Osocalis Distillery in Soquel, California

"Old world techniques, new world fruit, rare alambic brandy."  This is the USP of Osocalis Distillery in Soquel, California.  Osocalis is the original Native American name for Soquel, a small town in the greater Santa Cruz area.  Considered a small, artisanal outfit, Osocalis Distillery uses an antique alambic Charentais still, which was imported from Cognac.  They utilize grapes and apples from the cooler coastal regions of California to produce fruit intense brandies.  Their brandies are based primarily on Colombard and Pinot Noir, though they also distill a wide array of wines such as Marsanne, Riesling, Syrah, Grenache, and Semillon.

"Our Rare Alambic brandy is blended from brandies distilled from several varietal with empahsis on Pinot Noir, Semillon and Colombard. The Rare is blended to show the richness, fruit and floral qualities of California Alambic Brandies and the base of the more precocious Pinot Noir provides a strong, youthful platform on which to ground the blend. The Blend consists mostly of youthful brandies of ~6 years in barrel but also includes older stocks to add finesse and structure. The latest bottling, Lot V, is our best Rare Alambic yet. K&L Wine called this their Spirit of the Month: '...If you buy only one new spirit for this New Year, make it Osocalis brandy!'"

"From older stocks of Colombard, Chenin Blanc, Semillon and Pinot Noir. For us, the brandies of Colombard from California have fantastic finesse and show the true potential of California Alambic brandies. However unlike the precocious Pinot Noir, Colombard takes decades to show its full potential. Thus, our XO is blended from brandies that have been in barrel for decades. While by old world standards our stocks are still young, our XO shows the rich development of Rancio with hints of orange peel, dried apricots, walnuts, cacao and a rich leatheriness."

"Our Apple Brandy is produced from over a dozen varieties of apples all grown in the cool coastal mountains of Northern California. We use everything from the local produced Hauer to a large component of crabapples. Indeed, we began distilling here in Soquel to take advantage of the long apple growing tradition on the Pajaro Valley. While our base cider is more reminiscent of of the ciders from the Basque coast, we use the traditional French distillation and aging techniques of Calvados. Apple is a difficult spirit to tame: it starts life with a fire and vengeance and must be coaxed and cajoled over many years to yield its pomey essence. Indeed, it takes almost a decade in barrel to soften and supple and come forth the apple character so loved on the French Atlantic coast. Our apple brandy has taught us patience, but after 15 years of waiting, we finally released our first bottling in 2010"

Where to buy Osocalis brandy in the greater SF Bay area:
Beverages and More, 70+ locations in California, and on the Web
K&L Wine Merchants, 3005 El Camino Real, Redwood City, CA (650) 364-8544
K&L Wine Merchants, 638 4th Street San Francisco, CA (415) 896-1734
K Wine & Spirits, 708 Capitola Ave, Capitola CA (831) 475-9487
Forty-First Ave Liquors, 2155 41st Ave, Capitola CA (831) 475-5117
Draeger's Market, 222 E. 4th Ave. San Mateo, CA (650) 685-3725
Draeger's Market, 1010 University Ave. Menlo Park, CA (650) 324-7739
Draeger's Market, 342 First St. Los Altos, CA (650) 948-9196
Beltramos, 1540 El Camino Real Menlo Park, CA (888) 710-9463
The Jug Shop, 1590 Pacific Avenue San Francisco, CA 94109 (415) 885-2922
Weimax Wines & Spirits, 1178 Broadway, Burlingame, CA (650) 343-0182
Los Gatos Brewing Company, 130 N. Santa Cruz Ave. Los Gatos, CA (408) 395-9929
Camino Restaurant, 3917 Grand Ave Oakland, California 94610 (510) 547-5035
Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Avenue Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (831) 429-6994
Deer Park Wine & Spirits, 783 Rio Del Mar, Aptos, CA
Delarosa Restaurant, 2175 Chestnut Street San Francisco, CA 94123 (415) 673-7100
Farallon Restaurant, 450 Post Street San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 956-6969
Flora Restaurant, 1900 Telegraph Avenue Oakland, CA 94612-2202 (510) 286-0100
Heaven's Dog, 1148 Mission Street San Francisco, CA 94103-1515 (415) 863-6008
Jardiniére, 300 Grove Street San Francisco, CA 94102-4419 (415) 861-5555

Sac Mag - Drink Up!: Part II

This is Part II of the cover story ("Drink Up!") from the April 2011 Sacramento Magazine (www.sacmag.com).  It featured the top 10 cocktails and where to get them in Sacramento in addition to some of the top restaurants and bars serving up some quality, creative spirits.  Part I of this blog series covered swanky sipping, faux speakeasies, and lounge acts; Part II will cover new on the scene, a break from tradition, comfort zones, and expect the unexpected.

