Each entry is classified and appropriately grouped into blind tasting flights within each major spirits category. It is then rated on a 100 point scale by a panel of judges. Those scoring 90 points or more are evaluated again in newly-created groupings by a different panel of judges. The top scoring products in this tasting flight are reviewed once more to determine a select group of finalists. The highest scoring spirit in each category is awarded the Chairman’s Trophy.

We would like to extend our congratulations to the following spirits in the Lipman Brothers Portfolio that were awarded the Chairman’s Trophy in their respective categories:

Bols Barrel Aged Genever

José Cuervo Reserva de la Familia Extra Anejo Tequila

Milagro Select Barrel Reserve Silver Tequila

George Dickel Barrel Select Tennessee Whisky

Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka

Click here for a pdf copy of all of the Lipman Brothers spirits receiving 90 points or more in the Ultimate Spirits Challenge.

Cheers!

Growing up in Nashville, I always thought of Chattanooga as a quant town with outlet shopping and Rock City. Over the years I heard less-and-less about Chattanooga, and then, about 10 years ago I began hearing more-and-more about Chattanooga as a city on the rise!

With the aquarium anchoring the downtown, I assumed there would only be family friendly restaurants. To my surprise, just the opposite! The downtown area has gone through unbelievable growth and renovation over the past five years. Many of the older buildings are finding new life with amazing restaurants and bars opening all over the city.

I found Easy Bistro’s hip, modern feel a perfect fit downtown. The upscale Parisienne fare paired with dynamic cocktails offer a delightful evening, especially without a brutal price tag. .25 cent raw bar goodies, wine, and then a dinner of braised local pork medallions made for a perfect experience.

Another great Chattanooga eatery is Public House. The wrap around porch and fresh fare make it a hard spot to leave.  Public House actually sits on the corner of Warehouse Row. Warehouse Row used to house outlet shopping, but now has some of the best boutique shopping around. Great food and boutique shopping are hard to pass up.

I also recently discovered a restaurant, Bald Headed Bistro in the nearby city of Cleveland. A western style steakhouse that makes you feel like your in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Innovative appetizers, handmade pasta, and 28 day in-house aged beef makes this a dinner worth driving for.

I discover something new every time I make my way down to Chattanooga. . . And thankfully you can still see seven states from Rock City!

In my opinion, one of the greatest parts of being an American living and in the United States, a country that epitomizes the term “melting pot,” is that we have the opportunity to celebrate various holidays that trace their origins back to countries and cultures from all over the world.

 On March 17^th we celebrate St.Patrick’s Day, once again reacquainting ourselves with traditional dishes, music, dances, legends and lore of Ireland.  Ireland is known for many things, Irish Whiskies ranking highest on my list of favorites. To help bring in this St. Patty’s Day, I have taken it upon myself to provide a lil’ Irish Whiskey education.

 Until Prohibition, Irish Whiskey was the most popular imported whiskey in the United States. Today, there are well over one million cases of Irish Whiskey imported onto American shores each year.  Irish whiskey is distilled primarily from malted barley and may at times also have unmalted grain. Unlike Scotch, peat is seldomly used in the malting process of Irish Whiskey. Most, but not all Irish Whiskies are distilled three times, and all are aged for a minimum of three years in oak barrels. While many enjoy Irish Whiskey neat, on the rocks, or in the well-known Irish coffee; Irish whiskey also serves as an excellent base whiskey in a number of cocktails.

 There are three main Irish Whiskey distilleries in Irealand. The following are all from the renowned, innovative and independently owned Cooley Distillery.

 Michael Collins  produces two outstanding whiskies, Michael Collins and Michael Collins 10yr. Single Malt. Both are double distilled for character and aged in small bourbon seasoned casks from 4-12 years. Michael Collins garnered “96 points” by The Chairman’s Trophy, and was rated the “#1 Irish Whiskey” at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge in 2011. Michael Collins 10 yr. Single Malt was awarded a Double Gold Medal and acknowledged as “Best Irish Whiskey” from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

 Concannon Irish Whiskey  is another great choice – a double distilled malt and grain whiskey that recently received a “93” rating from The Tasting Panel and “Four Stars ‘Highly’ recommended” in F.Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal.

