Gose (pronounced go-suh), the historic German beer-style hailing from lower Saxony, can now be found sprinkled across the shelves of our walk-in beer cooler thanks to a steady comeback aided along by American craft brewers. While some examples honor its traditional roots, many modern takes push the boundaries of the style into a new dimension.

Dating back to around the year 1000, Goses were first brewed along the Gose River in the small town of Goslar, Germany. Said to have a perceivable saline quality, the river is noted for imparting this natural characteristic into the local beer. The style got its name from this town, but really took off in popularity further east in the larger city of Leipzig, where local demand caused most of the production to migrate. Like other historic German beer styles, the Gose nearly went extinct on multiple occasions. Firstly from the booming popularity of bottom-fermented lagers in the late 19th century, again through the world wars and finally during the collapse of eastern Germany. Luckily, this lovingly-unique beer style has survived, as it is wonderfully refreshing in the summer heat and quite versatile when brought to the dinner table.

Salinity is the defining characteristic of this style, fanning across the palate like a refreshing sea breeze. Modern examples substitute high-quality sea salt for locally-saline water sources with a peppering of coriander for a citrusy herbal twist. A typical split of 50/50 to 60/40 malted wheat and pilsner malt is acidified with lactobacillus during wort production (occasionally later), adding a restrained, balanced sourness. The beer is fermented very dry and left unfiltered for a perceivable haze.

On the aroma, Goses show notes of pome-fruit, delicate herbal citrus peel, and a sourdough-like yeast. The lively, dry palate features flavors of citrus, stone fruit, and a doughy malt base. Finishing with a mouthwatering saline quality, balanced sourness and cleansing carbonation, the Gose plays well as an aperitif alongside fresh chèvre or shrimp ceviche, sitting sidecar with a summer salad, or on the big table with grilled seafood and smoked meats.

You’re feeling a little thirsty now aren’t you? Check out some of these France 44 favorites next time you stop by.

The Classic: Bayerischer Bahnhof Leipziger Gose — $4.99/btl

Revived in the space of a former train station, the Leipziger Gose is a relic of the traditional goses from Saxony. Brewed with 60% wheat malt, 40% barley malt, coriander, sea salt, and lactobacillus, this is a benchmark to which others may be judged. Apple skin aromas, with plum, citrus and herbs on the palate. Refreshing, restrained salinity and tartness on the finish.

The Remix: Stillwater Artisanal Gose Gone Wild — $15.99/4pk 16oz Cans

Based on the highly-revered Westbrook Gose, Stillwater Artisanal spun the wheels by adding pungent Citra and Amarillo hops and got funky with a brettanomyces fermentation. A complex nose of grassy herbs, lemon, and musty Brett funk preclude a palate of explosive tropical, citrus brightness, funky complexity and a briny, acid-forward finish.

The Twist: The Brewing Projekt Cucumber Guava Cowabunga Gose — $15.99/4pk 16oz Cans

The Brewing Projekt from Eau Claire, Wisconsin has become known for their outside-the-box, adjunct-laden, experimental take on brewing. The newest iteration of the Cowabunga gose-style sour ale combines cucumber, guava and hibiscus and sea salt in a way that will transport your mind to an island paradise. Cooling cukes envelope a palate of juicy, high-toned guava notes and floral hibiscus. A mouthwatering acidity begs you to take another sip.

The Homage: Destihl Wild Sour: Here Gose Nothin’ — $11.99/6pk Cans

Brewed to resemble a Leipzig-style goes, Here Gose Nothin’ features complex acidity and funk from a wild yeast and lactic fermentation. Limey citrus notes are complemented by spicy coriander and a quenching tart finish with hints of minerality from French sea salt. A great price point for a high-quality Gose that resembles the classics.

Other Noteworthy Options: Drastic Measures Purple Nurple Gose-Style Ale ($15.99/4pk), Central Waters Key Lime Gose ($14.99/6pk), Two Roads Passion Fruit Gose ($10.99/4pk).

“Where do I start?” is a new series of blogs coming out over the next months to help navigate the world of fine spirits.

