25 / 96
www.theconnectionsnj.com
PAGE 25
The air is crisp and colorful leaves are falling. Autumn has arrived, and there is so much about this season to enjoy. As we celebrate the fresh aromas, the upcoming oyster season and holiday feasts, we hope for what makes this season memorable with an opulent red wine or majestic white to compliment your occasion. At Select Vintage Wines & Spirits, we consider Craft Beer to be another beloved choice to be savored. Don’t get us wrong. We love a fine wine, but there is something to be said about the taste of a beautifully hopped IPA or a magnificent dark Porter served up in the right glass. If you’re already a beer nerd, you will know that the US market currently has more brands and styles to offer than any other. We find Craft brewers are creative and passionate about what they do truly focusing on quality rather than quantity. It may seem amazingly simple that only four ingredients are required: water, malted barley, hops and yeast, but to these “brew masters,” there is a true science to it. They are meticulous with the choice of each element as this sepa- rates them from the ordinary. The process begins with water, and the quality has to be spot on. Malt, then, imparts flavor and color, while hops provide bitterness and a complement to the malt by way of a fruity flavor. Yeast is last and defines what the beer will be: ale or a lager. Suffice it to say, that whether you are a fan of the clas- sics, seasonal varieties or something experimental, each brew is skillfully created with your enjoyment in mind. We love that. That is why it is our pleasure to take it to the next step and deliver the best that the craft move- ment has to offer directly to you. Proud of the selections we offer, keep- ing in mind the ABV – alcohol by vol- ume; hop bitterness or international bitterness units (IBU) and, of course, the ingredients that make each beer unique. What you might find: “1809” Berliner Weisse (5% ABV), a German import created by Dr. Fritz Briem, an expert in historical beers. This actually hits the top ten of German beers and is a nice contrast to the stronger beers touted by America’s small breweries. Greg Kitsock, writing for the Washington Post, describes it as, “mouth puckering sour, with yeasty notes and lemon sherbet fruitiness.” Bourbon Barrel Aged Shipwreck Porter (12% ABV) by Arcadia Brewing out of Michigan is another. Aged for 12 months in 10 year old Kentucky bourbon oak bar- rels, we think the end result is fantas- tic. “Duet” by Alpine Beer Company, a gem of an IPA with a 7% ABV rounds it out with great hop flavor and a hint of citrus and pine. While there are levels of rarity in the world of crafts beers, you will delight in our extensive collection. We will typ- ically have the usual macros and craft staples that are readily available nationwide, but we also carry seasonal and specialty offerings from breweries that don’t have an extensive distribu- tion. There are the allocated beers that are rare yet obtainable, as well as the exclusives that are fairly hard to track down. Special releases are extremely limited, expensive and comparable to winning the coveted Golden ticket, yet, you enthusiasts dedicated to the cause will road trip it just to stand in line for hours with the hopes of having this one of a kind taste. Every now and again, we are successful in doing the work for you! If you are new at the craft beer thing, what are you waiting for? We feel that determining a taste that suits your palate is a great way to get acquainted. We invite you to join us at Select Vintage Wine & Spirits for a sampling during our weekly event we like to call “Tasty Tuesday.” We begin a 5pm and offer up some wickedly good brews. Our knowledgeable staff just waiting to assist you in finding the craft beer that speaks to you. If you have even considered hosting your own in-home tasting, this is the perfect time to start! Let our guys supply you with some exciting seasonal and limited release selections for your fall fest and the tools to get you started. About Select Vintage Wines & Spirits: We are a family owned bou- tique wine store serving Basking Ridge and the surrounding area since 1980. We offer rare, sought-after wines, an array of craft beers and spirits. 100 Marketplace (Exit 33 off Rt. 78) 25 Mountainview Blvd., Basking Ridge By: Select Vintage Wines & Spirits Discover Your Favorites With Your Friendly, Reliable Local Wine Shop! -) % * $/ 1* ((1 ' $( -+ '% +!"& ( " $ ' +! ) ) -" '- "+! )" +1 ' !'" * "$') ' '-) *"'&4 '% +!"& ' &, ! &+!-*" *+ & / " $"# 444 '"& * & ''# ( $ $ $ " % ( & "! ( '! # The Only Place You Will Want To Shop For Sought After Wine Selections, Craft Beers And Spirits Meet Our Team! ;> '-&+ "&." / '-$ . ) 2 *#"& " 2 9@B;9 :99 )# +($ !'(("& &+ ) ! && () B9A5?=@5B=?< 7 8 3 '&5 !-)* :9 %5B(% 6 )"5 + :9 %5:9(% 6 -& :;&''&5B(% – LOCAL DELIVERY AVAILABLE – Experience Our Daily In-Store Wine Tastings! ". '-) && )5 '%% $" ) ''*+ & "& $ + $ *2 *+1 !"+ *2 " ) &+ "& * )'% $$ . ) ! ')$ 4 " Cultivate Your Wine Palette and Know The Power Of Pairing 0($') *'& $2 "%"+ $ * & $ **" $ ,'&*4 " "# Join Us For TASTY TUESDAYS! As We Engage Your Taste Buds . )1 - * 1 *+ & & $ ,'& ' '-) ) )*2 '$%%Holiday Cheer