Barrel to Bottle, The Binny's Podcast

We have twelve…yes twelve…100 proof bourbons to sample today on Barrel to Bottle. Pat just couldn't help himself; once he started picking, he just couldn't bear to leave something out. Once again, we're blind tasting, which is the best way to taste anything. Once again, producer Jim is conducting the tasting and as we go, Future Pat will be telling you, the listener, which bourbon is being sampled so you'll be in the know. If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at [email protected], or reach out to us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. If we answer your question during a podcast, you'll get a $20 Binny's Gift Card! If you like our podcast, subscribe wherever you download podcasts. Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts.

Pat and Greg are notoriously...difficult...about the current state of IPAs. So Roger tailor made today's selection of IPAs to hopefully satisfy them. He's selected seven IPAs that offer a snapshot of the current state of IPAs in craft beer. If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at [email protected], or reach out to us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. If we answer your question during a podcast, you'll get a $20 Binny's Gift Card! If you like our podcast, subscribe wherever you download podcasts. Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts.

Robert Eden is the winemaker and co-owner of Chateau Maris and considered to be the grandfather of the biodynamic movement in the Languedoc. His journey has taken him from England to Australia to the South of France. Join the Barrel to Bottle crew as we sample some of his wines and learn about his commitment to biodynamics. If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at [email protected], or reach out to us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. If we answer your question during a podcast, you'll get a $20 Binny's Gift Card! If you like our podcast, subscribe wherever you download podcasts. Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts.

Rye Whiskey, it's a category that is a mystery to a lot of people. "Spicy" is the main descriptor most people have for rye, but there are also sweet ryes and fruity ryes. Join the Barrel to Bottle crew as they blind taste six ryes that run the gamut. If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at [email protected], or reach out to us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. If we answer your question during a podcast, you'll get a $20 Binny's Gift Card! If you like our podcast, subscribe wherever you download podcasts. Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts.

A few weeks ago, Binny's wine manager Emily joined us for a junk food and wine pairing. When Binny's Wine Director Barb Hermann heard about that episode, she wanted in on the action. Barb is fundamentally a red wine drinker, especially when she's sitting down with food. But very often, white wine is the standard recommendation for her favorite Thai, Indian and Chinese dishes. Today, she'll help solve this dilemma. We're also joined by wine manager Scott Becker, a classically trained chef in a previous life. If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at [email protected], or reaceh out to us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. If we answer your question during a podcast, you'll get a $20 Binny's Gift Card! If you like our podcast, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, where you can also rate and review us. Keep tasting!

Welcome to Barrel to Bottle, the podcast where Roger forces his strange, obscure interests on the listening audience. We're changing things up this year though, and not sampling the same six Märzens and Festbiers. This week's episode is a peek into the Adamson Oktoberfest Celebration, which is much more than just beer. We do have some beer, but also wine, Brophy-approved cocktails, and some digestifs to help you reset after a long day of partying.

When you think savory cocktails, the Bloody Mary is probably the first thing to pop into your mind. But there's more to Bloody Mary's than just the standard brunch fare with a giant garnish, and there's more to savory cocktails too! This week, our resident Fancy Mixologists Roger and Chris, along with our Lazy Mixologist Pat, are whipping up some umami bombs. Check out our blog for all of the cocktail recipes featured in this episode. If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at [email protected], or reaceh out to us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. If we answer your question during a podcast, you'll get a $20 Binny's Gift Card! If you like our podcast, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, where you can also rate and review us. Keep tasting!

We at Barrel to Bottle have always advocated for treating yourself to high quality ingredients. Sugars are no different. Simple syrup is simple to make, it's right in the name. But the sugars you can use to make simple syrup have deep, complex flavors that will elevate your cocktails.

We all knew that at some point, Producer Jim would need to take a vacation. We ended up with a bunch of outtakes from over the years, and he compiled them in one place for your listening pleasure. Enjoy!

Not every meal is sitting down with five courses that took hours to prepare. Sometimes you're just vegging out on the couch with whatever you have in your kitchen. Microwave nachos, grocery store donuts, cheap ramen, cheap pizza. That doesn't mean you can't pair those up with some delicious, reasonably priced wines. Wine Manager Emily takes the Barrel to Bottle Crew through some of her favorite junk food and wine pairings.

