Category: Uncategorized

In the heart of the Dundee Hills AVA, Knudsen Vineyards stands as a testament to both tradition and innovation. For over five decades, this iconic vineyard has been producing exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, making its mark on the Oregon wine scene.

A Legacy Rooted in Tradition

Knudsen Vineyard's journey began in 1971 when it was established by Cal and Julia Lee Knudsen. These visionaries laid the foundation for what would become a renowned vineyard in the heart of the Dundee Hills AVA. Over the years, Knudsen Vineyards has supplied grapes to some of Oregon's most prestigious wine producers, both for still and sparkling wines.

The Knudsen family's connection to the land and their love for sharing their grapes and wines with friends and family have been at the heart of their winemaking tradition. Today, as second-generation stewards of Knudsen Vineyards, the family continues to embrace their legacy, producing wines that reflect the unique attributes of their land.

Cultivating Excellence in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

At Knudsen Vineyards, the goal is simple: to produce exceptional quality, distinctive Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. This pursuit of excellence is driven by sustainable viticulture practices that prioritize the health and productivity of the vineyard.

The vineyard comprises 228 total acres, with approximately 130 acres dedicated to growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier grapes across over 20 planting blocks. The vineyard's southeast-oriented slopes, ranging from 500 to 1,000 feet above sea level, provide an ideal environment for these grape varieties.

One of the unique factors contributing to the vineyard's success is its 100% red clay-loam Jory soil, designated as Oregon's official state soil in 2011. This soil type offers exceptional minerality and drainage, resulting in grapes that showcase the true essence of the Dundee Hills terroir.

A Taste of Knudsen’s Chardonnay and Pinot Noir 

Knudsen Vineyards' Chardonnay, with its pale yellow hue, offers refreshing aromas of cut grass, fresh linen, and lemon zest, marrying subtle citrus notes with crisp green apple and juicy fruit. Aged in 20% new oak barrels, it boasts a delicate, lasting finish. The Pinot Noir features aromas of red cherry, chocolate, cherry cola, and clove, leading to structured flavors of blackberry, tobacco, black pepper, and blackcurrant, with a complex, enduring finish. Whether enjoyed now or aged, it authentically reflects the vineyard's terroir.

What better way to celebrate this spooky season than by raising a glass in honor of National Vodka Day on October 4th! This year, we're inviting you to join us in commemorating this iconic spirit by taking a sip of Crystal Head Vodka and creating your very own mouthwatering Pumpkin Spice Martini.

Get to Know Crystal Head Vodka

Crystal Head Vodka is all about creativity. The brand embodies the spirit of innovation and craftsmanship while making the purest, smoothest vodka available. Crystal Head uses only the finest ingredients to produce a range of ultra-premium vodkas that are completely additive-free.

Their offerings include Original, crafted from locally sourced Canadian corn, Aurora, made from English wheat, and Onyx, crafted from Blue Weber agave. Look at their iconic skull-shaped bottle, co-designed by Dan Aykroyd and John Alexander, and you'll understand that Crystal Head Vodka views the world differently. 

Make Your Own Pumpkin Spice Martini

Now that we've explored the world of Crystal Head Vodka, let's celebrate National Vodka Day with a delightful and seasonal cocktail, the Pumpkin Spice Martini. This cocktail is perfect for sipping by the fire or enjoying with friends during a fall get-together. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

2 oz Crystal Head Vodka

1.5 oz RumChata

1 tbsp pumpkin puree

2 oz milk

Pumpkin pie spice

Instructions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine Crystal Head Vodka, RumChata, pumpkin puree, milk, and a little shake of pumpkin pie spice.
2. Shake well until all the ingredients are perfectly combined.
3. Strain the mixture into a martini glass.
4. Garnish with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice on top.

September marks the arrival of National Bourbon Heritage Month, a time when bourbon enthusiasts and novices alike gather to pay tribute to this beloved American spirit. From its humble beginnings to its modern-day popularity, bourbon has become an integral part of our cultural heritage. As we delve into this month of celebration, let's take a journey through the history of bourbon and raise our glasses to Garrison Brothers Bourbon Whiskey, a distillery that embodies the true spirit of this tradition.

A Brief History of Bourbon 

Bourbon's history dates back to the late 18th century when settlers in the frontier regions of Kentucky began distilling whiskey from surplus corn crops. With time, this distilled spirit evolved, embracing new production methods and aging techniques that led to the distinct characteristics that define bourbon today. 

