May Day!! May Day!!
Granville Island Brewing will be holding a tasting between 4 and 8 pm at the Hillside Liquor Store, with resident beer guru Lou.
In case you haven't tried Granville's newest brew- the Brockton IPA- come on down for a sample!
The Brockton IPA is available in 6 pack bottles and cans (perfect for outdoor activities!) and was brewed to celebrate Granville Island's 25th anniversary.
This is a West Coast style IPA, golden coloured and well-hopped with notes of citrus and grapefruit followed by a slight bitterness and a crisp refreshing aftertaste leaving you wanting another sip.
The second beer to be tasted is the Granville Island Cypress Honey, available in 6 or 12 pack bottles. The Cypress Honey is a classic Granville Island beer, lightly hopped with a hint of Fraser Valley honey.
The third beer to be tasted will be a mystery pick, decided only the moment the tasting begins.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Propeller Brewing IPA
Propeller Brewing IPA has just arrived at Hillside Liquor Store! This was a one-time buy from one of Nova Scotia's favourite breweries, as it is just a seasonal brew.
The Propeller IPA won gold medals in 2006 and 2007 at the World Beer Championships in Chicago.
India Pale Ales were originally created to withstand the long sea voyage between England and India, and needed to be higher in alcohol and hops to withstand the journey. Propeller's version remains true to the original, with 6.5% alcohol and is bracing, bitter and full-bodied. IPA is best enjoyed at room temperature which helps to balance the hop and malt flavour with the bitterness prevalent in the IPA.
Propeller uses two-row barley from Saskatchewan (as well as other specialty malts from Europe), the freshest purest water and a special yeast which is stored at Dalhousie University. There is no preservatives, no additives and no pasteurization- just a few ingredients and careful tending.
To learn more about Propeller Brewing, click here: http://www.drinkpropeller.ca/beer/ourName.html
The Propeller IPA won gold medals in 2006 and 2007 at the World Beer Championships in Chicago.
India Pale Ales were originally created to withstand the long sea voyage between England and India, and needed to be higher in alcohol and hops to withstand the journey. Propeller's version remains true to the original, with 6.5% alcohol and is bracing, bitter and full-bodied. IPA is best enjoyed at room temperature which helps to balance the hop and malt flavour with the bitterness prevalent in the IPA.
Propeller uses two-row barley from Saskatchewan (as well as other specialty malts from Europe), the freshest purest water and a special yeast which is stored at Dalhousie University. There is no preservatives, no additives and no pasteurization- just a few ingredients and careful tending.
To learn more about Propeller Brewing, click here: http://www.drinkpropeller.ca/beer/ourName.html
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Moylan Beer
Moylan's Beer has arrived at Hillside Liquor Store!
Moylan's is a microbrewery from California. We just received the Tipperary Pale Ale, the Moylander Double IPA, the Hopsickle Triple Imperial Ale, the Irish style Red Ale, the Kilt Lifter Scotch ale and the Ryan O'Sullivan's Imperial Stout.
The Kilt Lifter is robust and strapping with rich malt balanced perfectly with delicate hops to provide a concentrated and intense flavour; an ideal companion for hearty foods, or as a meal unto itself. Allow this ale to warm slightly in your glass to enhance its truly bold character.
Ryan O'Sullivan's Imperial Stout is rich, thick and intense. Named in honor of our St. Patrick’s Day Piper, Ryan O’Sullivan’s Imperial Stout brings chocolate truffles, espresso coffee, burnt currants and the sweetness of sherry to mind. This is the classic “Cigar Stout”.
A rich ale recipe from the Homeland, Paddy’s Irish Red Ale is malty sweetness in liquid form. A low hop profile dances above the massive barley character, creating an invigorating aroma and caramel character that will compliment most foods. Hearty and luscious, this brew is what keeps those Irish Eyes A’ Smilin’!