Jack's back! Binny's Cigar Buyer Jack Spethman joins Pat and Roger to talk all things sticks. Jack has put together a sampling of some of his favorite cigars right now. Pat and Roger checked out some breakfast cigars, as well as some for everyday smoking. Plus some tips on accessories and humidor maintenance and a preview of some upcoming Binny's collaborations.

Summer is here and Roger has a line-up of fruity, spritz, easy-to-make cocktails for the hot days ahead. When you Google "summer cocktails", the usual suspects come up. Roger wanted to shake things up with some similarly refreshing and simple cocktails that maybe you haven't heard of before. The great thing about summer is all the fresh, on-hand fruit and herb ingredients that you can get from the store or even your backyard garden. For all the cocktail recipes, check out our blog.

If you're a regular Barrel to Bottle listener, you may have noticed that Pat Brophy likes Hamm's beer. A lot. Possibly in an attempt to illicit Pavlovian response in listeners and co-hosts alike, Pat brings up Hamm's-the beloved, the crispiest of Crispy Boys-in nearly every episode. If you haven't noticed his ubiquitous mentions of Hamm's, in a way we envy you. With this massive target on his back Pat (along with Greg, Roger and Shannon) partakes in a blind tasting of macro lagers, administered by producer Jim. Drink along at home with the following crispy boys: Budweiser Alarmist Crispy Boy Pilsner Schlitz Miller High Life Hamm's Miller Genuine Draft Pabst Blue Ribbon Old Style Modelo Especial Coors Banquet Beer Subscribe to our podcast and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle crew, email [email protected] or reach out to us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. If we answer your question on a podcast, you'll win a $20 Binny's Gift Card!

The Wellness Movement has blown up over the last year and a half. Gabriel Z, wine manager at Lincoln Park, joins the Barrel to Bottle crew for a "run" through four examples of "better for you" wines on our shelves. This is just the kind of topic Pat can get behind, the light beer episode of wine podcasts. But he still remains skeptical of the entire category, because alcohol is calories. Is this all just marketing BS or is there more to it? What's going on to make these wines low calorie? Drink along at home with the following wines: Kim Crawford Illuminate Kendall-Jackson Avant Chardonnay Cupcake LightHearted Rosé Fit Vine Cabernet Sauvignon

You've probably heard us mentioning Porch Pounders, in passing, on Barrel to Bottle. But what are they? Wine Manager Jenna is here with some recommendations to help you pass the long, hot summer days. Sit back in the shade and check out these inexpensive, easy-to-drink wines. Plus, a listener q&A about preparing your palate for tasting wine, beer and spirits. Drink along at home with the following Porch Pounders and Gazebo Guzzlers: Hugues Beaulieu Picpoul de Pinet 2020 Forge Cellars Riesling Classique 2019 Rogue Vine Jamon Jamon Orange Wine 2020 Anne Amie Cuvee Rosé of Pinot Noir 2020 Rinaldini Lambrusco Vecchio Moro

What are summer beers, exactly? The good news is, summer beers can be almost anything you want. Whether you're looking for a crispy boi, a quenching sour or a wheat, there are tons of options available. You'll also get some recommendations for Witbiers and Hefe Weizens, plus an informative lesson about how you've been mispronouncing "Kölsch" Drink along at home with these warm weather beers: Ommegang Idyll Days Pilsner Früh Kölsch Founders All Day Vacay Sierra Nevada Summer Break Odell Sippin' Pretty Schilling Excelsior Imperial Apple

Celebrities have been getting into the adult beverage game for a while now. But are these drinks worth paying the celebrity tax? Who better to give you their honest opinion on celebrity libations than four cynics who don't care that much about pop culture? Grab your selfie stick, pick your favorite Insta filter and drink along at home with the following: Loverboy White Peach Tea Cacti Seltzer Variety Pack Unibroue À Tout le Monde collaboration with Megadeth Invivo X SJP Sauvignon Blanc 2019 Maison No. 9 Rosè 2020 Z Alexander Brown Uncaged Proprietary Red Blend North Coast 2018 Chopin Vera Wang Vodka Blackened Blend of Straight Whiskies Finished in Black Brandy Casks Teremana Reposado Tequila Dos Hombres Mezcal Artesanal Joven

