Playing catch up:
884 cases of Chicken Cock stolen in daring truck stop heist.
$10,000 reward offered for its return.
Slate.com writer worries about the future of peat.
…supports sustainable Scotch.
Absolutely the worst cocktail we’ve ever heard of.
A tough drink to swallow. We’d like to think we could toe the line.
Less gross: Girl Scout Cookies inspire beer flavors.
Thoughts?
We couldn’t help but celebrate yet another highly regarded holiday. This time, we’re bringing you some unimaGINably interesting facts about gin, as well as some tasty oriGINal cocktails!
It’s actually flavored vodka.
Making gin is like flavoring vodka, except that botanicals are always natural.
Gin can be used for medicinal purposes.
The Royal Navy mixed gin with lime cordial to stop scurvy, and angostura settled the stomach at sea. Tonic water with quinine was anti-malarial, giving them a great excuse to drink more gin and tonics.
Gin was big during the US Prohibition.
When the sale of alcohol was banned, gin soared in popularity due to its transparent color and the lack of alcohol breath after drinking it.
The Philippines drinks the most gin.
The global sale of the spirit is nearly 60 million cases, and almost half of this is consumed in the Philippines.
Holland made gin first.
The English are known for their gin, but Dutch soldiers drank Jenever, Holland’s version of gin. The English borrowed the idea. It would take another 150 years before they would have their own version.
Facts available via Food Republic and TheStar.com.
In attempt to prepare for National Bourbon Day, we did a bit of research. We were happy to find ten fun facts with the help of Kentucky Bourbon Trail and Binny’s Spirits Specialist, Joe Maloney.
1. Bourbon does in fact get its name from Bourbon County. Which, sadly, used to be a part of Virginia.
2. Bourbon was declared, “America’s Official Native Spirit”, by an act of Congress in 1964.
3. The mash bill of Bourbon must include a minimum 51% corn.
4. Bourbon must be aged in New charred American White Oak barrels.
5. Maker’s Mark, Pappy VanWinkle, Weller, Old Fitzgerald (Larceny),and Rebel Yell all use wheat in their recipe. Others use Rye.
6. Interesting tidbit: Labels stay the same, while what fills the bottle can actually change.
7. Old Fitzgerald was originally made by Stitzel-Weller Distillery, the same label is used, but currently produced by Heaven Hill’s distillery(Bernheim).
8. Pappy VanWinkle used to be made at Stitzel-Weller, but is now made by Buffalo Trace.
9. Bourbon is only made in America, and not solely in Kentucky as you may believe. In fact, we have a delicious Bourbon made in Evanston. Few Spirits makes a bourbon. Ironically, the town was dry for quite a lengthy time, 1858-1972, and was home to a leading temperance movement activist, Frances Willard. She would most certainly be shocked and upset about Bourbon production in Evanston.
10. Well this really isn’t a fact, but here are some really great bourbon cocktail recipes from Four Roses.
Enjoy your bourbon on this fantastic holiday!
You heard it right via Shanken News Daily, we’re expanding and boy is it going to be big!
Starting this July, Binny’s Beverage Depot in Lincoln Park (1720 N. Marcey St.) will start its expansion from a measly 33,000 square feet to 50,000 square feet, making it one of the largest beverage superstores in the world. Needless to say, we’re pretty excited about it!
In addition, the Lincoln Park location will also incorporate the notable Lincoln Park Pumping Station including a wine and craft beer bar.
At Binny’s we’re always looking for ways to bring more product to you and to give you a different kind of experience. But of course, it wouldn’t be possible without your committed business, so thank you!
We believe the expansion will be completed by October of this year. *Crosses fingers* But don’t worry, we’ll still be open for you during the construction.
Keep your eyes out for a grand re-opening this fall!
