Cariboo at Hillside Liquor Store

Due to popular request, Cariboo beer from Pacific Western Brewing of Prince George BC is now available at Hillside Liquor Store. Available in 6 pack only, this beer is available both cold and warm, and is currently selling for $7.61 for 6 cans, making it the cheapest 6 pack in the store.

Cariboo Genuine Draft is a testament to Pacific Western brewery’s ties to B.C. history. It was the company’s pioneering brand and today it celebrates the original name of the brewery and the land that produces the pure spring water that makes each bottle special. That’s why they give something back with each case of Cariboo Genuine Draft sold.

Cariboo Genuine Draft is a smooth, mild beer that’s perfect for watching the game or sharing good times with friends. Straw-coloured, light on the palate, a frosty mug of this brew is perfect for a summer afternoon or after a steaming winter sauna, or even on a typical gray Victoria 'winter' day.

Help for Haiti

By now, everyone has heard of the devastating earthquake and its large aftershock that have destroyed Haiti. Many are wondering how or where to donate, and it has been decided that the best method is to place donation bins in places that people frequent.
Hillside Liquor Store has Red Cross direct "Help for Haiti" donation bins at each till. Please give what you can- every cent helps!

Anchor Porter

Anchor Brewing is from San Francisco, and has been around (in various incarnations) since about 1854. It has been closed down completely on two separate occasions (once due to Prohibition, and once due to Americans choosing to drink mass-brewed lagers), and has moved locations multiple times due to fires, other calamities and out-growing its capacity. For more information on the history of Anchor Brewing, click here: http://www.anchorbrewing.com/brewery/ourhistory.htm

Anchor Porter might very well be the best Porter currently available at Hillside Liquor Store. While it definitely isn't an inexpensive 6 pack, it certainly over-delivers for the price!

Anchor Porter is a unique dark brew, which was introduced by Anchor in the early 1970s. Anchor Porter, like all of Anchor Brewing Company's products, is brewed with only natural ingredients. Specially roasted dark malts are used, along with a top-fermenting yeast. The brew is hopped at a very high rate, and is naturally carbonated to produce an intensely rich flavor and thick creamy head.
The rich flavor of Anchor Porter has earned this delicious and unique brew a worldwide reputation for outstanding quality.

Anchor uses specially roasted malts, a top-fermenting yeast, and only fresh whole hops, which are added liberally. All this combines to produce a rich and intense flavor with subtle notes of chocolate, toffee, and coffee.

Seriously, this beer is delicious. It has to be tried to be believed. Once you have the 6 pack, don't go home and put it in the fridge. Hillside Liquor Store's fridges are set to 2 degrees Celcius, which is too cold for some beer.  Let the Anchor Porter sit out on your counter for awhile, so it can come closer to room temperature and all the wonderful rich flavours can be enjoyed. Pour it into a clean glass, and watch it disappear. Mmmmmm.

Aha Toro!

It's still Tequila time at Hillside Liquor Store, and today we want to introduce you to some of the best tequila currently available in BC- Aha Toro. One of the most interesting aspects of tequila are the unique bottles, and Aha Toro is no different. Aha Toro is available in hand-blown glass bottles with labels that are embossed by Mexican artisans. The colour of the bottle is different for each type of tequila produced.
Hillside Liquor Store has the three-pack of 200 ml bottles: Blanco, Reposado and Anejo.
 The Reposado and Anejo are also available in the 750 ml bottles.

Aha Toro is produced in the state of Jalisco, approximately 6300 ft above sea-level. This region is optimal for the agave plant as it is cold and semi-arid, with 6-10 overcast weeks each year which keeps the plant fresh and favours the sugars. There is a 100 km radius plantation of agave, surrounding the town of Jesus Maria, where the Aha Toro hacienda is located. The cultivation of the weber agave, used for Aha Toro, takes up to ten years from the time of plantation to harvest. The 'pineapples' (as the centre of the agave plant are called) are roasted in a hand-made brick oven for 2 days, and then left to rest for a considerable amount of time before the amber-coloured honey and pulp is collected. the liquid and pulp is then ground and left to ferment with the natural agave sugars and juices, and a special wild yeast strain.
After carefully controlled distillation in the copper-pot stills, a blanco tequila is mad, which is then either bottled, or placed in oak barrels, destined to become reposado, anejo or extra-anejo tequila.