New On The Scene: 

The Press Bistro and Bar.  Bartenders: Scott Martin and Jordan Anderson.  Serves: seasonal menu with Mediterranean flavors and food-friendly cocktails.  Drinks to Try: Italian Lemonade (Citron vodka, Campari, lemon juice, and agave nectar) Hemingway (thyme simple syrup, rum, blood orange juice, and limoncello), and Spiced Pear Martini (spiced pear vodka, fresh-squeezed orange and lemon juices, muddled pear and balsamic reduction with a fresh-ground nutmeg and sugar rim).

Dive Bar.  Serves: compelling combinations made from scratch with fresh ingredients.  Drink to Try: Holy Mackerel (reposado tequila, ginger liqueur, mango, Tabasco, Thai basil, lime juice, and house-made simple syrup).

Kupros Bistro.  Executive Chef: Matthew Robinson.  Serves: a "Cheers"-esque friendly atmosphere.  Drink to Try: Kentucky Lemon Drop (bourbon, Cointreau, and fresh lemon).

A Break From Tradition:

Zocalo.  Beverage Director: Joe Anthony Savala.  Serves: Mexican fare, made-by-hand margaritas with fresh-squeezed limes, muddled seasonal fruits and quality Latin spirits.  Drink to Try: The Oaxacan Old-Fashioned (muddled orange peel, agave nectar, angostura bitters, anejo tequila, and mezcal).

Red Lotus Kitchen and Bar.  Bar Manager: Mark Neuhauser.  Serves: classic drink recipes with original taste combinations, unique dishes, and "impossible" drink combos.  Drink to Try: The Old-Fashioned (Jim Beam Black bourbon, simple syrup and angostura bitters served over hand-carved ice blocks, and garnished with a flamed orange peel).

Comfort Zones:

Bandera.  Serves: Straightforward, well-made drinks, efficient bartenders, upscale-casual vibe.  Drinks to Try: Basil Sidecar and Pimm's Cup.

Sienna.  Serves: contemporary comfort food in El Dorado Hills.  Drink to Try: Watermelon-And-Basil Martini (watermelon, basil, vodka, and lime juice).

Tazzina Bistro and Vintage Lounge.  Serves: house-specialty cocktails and tried-and-true classics in downtown Woodland.  Drink to Try: Sazerac.

Ten 22.  Serves: a relaxing patio in Old Sac and a ginger-and-fig cocktail in the fall.  Drink to Try: Bloody Mary with a spicy housemade mix and crispy bacon garnish.

Expect The Unexpected:

The Golden Bear.  Bartender: Russell Eastman.  Serves: revamped classic drinks for a modern audience using old recipe books and his creative processes.  Drink to Try: Bee's Knees (gin, fresh lemon juice, honey, Yellow Chartreuse, and grapefruit bitters).

Socal's Tavern.  Bartender: John Huerta.  Serves: sensible drinks by a 15-year veteran and devoted reader of cocktail columns in the San Francisco Chronicle.  Drinks to Try: Manhattans, Vodka Collinses, and fresh Strawberry Daiquiris.


So there you have it!  Get out and try a new bar, restaurant, or drink!  Coming later this summer: Midtown Cocktail Week! (Aug 15-21)

Whiskies of the World May 2011 Newsletter

Just in case you don't get it, here are some highlights from the most recent Whiskies of the World newsletter:

"Now on to the Whisky Talk:

This seems to be a year of mass creativity in the spirits world and we hope you are out there sampling some of the fascinating new bottlings on the shelves of bars and shops.
Glenmorangie has introduced Finealta.  Click for a sampling of this intriguing new expression.