Spirits come in a wide range of prices. Sometimes it can be hard to know if it's worth spending the extra money on something. The Barrel to Bottle Crew is here to help make your decision a little easier. Pat has prepared blind samples of four categories: Whiskey, Single Malt, Gin and Mezcal and this week we'll answer the question (insert echo sound effect here) SAVE OR SPLURGE? Drink along at home with the following spirits: New Riff Distilling Kentucky Straight Bourbon Bottled in Bond Four Roses Small Batch Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Macallan 12 year old Traditional Mortlach 12 year old "The Wee Witchie" Bombay Dry Gin Nolet Silver Gin Del Maguey Mezcal Vida Mezcal Vago Ensamble en Barro by Tio Rey

The Barrel to Bottle Crew is heading back to Burgundy and we've got two heavy hitters to take us on this journey. Wine Director Barbara Hermann has been buying Burgundies for Binny's since the 80s. George Molitor, owner of Fine Vines, has been importing Burgundies since the 90s. Who better to hold your had through this daunting wine region? Drink along at home with the following wines: Domaine Pavelot Bourgogne Rouge 2018 Domaine Bachey Legros Santenay Les Champs Claude 2018 Domaine Bart Marsannay Les Longeroies 2018 Domaine Parent Pommard La Croix Blanche 2018 Jerome Castagnier Gevrey Chambertin 2017

Ranch Water is hot right now, but what it is it? It's not agricultural runoff, nor is it a new style of IPA that mimics the Midwest's favorite dip. Ranch Water is a refreshing, three ingredient cocktail popularized in Texas. Now it's crossing over into the seltzer and ready-to-drink categories just in time for the hot weather. The Barrel to Bottle Crew tries a few of the latest offerings and also mixes up their own Ranch Water from scratch. Drink along at home with the following: Clark & Sheffield Blanco Tequila Topo Chico Mineral Water Topo Chico Hard Seltzer Tangy Lemon Lime Topo Chico Hard Seltzer Exotic Pineapple Texas Ranch Water Co. Blue Agave Hard Seltzer Lime Texas Ranch Water Co. Blue Agave Hard Seltzer Grapefruit Cantina Especial Ranch Water Tequila & Soda Cantina Especial Grapefruit Paloma Tequila & Soda Onda Lime Sparkling Tequila Onda Grapefruit Sparkling Tequila Mamitas Lime Tequila & Soda Mamitas Paloma Tequila & Soda Mamitas Pineapple Tequila & Soda Fever Tree Tonic Water

The Barrel to Bottle crew takes on the daunting task of dissecting white Burgundy. Pat learns that it's not just for obnoxious people and Greg's anxiety eases as Alicia and Chris take them on a journey from Chablis to Pouilly-Fuisse. Plus, Alicia shares her picks for the best "Bargain Burgundy." Drink along at home with the following wines: Domaine Servin Chablis Vieilles Vignes Selection Massale 2018 Paul Pernot et Ses Fils Bourgogne Cote d'Or 2018 Domaine Sylvain Langoureau Saint-Aubin 2016 Michel Bouzereau Meursault Les Grand Charrons 2018 Louis Jadot Pouilly-Fuisse 2019

Chris couldn't pass up an opportunity to talk about the unique foods of the Piedmont region, which of course all pair well with the wines discussed in last week's episode. Also some tips from Chris on how to cook with Piedmont's famous white truffles.

Travel out to Whiskey Acres in DeKalb for a Whiskey Hotline/Barrel to Bottle field trip. Pat, Brett and Alicia have the tough job of tasting barrel samples and selecting upcoming releases for the Binny's Handpicked program. Plus, get an inside look at the past, present and future of Whiskey Acres from Nick and Rob.

Sixteen rounds, 16 categories, 4 teams. It's the Barrel to Bottle Home Bar Draft. Home bars have become more relevant than ever lately, and people have been stepping up their game. Who will have the best draft day, as judged by Pat Kiper Jr, and who will be Cleveland?

Join the Barrel to Bottle crew as we celebrate Malbec World Day and take a closer look at the wines of Argentina. Though Argentine wines have gained momentum on the export markets in the last 20 years, they are certainly not new to winemaking. In fact, #MalbecArgentino arrived in Argentina in 1853 in the hands of Michel Aimé Pouget (1821-1875), a French agronomist. Malbec has become Argentina's flagship grape, and while it's grown throughout the country, we focused our attention on the prized Uco Valley region within Mendoza. With a greater emphasis on terroir than ever before, Argentina is producing a range of styles and expressions that Alicia and Chris unpack in this episode. Plus a look at Torrontes and Cabernet Sauvignon, which Chris claims is Argentina's secret weapon. Drink along at home with the following wines: Colomé Torrontes 2019 Catena Zapata White Stones Chardonnay 2018 Susana Balboa Malbec 2018 Familia Zuccardi Concreto Malbec 2017 Cuvelier Los Andes Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Roger and Chris' day has finally come, and not just because Pat is on vacation. Bocks, the original G.O.A.T. beer, are back! Local breweries are producing both traditional and modern American takes on the style. Take a journey around the world with bocks of all kinds. Drink along at home with the following beers: Weihenstephaner Vitus Off Color Beer for Burgers Shiner Bock Seipp's Columbia Bock Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock Schlenkerla Urbock