The Whiskey Aisle

You’re done with college, and you have decided UV Blue, and Naturdays are maybe something you should put behind you like your freshman year friend turned awful sophomore year roommate.

So, you have decided to start getting into whiskey, but as you approach the aisle, you see maybe 300 hundred different bottles. Worse yet, there is Rye, Bourbon, whiskey AND whisky? How is Jameson different from Scotch? Grandpa’s Jim Beam bottle looked a little different than the one on the shelf (and smaller for some reason…). Plus, whatever you had before burned like hell.

Overall, it can be overwhelming to figure out what you may enjoy. You have prices ranging from $9.99 for JW Dant Bourbon to $99.99 for Springbank 15 Year Scotch. And your liquor assistant will tell you each has a great purpose for a different occasion. So, essentially here is the main question:

Where do I start?

1. What have you had before? Think about different whiskeys you have had before besides Fireball (fireball is an abomination which will receive as little recognition from this author as possible). If nothing stands out, or you do not remember what you may have enjoyed and need a good starting point, here are some nice one word descriptions.

   1. BOURBON – Sweet

   2. IRISH – smooth

   3. RYE – spicy

   4. SCOTCH – classy

   5. JAPANESE – neutral

   6. CANADIAN – cheap (sorrey!)

Now, if you do know more about whiskey, you might find these one word descriptions lacking, but I don’t care. There are a lot more complexities here, but let’s just look at some starting points. I got my personal start with whisky in Scotch, and I’m glad I started there and then progressed to bourbon and then rye before plunging headfirst into the 50% ABV and cask strength liquids.

Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon $27.99 – Elijah Craig is made at Heaven Hill Distillery and the signature whiskey to come out of their facility (aside from Evan Williams). Elijah Craig is at a very great price point being sweet and warming with a long finish (a flavor that does not leave quickly [also sometimes called chew, but who cares]).

Woodford Reserve Bourbon $32.99 – Woodford Reserve is maybe the most balanced whiskey someone can find on the market. With some fruit, some brown sugar, some this and some that, Woodford is perfect because you can use it for any purpose, and also just gives you a nice introduction to the wonderful world of bourbon.

Michter’s Small Batch Bourbon – $41.99 – More expensive, this might be a good splash into running with the big boys. There will be a very obvious jump from 40% ABV to 45.7%. If you like that, do it, if not, put a drop of water in the bourbon (like just a drop, not a splash, a drop. Put your finger in a glass of water and let one drop in) and this will drop the proof noticeably. Again, I chose Michter’s here because much like Elijah Craig and Woodford, when it says there is fruit, oak, and sugar sweetness, it is true. This bottle also offers a delicious balance and maybe trying them next to each other, you can see why Michter’s costs that extra $10-12.

Glenfiddich 12 Year Scotch – $44.99 – I chose this bottle because yes, this was my first bottle of Scotch. The second reason is Balvenie 12 Doublewood has skyrocketed in price in the last year. The third, and most important reason, is that Glenfiddich 12 is a well made highland (most Scotch is highland) which will show you the classic profiles of a bottle aged in Sherry, with notes of pear, cream, and oak. There’s a distinctive flavor to a Scotch you will not find in any other style of whiskey. However, because most good Scotch sits in casks for an absurd amount of time, Scotch is expensive, and you need to usually spend $50 to start finding good stuff outside of Islay (what Ron Swanson drinks). This Glenfiddich 12 will tell you quickly if you are going to be a Scotch person, or not.

I could go on from here, but I believe I will stop for now. This is the introduction to Bourbon and Scotch; just getting your feet wet. Here are some of the other good ways to do it:

Go to a WHISKEY bar, not a bar – Bartenders will be able to help you figure out what you like, and if you found a good one, they will not try to bullshit you or make you buy something overpriced. For $10-15 a pour, you can figure out pretty quickly some different whiskeys you really enjoy, and others you can pass on moving forward.

Find a nice liquor store with a good whiskey selection – In a similar manner, find a local liquor store (not a Total Wine) that has a good reputation. It may be a little out of your way, but talking to a professional who is really passionate about the product will always be worthwhile. These people have more than likely had restaurant or other previous industry experience, and have chosen for one reason or another to work at a wine shop (or whatever fancy title they give it).