From the larger more familiar brands, like Glenmorangie…to the tiny family owned distilleries we go on a summer road trip!  Up into New England and the home of Cabin Fever Whisky, a completely unique maple syrup based spirit developed over several years (and multiple recipe trial and error sessions) by the brilliant Robbilard Family.  Run a web search and you will find a highly personal and educational site all about Cabin Fever and its history, present and future. This is a definite bottle to be added to your Americana collection!

Word is out that High West, the intrepid Utah distillery, is in the process of aging further batches of some of its most amazing bottlings: Rendevous Rye and Double Rye.  If you haven’t tried these wild west whiskeys, you are missing out big-time!  And don’t overlook Bourye…as delicious a spirit as you will ever imbibe and only available in limited quantities.  Treat yourself to a summer vacation in Park City, Utah and walk through the doors of the distillery/restaurant right off the main street below the big mountain.  Or….wait until January and head out for the Sundance Festival where High West whiskies take center stage.

While we’re on the western theme it’s a good time to educate yourself about the unusual spirits coming to life at Balcones in Texas!  An amazing whiskey of BLUE CORN distillation, a single malt with a mystery all it’s own and more.  Chip Tate seems to always be brewing up something new and different and as big as Texas in flavor.

Isn’t it remarkable what America has been doing with whiskey in the past 10 years?  A whole new revolution…and a peaceful happy one!  It’s about time someone struck out for world peace and human contentment in this manner!!

******************************

*****************************   WOW 2011 Recipes Featuring Beam Global Spirits Rhachel’s Bounty 1.5 ounces Canadian Club 12 year old .75 ounces Aperol .75 Simple Syrup 1 Lemon .5 ounce Blood Orange Juice Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a old fashioned glass over fresh ice. Created by Rhachel Shaw of Rye and www.ryeontheroad.com John & Cola 2 oz Knob Creek Single Barrel .5 oz Cola & coriander syrup 3 dashes Jerry Thomas Barrel Aged Bitters Lemon peel expressed over drink and dropped in Preparation: Stir contents for 30 seconds over ice and strain into rocks glass. Zest and rim glass with lemon peel and drop in. Created by Jon Gasparini of Rye and www.ryeontheroad.com 55 Punch .75 oz Maker's 46 .75 oz Cruzan #9 Spiced Rum .5  oz lemon juice .5 oz ginger simple syrup 3-4 dashes Angostura Bitters 1.5 oz prosecco or dry sparkling wine Preparation: Add Maker's 46, Cruzan 9, lemon juice, ginger simple syrup & bitters to mixing glass. Shake vigorously and fine strain into cocktail glass. Top with prosecco or dry sparkling wine. Created by Jon Gasparini of Rye and www.ryeontheroad.com Lady Thatcher 1 oz Laphroaig Quarter Cask .75 oz Thatcher's Organic  Apple-Spice Ginger Liqueur .5 oz Benedictine 3 dashes Peychaud's Bitters Preparation: Stir contents over ice for 30 seconds. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with or without dehydrated apple chip. Created by Jon Gasparini of Rye and www.ryeontheroad.com The Royal Warrant 1 oz Laphroaig 10 Year Old Scotch .75 oz Earl Grey syrup .5 oz fresh lemon .5 organic egg whites 2 dashes kumquat bitters Bergmot garnish Preparation: Dry shake contents to emulsify egg whites. Add ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Fine strain into cocktail glass or over ice in Collins glass. Microplane fresh bergamot zest over top Created by Jon Gasparini of Rye and www.ryeontheroad.com"

Sac Mag - Drink Up!: Part I

The Sacramento Magazine (www.sacmag.com) from April 2011 has a cover story called "Drink Up!"  It features the top 10 cocktails and where to get them in Sacramento in addition to some of the top restaurants and bars serving up some quality, creative spirits.  The first article begins, "In bars and restaurants across the Sacramento region, a liquid revolution is taking place."  It goes on to highlight stand-out bars and restaurants in seven categories: swanky sipping, faux speakeasies, lounge acts, new on the scene, a break from tradition, comfort zones, and expect the unexpected.  I will briefly list the restaurants/bars highlighted under each category and what they feature, and you can check out their websites for yourself to see if there is a new place you should check out!  This is Part I...