The 1980s were a time of excess, and that included the cocktails. The drinks were overly sweet and overly proofed. The Barrel to Bottle Crew is here to elevate some of the classic cocktails from the Me First Decade, or maybe just to drink them in their original, gaudy form. Plus, a bonus segment on the Shooters of the 80s.

Merlot deserves a second chance, and the Barrel to Bottle crew is here to give it one. This wine was huge in the 90s, but was already trending in the wrong direction by the time Sideways turned it into a punchline. Alicia and Lincoln Park wine manager Ben are here to open your eyes to the world of Merlot that you've been missing out for these past 17 years. Plus a listener Q&A about laying down wine for a newborn's 21st birthday. Drink along at home with the following wines: Bogle Merlot 2018 L'ecole No. 41 Merlot Columbia Valley 2016 Duckhorn Merlot Napa 2017 Nickel & Nickel Merlot Bear Flat Oak Knoll 2017 Mondot Saint Emilion 2016

Pat is a lazy mixologist, so Roger thought he'd do him a favor with a Beer Cocktails episode. There's nothing easier to make than beer cocktails. Plus, all the hip kids are doing it. From the modern Spaghet to the classic Radler, the Barrel to Bottle crew has some tasty and easy-to-make beer cocktails for you to try out. Find all the recipes on our blog.

We were lucky enough to spend a lot of time a few weeks ago with Bo Barrett. So much that we were able to get a bonus episode out of it. We're jumping into your feed with a deeper dive into the AVA, as well as the past, present and future of Chateau Montelena.

In the early 70s, when Bo Barrett and his father James started at Chateau Montelena, wine hadn't been made there since before Prohibition. A few years later, their Chardonnay would beat out French Chardonnays at the Judgment of Paris. It's the kind of scrappy, underdog story that Hollywood loves. Alicia, Greg and Chris taste through four wines with Bo and talk about the history of his game-changing winery. Drink along at home with the following wines: Chateau Montelena Riesling 2019 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay 2018 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2017 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2018

It's March, which means the Barrel to Bottle Crew is contractually obligated to talk about Irish spirits. Last year, we tackled some of Pat's favorite Irish whiskies. This time around, Pat has some new and notable Irish whiskies-along with the always popular Irish cream liqueurs-for Greg and Roger to blind taste. Plus, a preview of some upcoming Binny's Handpicked Irish Whiskies. Drink along at home with the following: Bailey's Irish Cream McCleary Irish Cream Liqueur Five Farms Single Batch Irish Cream Liqueur Declan's Irish Cream Liqueur West Cork Distillers Bourbon Cask Irish Whiskey Busker Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Writer's Tears Copper Pot Irish Whiskey Kilbeggan Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey

Every February, for the last few years, the Beer Buzz has celebrated some of the classic beers that helped establish the American craft beer scene. In celebration of Flagship February, Roger has selected six beers that defined their styles in American craft. Drink along at home with the following beers: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA Bell's Amber Ale Big Sky Moose Drool Founders Dirty Bastard Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald Porter

Binny's received 50 cases of 2018 Bordeaux samples, which were shared across the chain so wine staff from all stores could better understand the vintage. Whether you'd like to drink now or cellar for later, there are some outstanding 2018 Bordeaux wines to discover. Listen to our wine team, including our Director of Wine (and buyer of Bordeaux), Barbara Hermann, as we talk En Primeur, how to barrel taste, Barb's aggressive Bordeaux tasting schedule, the original garagistes and, of course, the 2018 vintage.