Aha Toro Blanco is a tequila that has been bottled within 60 days of being distilled. The flavours of the un-aged tequila are stronger and with more pepper than those that are aged in oak barrels. many experts are of the opinion that Blanco tequila is the only true tequila. Blanco tequila is popular in mixed drinks such as the Margarita, but it can also be consumed neat, as a sipping beverage.  Red apples are dominant with a hint of minerals and honey. Soft and fruity opening, followed by minerals and honey, with a sweet fruit and peppery finish.

Aha Toro Reposado has been aged in oak barrels for at least 2 months, and up to a year. The more time the tequila spends in barrels, the moer flavours it acquires from the oak. The Aha Toro Reposado is more mellow than the Blanco, with a light amber colour and a softer, more flowery flavour. A fresh bite of fruit, honey and a surprisingly light oaky flavour are characteristics of this Reposado tequila. Opens softly with a fresh, relatively sour bite, followed by fruit, red apples and honey. Finishes with pepper, chocolate and cedar wood. While it could be used in mixed drinks, the Aha Toro Reposado is better enjoyed neat.

Aha Toro Anejo has been barrel-aged for at least one year, often up to three years. It has a much darker colour then the Reposado, and its flavours are more complex.Distinctively sweet aromas of brown sugar, fruit, light chocolate and nougat. This Añejo opens with a round taste and aromas from the barrel followed by cedar wood and nougat flavours. Long finish with chili, brown sugar and a hint of coffee.


 Aha Toro Anejo will appeal to the single-malt whisky drinker, or for those who enjoy fine cognacs. This is a fantastic sipping tequila!

Calling All Vina Montes Collectors!

Hillside Liquor Store has something very special in-store!  We have just received a large assortment of Chile's Montes winery, including two different verticals as well as some rare and hard-to-get vintages.

Vina Montes originally began in 1987, as a partnership dedicated to improving the quality of Chilean wines. In 1988, two more partners joined, and the venture known as Discover Wine LTD was officially formed. The partnership began producing wines of exceptional quality, and also exporting these wines to markets such as the United States,Canada, Mexico, Europe, etc. The 1987 Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon was the first ever premium Chilean Cabernet exported. From that beginning came other wines in the Alpha series, as well as the celebrated Alpha M, Montes Folly and the Purple Angel.

Vina Montes also has its Classic Series and Limited Selection, which are widely available and have won numerous awards.

Hillside Liquor Store currently has a vertical of the Alpha Merlot- 2004, 2005 and 2006.

The Alpha Merlot is a handsome ruby-red color. Outstanding fruit, with a noseful of red berries, black cherry, black pepper, hints of tobacco. These elements come through on the palate, revealing a full-bodied wine. In mid palate is round and velvety with an added touch of vanilla and toast, followed by a long and smooth finish. Very, very elegant. WINE SPECTATOR selected it as both TOP-SCORING Merlots around the world and also one of the Best Values in Merlot.

Wine Spectator rated the vintages as follows:

 2004 88 points

 2005 88 points

 2006 88 points

The other vertical that Hillside Liquor Store obtained is the Alpha Syrah- 2004, 2005, 2006.

The scarcest of the ALPHA line, it shows how promising the Apalta Valley slopes are. Yield is very low, only 6 tons per hectare. It has been aged in French oak barrels for one year and had only one soft filtering. In the purest of Rhône styles, Aurelio has added a percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon, also originating from Apalta, and some Viognier to the final mixture. Of intense ruby red color, it has a great aroma with floral, tobacco and leathery notes. Strong and full bodied to the palate, with soft and mature tannins. A very long, elegant and satisfying after taste. A superb Syrah.