With each of these, ask the bartender where they shop for their libations, and ask the liquor store what bars they like to frequent for selections. More than likely, they have a connection somewhere and can make a good recommendation.

Beer to meet you, I’m dad. 

Dads can be hard to buy a gift for sometimes (most times) (all the time). He knows what he wants, or wants to be the one to make that decision, or just simply does not want to make that decision. His interests may range from new power tools, golf clubs, top end meat and cheese, but it can still be hard to make the right decision for what he wants.  The one thing your dad probably wants more than anything, is just a nice cold one to enjoy on his Sunday.

That is where we at France 44 come in. We have scoured the store in Air Monarchs, a health insurance sponsored golf outing polo from 5 years ago, and cut a mullet like he did back in the 80’s to find the perfect Father’s day libations. Between wine, beer, and liquor, we have found the perfect pairings for a lazy or eventful Sunday, whatever dad is feeling like that day.

WINE

Piaggia Wines

Maurio Vannuci runs Piaggia with his daughter Silvia in Carmignano, a tiny region located just north of Tuscany. Maurio founded Piaggia in the 1970s, grew his production and holdings throughout the 1990s, and has now passed ownership of the winery to his daughter.

Piaggia has continually topped our list as one of our favorite Italian wineries for many reasons. They focus on quality and are committed to championing their small appellation of Carmignano that tends to sit in the shadow of the more popular Tuscany. Each time we come back to Silvia and Maurio’s wines, we’re met with balance, depth, and incredible length that can only come from hands that truly care about their craft. Check out their 100% Sangiovese

Pietranera, their Il Sasso Carmignano blend, or the rare 100% Cabernet Franc Poggio de’ Colli. Each one is full-bodied with incredible flavor, and will stand up to any hearty Italian dish or a Tuscan-inspired meal on the grill.

This winery is a standout example of a father’s vision and hard work, of raising a daughter with the same passion and zeal for wine, and of passing along the dream to the next generation.

Old Westminster Winery Take it Easy Rosé

Take it easy with this funky, sour beer-esque rosé from one of the most obscure states for wine in our store: Maryland! This fresh, unfiltered and unfined pink wine comes from Old Westminster Winery, owned and operated by the Baker family.

The family focuses on minimal-intervention winemaking, choosing not to add or subtract anything from the wines and letting the wines speak about the land they come from. “Take It Easy” Rosé is a blend of cold climate grapes like Chambourcin, a French-American hybrid grape known for being a hardy cold weather variety.

For the cool, hip dad (do those exist?) who’s up for trying anything twice, this bottle is a refreshing and unique addition to any picnic, grill-out, or patio hang. Drinks best out of a cracked “#1 Dad” coffee mug.

BEER

Steel Toe Split-Point Pilsner – $4.99/22oz

For the dads who enjoy the simpler things in life such as a finely mowed lawn, a fresh haircut, or a crisp refreshing lager. Brewed in traditional fashion with all German pils malt and noble hops. With its clean, cracker-y malt, delicate floral hop aroma and brisk, cleansing bitterness it checks every box of a top-grade pilsner.

Black Stack Double Dry-Hopped Dad Jokes Double IPA – $17.99/4pk

For the dads who always find a way to lighten the mood. Black Stack’s Dad Jokes makes its return with double the dry hop and double the pun.  Jam packed with juicy Citra, Mosaic, Cashmere and Vic Secret hops and 8.6% alcohol by volume, this mighty brew will have dad cracking jokes in no time.

Pryes Course Correct Citra Pale Ale – $9.99/4pk

For the hop-lovin’ dads that never ask for directions. Course Correct always keeps dad on the right track. Bold, dank hop aromas and tons of juicy hop flavor from all Citra hop additions. Notes of tropical fruits and citrus peel lead to a gripping but pleasantly bitter finish.