Also from the award-winning Cooley Distillery is Slane Castle.  Slane Castle is named for the castle that sits on the banks of the mystical River Boyne beneath the famous Hill of Slane where St. Patrick lit his paschal fire. This “small batch” exhibits hints of honey, vanilla, and spice with a long malty finish. Slane Castle received “Four Stars” in F.Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal. Since 1981, the owners of the castle have hosted concerts featuring the music of U2, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and the Red Hot Chile Peppers. In 2011 Tennessee’s Kings of Leon performed in celebration of the venue’s 30^th Anniversary and perhaps even enjoyed a sip after the show.

 Cheers to the luck of the Irish and a safe and festive St. Patrick’s Day celebration!

“La Fheile Padraig Sona Daoibh”

Number one on my wintertime activity list: going to the Nashville Predators hockey games. Admittedly, I don’t entirely understand the rules, but with all the chanting, cheering, taunting, and fights going on, I have grown to be an avid Preds fan with fang fingers out and jersey to boot! To make the whole experience that much better, there is now craft beer served throughout Bridgestone Arena providing hockey fans the best of what Nashville has to brew – Hap & Harry’s Lynchburg Lager, Yazoo, and Gerst! There is actually a whole area dedicated to celebrating local craft beer – check out Music City Taps bar near section 119 the next time you are down that way.

I also always enjoy a dance at Robert’s Western World on Broadway. Not only do I love that this classic country honky-tonk starts at 11 in the morning and goes until close, but there is always plenty of Jack Daniel’s, friendly staff behind the bar, and Larry, one of our Lipman employees frequently plays at Robert’s.  Also worth noting, Garden & Gun recently acknowledged Robert’s as one of the best Southern bars!

Now if sophistication is what fancies my mood, the Schermerhorn Symphony Center truly is a spectacular place to spend a couple of hours. Performances vary from classical, to country, to funk, to dance. You name it the Schermerhorn has had a variation of it! AND, as of recently guests are now allowed to bring “adult beverages” into most performances. When I am in need of a special evening, this is definitely where I go to find it, rain or shine!

So, while we are all sitting tight for the season to change let’s get out-and-about and enjoy what is Nashville!

Frosty Light Margaritas

Lime wedges
Kosher salt for the glasses’ rims
1/2 cup juice from Mexican limes or fresh limes
1/4 cup Tequila Cazadores or Milagro
1 1/2 tablespoons of Cointreau or Aquavera (orange-flavored liqueur)
2 1/2-3 tablespoons superfine sugar
12 ice cubes

1. Run a lime wedge around the edge of each glass. Then dip rims into a saucer filled with the Kosher salt.
2. Put the remaining ingredients into a blender; blend until the ice cubes are chipped and the mixture becomes frothy.
3. Pour the mixture into the prepared glasses; garnish with lime.

Mojito

1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 lime
3 sprigs mint
1.5 ounces light Bacardi Rum
soda water

1. Put the sugar in a highball glass (or any 8-12 ounce glass) and squeeze 1/2 of a small lime.
2. Toss squeezed lime in glass.
3. Add mint sprigs and muddle for a moment.
4. Add Bacardi Rum, handful of ice, and fill with chilled soda water.

Bombay Magic

Half a shot glass Cointreau
1/4 shot glass of Titos’ Vodka
lemon juice
club soda
mint leaf

1. Squeeze 1/2 lemon.
2. Pour half a shot glass of Cointreau, 1/4 shot glass of Titos’ Vodka.
3. Top it off with club soda and use a mint leaf for garnishing.

All three of these cocktails are approximately 150 calories and simply delicious. There are also light beers available, but calorie for calorie you will may find that you will enjoy one of these fun cocktails because they are packed with more flavor. Remember, most of the calories in cocktails come from the high sugar mixers, so the fresher the drink the easier it is to drink to your health!

Cheers!

Lipman Brothers and the R.S. Lipman Company are honored to represent outstanding wineries, distillers, and breweries from around the globe. The following are just a few that have been singled out for special recognition in 2011. 

Every year, Wine Enthusiast Magazine honors those who epitomize the culture of wine with the Wine Star Awards. We are thrilled that several of the Wine Star Award recipients are a part of what we do here at Lipman.Wente Vineyards  is America’s oldest continuously operated family-owned winery and was named the American Winery of the Year. Charlotte Voisey of William Grant & Sons (Hendrick’s Gin, Milagro Tequila, Sailor Jerry) was named Mixologist of the Year while David S. Taub, CEO of Palm Bay International was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award and Georg Josef and Maximilian Riedel of Riedel Glassware  received the Generations of Innovation Award. All recipients will be honored at a reception at The New York Public Library on January 30, 2012.