Wine Spectator rated the vintages as following:

2004- 91 points
2005- 92 points

2006- 91 points

Hillside Liquor Store has also obtained four different vintages of the very special Alpha M series. These are the 1999, 2000, 2005 and 2006.
MONTES ALPHA"M" is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (80 %), Merlot (10 %), Cabernet Franc (5%) and Petit Verdot (5 %). A powerful wine with very good level of soft and rounded tannins. Intense dark red colour. The wine is elegant and has a very well defined character. The 5% of Petit Verdot is adding an extra element of complexity. There is an pleasant and harmonious marriage of fruit and the French oak. The structure of this wine will keep it for at least 20 years. On the palate, it is perfectly balanced, full-bodied and superbly voluptuous on the mid-palate with a rewarding, lingering after taste of mature grapes and acidity that reflects its superb structure.

Wine Spectator rated the vintages as follows:

1999- 92 points, highly recommended

2000- 93 points, highly recommended

2005- 95 points, highly recommended; best vintage yet of this flagship wine

2006- 94 points, highly recommended


Hillside Liquor Store has three different vintages of the Montes Folly: 2003, 2005 and 2006.

Aurelio Montes, our partner and gifted winemaker, knew it all along. Montes Folly was destined to shine by the hand of Aurelio, it was in his DNA since he was born. This sparked his intuition which, from his student days, became obsessed with the Apalta Valley and determined to prove it was the best terroir for reds in all of Chile, a fact few would dispute today.Aurelio’s intuition also led him to plant Syrah in the higher slopes of our Apalta Mountain Estate. Thus the Montes Folly name was born: The conventional wine growers and trade considered it "Folly" to plant Syrah, an untested variety in the region, and double "Folly" to do so in the higher slopes, extremely expensive to clear, plant and grow. The genius of Aurelio, however, had us all firmly believing from the start that Montes Folly would be the wild dream we sought, the perfect partner to our beloved Montes Alpha "M".

Wine Spectator rated the vintages as follows:

2003- 93 points

2005- 94 points

2006- 94 points

There are two vintages of the Purple Angel in-store: 2005 and 2006.
Carmenère resurfaced in Chile only in 1993, after being believed extinct since phylloxera hit Bordeaux, its original home, around 1880. In Chile, its sole home at the moment, we consider it our "Chilean variety" and call it the "Jurassic Park" grape, returned from extinction. Aurelio Montes preferred to take his time and develop the Carmenère variety until he was satisfied that it could be a top contender, the very best Montes could possibly produce. It was worth the wait...this new beauty (a blend of 92% Carmenère and 8% Petit Verdot, with 18 months in new French and American oak barrels) is touched by the wings of an angel... a PURPLE ANGEL.
There have only been 4 vintages of the Purple Angel produced so far. Some cellaring is recommended for the wine to reach its true potential.

Wine Spectator rated the vintages as follows:

2005- 91 points
2006- 91 points
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Montes wines that Hillside Liquor  received are very limited- the inventory on some of the wines is as few as 6 bottles! So, if you are a collector, or just love Vina Montes wines, call Hillside Liquor Store 250-370-1143 or email info@hillsideliquorstore.com  for more information, pricing or to reserve your wines today!

2010!

Happy 2010 to everyone!
Thanks to everyone who supported Hillside Liquor Store in 2009. All of your product suggestions and requests help make the store great, so please keep them coming in 2010 and we will do our best to fulfill them.

Please send any product requests to info@hillsideliquorstore.com
or call (250) 370-1143.

New Year's Eve!

To help celebrate 2010, Hillside Liquor Store is holding two different bubbly tastings today!

The first runs from 12-4, and features the classic Martini Asti. Martini Asti is made from the naturally sweet Moscato grape, and is produced in a tiny town called Asti, in Northern Italy. The bubbly is fruity and floral, with nice fizz, and will appeal to those who enjoy their wines on the sweeter side. It pairs well with desserts, sweet fruits such as strawberries and kiwi, or can be used in sparkling cocktails, such as the Mimosa or the Kir Royale.

The second tasting will be from 4-8 pm, and features the Henkell Brut and Rose, as well as the Deinhard Lila brut.

The Henkell Trocken is the original sparkling wine from this German winery.
This dry, fully matured sparkling wine owes its elegant character to a unique Cuvée of excellent wines originating from such classic grape varieties as French Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Blanc de Noir from French Pinot Noir and Chenin from Saumur. Henkell Trocken sparkles with vivacious and long lasting effervescence. Thanks to the play of greenish reflections, the delicate light amber colour gains lively, expressive nuancing. The taste is fresh, tingling, with a lingering finish, while a subtle fragrance suggestive of tropical fruit develops in the bouquet. The finely blended, harmonious composition makes Henkell Trocken a well-balanced, consummate taste experience.

