AROMAS CASK FEST - Video

Straight from Classic City Brew Newsletter"

"Join Owen Ogletree and Sachin Patel on an introduction to the first annual Aromas Cask Ale Fest, held at Aromas Cafe in Athens, Georgia on November 15, 2009. 13 firkins were featured. See Spike (brewer for Terrapin Beer Company) dancing in the background like a wild man."



VISIT CLASSIC CITY BREW

Holiday Wine and Food Pairing Dinner

Join us Wednesday December 16th from 6-9pm for a Holiday Wine and Food Pairing Dinner at Speakeasy downtown. We will be discussing and tasting some classic pairings, and a few unusual ones too. The cost is $40 and includes the following food and wine pairings:

Brassfield Serenity white blend served with Oysters with Creme Fraiche and Caviar

La Craie Vouvray Chenin Blanc with Sweetbreads and Risotto

Selby Sauvignon Blanc with Halibut and Orange and Fennel Orzo

Row 11 Pinot Noir and Rabbit Cassoulet

Selby Syrah served with Braised Pork Belly and Heirloom Beans

Budini Malbec paired with Strip Steak, Grits, and Manchego



This will be a sit down dinner, but Rachael and Rose will be mingling about answering your questions and offering up advice on pairing food with wine. Don't miss it!

Call Speakeasy today for reservations 706-546-5556.

Check out Speakeasy's newly designed website at www.speakeasyathens.com

CASK ALE WAS GREAT FUN!

The first annual Cask Ale held at Aromas Wine Bar on Sunday was really alot of fun. Beer enthusiasts, friends, and neighbors gathered to taste 12 special casks. It could not have been a more beautiful Fall day. Looking around it seemed fun was being had by all.



My favorite was the Duck Rabbit Porter w/ Michigan Bing Cherries. And I really liked Copper Creek's Pumpkin Ale - that was really delicious.

Be sure to join us next year - it is sure to be even bigger and better.

AROMAS CASK ALE FESTIVAL - November 15, 2009

Remember that there will be 12 incredible cask ales at AROMAS (1235 S Milledge Ave., Athens, GA) on Sunday starting around 1 PM. If you don't want to pay $30 to try all dozen, then each half pint sample will be only $3. Parking will be sparse, but it is Sunday, so you can park almost anywhere - including the spaces behind Aromas, in the 5 Points Bottle Shop lot, neighborhood streets and some of the empty lots just down Lumpkin Street. Do NOT park in the waffle house lot! Come on by! This is the first pub-based cask fest in the Southeast and will be a blast! Spread the word! Get tickets NOW to sample ALL the casks at http://www.aromaswinebar.com/AromasCalendar.html. Or just show up on Sunday and get half pints for only $3 each until the casks are drained. A free pint glass and live music are included, and food items will be on sale. Bring a folding chair if you want your own seat in the front parking lot.

Here's a tentative list of the amazing cask ales at Aromas this Sunday...
* Terrapin Hopsecutioner
* Rogue Santa's Private Reserve
* Stone Ruination
* Allagash Curieux
* Clipper City Winter Storm
* St. Somewhere Pays du Soleil
* Weyerbacher Winter
* Bells Two Hearted
* Duck Rabbit Porter w/ Michigan Bing Cherries
* French Broad Rye Hopper
* He'Brew Jewbelation 13
* Sweetwater Festive Ale

ANNUAL HOLIDAY WINE SALE AT BOTH FIVE POINTS LOCATIONS

Many of you have asked when we would bring this deal back and here it is: During the first week of November (Mon. Nov 2nd-Sat. Nov 7th) both Five Points Locations will be holding our annual Holiday Wine Sale.

For cash, debit and check transactions, customers will receive 15% off 12 bottle purchases.

For credit card transactions, customers will receive 12% of 12 bottle purchases.

In addition, receive 15% off 6 bottle purchases of wines $49.99 and up when you pay with cash, debit, or check (10% with credit).

Our knowledgable staff will be on hand to help you choose wine for any occasion on your calendar. So hurry over and stock up on your family favorites for the holiday season.

Oh, and you brides and grooms to be in the coming year could also get a jump on your reception AND save some CASH! See you there :)

AROMAS CASK ALE FESTIVAL

Beer enthusiasts unite!

Mark your calendars for November 15th and rendez-vous at Aromas in Five Points for the inaugural Cask Ale Festival !

A cask, for those of you who are new to the crazy world of beer, is a small vessel made of metal or wood for re-conditioning beer. The beer is allowed to finish fermentation in the cask (or Firkin) for about two weeks, in which time a soft, natural carbonation develops. When tasting the beer, the light carbonation permits the flavors and subtle nuances of the beer to shine through.