A few key requirements set bourbon apart from other whiskeys: it must be made in the United States, contain at least 51% corn, be distilled to no more than 160 proof, and enter the barrel at no more than 125 proof. Additionally, bourbon must be aged in new charred oak barrels.

Garrison Brothers Bourbon Whiskey: A Texan Treasure

Garrison Brothers has become a beacon of quality and craftsmanship in bourbon. Located in Hye, Texas, this distillery takes pride in producing small-batch, handcrafted bourbon whiskey that captures the heart and soul of the Lone Star State. 

Let's explore some of their standout offerings:

Garrison Brothers Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey

A testament to the uniqueness of each barrel, Garrison Brothers Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey is an exceptional offering that showcases the impact of climate, wood, and distillation on the final product. Whether you're enjoying the robust Single Barrel Cask Strength or the smooth 94-proof variant, each sip unveils a symphony of flavors derived from Texas' relentless heat and new American white oak barrels. Notes of butterscotch, oak, vanilla, and nutmeg create a warm and inviting experience that bourbon enthusiasts cherish.

Garrison Brothers Honeydew Bourbon Whiskey

For a delightful twist, the Garrison Brothers Honeydew Bourbon Whiskey infuses the award-winning Small Batch Bourbon with Burleson's Texas Wildflower Honey. This infusion process imparts a smooth and light character to the bourbon, accentuated by a sweet honey finish. The honey-soaked journey lasts seven months, resulting in tasting notes that dance between sweet elderberry syrup, yellow-flesh peaches, apricots, white chocolate, and the golden essence of Texas honey.

Garrison Brothers Balmorhea Bourbon Whiskey

The Balmorhea Bourbon Whiskey is the 115 Proof embodiment of artistic craftsmanship. Aged for four years in new American white oak barrels before being transferred to a second new oak barrel for an additional year, this twice-barreled bourbon is a true marvel. With its complex tasting profile featuring frozen fudgesicle bars, amaretto coffee, sticky buns, and pecan brittle, Balmorhea stands as a testament to the creative blending and aging techniques perfected by Garrison Brothers.

Garrison Brother’s Old Fashioned Sloe-Cookin’ Recipe

Ingredients: 

2 oz. Garrison Brothers Small Batch or HoneyDew Bourbon

1/4 oz. Elderflower Liqueur

1/4 oz. Sloe Gin

2 Dashes Aromatic Bitters

1 Dash Cardamom Bitters

Barspoon Turbinado Syrup

Method: 

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass and add ice. Stir until chilled and strain into a rocks glass over a large rock. Garnish with clipped baby’s breath.

Pouring a beer may seem like a simple task, but when done correctly, it can enhance your overall drinking experience. From selecting the right glass to achieving the perfect head, every step plays a crucial role. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of pouring the perfect beer. 

Step 1: Choosing the Right Glass

The first step to pouring the perfect beer is selecting a clean glass that suits the style of beer you're about to pour. Different glass shapes are designed to enhance specific characteristics of the beer, such as aroma, carbonation, and head retention. For example, tulip glasses are ideal for capturing aromas, while pint glasses work well for ales and lagers. Make sure to clean your glassware thoroughly to avoid any unwanted residues that may affect the flavor and appearance of the beer.

Step 2: Mastering the Pour

Hold the glass at a 45-degree angle and begin pouring the beer slowly down the side of the glass. This technique minimizes excessive agitation and allows the beer to gently slide into the glass, preserving its carbonation. As the glass fills, gradually straighten it to an upright position. This technique helps create a nice cascading effect and prevents excessive foaming.

Step 3: Achieving the Perfect Head

The head of a beer contributes to its aroma, texture, and overall presentation. Aim for about one to two fingers' width of foam on top of the beer. This range allows for the optimal release of aromas while still leaving room to take satisfying sips. Pouring too aggressively may result in an excessive head while pouring too gently might leave you with minimal foam. 

Step 4: Cheers and Enjoy!

Once you've achieved the desired amount of head, it's time to raise your glass and savor the fruits of your labor. Take a moment to appreciate the appearance, aroma, and flavor of the beer. Remember to drink responsibly and savor each sip as you explore the complexities of the brew.

Back Forty Truck Stop Honey Beer:

This medium-bodied English brown ale combines the flavors of Alabama Wildflower Honey, roasted malts, and fresh hops. The harmonious blend of sweet wildflower honey and earthy hop aromas creates a unique and enjoyable drinking experience. With an Alcohol by Volume (ABV) of 6% and a modest 14 International Bitterness Units (IBUs), Truck Stop Honey offers a balanced profile suitable for a wide range of beer enthusiasts.