Moylan's version of the classic Pale Ale style is named in tribute to County Tipperary, our Founder’s Father’s Homeland. Sweetly sharp and smoothly bitter, this beer straddles the line between what you want and what you need. It’s not a long way to Tipperary anymore!
The Moylander Double IPA is fat and resiny with agressive and excessive hops with double malt and double hop.
The Hopsickle is in Celebration of the Hop...
This is a "Hop" tribute, worthy of a King's Imperial Court! Enjoy the blast of fresh Tomahawk, Cascade and Centennial Hops as they stimulate the taste buds in a truly imperial fashion. Pucker Up!
Moylan's is a microbrewery from California. We just received the Tipperary Pale Ale, the Moylander Double IPA, the Hopsickle Triple Imperial Ale, the Irish style Red Ale, the Kilt Lifter Scotch ale and the Ryan O'Sullivan's Imperial Stout.
The Kilt Lifter is robust and strapping with rich malt balanced perfectly with delicate hops to provide a concentrated and intense flavour; an ideal companion for hearty foods, or as a meal unto itself. Allow this ale to warm slightly in your glass to enhance its truly bold character.
Ryan O'Sullivan's Imperial Stout is rich, thick and intense. Named in honor of our St. Patrick’s Day Piper, Ryan O’Sullivan’s Imperial Stout brings chocolate truffles, espresso coffee, burnt currants and the sweetness of sherry to mind. This is the classic “Cigar Stout”.
A rich ale recipe from the Homeland, Paddy’s Irish Red Ale is malty sweetness in liquid form. A low hop profile dances above the massive barley character, creating an invigorating aroma and caramel character that will compliment most foods. Hearty and luscious, this brew is what keeps those Irish Eyes A’ Smilin’!
Moylan's version of the classic Pale Ale style is named in tribute to County Tipperary, our Founder’s Father’s Homeland. Sweetly sharp and smoothly bitter, this beer straddles the line between what you want and what you need. It’s not a long way to Tipperary anymore!
The Moylander Double IPA is fat and resiny with agressive and excessive hops with double malt and double hop.
The Hopsickle is in Celebration of the Hop...
This is a "Hop" tribute, worthy of a King's Imperial Court! Enjoy the blast of fresh Tomahawk, Cascade and Centennial Hops as they stimulate the taste buds in a truly imperial fashion. Pucker Up!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Lachini Vineyards Pinot Gris
New for Spring (whenever it actually arrives) is the Lachini Vineyards Pinot Gris 2007 from Oregon.
Lachini Vineyards is located in the Northern Willamette Valley, and concentrates mostly on Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. The 2007 Pinot Gris is a blend of grapes from five distinct viticulture areas in Oregon including both Southern Oregon and the Willamette Valley. The Pinot Gris was aged in 100% stainless steel tanks for seven months and was not allowed to undergo malolactic fermentation so that it retains its crisp varietal character and acidity. Only 640 cases were produced, and Hillside Liquor Store received two cases of this highly sought after wine.
Lachini Vineyards is certified Low Impact Viticulture and Enology. Low Impact Viticulture and Enology is the practice of limiting the amount of raw materials (pesticides, fertilizers, water, chemicals, fuel etc) used in vineyard and winery production. To learn more about LIVE, click here: http://www.liveinc.org/faq
This Pinot Gris is crisp and appealing- it reveals aromas of pear, melon and citrus fruits with subtle floral nuances and flint. It is rich, seductive and full-bodied in style, with a velvety mouth feel, and creamy flavors intertwining perfectly with the lively acidity through to a clean and lingering finish.
Lachini Vineyards is located in the Northern Willamette Valley, and concentrates mostly on Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. The 2007 Pinot Gris is a blend of grapes from five distinct viticulture areas in Oregon including both Southern Oregon and the Willamette Valley. The Pinot Gris was aged in 100% stainless steel tanks for seven months and was not allowed to undergo malolactic fermentation so that it retains its crisp varietal character and acidity. Only 640 cases were produced, and Hillside Liquor Store received two cases of this highly sought after wine.