Celebrate Father’s Day with The Macallan & a Cigar
a FREE seminar at
Binny’s Highland Park
Thursday, June 13, 6:30 pm
RSVP: 847-831-5400
Join Binny’s Highland Park in this free seminar featuring some of the world’s finest Scotch. Macallan Brand Ambassador Jeremy Fonicello will lead us through some excellent expressions from this classic distillery. And if Scotch with the right cigar sounds like an even better way to relax on Father’s Day, Jeremy and the Binny’s Highland Park crew have put in weeks of research to recommend the perfect smoke for each of the featured whiskys. RSVP soon at 847-831-5400, or by emailing highlandpark@binnys.com.
Ever wonder barrel sizes? Barrel, Hogshead and Butt
Back from Scotland and getting settled in. A quick recap of everything that happened since I checked in on Day 6…
Pulling samples at Signatory Edradour Warehouses
Memorial Day. The day we celebrate and remember our fallen soldiers who served in the United States Armed Forces. During your commemoration, we encourage you to create a memorable day for yourself and for your friends. How? Well, with these cocktails of course, which are as patriotic as they come.
| The Flag Pop
 Photo courtesy of flickr.com
1/2 oz Grenadine
Pour sour mix and vodka into cocktail shaker over ice. *Pour the 1/2 oz of grenadine, followed by the vodka/sour mix and finish with the Blue Curaco.
*For best results, use a spoon to help layer the liquids. |
| Binny’s Apple Pie
2 oz Binny’s Hand Picked Buffalo Trace
Pour bourbon and apple liqueur into cocktail shaker over ice. Strain over ice in a rocks glass.
|
| Uncle Sam-tini
 Photo courtesy of halfhourmeals.com
Pour the Island Punch Pucker, vodka, Cointreau, and Agave Nectar over ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake until chilled. Create a sugar rim on the glass. Strain mixture equally between two glasses. Garnish with cherries.
|
Please enjoy responsibly.
Been a while. Day 4 was a travel day, but we got some stuff done early. Drove the A95 to near Fogwatt and discovered the small drive that leads to Coleburn distillery. A distillery from 1897 until 1985, it was important for production experiments for DCL (now Diageo) but lost as so many others were to the economic downturn and sinking popularity of whisky in the 80′s. It’s now being renovated as a B&B/Restaurant/event space for live music by a Scottish musician called Mark Winchester. The grounds will make a beautiful resort, alas, no distilling will take place.
Next we went to Aberlour, a pretty place set at the Aber (east coast Gaelic for “opening”) of the river Lour, where it flows into the Spey. This reminded my just how good a’Bunahd (original) is. Drove all day after that to Ayr.
This ain’t your Grandpas Bourbon! When Jim Beam started distilling in 1795, bourbon was pretty simple. Now it’s more complex and lots of fun! Join us for an evening of sippin’ and learnin’ with Kyle Gilligan of Jim Beam Brands this Friday.
Jim Beam Bourbon Seminar
Binny’s in Champaign
Friday, May 17th 7pm
RSVP (217) 355-0625 or champaign@binnys.com
During this seated seminar, taste several of the Beam family whiskeys, and to learn how they are made. See how this family is changing the way we think about this traditional American spirit.
Space for this event is limited so sign up early! The seminar will begin promptly at 7 and is free with your Binny’s card. If your plans change and you are unable to attend please contact us as we always have a waiting list.
RSVP by email by sending your name, phone number and # in your party to champaign@binnys.com and we will contact you to confirm your reservation, or call us at (217) 355-0625.
Katharine Schenck is a Wine Consultant at the Champaign Binny’s.
The meat of the trip starts with a Gordon & Macphail tasting. Plenty for the panel to look at, I’m bringing back the following for consideration (out of 40 whiskies):
Clynelish 1997 Refill Sherry Hoggie
Dailuane 1998 Refill Sherry Hoggie (2 casks)
Miltonduff 2004 Refill Bourbon ASB (2 casks)
Mortlach 1998 FF Bourbon ASB
Mortlach 1998 Refill Sherry Hoggie
Tormore 2000 Refill Bourbon ASB
Caol Ila 2006 FF Bourbon ASB (of course)
Gonna be no sweat getting a few out of these.
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