‘Tis the season where we’re all busy checking off our shopping lists, coordinating family calendars and planning the boatloads of social get-togethers! At JAK’S Beer Wine Spirts, we’re trying to help all of our guests to ease the stress and hustle & bustle of the holiday season. So we’ve compiled a list of “must-haves” to share and sip over evening parties, share as a gift under the tree or simply enjoy yourself.
1. Bridge Brewing Santa’s Sac Belgium Golden Strong Ale:Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, there’s something in Santa’s Sac for everyone! This strong beer packs a punch at 10% ABV and has notes of fruit, spice, pepper and a clean bitterness. This Christmas beer won’t last long!
2. Valduero Reserva:This full bodied red is perfect for the cold Winter days and to pair with hearty stews and roasted meats. The concentrated dark fruits are complemented by chocolate, leather, and spice and carry through to a long savoury finish.
3. Yellow Dog Brewing Fa-la-la-la Lager Kellerbier:Drink beer and do good at the same time! This seasonal beer brewed by our friends at Yellow Dog in Port Moody (in collaboration with CFOX radio) is a fresh, hazy lager with fruit-forward American hops. Proceeds from sales of this specialty brew go to SHARE Family & Community Services who provide support to the Tri-Cities area.
4. JAK’S Macaloney’s Custom Blended Malt Whisky:Limited edition whisky hailing from the Speyside region of Scotland where it spent 6-7 years in ex-Bourbon casks. Further resting on the west coast in an ex-Moscatel barrique provides rich flavours of fruitcake, raisin, leather and ginger.
5. Salt Spring Island Ales Creme Brûlée Vanilla Stout:Brewed with local ingredients and fresh mountain spring water, comes this Salt Spring Island Ales limited seasonal release. Rich flavours of vanilla with hints of chocolate and coffee to finish off this stout that acts more like a dessert! The perfect sipper with friends après ski under a cozy blanket.
6. Lorgeril Le Petit Rosé d’Été:A rosé this good should not be limited to summer refreshment. This cozy rosé is brimming with floral aromas, juicy raspberry and red currant flavours and mouth-watering acidity. Best paired with charcuterie and fireplaces.
7. Sons of Vancouver Amaretto:This north shore distillery excels at crafting Amaretto using 5 simple ingredients. Apricot kernels are blended with vanilla bean and orange peel, while Demerara and BC blackberry honey are added to sweeten. Candied almonds and shortbread make for a heavenly match.
8. Bauchet Blanc de Pinot Noir Champagne:The Bauchet family has been producing outstanding grower Champagne for over four generations. Made solely from Pinot Noir, this bubble has a rich texture with creamy integrated mousse and lingering flavours of baked pear, red berries and brioche. ‘Tis the season to sparkle!
9. Lemon Hart Blackpool Spiced Rum:This powerful spiced rum is exploding with flavours and aromas of dark fig, chocolate, and mulled spices such as cloves, vanilla, nutmeg, and ginger. Sublime on its own over ice but also fantastic when mixed with cola, ginger ale, and YES - eggnog. This is Christmas in a glass!
10. Baumer Riesling:A juicy and slightly sweet Rhine Riesling from Germany that is brimming with ripe apple, honey and pear flavours offset by a lively acidity. Riesling with a touch of sweet works harmoniously well with the tartness of cranberry sauce.
11. Muckle Flugga Speyside Single Malt Whisky:Gentle, smooth and classically Speyside with aromas of sweet spice, blossom, pear and honey. Aged in ex-Bourbon casks over wintering in the Shetland Isles adds a touch of salinity.
12. Zeal Chardonnay:The 2016 Zeal Chardonnay has warm flavours of baked apple and pear complimented by toast, cloves, and vanilla custard. This wine is a fabulous counterpart to the richness of butternut squash, poultry, pork, or any creamed soups.