The Q&A segment used to be a regular segment on Barrel to Bottle, but our hosts and guests are so interesting that episodes started running long and we ran out of time. So we put out the call and assembled the best questions for a somewhat rapid fire question and answer episode. We're giving away so much of the boss' money this week. If you have a question for a future episode, reach out to us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

The Barrel to Bottle crew digs deep this week with Russell From of Herman Story. Herman Story does things a little differently, but their goal is to make the best wine while having a great time. Russell discusses the process of making Herman Story wines, from the concept to the unique methods to the eye-catching labels. Drink along at home with the following wines: Herman Story Late Bloomer Grenache 2016 Herman Story Casual Encounters 2018 Herman Story First Time Caller Petite Sirah 2018 Herman Story Bolt Cutter 2018

This week, the Barrel to Bottle crew is answering a question we regularly get in our stores, "If I like this wine, what else should I try?" We'll use some of our best selling wines as a jumping off point to explore other wines of the same or similar style. If You Like Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, try: Leeuwin Estate Art Series Riesling 2019 Nora Albarino 2019 If You Like Mark West Pinot Noir, try: Nadler Zweigelt 2016 Palacios Petalos 2018 If You Like Joel Gott Cabernet Sauvignon, try Tinta Azul Red Blend 2019 Vina Perez Cruz Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2017

It's been about a year since the Barrel to Bottle Crew tackled non-alcoholic beverages. We decided to revisit the topic though, because the category has blown up since then. This week, we'll taste through some products that prove you don't have to sacrifice flavor and quality if you're looking for non-alcoholic options. Drink along at home with the following: Gruvi Dry Secco Non Alcohol Wine Gruvi Bubbly Rosé Non Alcohol Wine Giesen Sauvignon Blanc Zero NA Heineken 0.0 Boulevard Flying Start NA IPA Collaboration with Athletic Brewing Athletic Brewing Run Wild Non-Alcoholic IPA Lagunitas IPNA Non-Alcoholic Dry Hopped IPA Seedlip Garden 108 Non-Alcoholic Spirit Ritual Zero Proof Tequila Alternative Lyre's Italian Orange (coming soon) Lyre's Aperitif Rosso (coming soon) Lyre's Aperitif Dry (coming soon) Dhōs Bittersweet Aperitif (coming soon) Dhōs Triple Sec (coming soon)

Think of Armagnac as Cognac's country cousin. It's an older, more rustic style that predates Cognac. Pat, Greg and Alicia are joined by Armagnac enthusiast-and Mousquetaire d'Armagnac-Brett Pontoni. Who better to guide you through this somewhat mysterious category. Drink along at home with the following armagnacs: Marie Duffau Hors d'Age Armagnac Delord XO 15 Year Old Armagnac Artez 100% Baco Armagnac Artez 100% Folle Blanche Armagnac Artez 100% Ugni Blanche Armagnac Dartigalongue 40 year old Vintage Armagnac

The Barrel to Bottle Crew heads to Piedmont for a deep dive beyond the traditional Nebbiolo variety. Piedmont isn't obscure, but it might be a little unfamiliar to wine novices and we're here to help. Piedmont produces some of the finest wines in the world, but also wines that are great with pizza and takeout pasta. Drink along at home with the following wines: Vietti Roero Arneis 2019 Franco Molino Barbera d'Alba 2017 Paolo Scavino Dolcetto d'Alba 2017 Produttori del Barbaresco 2016 Paolo Scavino Barolo Rocche dell'Annunziata Riserva 2013

Just like with our Binny's Buyer's Picks episodes, the Barrel to Bottle Crew couldn't be contained in just one episode. We here at Barrel to Bottle loved a lot of stuff this year and we want to make sure you know all about our favorites of 2020. Roger's Picks Founders KBS Maple Mackinac Fudge Greg's Picks Teremana Reposado Tequila Greg's Infinity Bottle Pat's Picks Pat's Beloved Hamm's Plantation Isle of Fiji Rum Alicia's Picks See part 1 Chris' Picks Chateau Thivin Brouilly Reverdon 2019 Max Ferdinand Richter 2017s

You've heard the buyer's picks the last two weeks, but now it's time for the true authority, your beloved friends from the Barrel to Bottle Crew. We've assembled some wacky 2020 picks for you to check out as the year comes to a close. This is in no particular order of rank, or how they stack up to Hamm's. Roger's Picks Metropolitan Stromhaus Helles Lager Cappelletti Aperitivo Greg's Picks Viator Red Blend 2017 Continuum Estate Red 2017 Half Acre Alive in its Jaws Pat's Picks Aberfeldy 20 year old Sauternes Cask, Finish Exceptional Cask Series Alicia's Picks Chanin Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict 2018 Chanin Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict 2017 Chris' Picks Check back next week for part 2