Swanky Sipping: 

Grange Restaurant and Bar.  Bartender: Ryan Seng.  Serves: local, seasonal food and drink, housemade ingredients.  Drink to Try: The Scratch Manhattan (house-blended bourbon and seasonal vermouth).

Ella Dining Room and Bar.  Manager: Rene Dominguez.  Serves: White Linen (manager has become famous for this drink - Leopold Bros., American Small Batch gin, St-Germain elder-flower liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup, and muddled English cucumbers). Additional Drink to Try: The International (Johnny Drum bourbon, Dolin Rouge sweet vermouth, Bonal and Cocchi Americano.

Hawks Restaurant.  Executive Chef: Molly Hawks.  Serves: cocktails with fresh-squeezed juices.  Drink to Try: Bronx Cocktail (Plymouth gin, sweet and dry vermouths and orange juice).

Mulvaney's Building and Loan.  Bartender: Dan Mitchell.  Serves: fun and locally sources ingredients.  Drink to Try: Negroni made from seasonal blood oranges.

Faux Speakeasies:

Shady Lady Saloon.  Co-Owner: Jason Boggs.  Serves: Prohibition-style bar, craft cocktails, superb bartenders, classics like Negroni, The Sidecar, and Planter's Punch.  Drink to Try: The Martinez (Gin, dry vermouth, orange bitters, and orange peel).

Crescent Club.  Serves: a rustic basement venue and a classic, "old-school" cocktail list.

Lounge Acts:

Lounge on 20.  Serves: talented bartenders and Silent Night (Blackberry gin, creme de violette, sage, and lemon juice).  Additional Drink to Try: The Bella Fragola (Vodka, fresh strawberry puree, lemon juice, simple syrup, and basil).


L Wine Lounge and Urban Kitchen.  Bartender: Chris Tucker.  Serves: Local, seasonal ingredients, heirloom tomato Bloody Mary in the summer and Tucker's 12 Days of Toddies in the winter.  Additional Drink to Try: La Fresa (Blanco 100% agave tequila, housemade strawberry shrub, lime juice with chile de arbol and sea salt rim, and arugula garnish).

MIX Downtown.  Serves: spacious patio and quality beverages.  Drinks to Try: Lemongrass Cooler and the Ginger Litchi Collins.

Pause Lounge and Kitchen.  Bar Director: Chris Dooley.  Serves: Boutique spirits with a farm-to-table approach and drinks from scratch.  Drink to Try: The Bouve (Genever, Cocchi Americano, Meyer lemon-infused honey syrup, and seltzer).

Part II to come soon!  In the meantime, you can also check out Sacramento Magazine's "2010 Best of Sacramento" for all kinds of best-ofs around town!

The Other Guys: Beer and Wine Tastings in the Sacramento Area

As a side note, if you enjoy a good comedy, The Other Guys was a good movie...but this isn't about movies, it's about alcohol!  There are always a number of beer and wine tastings happening locally, and since I like to support local businesses and events, I wanted to highlight some for the month of May.

Saturday, May 7th - Wine, Food and Music Festival at Congregation B'nai Israel in Sacramento.  7-10pm.  Features fine regional wines, gourmet foods, live jazz and fantastic silent live auctions.  $45 at the door.  

Sunday, May 8th - 8th Annual El Dorado Hills Art and Wine Affair at the El Dorado Hills Town Center.  10am-5pm.  Over 150 artists plus 20+ El Dorado County Wineries will be at the 8th Annual El Dorado Hills Art & Wine Affaire on Mother's Day Weekend - May 7 & 8 - at the Town Center in El Dorado Hills (Town Center at Latrobe & Hwy 50). Live entertainment will be featured at the Stephen Young Amphitheater with youth performers on Saturday, May 7 at 10AM and Sacramento Blues Revue at 1:30PM. Sunday, May 8 is Over the Edge at 10AM and Mumbo Gumbo at 1:30PM.  The event is free with wine tasting only $20 each day (pouring from 11am-4pm both days).

Tuesday, May 10th - Tequila Tasting Dinner at Tres Hermanas in Davis.  $30.