The Henkell Rose is the newest offering from Henkell.
For friends of a fine Rosé sparkler, Henkell Trocken has what it takes. Vivaciously effervescing, Henkell Trocken Rosé is a refreshingly elegant sparkler originating from such quality wines as Pinot Noir and Gamay. With its exquisite apricot hue and orangish reflections, it sets colourful highlights at any festive occasion. Its superb, delicately fruity and harmonious taste is a special treat for those who prefer dry character in a Rosé.

Deinhard Lila is the flagship of the House of Deinhard, a premium sparkling wine, which promises something out of the ordinary. The demand for high quality is reflected in the base wines – the Riesling wines used for Deinhard Lila originate from the wine-growing areas of the Middle Rhein and Mosel.
The palate shows floral, blackcurrant and finely acidic fruit, which makes it ideal as an aperitif, an excellent match with seafood, or just on its own.

OPEN 9:30 AM TO 11 PM!!!!

New Year's Eve Hours

Hillside Liquor Store will be OPEN Dec.31 from 9:30 am to 11 pm.

Please remember to bring 2 pieces of Valid Government issued identification, if you are 30 or under. All identification must not be expired. Presentation of valid ID does not guarantee service.
First Piece:

Driver's licence
BCID
Passport
Status card
Military ID

Second Piece:
CareCard
Credit card
Any other card with name embossed on card (raised lettering)


International Student Cards are not valid ID. Neither are university/college issued cards, or photocopies of ID, or the temporary Driver's licence yellow paper.

Thanks for your cooperation! Happy New Year!


Hillside Liquor Store will also be OPEN January 1 from 9:30 am to 11 pm!

Countdown to New Year's

On Wednesday, December 30 (that's New Year's eve eve), Hillside Liquor Store is hosting a bubbly tasting to help with your New Year's Eve libation decision. The Champagne tradition require a good bubbly toast to ring in the New Year, but with so many sparkling wine options, how is one to choose?

Here are some tips and facts:

• Champagne refers specifically to sparkling wine produced in the Champagne region of France. Everything else is sparkling wine. Champagne typically starts (in BC) at $49 and up.
• Many countries produce fantastic sparkling wine and they can range from bone-dry to super-sweet and anywhere in between. The labelling can be confusing, as each country has its own way of denoting dry or sweet.
• The international standards for denoting sparkling wine sweetness are (from driest to sweetest): brut natural, extra brut, brut, extra sec, sec, demi-sec and doux.

• The proper way to open a bottle of sparkling wine is to un-do the foil cage and dispose of it. Next, tilt the bottle away from your face, firmly grip the cork, and turn the bottle, not the cork. The cork should loosen with a minimum fuss and zero spillage.
  The December 30th tasting will focus on Australian sparkling wine. The tasting will feature the Seaview Sparkling Brut, Yellowglen "Pink" and the Wolf Blass Yellow Label sparkling.
  

Seaview is a household name in Australia respected for its champagne-like style of sparkling wines. Seaview's origins date back to the 1850s when George Manning established 'Hope Farm' in McLaren Vale. The winery was renamed Seaview in 1951 by its new owners, Edwards and Chaffey. The fruit for the wines comes from many regions in South Eastern Australia. One of the first Australian winemakers to use the authentic French technique of methode champenoise, Seaview today exclusively makes sparkling wines.

The tasting notes for Seaview Sparkling Brut:
Deep gold colour and a ripe, sweet cantaloupe, honey, tobacco and biscuit nose are as you might expect from Australian bubbly. It is slightly sweet, with a glycerine texture, yet there is just enough acidity to maintain some grip and freshness. One of the most flavourful if not elegant bubblies around. Very good length.