Lachini Vineyards is certified Low Impact Viticulture and Enology. Low Impact Viticulture and Enology is the practice of limiting the amount of raw materials (pesticides, fertilizers, water, chemicals, fuel etc) used in vineyard and winery production. To learn more about LIVE, click here: http://www.liveinc.org/faq
This Pinot Gris is crisp and appealing- it reveals aromas of pear, melon and citrus fruits with subtle floral nuances and flint. It is rich, seductive and full-bodied in style, with a velvety mouth feel, and creamy flavors intertwining perfectly with the lively acidity through to a clean and lingering finish.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Easter Weekend Tastings!!
Not sure what you want to drink this long weekend? Let us help you with our daily tastings line-up.
On Friday April 10th from 4-8 pm come and check out Granville Island Brewery's newest beer, and a couple of old favourites. Granville Island will be showcasing their newest beer, the Brockton IPA available in 6 pack bottle or can format. This beer was brewed as a celebration of the 25th anniversary of Granville Island Brewery and is brewed in the style of a Pacific Northwest India Pale Ale. It is golden-coloured and well-hopped, showing immediate flavours of grapefruit and citrus, with mid-palate bitterness followed by a refreshing aftertaste.
Also being tasted are the Robson Street Hefeweizen, an unfiltered wheat ale showing banana, lemon and clove notes and the Cypress Honey Lager, which is lightly hopped with a touch of Fraser Valley honey.
Saturday April 11th has the tasting from 2-6 pm, with Jacob's Creek Winery of Australia. We will be tasting the Reserve Shiraz, the Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and the Sparkling Pinot Noir Chardonnay.
The Reserve Shiraz is an outstanding example of South Australian Shiraz, displaying an intensity of ripe plum with pepper spice, balanced by soft grape and oak tannins, leading to a lingering smooth finish. An ideal accompaniment to most red meats, game and cheeses. A wine that will develop further with cellaring.
The Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon displays intense berry and cassis characters, subtle integration of vanillin tannins imparted from French oak and maturation, and a smooth finish. An ideal accompaniment to most red meats, game and cheeses.
This Sparkling Pinot Noir Chardonnay combines the cool-climate varietal goodness of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay leaving it fruity but dry. The grapes are sourced from a variety of Australia’s premier grape growing regions. In keeping with the philosophy of Jacob’s Creek they have used the ‘Assemblage’ or blending process to select wines with generous fruit aroma and flavour to ensure the high quality, approachable and easy drinking style. Secondary fermentation in a bottle and extended time ‘sur lie’ has added creamy and bready complexity to the wine, yet still retained the vibrant fruit aromas and flavours. A delicious wine that can also be enjoyed with a wide range of seafood, salad and white meat dishes.
Sunday April 12th is the Wild Goose Winery tasting from 2-6 pm with the Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Merlot being offered.
The Pinot Gris is slightly golden in colour, and exhibits lively pear flavours with a crisp finish. One of the most popular food wines in British Columbia, this would pair well with turkey, ham, salads, mild cheeses or spicy foods. Available chilled!
The Gewurztraminer (pronounced geh-vurtz-trah-meener) is Wild Goose's trademark wine. Wild Goose has made one of the top Gewürztraminers in B.C. since its inception back in 1990. Intense spice, rose petal, and lychee nut are the most common characteristics of this grape. Slightly dry in finish and intense rose petal aromatics are the patented Wild Goose flavours extracted and put into every bottle. This one pairs well with spicy foods, salads, as an aperitif, with turkey or ham or just by itself. Available chilled!
The Merlot exhibits plum, berry and black current overtones. Medium to intense in darkness. Our Style-Maximum hang time in the vineyards is the key to a good Merlot. Wild Goose's Merlot is always bottled with medium tannins that make it a perfect match with food or for ageing. Try this one with ham, steak, medium cheeses, lamb, or with chocolate desserts.
