New Wine & Spirits Launched in 2020 to Enjoy with Thanksgiving Dinner!

WINES

19 Crimes Snoop Cali Red - The partnership of 19 Crimes with "Snoop Lion", formerly/also known as Snoop Dogg, has brought a California Red Blend that's as bold as the man it's named after, yet incredibly drinkable. They've wisely named it "Snoop Cali Red", so you'll recognize the name of the rapper regardless of if you're familiar with his 2012 name change or not. Either way, it looks like he's given up "gin and juice" for red wine.

Another interesting fact is this is the first California wine in the 19 Crimes portfolio, with the brand originally hailing from Australia. The full bodied blend will have the structure needed to pair with a hearty meal on Thanksgiving, and is also a people pleaser for any wine drinker you're sharing a meal with.

[yellow tail] Pure Bright - Known for their easy drinking, approachable wines from Australia - you'll recognize the kangaroo on the label in an instant. We've always admired the fun marketing of [yellow tail] and the way it makes us want to connect with our community of friends. Friendsgiving, anyone? Newest in the line up is their Pure Bright collection, which boasts 80 calories per serving but still packs a full flavor profile. The three white varietals available are Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. An awesome option for the casual drinker or fitness guru that doesn't want to overdo it, but is still craving the taste of wine to balance out the stuffing.

Cupcake Light Hearted - This vineyard has a special place in our heart thanks to the sweet confectionary twist it has on its wine's names and descriptions. With wines such as Red Velvet, Black Forest, and Angel Food, you can see why we get excited over Cupcake Wines. But just because they're named after desserts doesn't mean they're inherently sweet. They're noted to be rich, silky, with flavors of berry, chocolate, mocha and a lingering intense finish (for example). The same words you may use to describe your favorite cupcake as well as your favorite wine. You see what they did there? These are also ideal wines for cocktails and spritzes, so check out their website  for more ideas. Now, you can grab a bottle for the more "lighthearted" moments in life, whether you want to wind down after a brisk hike or jog without feeling the guilt, drive down to a sunny state to rent an airbnb on the beach during your holiday break, or bust out a bottle early for brunch, this line also has 80 calories per serving without cutting corners with taste. Our picks for Thanksgiving are their Rose and Pinot Noir, but they have a total of 5 varietals in the Light Hearted portfolio to sample.

VODKA & GIN

Svedka Pure Infusions - Always one of the first on the market to introduce innovative flavor combinations, Svedka has delivered once again with their Pure Infusions. Made with natural flavors and winning combinations, these are all natural and made with zero sugar. Flavors include Strawberry Guava, Ginger Lime (perfect for a Skinny Mule), and Dragonfruit Melon. Young and lively, this brand is a staple for making delightfully fruity creations.

Plume & Petal - For those looking for something on the lighter side to balance Thanksgiving dinner, Plume & Petal is refreshing and sophisticated. Delicate flavors are infused along with real honey, resulting in a bottle that's 40 proof, 83 calories per serving, and made with no artificial sweeteners. An ideal gift for your friend who loves brunch, these are "like a splash of fresh air" as a spritz with club soda, or batched up in a punch. At the moment, flavors include Cucumber Splash, Peach Wave, and Lemon Drift. Another fabulous winter cocktail is their Pink Flamingo with 2 parts Plume & Petal Lemon Drift, 1 part Chambord Raspberry Liqueur, and 1 part lemon juice shaken up over ice and strained into a coupe glass. Garnish with raspberries and let the refinement of this delicious cocktail flow over you.

Hanson Organic Vodkas - When a vodka company starts producing hand sanitizer during the pandemic and sends out the first batch to first responders, you know they're good people. This family owned distillery is in the heart of Sonoma, so it's no surprise that Hanson Organic Vodka is grape based. Of course we know from the name that it's organic, but it's also gluten free and non-GMO. Turns out, to make vodka from grapes, you first have to make wine. No easy feat, and that's why you aren't seeing another product on the market like this. But the end result is pretty phenomenal, with great tasting vodka. In addition to the original, they've got six flavors: Mandarin, Ginger, Habanero, Cucumber, Limited Edition Espresso, and Limited Edition Boysenberry. We're sure you'll become a lifelong fan of this artisanal brand.

Gray Whale Gin - This small batch gin celebrates the journey of the Grey Whale, migrating 12,000 miles every year along the Pacific Coastline. Their botanicals are harvested from the same locations the grey whale passes. They include sustainably sourced ingredients either from organically grown farms, or else harvested in the wild. Their juniper comes from Big Sur, their limes are from Baja, CA; they incorporate fir trees harvested out of Sonoma, and sea kelp brought in from the Mendocino Coast, to name a few. The taste ends on a delicate & creamy note thanks to the almonds of California's central valley. All ingredients contribute to making a completely unique, bright, and complex gin that has unending mixing possibilities. Look for that stunning Tiffany Blue bottle on the shelf and set sail to a bartender's paradise. 