Yellowglen "Pink"
Yellowglen's inception was in 1971, and has since become a major producer of Australian sparkling wine. There are three distinct ranges, the "Anytime", "Classic" and the "Elegant". Within these ranges are a variey of bubblies incuding classic vintage traditonal method, a low-calorie, and plain old fruity bubblies.
The tasting at Hillside Liquor Store will focus on the Pink, which is made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Pink Tasting Notes:
    Yellowglen Pink is soft ice pink in the glass and has a delicate bead. Distinctive Pinot Noir  aromas of strawberries with a splash of citrus bubble under the nose and develop into refreshing fruit characters of berry and lime with a hint of lemon. Ripe Chardonnay flavours provide the backbone to this delightful and surprising wine.

Wolf Blass is a long-respected Australian winery, known both for its red and white wines in a variety of ranges from the everyday to the celler-able.
Wolf Blass Yellow Label Sparkling Brut has a bouquet that is a complex balance of fresh fruit characters and creamy yeast nuances, while the palate shows delicate fruit, soft bubbles and crisp acidity on the finish.
Further Tasting Notes:
Another Aussie sparkler that aims for the dryness and leanness of a Euro sparkler. Mild, clean aromas of apple, with biscuit and lemony notes. Medium weight, soft and lively, with crisp grapefruit acidity. Good length.

Drambuie and Disaronno tasting Christmas Eve

To end the day on Christmas Eve, Hillside Liquor Store is hosting a tasting of Drambuie and Disaronno from 4-8 pm.

Drambuie is a honey and herb flavoured golden scotch whisky liqueur made from aged malt whisky, heather, honey and a secret blend of herbs and spices. The flavour suggests saffron, honey, anise, nutmeg and herbs. Drambuie can be served over ice, or as an ingredient in a Rusty Nail cocktail, among other drinks.

Disaronno is amaretto liqueur, made from an infusion of "apricot kernel oil" with "absolute alcohol, burnt sugar, and the pure essence of seventeen selected herbs and fruits"; the product does not contain any almonds or other nuts. Disaronno can be served over ice, or in a variety of cocktails.

Christmas Eve Tasting!

To start your Christmas Eve festivities, Hillside Liquor Store is hosting a tasting of sparkling wine. The first tasting will be Henkell, from 12-4. The tasting will feature the original Henkell Trocken, as well as the new Henkell Rose.

The Henkell Trocken is the original sparkling wine from this German winery.

This dry, fully matured sparkling wine owes its elegant character to a unique Cuvée of excellent wines originating from such classic grape varieties as French Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Blanc de Noir from French Pinot Noir and Chenin from Saumur. Henkell Trocken sparkles with vivacious and long lasting effervescence. Thanks to the play of greenish reflections, the delicate light amber colour gains lively, expressive nuancing. The taste is fresh, tingling, with a lingering finish, while a subtle fragrance suggestive of tropical fruit develops in the bouquet. The finely blended, harmonious composition makes Henkell Trocken a well-balanced, consummate taste experience.

The Henkell Rose is the newest offering from Henkell.

For friends of a fine Rosé sparkler, Henkell Trocken has what it takes. Vivaciously effervescing, Henkell Trocken Rosé is a refreshingly elegant sparkler originating from such quality wines as Pinot Noir and Gamay. With its exquisite apricot hue and orangish reflections, it sets colourful highlights at any festive occasion. Its superb, delicately fruity and harmonious taste is a special treat for those who prefer dry character in a Rosé.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Hours

Holiday Hours for Hillside Liquor Store:

Christmas Eve- Dec.24-: 9:30 am to 8 pm

Christmas Day-Dec 25-: CLOSED

Maude Hunter's Cold Beer and Wine, located at 3810 Shelbourne St will be OPEN Dec 24 until 11 pm.

Maude Hunter's will also be open Christmas Day 11 am -7 pm.

Hillside Liquor Store will be open regular hours 9:30 am to 11 pm Dec. 26-Dec.31st.

Please remember to bring 2 pieces of valid ID if you are 30 years old or younger.

1st piece must be government issued, with a current picture and signature.

The 2nd piece must have the name embossed on the card and contain a signature.

Mission Hill Tasting Today!

With only 2 shopping days left (including today), Hillside Liquor Store is trying to make the wine decisions easier for you by hosting a tasting of Mission Hill wines. The tasting runs from 4-8 pm and features the 5 Vines Cabernet Merlot, the 5 vines Pinot Noir and the Reserve Pinot Gris.