On Friday April 10th from 4-8 pm come and check out Granville Island Brewery's newest beer, and a couple of old favourites. Granville Island will be showcasing their newest beer, the Brockton IPA available in 6 pack bottle or can format. This beer was brewed as a celebration of the 25th anniversary of Granville Island Brewery and is brewed in the style of a Pacific Northwest India Pale Ale. It is golden-coloured and well-hopped, showing immediate flavours of grapefruit and citrus, with mid-palate bitterness followed by a refreshing aftertaste.
Also being tasted are the Robson Street Hefeweizen, an unfiltered wheat ale showing banana, lemon and clove notes and the Cypress Honey Lager, which is lightly hopped with a touch of Fraser Valley honey.
Saturday April 11th has the tasting from 2-6 pm, with Jacob's Creek Winery of Australia. We will be tasting the Reserve Shiraz, the Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and the Sparkling Pinot Noir Chardonnay.
The Reserve Shiraz is an outstanding example of South Australian Shiraz, displaying an intensity of ripe plum with pepper spice, balanced by soft grape and oak tannins, leading to a lingering smooth finish. An ideal accompaniment to most red meats, game and cheeses. A wine that will develop further with cellaring.
The Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon displays intense berry and cassis characters, subtle integration of vanillin tannins imparted from French oak and maturation, and a smooth finish. An ideal accompaniment to most red meats, game and cheeses.
This Sparkling Pinot Noir Chardonnay combines the cool-climate varietal goodness of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay leaving it fruity but dry. The grapes are sourced from a variety of Australia’s premier grape growing regions. In keeping with the philosophy of Jacob’s Creek they have used the ‘Assemblage’ or blending process to select wines with generous fruit aroma and flavour to ensure the high quality, approachable and easy drinking style. Secondary fermentation in a bottle and extended time ‘sur lie’ has added creamy and bready complexity to the wine, yet still retained the vibrant fruit aromas and flavours. A delicious wine that can also be enjoyed with a wide range of seafood, salad and white meat dishes.
Sunday April 12th is the Wild Goose Winery tasting from 2-6 pm with the Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Merlot being offered.
The Pinot Gris is slightly golden in colour, and exhibits lively pear flavours with a crisp finish. One of the most popular food wines in British Columbia, this would pair well with turkey, ham, salads, mild cheeses or spicy foods. Available chilled!
The Gewurztraminer (pronounced geh-vurtz-trah-meener) is Wild Goose's trademark wine. Wild Goose has made one of the top Gewürztraminers in B.C. since its inception back in 1990. Intense spice, rose petal, and lychee nut are the most common characteristics of this grape. Slightly dry in finish and intense rose petal aromatics are the patented Wild Goose flavours extracted and put into every bottle. This one pairs well with spicy foods, salads, as an aperitif, with turkey or ham or just by itself. Available chilled!
The Merlot exhibits plum, berry and black current overtones. Medium to intense in darkness. Our Style-Maximum hang time in the vineyards is the key to a good Merlot. Wild Goose's Merlot is always bottled with medium tannins that make it a perfect match with food or for ageing. Try this one with ham, steak, medium cheeses, lamb, or with chocolate desserts.
Easter Weekend Open 9:30a.m.- 11pm!
Government stores are closed on Friday, April 10th, Sunday, April 12th and Monday April 13th so come visit us at Hillside Liquor Store and check out our helpful in-store Easter food pairing guide and staff selections to make your Easter weekend full of delicious tastes. Government Liquor Store prices, and many items not carried by provincial government stores!!
We are OPEN all weekend long, everyday from 9:30 am to 11:00 pm!
Don't forget to bring 2 valid pieces of ID if you are 30 or under. Valid ID is a Driver's license, Provincial ID, or passport. The second piece must have the name embossed on the card and a signature- examples are credit card, care card, bank card.