WHISKEYS

The Busker - The only Irish Whiskey making the list today, this one is as unique as they come. Single Grain, Single Malt, and Single Pot Still are blended to make the trifecta of flavor combinations in The Busker Triple Cask Triple Smooth Whiskey. Aged and finished in three different casks: Bourbon, Marsala, & Sherry; this spirit has us feeling holy. Indulge with a bottle of each of their Singles as well, and take some time enjoying your very own flight at home. They encourage you to enjoy The Busker they way you like it - neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail. Of course we're smitten with the sultry spice of ginger beer this time of year, so a great option is the Busk & Ginger (1 part Busker, 2 parts ginger beer, squeeze of lime over ice in a highball), but we also love the idea of adding that tartness of a Busker Paloma to pair with our turkey dinner. It will give you the same sweet acidity of that cranberry sauce. Simply substitute grapefruit soda for the ginger beer, and freshly slapped mint for the lime. Enjoy!

Blackened American Whiskey - Brought to you by the band Metallica and the late Master Distiller Dave Pickerell, this whiskey is like no other. A blend of premium aged bourbons and ryes, finished in black brandy casks and "the earth shattering music of Metallica." Yes, you can read that again. How cool is that?! The sweetness of the bourbon balances with the spice of rye, which is also enhanced by the resting in charred ex-brandy barrels to bring about a smooth apricot on the finish. Thanks to the sonic enhancement of Metallica's music being imploded into the cask, the liquid can penetrate the wood further to pick up the finishing characteristics that enhance the flavors. Any fan of the brand would die for a bottle, and now while they last you can purchase a limited edition S&M2 Batch 106 bottle which features Metallica and the San Francisco Symphony's S&M2 playlist. Don't wait on this one folks.

Redemption Rye Rum Cask - If Redemption Whiskey isn't one of your go-to brands by now, you're missing out. Their award winning lineup of bourbons and ryes ring in at around $28-32 a bottle in New York State. Rye Whiskey was once one of the most prominent spirits in the nation, but the prohibition halted production which led to a decline in popularity. Redemption Rye is honoring that heritage by... ahem... redeeming their place among whiskey enthusiasts with a nod to the pre-prohibition style bottle and time-celebrated juice. Redemption has recently launched their Rum Cask Finish bottles which marries the sweetness of the sugar-cane based spirit in tropical harmony with the brown-bread spice that is Rye. For something unparalleled, Redemption is where it's at.

Makers Mark 101 Limited Release - This 101 proof version of the timeless whiskey has previously only been available to VIPs at the distillery, but for a limited time you can get your hands on your own bottle to share with your honored guests. Or maybe not. This may be one you hide in the back of the liquor cabinet for yourself. We're definitely not judging you if that's the case. The taste is bolder, stronger, sweet and spicy, with that same finish you know and love from the Maker's Mark 90 Proof. Thanks to co-founder Margie Samuels (the first female to be inducted to the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame), the 101 Release carries the same red wax top that initially grabbed the attention of shoppers. High end bourbon fans will want to sip this one all Thanksgiving day long.

DESSERT

SQRLL PB WHISKEY - If you aren't familiar with Peanut Butter Whiskey yet, we insist you add this to your shopping list. SQRLL PB Whiskey will become a staple in your liquor cabinet for any peanut butter fans. Add it to a hot coffee or a mocha latte, mix with a chocolate liqueur (or chocolate flavored whiskey... read on for Ballotin) and sip on the rocks for a drinkable Reese's cup cocktail, or do a twist on the classic PB&J sandwich by mixing with a raspberry liqueur like Chambord or St. George's. Best served as a chilled shot or on the rocks, this is the silver lining we've been needing in 2020!

Ballotin Flavored Whiskeys - With flavors so decedent, you may want to skip the chocolate pie and move straight on to Ballotin Flavored Whiskeys. Flavors include Original Chocolate, Bourbon Ball, Caramel Turtle, Chocolate Mint, and Chocolate Cherry Cream (which won 2019's SIPS Awards for Consumer's Choice). Of course amazing for dessert cocktails, but we're also admiring the creativity of crafting classic cocktails with these new flavor combinations. Examples include a Chocolate Mint Julep, Cherry Russian, and Ballotin Chocolate Old Fashioned.

Kraken Roast Coffee - There's a reason restaurants offer coffee at the end of a meal, and once you've had that tryptophan-packed turkey (the naturally occurring nutrient that makes you feel sleepy), you'll be begging for Kraken's new Roast Coffee. Legend states that the leader of the Giant Squid attacks rum bearing ships of the Caribbean. Now, it's target has moved on to spill its ink on the coffee bean carrying ships of today. It's dark, rich, smooth, and "like revenge, best served cold". Add to your iced cold brew or enjoy as a chilled shot. Shake up a Coffee Martini, or make a White Russian. There's more than one way to hunt the mysterious Kraken.

Disaronno Velvet - The top shelf Italian Amaretto has taken its classic flavor profile of almond and stone fruit to create a deliciously creamy version of the original liqueur with Disaronno Velvet.  Launched this past summer, simply serve over ice in a rocks glass. It's the best way to end the evening. For those wanting a bit more oomph, we recommend The Godfather: 1 part Disaronno Amaretto and 2 parts whiskey poured over a large ice cube or ice sphere in a rocks glass, then garnish with an orange twist. Saluti!

That's all for now! Let us know which one you're most excited to try. Another important thing to note: many of these are Limited Edition or have a limited release, so be sure to pick up a bottle or two ASAP. One for you, one for a gift. You won't regret it.

Let us know your inventive cocktail recipes using these brands. We'd love to hear from you in the comments down below, and you may be featured in the next blog!

Coming up next will be seasonal cocktails served HOT. Stay warm. Stay safe, friends.

Cheers for now,
The Hart Team