Tuesday, May 10th - Outside the Box Exhibit & Live Auction Gala.  10am-5pm.  Don't miss this unique art exhibit! Artists are issued a box and given two months to come up with whatever creation their mind can dream up. View the boxes at The Arts Building Gallery and bid on them via silent auction starting on April 14. Then the fun goes live on Saturday, May 14 from 7 - 11 pm, when auctioneer Dan Macon will accept your bids in a lively evening accompanied by local wine and appetizers.  Free.

Thursday, May 12th - Thursday Night Jazz & Wine at Arden Hills Resort Club and Spa.  6-9pm.  Enjoy a relaxing and entertaining May evening filled with jazz and wine at Arden Hills Resort Club & Spa. With wine tastings provided by Acacia Winery -- known for producing amazing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay -- and live music by the popular Joey V, you’re sure to experience new flavors and meet new friends along the way. This is your chance to enjoy an evening of musical entertainment while appreciating a variety of wines and complimentary light appetizers provided by Arden Hills.  $20.

Thursday, May 12th - Girls Night Out at The Wine and Roses Hotel Restaurant Spa in Lodi, CA.  5-9pm.  Join us in support of Pink October benefiting Geweke Caring for Women Foundation! This event includes 2 - 15 minute spa treatments, swag bag, raffle prizes, hors d’oeuvres and local Lodi wines. Gather your best gal pals and gather for a unique evening to celebrate the lives of women. We currently have limited tickets available for $125.00.
 
Thursday, May 12th - Taste of the Little City at Safetyville USA (Sacramento).  5:30-9:30pm.  It's the adults turn to play at the miniature city, Safetyville USA. Taste Northern California's diverse cuisine, wine and micro-brews. Over 100 items at the silent auction including travel, wine, fine art, hand-crafted jewelry and more. Enjoy Celebrity MC's, a Fire Fighter Cooking Challenge and demonstrations by Executive Chef Russel Michel of Morgan's Restaurant, Sheraton Grand Hotel and Chef Jon Nelson of Sienna. All proceeds benefit the youth health and safety programs at Safetyville USA.  $40 pre-sale, $50 at the door. 

Friday, May 13th - 5th Annual Raley Field Brewfest.  Handcrafted microbrews from more than 30 Northern California breweries and live music.  $30 in advance, $35 at the door, $50 VIP.

Friday, May 13th - Davis Food Co-op Wine Tasting - A Celebration of Zinfandel.  In the Co-op Conference Room.  Benefits the Acme Theatre Company of Davis.  6-8pm.  $1/taste.

Friday, May 13th - Passport to Gold River Wine Tasting at the Sunrise Event Center (Rancho Cordova, CA).  6-9pm.  The Gold River Business Group is proudly sponsoring the 3rd Annual Passport to Gold River Wine Tasting. The event will benefit St. Mel's Smart Board Technology Expansion Program. Enjoy an evening with friends, 15 wines, food, jazz, dancing and door prizes.  Tickets are $60.  Please call Lori Estipular 916-849-0336 for all tickets sales. 

Saturday, May 14th - Art, Wine, and Cheese Festival at ArtBeast Sacramento.  California Montessori Project hosts its annual Art, Wine & Cheese at artBeast on May 14. View great art, taste wine from three local wineries, and sample finger foods. Fun community event, supporting a local public school.  6:30-9pm.  Cost?

Saturday, May 14th - Pops 'N' Corks at Old Sugar Mill (Clarksburg, CA).  6-10pm.  The Capitol Pops Concert Band's Pops 'N' Corks event will feature fine wines and tasty food samples at the Old Sugar Mill, 35265 Willow Ave., in Clarksburg. Live music will be provided by band ensembles and talented soloists. A DJ and extensive silent auction will be on-site. Tickets, priced at $30 each or $50 for 2, may be purchased at the PayPal link on www.capitolpops.org. Individual tickets $35 at the door. Proceeds will aid the CPCB scholarship fund for deserving local student-musicians.

Saturday, May 14th - Festa di Vino at the Scottish Rite Center (Sacramento).  6:30-10:30pm. 