Yellow temporary paper ID issued by the motor vehicle branch is NOT valid ID, as it does not contain a picture. To avoid disappointment, please bring your passport or other pictorial provincial or federal ID.
We look forward to seeing you!
We are OPEN all weekend long, everyday from 9:30 am to 11:00 pm!
Don't forget to bring 2 valid pieces of ID if you are 30 or under. Valid ID is a Driver's license, Provincial ID, or passport. The second piece must have the name embossed on the card and a signature- examples are credit card, care card, bank card.
Yellow temporary paper ID issued by the motor vehicle branch is NOT valid ID, as it does not contain a picture. To avoid disappointment, please bring your passport or other pictorial provincial or federal ID.
We look forward to seeing you!
Sunshine means New Cooler Season!
Seeing the sun shine for five days in a row must mean that summer is almost here, right? Well, the makers of coolers and pre-made vodka drinks think so, releasing all of their new summer drinks this week.
From Mark Anthony, we just received the Mike's Hard Pink lemonade in 4 pack bottles. 25% of the net proceeds of this product will be donated to Breast Cancer research, so this is a very good reason to buy this cooler. It is also delicious, showing the true taste of pink lemonade without being sweet.
Available in the single can format is Mike's Vodka Mojito, and the Mike-a-rita, Mike's hard version of the classic margarita.
New for the season is the Palm Bay lineup of vodka based coolers. These are available in the six can format, perfect for outdoor activities. First to arrive is the Pineapple Mandarin flavour, refreshing and delicious without the heavy sweetness of other coolers. Coming soon is the Ruby Red Grapefruit Sunrise- also refreshing and delicious with lots of real grapefruit goodness.
Rockstar fans will rejoice with the new Mango Orange flavour. Also available in a single tall can, this one tastes just like the non-alcohol Rockstar Juiced, but it has the benefits of 6.9% vodka.
From the makers of Pomtini comes the Appletini, available in a 4 pack bottle format. Too much effort to make an appletini at home? Well, Pomtini's Appletini has made it easy and effortless to enjoy the flavours of green apple with a touch of vanilla. Just pour it from the bottle into a martini glass and convince all your friends that you slaved over making the actual martini for hours...
Finally, Vex has released a few new flavours for the summer. Available in 6 pack bottles, there is Vex-on-the-beach, which is their version of the classic sex-on-the-beach cocktail containing the flavours of orange, peach and cranberry with a hint of coconut.
There is also the Bananatini, a vodka banana cocktail available in 6 pack bottle only, and the Vex Pink Lemonade which is available in both 6 pack bottle and 1L plastic single bottle.
From Mark Anthony, we just received the Mike's Hard Pink lemonade in 4 pack bottles. 25% of the net proceeds of this product will be donated to Breast Cancer research, so this is a very good reason to buy this cooler. It is also delicious, showing the true taste of pink lemonade without being sweet.
Available in the single can format is Mike's Vodka Mojito, and the Mike-a-rita, Mike's hard version of the classic margarita.
New for the season is the Palm Bay lineup of vodka based coolers. These are available in the six can format, perfect for outdoor activities. First to arrive is the Pineapple Mandarin flavour, refreshing and delicious without the heavy sweetness of other coolers. Coming soon is the Ruby Red Grapefruit Sunrise- also refreshing and delicious with lots of real grapefruit goodness.
Rockstar fans will rejoice with the new Mango Orange flavour. Also available in a single tall can, this one tastes just like the non-alcohol Rockstar Juiced, but it has the benefits of 6.9% vodka.
From the makers of Pomtini comes the Appletini, available in a 4 pack bottle format. Too much effort to make an appletini at home? Well, Pomtini's Appletini has made it easy and effortless to enjoy the flavours of green apple with a touch of vanilla. Just pour it from the bottle into a martini glass and convince all your friends that you slaved over making the actual martini for hours...