 Additional notable achievements are Unibroue Don de Dieu Triple Wheat Ale taking the number one spot in Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s Top 25 Beers of 2011. Another great product that topped out at number one on Wine Enthusiast’s 100 Must Have Wines of 2011 is Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi Nipozzano Riserva 2007 (Chianti Rufina).

 Additionally, F. Paul Pacult’s Spirits Journal is instituting an annual F. Paul Pacult’s Spirits Journal Hall of Fame. Each year no more than five spirits will be inducted into their “Hall of Fame”. Included in the inaugural year’s picks are, Highland Park 18yr Single Malt Whisky (Scotland) calling it the “The quintessential whisky; the ultimate expression of the distiller’s art and magic, and The Best Spirit in the World”. Also inducted into the Hall of Fame was Cointreau Liqueur (France), “the perfect liqueur in every sense of the word…An indispensable spirit in scores of legendary cocktails (Sidecar, Margarita) and contemporary cocktails (Cosmopolitan), and when tasted side-by-side with its wannabes, it trounces all with startling conviction.”

The prestigious Ultimate Spirits Challenge rated Michael Collins Blended Irish Whiskey a “96” Ultimate Recommendation, #1 Irish Whiskey and the Chairman’s Trophy Winner for 2011. Some of our beers also did awfully well at The Great American Beer Festival.  Rogue Ales’ Hazelnut Brown Nectar and Smoke Ale received Gold Medals  as did Ommegang Brewery with their Belgian-Style Witte and Flying Dog’s Horn Dog Barleywine. Silver Medals were bestowed upon Lakefront Brewery’s Gluten-Free New Grist, Oskar Blues’Mama’s Little Yella Pils and Napa Smith’s, Organic IPA. Oskar Blues captured a Bronze Medal for their Old Chub Scotch Ale.

 However, we have saved what we believe is the best for last. In February 2011, The Malt Advocate (Now Whisky Advocate) awarded Angelo Lucchesi a Lifetime Achievement Award. Angelo was the very first salesman for Jack Daniel’s, beginning his career with this legendary distillery in 1953.  Angelo has been a tireless champion of Jack Daniel’s and for all American Whiskey. In 2011 the Jack Daniel’s Distillery celebrated Angelo and his accomplishments alongside his 90^th birthday with the Angelo Lucchesi Commemorative Bottle. Lipman Brothers has a long standing relationship with Angelo, as Lipman Brothers is the first distributor of Jack Daniel’s worldwide. We couldn’t be prouder of Angelo and all that he has done to help build Jack Daniel’s into the brand it is today. Just as a side note…. This author, is the proud owner of an autographed bottle.

Legend has it that Dom Pierre Perignon, a Benedictine monk and cellar master at the Abbey of Hautvillers, invented Champagne. However, Champagne was not created by just one individual, rather by experimentation, trial and error over the years by a number of Champenois.

The Champagne Region is located approximately 90 miles northeast of Paris and is one of the coldest wine-producingareas in the world. Traditionally, grapes for wine are harvested and fermented in the fall and left to settle through the winter months. Because of the cold temperatures in Champagne, the yeasts paralyze before all the grape’s sugars have been converted to alcohol, halting the fermentation process. When the warm spring temperatures arrive, the yeasts begin a second fermentation, creating bubbles in the wine.

The early wines were cloudy, gritty, coarse, and heavily sweetened to disguise the tart characteristics.  Over time, winemakers have developed techniques that tame these bubbles and improve the taste of the wine.  In the 19^th century the process of riddling or “remuage” was developed. This allows the yeast cells to be frozen and removed (degorgement) at one time.  From this point on, Champagne has continued to evolve into what we enjoy today.

Although there are various methods to produce sparkling wines, the finest sparkling wines adhere to the Methode Champenoise, which requires a second fermentation of the wine in the bottle.

It is always fun experimenting and trying new things. The following are a few suggestions for pairing sparkling wines with different types foods.

