring by having a virtual happy hour with your friends or family.

In today’s post, we’re going to give you some easy drink ideas that are both delicious and refreshing and they’ll remind you that spring is here! Keep reading and then stop by your favorite Avon, Colorado Liquor Store for all of your beer, wine, and liquor needs.

MEXICAN MULE

Remember when Moscow mules were all the rage? This popular drink includes four simple ingredients served in a signature chilled copper mug — vodka, lime juice, simple syrup, and ginger beer. It’s not too sweet and not too strong, and it’s perfect for a warm, sunny day. But why not try a slightly different version of this drink classic? The Mexican mule is similar to the Moscow mule but made with tequila instead of vodka. It tastes reminiscent of a margarita — yet different. Plus, with Cinco de Mayo right around the corner, it’s time to start perfecting your recipe!

GIN BASIL SMASH

Basil has that robust herbal aroma that reminds you of a summer garden. It also happens to pair perfectly with gin. If you’re looking for a hearty drink that’s also refreshing on a warm spring day, try this modified version of a traditional gin smash. Once again, just four simple ingredients are all you’ll need — a good-quality gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and fresh basil leaves. Just muddle a dozen or so leaves in a shaker, add remaining ingredients and ice, and shake to your heart’s content. Strain. Serve. Enjoy.

OLD FASHIONED

This drink is a vintage classic, and for a good reason. It combines bourbon or rye whiskey with bitters, sugar, stirred with plenty of ice and it’s often garnished with a twist of orange peel. Originally crafted over 200 years ago, few drinks have sustained such a following. Enjoy this taste of history as you sit back and enjoy the first signs of spring.

GEORGIA MINT JULEP

Another classic drink with a tasty twist, the Georgia mint julep is made with bourbon, muddled mint, bitters, and peach liqueur — thereby creating the sweet peach version of this favorite drink. The traditional mint julep became the official drink of the Kentucky Derby in the 1930s, but history tells us that it was around much earlier. In fact, one of the first references to mint juleps dates back as far as the 1700s. Whether you choose to use the original recipe or try this updated version, either one is perfect for welcoming in spring.

SHOP PRINGLES FOR ALL OF YOUR SPRING COCKTAIL INGREDIENTS

You may be stuck at home, but you can still celebrate spring with these delicious cocktails. Pringles Fine Wine and Spirits has everything you need to stock your bar, wine cellar, and beer fridge. As the favorite Fort Collins liquor store, we’ve been serving our customers for almost 40 years. Stop by today to shop our extensive selection.

FOUR COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT WINE

banner - 2020-05-11T120136.991 — FOUR COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT WINE

Wine is a wonderfully complex beverage. It can be studied for decades, yet there is always more to be learned. Whether you’re a wine novice who only drinks it on rare occasions or an experienced connoisseur who appreciates fine wine on a regular basis, chances are you have some preconceived notions about wine that just aren’t true.

In today’s post from Pringles Fine Wine and Spirits in Fort Collins, I am going to discuss some of those fallacies with the hopes that it may open up new opportunities to try wines you wouldn’t have otherwise thought of before. Keep reading, and if you would like to learn more about wine, or get a great recommendation, stop by a liquor store in Avon, Colorado.

CHEAP WINE IS BAD WINE

There are many things that go into determining a wine’s price. Although quality is one factor, things like cost to produce including labor, materials, packaging, and even label design can affect the cost of the wine you see on the shelf. Popularity is another big factor — that’s right, wines from popular grapes, wineries, or regions can fetch a higher price than those of similar or even better quality from lesser-known origins. Oftentimes, it’s worth trying wine from a less popular variety or producer to get more value for your buck.

SCREW CAPS ARE A SIGN OF POOR QUALITY

Corks have been a part of wine-making tradition for over 300 years. So, when fine wine manufacturers started replacing them with screw caps just a few decades ago, many people just assumed that the wine inside wasn’t the same quality. On the contrary, wines that are sealed with corks are more prone to having problems with oxidation and cork taint — a term that is used to describe wines with an undesirable, strong musty smell. Cork taint can be avoided with the use of screw caps, and more and more producers are turning to them as a way to keep oxygen out while providing consumers with an easier way to get in.

SWEET WINES AREN’T FOR TRUE WINE DRINKERS

Although many novice wine-drinkers tend to favor sweeter wines because of their easy drinkability, this by no means indicates that sweet wines are of lesser quality or can’t be appreciated by the most experienced wine aficionado. In fact, some of the most coveted and respected wines in the world are sweet wines. For instance, Sauternes are a popular type of sweet wine originating from the famous Bordeaux region of France, and ice wines, one of the sweetest types of wine available, are made using grapes that were allowed to freeze on the vine, thereby concentrating the sugars and creating an almost syrupy, dessert-like drink.