This event will be held partially outdoors, so make sure to dress for the weather. Since this is all happening on a Sunday, you can bet that the whole crew from Five Points Bottle will be there so come raise a pint with us!!

The Cask Ale Festival will kick of around 1:00pm on Sunday November 15th featuring 10-12 different casks!!!

The tickets are $30 which buys you all the cask ale you can drink! Get your tickets at www.aromaswinebar.com today!

HOLIDAY WINE AND COCKTAIL PARTY AT SQUARE ONE FISH COMPANY

Thursday November 5th from 6:00 to 8:00pm Square One Fish Company will be hosting a festive holiday party! The cost is $25 per person and includes a flight of 5 wines, heavy hors d'oeuvres and a kitchen demonstration!

I also heard through the grapevine that there are going to be some door prizes and gifts, not to mention live music following the tasting! The food and atmosphere at Square One are fabulous, so call them today for a reservation 706-353-8862.

WINE TASTING AND LIVE MUSIC AT HOTEL INDIGO

Thursday October 29th join us on the Indigo Patio for a wine tasting and live music from 5:30 to 7:30pm. I know it's hard for some of you to get there by 5:30pm so feel free to drop by anytime during the event, as it will be very casual.

If you haven't had the opportunity to visit the swanky new eco-friendly hotel, you are in for a real treat!! The decor is fabulous and the patio is very inviting even in this cooler weather. Don't forget your hat and scarf though, because the cool weather is upon us!

K-9 HAPPY HOUR AT THE INDIGO HOTEL

Wednesday October 28th, from 5:30-7:30pm on the patio at the new Indigo Hotel on College Avenue downtown.

Bring your dog to happy hour! There will be music and delicious wine to taste so come on down. There is no cover, so come enjoy the fellowship of other dog enthusiats as we sip the affternoon away.

RIALTO ROOM SPANISH WINE TASTING

Join us Thursday October 22nd from 5:30-7:30pm at the swanky Rialto Room adjacent to the new Indigo Hotel. The venue itself is something to see, but don't miss the gorgeous Spanish wines we'll be pouring from the Jorge Ordonez portfolio!

The Wines:

Marques de Gelida Cava (Sparkling White)

Botani Moscatel Sec

Muga Rioja Reserva

Atteca Old Vines Garnacha

Altos de Luzon Monastrell/Cabernet/Tempranillo

Alvear Pedro Ximenez

The cost is $20 per person and will include some lovely hors d'oeuvres to pair with the wines. Call Five Points West for Reservations 706-316-2337, but walk-ins are welcome!!

Check out the musical acts coming to the Rialto this season at www.therialtoroom.com

CASK ALE FESTIVAL!!!

Beer enthusiasts unite! Mark your calendars for November 15th and rendez-vous at Aromas in Five Points for the inaugural Cask Ale Festival ! A cask, for those of you who are new to the crazy world of beer, is a small vessel made of metal or wood for re-conditioning beer. The beer is allowed to finish fermentation in the cask (or Firkin) for about two weeks, in which time a soft, natural carbonation develops. When tasting the beer, the light carbonation permits the flavors and subtle nuances of the beer to shine through.

This event will be held partially outdoors, so make sure to dress for the weather. Since this is all happening on a Sunday, you can bet that the whole crew from Five Points Bottle will be there so come raise a pint with us!!

The Cask Ale Festival will kick of around 1:00pm on Sunday November 15th featuring 10-12 different casks!!!

The tickets are $30 which buys you all the cask ale you can drink! Get your tickets at www.aromaswinebar.com today!

ASHFORD MANOR WINE FESTIVAL

This annual festival is loads of fun so get your tickets today! The event wil be held on Sunday October 24th from 3pm to 6pm at Ashford Manor in old downtown Watkinsville. Our table this year will feature scores of different wines for you to taste. In addition, many of your favorite local restaraunts will be there to serve up their specialties for you to enjoy with your wine. This year's participants include: Cali n Tito's, Speakeasy, DePalma's, Lumpkin Cafe, Mama's Boy, Square One Fish Co., White Tiger Gourmet, Casa Mia and many more. Visit the link below for more details!

Tickets for non-foundation members are $30 in advance and $35 the day of the event. Arts Foundation members can purchase tickets for $20 in advance and $35 the day of the event. All the proceeds go to the Oconee County Arts Arts Foundation. For advance ticket information visit www.OCAF.com or call 706-769-4565. Also there is a great slide show with photos from last year posted on the OCAF website...check it out!