• Hot, spicy foods such as Sushi, Thai, Buffalo wings, Latin cuisine and fruit desserts pair well with a sweeter sparkling.  Try a Spumante – our recommendation is either the Verdi Spumnate or Tosti Asti Spumante .
• Asian cuisine, salmon, tuna, pork, and ham are great with a Blanc de Noir such as the Tapiz Blanc de Noir or a Rose. Korbel’s Brut Rose and Cristalin’s Cava Rose are both great choices! These Roses and Blanc de Noirs offer a fuller-bodied, rounder profile that compliments these dishes.
• Oysters, shrimp, mussels and flavored cheeses go well the crisp, dry and zesty character of a Blanc de Blanc. Try the Scrhamsberg Blanc de Blanc or Domaine Ste. Michelle’s Blanc de Blanc. Both are devine!
• Richer dishes such as dips, fried appetizers, and cured meats are perfect with any sparkling labeled as Brut Cuvee. We love the Roederer Estate Brut or Scharffenberger’s Brut.
• Note that the sweeter the dessert, the drier the sparkling wine should be. Pair cheesecake and chocolate with a Blanc de Blanc and melons or berries with a Blanc de Noir.

And most importantly, CHEERs to a happy and safe 2012!

My general guide when shopping for a beverage gift is to focus on the recipients individual preferences.  Do they enjoy spirits, wine or beer? A number of spirits producers, breweries, and wineries package their products in attractive gift boxes and “value added packages” during the holidays. These include flasks, champagne flutes, and logoed glassware that stick around long after the gifted beverage has been consumed.

The following are “Spirited” suggestions for this holiday season. If you don’t see something that is appropriate, visit your local retail wine and spirits store where you will no doubt find a wider selection perfect for those on your list.

Everyone has a “Gentleman” in their life, and Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey would be well received (hint hint) by the gentleman on your list.  Wine Enthusiast Magazine rated Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey “96” points and selected if as one of the “Top Spirits of 2011”.  For the rum aficionado on your list, the Angostura 1919 Rum from Trinidad & Tobago will provide a rich lush sipping experience. Aged for a minimum of 8 years in American oak bourbon barrels, Wine Enthusiast Magazine rated it “90” points and noted the “striking, gift-worthy bottle”.  The Crown Royal “Cask 16”, a blend of over 50 different individually aged whiskies finished in rare cognac casks will delight any Canadian Whisky enthusiast, or most anyone who appreciate dynamic spirits for that matter.  It was selected as “Canadian Whisky of the Year” in 2010 by The Malt Advocate. To make this the perfect gift, go to www.crownroyal.com where you will find instructions on how to personalize the famous Crown Royal bottle bag with the recipients name and a message.  Artisan Scotch Distiller Compass Box Great King Street “Artist’s Blend” blends grain whisky and malt whisky producing an elegant and versatile blend that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks or in a classic Scotch cocktail. The Malt Advocate rated this “91” and is the perfect blend for single malt fans.    The Vodka fanatic on your list will certainly appreciate receiving the Double Cross Vodka, distilled seven times from spring water and winter wheat providing a spirit of “unrivaled purity and character.” Both the vodka and visually stunning bottle have garnered numerous awards. 

Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season….Cheers, Paul Grand

Eggnog. It shows up just to let you know the Christmas season is truly upon us. Some have family recipes that have been passed down from generation-to-generation while others go to the Purity carton in the grocery store.

Eggnog has an interesting history. It actually dates back to medieval England where it was traditionally consumed by English aristocracy. Sometime in the 18th century, Eggnog made its way over the big blue to America. Because of the high tax on English Brandy, Americans began using Rum and by the end of the Revolutionary War, America had embraced a new liquor, whisky and have been using it in Eggnog since.

Traditional Eggnog Ingredients

12 eggs, separated
6 cups milk
2 cups heavy cream
2 cups /whisky/bourbon (Jack Daniel’s or Bulleit Bourbon)
1+ 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup brandy
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg

Traditional Eggnog Directions

In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks and sugar for approx 10 minutes with  mixer (you want the mixture to be firm and the color of butter).
Very slowly add the whisky/bourbon and brandy
When whisky/bourbon and brandy have been added, allow the mixture to cool in the fridge (for up to 6 hours)
30 minutes before your guests arrive, stir the milk into the chilled yolk mixture
Stir in 1+ 1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
In a separate bowl, beat the cream with a mixer on high speed until the cream forms stiff peaks
In yet another bowl beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form
Gently fold the egg white mixture into the egg yolk mixture
Gently fold the cream into the egg mixture
After ladling into cups, garnish with the remainder of the ground nutmeg

Serves: 8.

Although homemade Eggnog seems like a lot of work, there are but a few opportunities a year to make it! Even try using a nice dark rum, like Myers for a classic American feel.