Humble Forager Gypsy Outpost Imperial Porter – $15.99/2pk

For the adventurous, outdoorsy dads that willingly trek into unknown territory. This Imperial Pastry Porter tastes like a big, delicious Samoa® Cookie from your local Girl Scout troop. Humble Forager takes an unctuous, cake-like base brew and conditions it on toasted coconut, vanilla beans, cocoa nibs and cinnamon to elevate it to the next level. A great treat for an evening by the campfire.

SPIRITS: WHISKEY + CIGAR PAIRINGS

Woodford Wheat Whiskey – A new spin on the classic Woodford Reserve at 52% wheat in the mash bill. This sweet, light, and balanced whiskey brings forward fruit and floral notes. We paired this with the Undercrown Conneticut Shade Tubo 6*50. Light, creamy, and caramel, this bouncy smoke will work perfectly as you “tidy up around the place” or whatever you call putzing in the garage in peace and quiet.

Glendronach 15 year Revival was recently brought back into their lineup, this full body scotch expounds the Oloroso sherry casks it slept in for 15-18 years. Smooth, fig, cherry, this is a perfect pour while hitting the links with family or the boys. To pair, we went with one of the best selling Dominincan cigars, Romeo y Julieta Bully 5*50. A smooth and mellow body with prominent notes of herb and cedar, this hour long smoke should last you until the 19th hole when you go out on the course.

Sagamore Cask Strength Rye – Maryland style rye is coming back into vogue. This rye sits between fruit and spice, bold and bouncy, with a corn added to bring it a slight sweetness. Sagamore is one of the best in this style, and their cask strength brings leather, bright red fruits, and baked goods. To go with this high proof rye, we went with a versatile and matured cigar, the Gurkha Platinum 12 Robusto. Earthy, pepper, and chocolate notes make this cigar perfect with almost any medium or full bodied whiskey, but should go great with something as complex as maryland rye from Sagamore.

Maker’s Mark F44 Private Select – Our pick from Maker’s Mark, this bourbon was aged with three American staves and four French Mocha staves. Notes of vanilla and cocoa on the nose, and a big body full of caramel and dark fruit. This is best matched with the Rocky Patel Sungrown Maduro, a full bodied cigar of Nicaraguan tobacco. Sweet, full, and intense, this is a perfect smoke for prepping the porterhouse on the grill. You know what, actually, throw a second on there. You deserve it.

photo credit: Dan Zeller, Minneapolis, May 2020 | @lacroixboix_

Recently our staff has taken to sharing ‘remember whens’ with each other. We’re not even halfway through 2020, and we’ve already experienced (and reminisced about) what seems like several lifetimes’ worth of events.

The biggest kick of wry nostalgia for our industry came during the early days of the COVID-19 emergency when we recalled, “Remember when our biggest worry was what the new tariffs were going to do to wine and whiskey prices?” We slowly adjusted to a new pandemic-induced normal, which included adding a new Curbside Pickup arm of our business, sanitizing everything we could think of, Virtual Happy Hours, and required face coverings. 

And then, our ‘remember whens’ became a lot more somber. 

Suddenly, our city became flooded with grief, anxiety, fear, and anger. We bore witness to yet another horrific, senseless and brutal death in Minneapolis’ black community. Our city, followed by our nation and then the entire world, responded with calls to action and demands for justice for the murder of George Floyd, along with countless other names before him.

How do you get nostalgic about the absurdly “light-hearted” days of Social Isolation Cheese Boxes and Restaurant Relief Wine Packs? Where do those things now fit into this complicated, seemingly unsolvable puzzle that our community is trying to work out? How in the world does one find oneself in a situation where the ‘remember whens’ only dealt with one crisis?

It’s not easy to hold both a pandemic and a city on fire in one’s consciousness. But it’s important to remember that the fires (both literal and metaphoric) didn’t just “begin” a few days ago—the dry kindling has been growing for longer than any of us have been alive. At this point, can there be any doubt that our efforts to live up to the great promise of our country have fallen woefully short?

Sorting through the debris (again, both literal and metaphoric) will be painstaking. The aftermath of this past week will be felt for a long time to come. Communities and small businesses have experienced deep wounds and extreme loss as the result of a week of rioting and looting. But what we know and have already seen is that our city is not one to back down from fighting for change and growth, as hard and painful as it may be. 