LUCA FEDRIGO OF L'ARCO WINES

Unfortunately this event has been canceled. We apologize for any inconvenience. Be sure to stop by and meet the Five Points Bottle Shop staff at Ashford Manor this weekend!

AROMAS CASK ALE FESTIVAL - November 15, 2009

Come join us for 10-12 firkins from America's best craft
breweries. Along with the beer enjoy some food and music.
The cost is $30 per person (doesn't include food).

Limited tickets available so get your tickets now!
* All casks are paid for by Aromas and purchased through a
distributor

Head to AromasWineBar.com to purchase tickets. The spots should sell out very quickly.

CooL Wines AHead

Savida Sangria - $11.99 at Five Points and $13.99 at Westside
Red and White
The first homemade Sangria in a bottle. Handcrafted in California the red is a blend of Calif Merlot and Syrah with all natural juice from passion fruit, elderberry, lime and strawberry. The White is Calif Sauvignon Blanc with tangerines, peaches, lemons and limes.
Chill and Open, garnish and enjoy the perfect drink.

Mutt Lynch - $9.99
Cab, Zin, Sauvignon Blanc and Chard

Tail waggin’ wines made by and for dog lovers! Fantastic wines at a fantastic price. And whatsmore ~ A FANTASTIC CAUSE ~ a percentage of the purchase price of every bottle you will be donated to Athens’ True Love Canine Rescue and Adopt-a-Pet.com. Visit www.truelovecaninerescue.com/ for more information.

Stone Vertical Epic Ale

09-09-09 Released!

These bottle-conditioned ales are specifically designed to be aged until sometime after December 12th, 2012. Provided you can wait that long. At that time, enjoy them in a "vertical" tasting. Each one unique to it's year of release. Each with its own "twist & turn" in the plotline. Each one released one year, one month and one day from the previous year's edition.

To remind you, the remaining dates are: 10.10.10 and 11.11.11 and 12.12.12.

Come On – You gotta join the adventure.

German Style OctoberFest Are Here

Hoss by Great Divide

We've got it in the store now. Hurry on down.

Per the label, “Hoss is based on the Märzen lagers of Germany. Rich, layered malt notes, with some hints of cherry and dark notes, dominate while the unique addition of rye imparts a slightly earthy, spicy character. Hoss finishes crisp and dry [...]”


Bell's Octoberfest

Summer is almost over people! Octoberfests are landing and today we had one of the heavy hitters arrive. Bells!

It's a coppery amber lager that showcases a full bodied, malty flavor that is balanced by a refreshing bitterness derived from fine noble hops.

Pre-Game Order Forms

It's Football season again and you are ready to tailgate or host a football party. Introducing the Pre-Game Order Form. Now there is no need to stand in line or try to find parking on busy game day.

Simply complete this convenient order form and get it to your favorite location - Five Points or Westside by noon on Wednesday before a game. Then on Friday, saunter in anytime to pick up your order. No line, no crowds, no wait. What could be easier!

Available online or at either store location.

Go Dawgs!

Wine Tastings !!!!!

Hi there! Just a quick reminder, there are two wine tastings
coming up so make sure to sign up!

Wines of Argentina, Chile, and Spain
Wednesday July 22, 2009 at Aromas 7:00pm
Catered by Cali n' Titos and only $15 per person
Call Aromas for reservations 706-208-0059

AND

Taste the Lovely List at East-West
Friday July 24th, 2009 at East-West Bistro 6:30-8:00pm
Appetizers and 10 wines for only $15 per person
Come enjoy select bottles of wine from the brand new list at
East-West. FYI this makes a great happy hour for those of you
who like to dine downtown on the weekends!
Call East-West for reservations 706-546-9378
Hope to see you all there!

Salut,
Rachael

Ice Bags

Doesn't everyone agree? Bagged ice is better than home icemaker ice. Cocktails taste better somehow and beer is definitely colder sitting in a cooler filled with ice. Plus who could supply enough for a party so buying bagged ice is a must for any party occasion.

FIVE POINTS BOTTLE SHOP is a reliable supplier of 10 lb. bagged ice — even on holiday weekends, game day weekends, when your own ice maker just gives out.

Serving the Athens, GA, Bogart, Winder, and Watkinsville areas with over 2000 lbs of bagged ice on hand at either of our two convenient locations, FIVE POINTS BOTTLE SHOP is your source for 10 pound bags of ice.

Call our Five Points location at 706-543-6989 or the Westside at 706-316-2337 for more information.