Finally, Vex has released a few new flavours for the summer. Available in 6 pack bottles, there is Vex-on-the-beach, which is their version of the classic sex-on-the-beach cocktail containing the flavours of orange, peach and cranberry with a hint of coconut.
There is also the Bananatini, a vodka banana cocktail available in 6 pack bottle only, and the Vex Pink Lemonade which is available in both 6 pack bottle and 1L plastic single bottle.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Bruichladdich Golder Still
For all those scotch fans that have been anxiously awaiting the Victoria arrival of Bruichladdich's Golder Still, Hillside Liquor Store received 6 bottles on April 2.
The Golder Still is a twenty-four year old whisky, aged in rare squat hogshead Bourbon barrels that were used by American distillers for a brief period in the 1980's before they switched to a more common taller type of barrel that was easier to stack, store and transport. The extra whisky wood contact that the Golder Still received gives it a stronger barley sugar flavour and a bright golden colour.
The Golder Still is packaged at cask strength of 51% and only 4866 numbered bottles were produced. Hillside Liquor Store has #3391, #3397, #3398 and #3450 of the 4866.
The Golder Still is a twenty-four year old whisky, aged in rare squat hogshead Bourbon barrels that were used by American distillers for a brief period in the 1980's before they switched to a more common taller type of barrel that was easier to stack, store and transport. The extra whisky wood contact that the Golder Still received gives it a stronger barley sugar flavour and a bright golden colour.
The Golder Still is packaged at cask strength of 51% and only 4866 numbered bottles were produced. Hillside Liquor Store has #3391, #3397, #3398 and #3450 of the 4866.
Vancouver Island Brewery Releases New Beer!
Vancouver Island Brewery has just released a new beer, the Spyhopper Honey Brown. The Spyhopper Honey Brown is available in the 6 pack bottle format, and was released to help Vancouver Island Brewery celebrate its 25th anniversary!
To learn more about Vancouver Island's first craft brewery, click here:http://www.vanislandbrewery.com/default.aspx?PageID=1000
"Spyhopping” is the playful activity in which the orca will vertically pop out of the water in order to check out their surroundings or to examine prey. Spyhopper Honey Brown is a light amber coloured ale that has a sweet malt flavour combined with an excellent balance of hop character. Spyhopper is handcrafted using honey malt and a signature blend of Hallertauer and Saaz hops. This combination united with a delicate twist of locally produced wildflower honey creates a beer with a mild hop impression, smooth, full body and honey sweet finish.
Hillside Liquor Store just received the first shipment of this beer on April 1st, and has it available chilled or warm.
The honey used in Vancouver Island Brewery's newest beer is from Babe's Honey Farm, located at 334 Walton Place, just off of Oldfield Road. Babe's Honey Farm is open daily from 9-5, and has both Wildflower Honey and Fireweed Honey available for sale, in addition to beeswax blocks, candles, bee pollen and honeycomb. Call for more information at 250-658-8319.
To learn more about Vancouver Island's first craft brewery, click here:http://www.vanislandbrewery.com/default.aspx?PageID=1000
"Spyhopping” is the playful activity in which the orca will vertically pop out of the water in order to check out their surroundings or to examine prey. Spyhopper Honey Brown is a light amber coloured ale that has a sweet malt flavour combined with an excellent balance of hop character. Spyhopper is handcrafted using honey malt and a signature blend of Hallertauer and Saaz hops. This combination united with a delicate twist of locally produced wildflower honey creates a beer with a mild hop impression, smooth, full body and honey sweet finish.
Hillside Liquor Store just received the first shipment of this beer on April 1st, and has it available chilled or warm.
The honey used in Vancouver Island Brewery's newest beer is from Babe's Honey Farm, located at 334 Walton Place, just off of Oldfield Road. Babe's Honey Farm is open daily from 9-5, and has both Wildflower Honey and Fireweed Honey available for sale, in addition to beeswax blocks, candles, bee pollen and honeycomb. Call for more information at 250-658-8319.
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