Every small business is a dream being made real. They provide the texture, personality and richness of a place. As a member of this beautifully complex community, we are committed to supporting these fellow small businesses as they pick up the pieces and rebuild. In doing so, we can also help the communities that cherished them and now miss them so dearly.

From loss, growth can emerge if only we allow it. We, at France 44, stand beside those striving for justice and progress. We resolve to listen to and acknowledge the experiences of black and other POC leaders and communities. We will share our strength to help lift up those who need a hand. We will strive to support a diverse community, based on mutual respect and admiration, that draws strength from many voices, backgrounds, groups, and identities. We will add our voice to all people of good will who seek to bring about this reality of real opportunity and equal justice for all.

We will do our part to add a more hopeful tone to future ‘remember whens’: Remember when Minneapolis came together after a devastating tragedy and started really acknowledging and addressing the grievous injustices endured by our black neighbors? Remember when we helped fellow family-owned, small businesses rebuild their livelihood? Remember when we came together in the name of inclusivity and diversity? Remember when we helped build a city where everyone can make and enjoy their best life? 

Remember when we stopped being afraid?

It is in all our power to make this dream a reality; all it takes is for us to choose it.

In the time ahead, France 44 will be partnering with and supporting a number of organizations to help create this future in Minneapolis. We know our actions will speak louder than our words, and we hope our continued and active involvement over time will show our commitment to a more unified community. We invite you to participate, and hope you’ll follow and take part in our efforts on this blog and through our social media channels.

 

EFFORTS TO CONTRIBUTE TO:

Modist Brewing – a daily update on what donations/supplies are needed; collection site at the brewery

Surly Brewing – Surly Gives A Damn has ongoing events to collect/distribute supplies, serve meals, participate in blood drives, and more at several locations in the Twin Cities and in suburbs

Resources to Support Minneapolis’ Protests & Community – a master list of volunteer opportunities, assistance, relief funds, petitions, educational resources, and more

 

 

 

It’s the fifth week of Live from France 44: Virtual Happy Hour! Tune into France 44’s Instagram, Facebook, or Zoom (see below) for a live Happy Hour cocktail demo with Jon Olson of Libation Project on Wednesday, June 3rd at 6:00pm.

WHAT: Virtual Happy Hour with Jon Olson

WHEN: Wednesday, June 3rd at 6:00pm

WHERE: Your house! (with a live feed hookup from the France 44 Classroom)

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO: Make sure you have all the ingredients on hand for the cocktail(s) you’ll be making along with Jon. Then, find us on Instagram (@france_44), Facebook (@france44mpls), or the Zoom login below at 6pm next Wednesday and join in on our live feed. Easy!

ZOOM LOGIN: ID: 713-380-5554 | PW: Libation

Jon will be showing you how to make two different cocktails using some of our favorite small-batch products. Try one, or try both! Here are the ingredients that you’ll need on hand to make drinks along with Jon next Wednesday:

OLD FASHIONED

• 45ml La Luna Cupreata Mezcal
• 30ml CioCiaro Amaro
• Orange peel garnish

JAMAICAN JUNGLE BIRD

• 50ml Hampden Pot Still Jamaican Rum
• 25ml Forthave Red Aperitivo
• 30ml pineapple juice
• 15ml lime juice
• 15ml Demerara sugar

It’s the fourth week of Live from France 44: Virtual Happy Hour! Tune into France 44’s Instagram, Facebook, or Zoom (see below) for a live Happy Hour cocktail demo with Kara Smith of P.S. Steak and Parlour on Wednesday, May 27th at 6:00pm.

WHAT: Virtual Happy Hour with Kara Smith

WHEN: Wednesday, May 27th at 6:00pm

WHERE: Your house! (with a live feed hookup from the France 44 Classroom)

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO: Make sure you have all the ingredients on hand for the cocktail(s) you’ll be making along with Kara. Then, find us on Instagram (@france_44), Facebook (@france44mpls), or the Zoom login below at 6pm next Wednesday and join in on our live feed. Easy!