On the web at www.fivepointsbottleshop.com

Party & Event Planning Consultants

Great parties don't just happen by chance. They're a result of careful, detailed planning. That's why FIVE POINTS BOTTLE SHOP is here to help you plan and host an event that's stree-free and enjoyable for you and your guests. Whether it's an intimate dinner with friends or an elaborate wedding, you'll find our Event and Party Consultants will help take some of the guesswork and headaches out of planning a great party.

FIVE POINTS BOTTLE SHOP offers a wide variety of wine, beer and liquor, ice, mixers, bar supplies, AND party planning consulting for all your needs to make your social event a great success.

One would think that finding such a wide variety of adult beverages in Athens-Clarke County and so close to Oconee County would be hard to find and even more expensive to buy. At Five Points Bottle Shop, in Athens, Georgia, we take pride in offering such a wide selection of wines, beer and liquor to please and tease every palate with prices to accommodate every pocket book.

Whether your selection is 1 Liter bottles of Wine, Specialty Wines, Craft Beer, Domestic Beer, Kegs, mini bottles, or Top Shelf Liquor you can be guaranteed that you will be paying the best price in town along with friendly and courteous service. We offer an additional 10% discount when purchasing wine by the case. And many of our selections are offered at super savings when you join our Five Points Bottle Shop Privilege Card Savings Club.

With a regular supply of exclusive wines and standard favorites from around the world on hand, wine lover’s can choose from a wide assortment of wines including California premiums, Australian, French, Chilean, Argentine, German, Italian, domestic, local regional, sparkling wines, blends, ports and sherries.

Our huge inventory of Liquors will satisfy everyone’s taste... many brands of drink mixes, condiments and party supplies for drinking, mixing and blending that perfect drink.

Our beer selection includes literally hundreds of different items. We stock all the standard brands, but also have the largest choice of imports, micro brews and specialty brews. Yes, we have kegs, and at the lowest price. Of course we will special order your favorite specialty keg. Buy one bottle, or a truck load.

Georgia Theatre Burns

This is such a sad day for many of us who live in Athens, and many who have visited. The Georgie Theatre caught on fire earlier this morning. So many great bands, so many fun nights spent there. So so sad.

Beer 101 - Part 2

This is the second class in a series of three, it will consist of 6 different beers all true to their style. The class will be taught by Alex Arthurton of Five Points Bottle Shop. The beers you will be tasting and learning about are:

Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout (Draught)
Allagash Curieux (Draught)
Lagunitas Brown Shugga
Dogfish Head Red & White
He'Brew Bittersweet Lenny's RIPA
Victory Old Horizontal

The next class will be Monday, July 13th. If you attend the first and second class the third will be free. All classes are $10. Call 706.208.0059 for reservations.

Craft Beer Week Celebration Dinner

Last nights Craft Beer Week Dinner Celebration couldn't have been a more beautiful evening dining on the outside patio at Athens' hotspot The Melting Point. Friends and local celebrity brewers gathered under the stars while enjoying the background sounds of a live bluegrass band. We tasted some terrific brews, two of which I found new to my palette and very exciting.

First was Terrapin's 90 Shelling Scotch Ale, Side Project Vol 6 by Terrapin Beer Company. I loved the this beer and I loved sitting next to Spike, the man who brewed it, especially when he sang along to one of my fav songs by Johnny Cash - Big River.

We enjoyed a fabulous Vichyssoise - Potato and Leek Soup served chilled with Caramelized Prosciutto and Fried Leeks paired with Allagash Confluence Ale. Full of flavor, the creamy soup, to me, contrasted neatly with the slightly fruity taste and light foam top.

Next up was White Asparagus Salad with a fantastic blood orange vinaigrette and basil oil. The Sweetwater Double IPA was bright and tasty and a wee bit sour which I like. Still nothing could beat the "Asparagus Makes Your Pee Smell" discussion. According to one guest who actually did a study on this, asparagus makes your pee smell. I never knew this, and as it turns out, only some people can smell it - I obviously being one of the few who falls into the "can't smell it" category.

The real treat came with the main entree, Muscovy Duck. Paired with Atlanta Brewing Belgian Strong Dark Ale Aged in Pappy Van Winkle Barrel. WOW. I felt I was just let into a secret society. The beer was like nothing I've imagined in a beer before. Banana, Coconut, Whiskey are the 3 words that dominated the first taste. Guests lavished Dave McClure, it's creator, with praises and congrats. It was an honor to have him on hand and he sat and visited with several guests to share news on how he did it.

We wrapped up with Stone Russian Imperial Stout and Tiramisu Cake.