Join us for our 9th Annual “Festa di Vino” wine and food event. Festa di Vino is a major fundraiser for Point West Rotary and is one of Sacramento’s premiere food and wine tasting events.  This year we are proud to be partnering with the Sacramento Children’s home. The event will include a live & silent auction and music and dancing by the Q-Balls!  You can purchase your tickets online at www.FestadiVino.com. For more information call 916-952-9222 or email festa@pointwestrotary.com.  $55.

Saturday, May 14th - ZinFest in Lodi, CA.  12-6pm.  Sip, swirl and savor from a selection of 250 handcrafted wines from 50 Lodi wineries. Enjoy local provisions, the ZinFest Wine & Cooking school, or relax along the beautiful Mokelumne River to an eclectic mix of live music. Peruse merchandise from regional vendors and take home a commemorative bottle of custom blended Old Vine Zinfandel from the ZinFest Wine Shoppe. There is no better way to celebrate the fantastic wines of Lodi Wine Country!  $45 in advance, $50 at the door. 

Saturday, May 14th - Taylor's Market Cheese Class - Spanish Cheese and Wine.  1pm.  Spanish Cheese
with Cheesemonger Felicia Johnson.  Join Taylor's Cheesemonger for a cheese class focusing on the cheeses of Spain.  Participants will taste pairings of 6 Spanish cheeses with 2 Spanish wines.  For further information contact felicia@taylorsmarket.com.  Tickehttp://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6260778418975226268ts are $30 per person.

Saturday, May 14th - Consumnes River College 2011 Foundation Gala.  6pm.  Don't miss a fantastic evening of food, wine tasting, live jazz and a silent auction at CRC's, "A Taste of Jazz Foundation Gala."  The 2011 Gala will wrap up our year-long celebration of CRC's 40th Anniversary of service to the community. Join us as we pay special tribute to the people, places and events that have made our first 40 years truly remarkable.  Proceeds from this event will benefit the Cosumnes River College Annual Fund.  $40.

Sunday, May 15th - Painting Party at the Painted Cork with Wine Tasting by Mt. Aukum at the Painted Cork in Folsom, CA.  1-5pm.  The Painted Cork presents MT AUKUM WINERY! Come treat yourself to a painting party at The Painted Cork and enjoy the delicious varieties of Mt Aukum winery. Mt Aukum will be providing wine tasting beginning at 1pm and will have bottles of their wine for sale and to drink at the event! The Painted Cork will be painting the "Red Wine Glass" painting during the painting party from 2pm-5pm. Seats are being filled, so reserve yours online as soon as possible!  $45.

Sunday, May 15th - Vino Velo 2011 at the Winchester Country Club (Meadow Vista, CA).  7pm.  Join the Bike Auburn Committee’s Vino Velo 2011 Gala at the Winchester to celebrate the Amgen Tour of California. VIP tickets include pre-event meet & greet, 12pm-1pm with guest speakers. Special guests include “Fast” Freddy Rodriquez, Dylan Casey, Mike McCarthy, and Ken Carpenter. Enjoy food and wine from top Auburn restaurants and wineries. Listen to live Jazz by Dick Harris’ Club House Jazz Band. View a vintage and modern bicycle exhibit. Participate in a silent auction.  $65-$85.

Thursday, May 19th - Concours Raduno at the Arden Hills Resort and Spa.  7-9pm.  Auction, along with a selection of cars on display. Plus, wine, beer, hors d'oeuvres and live music.

Friday, May 20th - Davis Food Co-op Beer Tasting - Belgian and Sour Beers.  In the Co-op Conference Room.  Benefits the Acme Theatre Company of Davis.  6-8pm.  $1/taste.

Saturday, May 21st - 11th Annual West Coast Brew Fest at Miller Park (Sacramento).  1-5pm.  Live bands, great food, and unlimited microbrew tasting!  $30 pre-pay or $40.

BevMo in Sacramento, Roseville, Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, and other local locations offers wine tastings every week.  Check out your local BevMo or their website for upcoming tastings!

You can also check out Sacramento Region Wineries for a list of local wineries (most all of them have tasting hours/days), and you can view events on their calendar.  Another link for local wineries can be found here.

You can also use this Google Map to view listings of local microbreweries and their locations.

If you know of other events, let me know!  Happy Tastings!  Many more to come this summer including whiskey and spirits!