Mission Hill is the largest winery operation in BC, located in Kelowna's WestBank.

The 5 vineyard series features grapes from 5 different locations in the Okanagan Valley. The diverse microclimates and soils ensure outstanding quality and consistency with every vintage. These perfectly balanced wines, styled to highlight the varietal character, are fruit-forward with subtle complexities.

The Cabernet Merlot is a full-bodied wine with complex notes of dark cocoa and spice combined with rich plum and ripe cherries on a layered palate. This wine has a long finish and pairs well with a range of meat dishes such as lamb stew, roast duck, and grilled beef, as well as a variety of aged cheeses.

The Pinot Noir is a soft berry red colour with fresh aromas of sweet summer fruits. The palate is dry, medium bodied with soft tannins and subtle cherry and strawberry flavours. A hint of cinnamon spice follows on the finish. This lovely red wine complements a wide range of cuisines and pairs particularly well with chicken, salmon, pork loin and many Asian dishes.

The Reserve Pinot Gris is crisp, clean and aromatic. The nose opens with aromas of fresh grapefruit with a hint of honeysuckle. Notes of pear and green apple with underlying hints of almond mingle for a lively and complex finish. The Reserve Pinot Gris has been partially barrel fermented and aged sur lies in French oak for three months.

Fairview Cellars Tasting Monday!

With only 3 shopping days left before the big day, Hillside Liquor Store is holding a very special tasting of one of the premiere BC wineries: Fairview Cellars.

Fairview Cellars is located in Oliver BC, on a small piece of land next to the first hole of the Fairview Golf Course. Winemaker Bill Eggert is known for his big reds, and the vineyard is planted with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

Today's tasting will be the 2006 Madcap Red, 2005 the Bear and the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Madcap Red is a blend of 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Blogger Kevin Kossowan writes: "Super Pure red fruits and no oak whallop typical of the region. Clearly a different class. Medium concentration. Touch of pepper. Rich, fruity, tannic and dry. Nice structure without being ridiculous. Very, very nice. the purity of the fruit puts this into the 90+ category immediately."

The 2005 Bear is the premium Fairview Cellars blend. It contains the Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a small percentage of the Cabernet Franc. It's maceration time was longer than the non-reserve wines and it was left to age for longer.

The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon contains all estate-grown grapes. It shows nice deep red fruit, with hints of blackberry, cassis and coconut. With a great supple texture, it is on the lighter side for Cabs which makes it perfect for sipping solo, or pairing with a variety of foods.

Mt Boucherie tasting Sunday

With only 5 days left until Christmas, Hillside Liquor Store and Mt Boucherie winery are having a tasting on Sunday Dec 20 from 2-6 pm.

Mt Boucherie Estate Winery was established in 2001, and is family-owned and operated. The Gidda family has grown grapes in the Okanagan since 1968, and now have vineyards in Cawston (Similkameen area), West Kelowna and Okanagan Falls. All of the red wines, white wines, icewines and dessert wines that Mt Boucherie produces are from estate-grown grapes. The 20,000 sq foot facility is open year-round to visitors.

Can't make it to Kelowna this year? Come join David Leigh at Hillside Liquor Store from 2-6 pm, and sample the 2008 Chardonnay (unoaked), the 2008 Gewurztraminer and the 2006 Merlot.

2008 Unoaked Chardonnay:
Produced from our estate grown grapes this slightly off-dry, unoaked white wine displays lively aromas and flavours of cantaloupe, pear, green apple and a touch of honey. A fresh, crisp white with a long refreshing finish. Pair with grilled seafood and seasonal salads.

2008 Gewurztraminer:Intense aromas and flavours of lychee nut, rose petals and passion fruit followed by a clean refreshing off-dry finish. Classic match with spicier cuisine or on its own.

2006 Merlot:
Aromas of dark plums, dark chocolate, vanilla and gamey notes. Ripe blackberries, cassis and a hint of black pepper tantalize the palate. A rich mouth-feel, good structure and round tannins lead to a long and smooth finish. Enjoy with grilled steak or bison.