WHITE WINE GOES FISH AND RED WINE GOES WITH BEEF

If you know nothing about wine, chances are you’ve at least heard that you should order white wine if you’re having chicken or fish, and red wine if you’re having beef. While this can be a good rule of thumb, it’s not a hard and fast rule.

For example, a classic pairing for salmon, tuna, and similar hearty fish dishes is pinot noir — a light red wine with medium to high acidity. Keep in mind that finding the right wine to pair with your dinner has more to do with complementing the flavors and sauces. And, when it really comes down to it, pairing wine with food is entirely subjective, so if it tastes good to you, that’s all that matters.

If you’re interested in gaining a better appreciation for wine or are looking for a shop to purchase a special bottle, stop by Pringle’s Fine Wine and Spirits.

Yes, Flavored Vodka Can Actually Be Really Good

Next time you walk into your favorite cocktail bar, scan the back bar for the flavored vodka options. If you don’t see any and you’re feeling brave, ask the bartender what they have on hand. The response will more than likely be a long stare.

But flavored vodka—good flavored vodka, at least—is to the home bartender what a solid Cocktail Kingdom shaker is to a professional bartender. It’s the original spirit hack for anyone wanting to make a beverage more interesting without having to spend too much time and mess in prepping. Yet it’s the laughing stock of the spirits world.

As bars became less like Tom Cruise’s Cocktail and more like a classic “speakeasy,” bartenders ditched the flavored vodka for their own house infusions. Those infusions spelled out the message, “These are cocktails you can only get at this bar, because this house-infused, citrus-flavored ingredient is special.”

Those flavored vodka-avoiding bars are great, but for a home bar, you don’t necessarily need house infusions for interesting, sometimes wacky, drinks. You might not be able to make the bartender infusions you love, but there’s almost surely a flavored vodka that will do the trick.

I’ve been beating the flavored vodka drum for ages. Part of that is personal preference—we all have our vices and guilty pleasures— and part of that is because the publications I’ve written for need to give the people what they want. When you look at the numbers, vodka and flavored vodka is very much what people want.

All of this is to say that you don’t necessarily need to spend your time infusing your spirits at home and then putting money and effort into a questionable house mix. Flavored vodkas have been here for home drink makers all these years. Today, there’s never been a better time to be (or start being) a flavored vodka drinker. No matter how many flavored vodka hit pieces, jokes on social media or cringe-worthy listicles there are out there, flavored vodka is never going away, and that’s the best piece of advice your average home bartender can hear.

Modern Era Flavored Vodkas To Try:

Cutwater Fugu Habanero: Spicy vodka is divisive, especially the stuff that’s really spicy. Cutwater Habanero has a kick without feeling like each one of your tastebuds was individually punched with a pepper. The heat is rounded out by some herbal notes. While it’d be easy to pigeonhole a habanero vodka by only using it for Bloody Marys, don’t be afraid to use Cutwater Habanero as a float on a Margarita, Moscow Mule, or any other cocktail you want to take up a notch. Cutwater Habanero won Silver at the 2018 New York International Spirits Competition.

Three Olives Coconut Water: You know coconut rum and its tendency to taste like ‘80s era sunscreen. What you should be using instead is Three Olives Coconut Water. It delivers exactly what the name suggests: A vodka with the subtle flavors of coconut water rather than a creamy and sugared up Coco Lopez vibe. It’s just sweet enough while maintaining some backbone, and blends well into coffee and any tropical drink you can imagine. Of course, you don’t have to get fancy with it to have a hit on your hands. All you need is Three Olives Coconut Water with some sparkling water and lime.

Van Gogh Double Espresso: You’ll feel caffeinated just smelling Van Gogh Double Espresso. The expression won Gold at the 2018 NYISC, and is made for all of the coffee lovers out there. On the rocks, in your Espresso Martini, in your to-go coffee cup—whatever you want to do with your coffee, start with Van Gogh Double Espresso and go from there.

St. George California Citrus: It’s impossible to talk about solid flavored vodkas without talking about St. George. It was one of the first distilleries to kick off the craft distilling boom on the West Coast, and it’s still putting out some of the best craft spirits in the country. There are plenty of orange vodkas out there, but this is one of the truest in orangey-ness. It’s flavored with California-grown Valencia and Seville oranges as well as bergamot for a bright and zesty flavor.

Hangar 1 Makrut Lime: This is not your average cirus flavor—Makrut Lime is made with just the lime leaves. Rather than being a one dimensional flavored vodka, the citrus is balanced out with fresh pepper and slightly woody notes. There’s an uncountable amount of drinks out there that use (or could be made better by using) more lime. Make that limey addition with this one and you won’t be disappointed.

Visit you local liquor store in Avon, CO and ask the attender over there what are the different flavored vodkas available.