ZOOM LOGIN: ID: 713-380-5554 | PW: PSSteak

Kara will be showing you how to make two different cocktails using some of our favorite local products. Try one, or try both! Here are the ingredients that you’ll need on hand to make drinks along with Kara next Wednesday:

SCULPTURE GARDENS

• 30ml Tattersall Bootlegger
• 30ml St. George Green Chile Vodka
• 15ml Honey Syrup
• 15ml simple syrup
• Fever Tree Bitter Lemon Tonic Water

Add all ingredients (except tonic) in a small shaker, add ice, shake, and strain into a Collins glass. Top with tonic. Garnish with a sprig of mint. Alternatively, this drink can be built and amalgamated.

BITTER OLD FASHIONED

• 45ml Tattersall Bitter Orange
• 45ml Cynar
• 10ml Earl Giles piloncillo syrup

Add all ingredients in a rocks glass. Stir well and pour over a large MN Pure & Clear Ice rock. Garnish with an orange peel. 

It’s the third week of Live from France 44: Virtual Happy Hour! Tune into France 44’s Instagram, Facebook, or Zoom (see below) for a live Happy Hour cocktail demo with Adam Witherspoon of Martina on Wednesday, May 20th at 6:00pm.

WHAT: Virtual Happy Hour with Adam Witherspoon

WHEN: Wednesday, May 20th at 6:00pm

WHERE: Your house! (with a live feed hookup from the France 44 Classroom)

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO: Make sure you have all the ingredients on hand for the cocktail(s) you’ll be making along with Adam. Then, find us on Instagram (@france_44), Facebook (@france44mpls), or the Zoom login below at 6pm next Wednesday and join in on our live feed. Easy!

ZOOM LOGIN: ID: 713-380-5554 | PW: 3leche

Adam will be showing you how to make two different cocktails using some of our favorite local products. Try one, or try both! Here are the ingredients that you’ll need on hand to make drinks along with Adam next Wednesday:

GOLD RUSH

• 20ml lemon juice
• 20ml honey syrup (equal parts raw honey and 1:1 simple syrup)
• 50ml J Carver Straight Bourbon
• 2″ MN Pure & Clear Ice rock

Add all ingredients in a small shaker (optional to throw in the peel of a lemon to extract the oils while shaking), add ice, shake, double strain into a rocks glass, add MN Pure & Clear rock ice, and serve.

BOOTLEGGER

• 10ml lemon juice
• 10ml lime juice
• 25ml simple syrup
• 50ml Lawless Greenway Gin
• 75ml Fever Tree Club Soda
• 6-8 mint leaves

Add all ingredients in a small shaker. Add seltzer to shaker, and double strain into a Collins glass. Garnish with a mint bouquet.

Join us for our second Live from France 44: Virtual Happy Hour! Tune into France 44’s Instagram, Facebook, or Zoom (see below) for a live Happy Hour cocktail demo with Ian Lowther of Red Cow on Wednesday, May 13th at 6:00pm.

WHAT: Virtual Happy Hour with Ian Lowther

WHEN: Wednesday, May 13th at 6:00pm

WHERE: Your house! (with a live feed hookup from the France 44 Classroom)

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO: Make sure you have all the ingredients on hand for the cocktail(s) you’ll be making along with Ian. Then, find us on Instagram (@france_44), Facebook (@france44mpls), or the Zoom login below at 6pm next Wednesday and join in on our live feed. Easy!

ZOOM LOGIN: ID: 713-380-5554 | PW: REDCOW44

Ian will be showing you how to make two different Red Cow favorite cocktails using some of our favorite local products. Try one, or try both! Here are the base spirits that you’ll need on hand to make drinks along with Ian next Wednesday:

RED COW OLD FASHIONED

• 0.5oz Syrup/Bitters mixture (buy at Red Cow)
• 2.5oz Roknar Rye

Add ice and stir. Peel an orange with a knife or vegetable peeler and express over the cocktail.