We couldn't fit all our Buyer's Picks into one episode, so we had to do a two parter. This week we'll continue Brett's long list of picks and then move on to the rest of our buyers. Check out last week's episode for part 1. Specialty Spirits Buyer Brett, continued Siembra Valles Ancestral Blanco Tequila Nixta Licor de Elote Wine Buyer Barb Ridge Lytton Estate Petite Sirah 2018 Beer Buyer Kyle Founders Big Luscious Lagunitas Born Again Yesterday Private Label Buyer Mike Baron Fuente Grande Reserve Brut Cigar Buyer Jack CAO Vision 2020 Limited Edition Lotus Viper V-Cut Four Star Society Expo

When the Barrel to Bottle crew wants to know what to drink, they turn to the Binny's buyers. Our buyers try thousands of products every year and have, collectively, hundreds of years of experience in this business. Greg, Pat and Roger sat down with wine, beer, spirits and cigar buyers and asked them for their pick of the year. Drink along at home with the following products: Crafthouse Cocktails Plantation Isle of Fiji Rum Cristom Pinot Noir Mt Jefferson Cuvee 2018 Renato Ratti Barolo Conca 2016 Penley Estate Tolmer Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 Bourbon County Brand Stout 2020 Superstition Peanut Butter Jelly Crime La Luna Mezcal Cupreata Highland Park 12 year old First Fill European Oak Sherry Hogshead # 5046 Binny's Handpick 2006 Mezonte Raicilla Japo by Hildegaro Joya

Sometimes there's too much content for a regular episode, so once again we're dropping into your feed with some bonus content. Chris has some vintages of Anchor Christmas, as well a very very old bottle of something very special. We've also got some great cheese pairings to go along with these holiday beers.

"It's the holiday season (the holiday season)" and that means it's time for the holiday releases from some of our favorite breweries. We could probably do one of these episodes every year because these beers are always changing. But they reliably deliver bold flavors that are perfect to pair with holiday dinners and holiday desserts. Drink along at home with the following wines: Victory Winter Cheers Samuel Smith Winter Welcome Ale Southern Tier Old Man Winter Ale Anchor Christmas Ale Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout

Roger is a beer and spirits guy, so wine is usually a little overwhelming for him. The one area of wine he has delved into a bit are fortified wines. The methods around the world might be similar, but each country interprets them differently. Take a tour of these sweet wines with Roger, Alicia and Chris, they're the perfect pairing for many holiday desserts. Roger is a beer and spirits guy, so wine is usually a little overwhelming for him. The one area of wine he has delved into a bit are fortified wines. The methods around the world might be similar, but each country interprets them differently. Take a tour of these sweet wines with Roger, Alicia and Chris, they're the perfect pairing for many holiday desserts. Drink along at home with the following wines: Chateau Guiraud Sauternes 2015 Vinum Regum Tokaji Aszu 5 Puttonyos Sweet White 2013 Cave Spring Cellars Riesling Icewine 2016 Rare Wine Company Barbeito Historic Series Boston Bual Madeira Fonseca 20 Year Old Tawny

Batch cocktails are always a good idea, even if this year's holiday season features much smaller gatherings. That also means this is a great year to experiment with some recipes and methods you've never tried before. Pat, Roger, Alicia and Chris have you covered with tips and tricks to take your cocktail game to the next level. Check out all the cocktail recipes on our blog.

Roger was recently asked about his "Aha Moment" in beer; that one drink that makes you realize what beer (or wine, or spirits) is capable of. For him, it was tripels. The beer scene is dominated by bold flavors, and tripels are not lacking in that department. Bold, complex and very easy to pair with food. Take a trip from the Trappist breweries of Belgium to a walled city in Canada, to America's best takes on the style. Drink along at home with following beers: Westmalle Trappist Tripel Tripel Karmeliet Unibroue La Fin Du Monde Victory Golden Monkey Allagash Tripel Allagash Curieux

Add another country to the ever-growing whisky/whiskey producers available to Binny's customers: Australia. David Vitale, founder of Starward Whisky, joins Pat and Greg to talk about defining Australian whisky. Also a preview of the upcoming Starward Single Cask Handpicked. Drink along at home with following spirits: Starward Two Fold Double Grain Australian Whisky Starward Nova Single Malt Australian Whisky Starward Solera Single Malt Australian Whisky