STRAWBERRY FRESNO MARGARITA

• 2oz Strawberry Fresno Mix (buy at Red Cow)
• 1oz Tattersall Orange Crema
• 2oz Altos Blanco (or Reposado)

Shake with ice until cold. Pour into a salt-rimmed glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.

We’re pulling out the big guns for our very first Live from France 44: Virtual Happy Hour. Tune into France 44’s Instagram or Facebook for a live Happy Hour cocktail demo with Dan Oskey of Tattersall Distilling on Wednesday, May 6th at 5:00pm.

WHAT: Virtual Happy Hour with Dan Oskey

WHEN: Wednesday, May 6th at 5:00pm

WHERE: Your house! (with a live feed hookup from the France 44 Classroom)

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO: Make sure you have all the ingredients on hand for the cocktail(s) you’ll be making along with Dan. Then, find us on Instagram (@france_44) or Facebook (@france44mpls) at 5pm next Wednesday and join in on our live feed. Easy!

ZOOM LOGIN: ID: 713-380-5554 | PW: TS5620

Dan will be showing you how to make three different cocktails using Tattersall’s Salty Dog Grapefruit Vodka as the base. Try one, or try them all! Here’s what you’ll need on hand to make them along with Dan next Wednesday:

HOPPY DOG

• Tattersall Salty Dog
• Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher (or soda, flavored soda, ipa, sour beer)
• Lime wedge

MONGREL MARGARITA

• Mezcal (or Tequila)
• Tattersall Salty Dog
• Fresh Lime Juice
• Agave Syrup
• Lime wedge

TEACHER’S PET

• Tattersall Salty Dog
• Tattersall Crème de Fleur
• Fresh Lemon Juice
• Dry Sparkling Wine
• Rosemary sprig

*For all cocktails, you’ll also need a shaker tin and plenty of ice.

Fireball has dominated the raucous party scene and image for decades now. Well, a new contender has come on the market with a new flavor: Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey. And honestly, it’s not that bad.

We have asked ourselves why this exists (and why so many more are going to be coming to market in the coming year), but we are not moral busybodies concerned about what’s being created and why; we want to embrace the new flavor whiskey trend and see what we can do with it. Skrewball makes a fun replacement for your classic old fashioned or Manhattan, but we wanted to try something a little different.

So, we tasked a new liquor staffer with creating cocktails out of this peanut-butter-newkomer and different cordials at the tasting bar. We tried everything: chocolate, berry, cold brew, bourbon cream–we left no concoction outside of our reach. While many failed miserably, we were able to create a few cocktails that pair great with your Friday night party or Saturday morning brunch. What follows is what the bright-eyed young mixologist discovered.

 

LUNCH SHOT

2 parts Skrewball: 1 part Jahiot Crème de Cassis. Chase with Wonder white bread.

Naturally, the first idea we had with peanut butter was a classic elementary school memory: the PB&J sandwich. Jahiot Crème de Cassis has a nice deep black currant flavor and a thicker consistency. 2 parts whiskey to one part cassis, mix well, and you have a sweet and nutty delight. Chase with a piece of Wonder white bread if you feel so inclined.

BREKKIE IN A GLASS

1 part Skrewball: 1 part Du Nord Cafe Frieda Coffee Liqueur

Originally thinking chocolate or cocoa nib would pair well for a Reese’s drink, we found the bitter coffee flavor from Du Nord Café Frieda Coffee Liqueur actually creates a nice contrast from the sweeter peanut butter flavor. Presuming you have no commitments on your Saturday morning, this would be the perfect way to start a carefree Saturday after a week of kale salads and bulletproof coffee you have been choking down for your New Year’s resolution.

ELVIS PRESLEY

2 parts Skrewball: 1 part Crème de Banane: 2 dashes Fee Brothers Black Walnut Bitters

Without question, the best cocktail we found. Going for a banana peanut butter pancake, we found this sweet and delectable cocktail was something we could not stop falling in love with. With virtually no alcohol flavor, this is a fun way to start a Friday night before dancing in your blue suede shoes. Garnish with a piece of bacon and the fat taste with the sweet treat will have you saying thank you, thank you very much.