But the real testimony came as the table was cleared and folks began meandering, I could hear some testify that indeed their pee did smell after the asparagus. Crazy.

High 5: The making of the private label

Five Points Bottle Shop is working on their next private label wine which promises to be a High 5 quality for a terrific value. Here's how we made the original artwork for the custom label.

ÜberSun Imperial Summer Wheat Beer

ÜberSun Imperial Summer Wheat Beer from Southern Tier Brewery is a clean, full of flavor seasonal beer released this April, and yes, I've had a bottle or two.

On the bottle it says that it’s meant to be consumed wisely with friends between summer solstice and autumnal equniox. This idea delighted me so I sat on my front porch, kicked back and enjoyed. I'm know expert, but I found the golden ale interesting, not too 'wheaty',and just down right dreamy.

I think the 'wisely' refers to the 8% abv since the beer drinks deceptively light. Stop at Five Points Bottle Shop pick up a few.

OWEN'S CRAFT BEER WEEK BEER DINNER - MAY 12

I just received this information from the ClassicCityBrew.com newsletter and felt I had to share it with anyone who loves beer and especially if you have never been to a beer dinner before. So far the ones that I have been to have been a culinary delight in addition to the fantabulous beers. Try it, you'll like it!

"Trust me, if you love great beer, you will NOT miss our classic Athens, GA beer dinner in celebration of American Craft Beer Week. The event will be hosted by Owen Ogletree and will include delicious food courses and five of the best US craft beers available. Beers will include a rare cask of Terrapin's new 90 Shelling Scotch Ale on dark oak, and extra special offerings from Stone, Bell's, Sweetwater and Dogfish Head! Four passes to the coveted 2009 Atlanta Cask Ale Tasting will be given away, and all attendees get a free Terrapin pint glass, free admission to Terrapin Tuesday Bluegrass after the dinner, and Craft Beer Week literature. All this for only $45 +tax/tip. Seats are very limited and will go on sale soon at http://www.meltingpointathens.com. The event takes place May 12, 6:30 PM at the marvelous Melting Point/Foundry Park Inn in downtown Athens."

The best beer places in Koln, Köln (Cologne), Germany for Kolsch bier and more.

I mentioned in an earlier post that Five Points Bottle Shop's very own Sachin went on a beer tour of Europe in late December '08 with Classic City Brew's Owen Ogletree. Here is Owen's recap and photos from the tour. Enjoy.

The best beer places in Koln, Köln (Cologne), Germany for Kolsch bier and more.

Fabulous Brunch at Harry Bisset's

What a perfect way to kick off spring. Sunday's brunch at Harry Bisset's was a fabulous opportunity to enjoy the sun, oysters on the half shell and 6 remarkable wines for the tasting. Our Five Points Bottle Shop wine experts were on hand to pour wine and answer questions about each of them. This was a lot of fun and we'll be sure to do it again.

15-4-15 - Two Fabulous Wine Tastings

Five Points Bottle Shop is proud to bring you two fabulous wine tastings this month. The first one is at the Transmetropolitan on the Westside on Wed Feb 18.

I didn't even realize Transmet had a location other than downtown. So this is a great opportunity to get out and taste some new wines, and not have to worry about parking downtown.

Next week, we have our second 15-4-15 with DePalma's Italian Cafe located in Homewood Hills. This a sure to be a fun event with delicious offerings from DePalma's kitchen and great wines.

Don't miss this chance to taste 15 quality wines for only 15 dollars. It's always a good time.

Wine & Chocolate Tasting @ Aromas

Aromas Wine and Chocolate Tasting last night was an evening of delectable chocolate indulgence and featured a wide variety of complimentary wine selections. This was a evening for friends and couples to enjoy wine and sweets in a warm atmosphere. The desserts were beautifully displayed and the wines poured by the knowledgeable staff at Five Points Bottle Shop.

My favorite was the Rosenblum Late Harvest Viognier; with it's apricot flavor and smooth sweetness, it coupled well with the delightful Truffle in hand. I also found the Tilia Merlot to be impressive with it's slight hint of chocolate that contrasted well with the yummiest mini-cheesecake I've had in years. Made by Alejandro Viggiani, a winemaker and viticulturalist that is in charge of all Catena family vineyards makes this wine a great value.


And, as it always seems to happens at these wine tasting events, I met a wonderful couple who, as the course of conversation meandered, we discovered we have friends in common, stories to share and something to learn.

Left Hand Milk Stout Cask Killed!

For those of you who were too burnt out on Super Bowl Sunday or too cozy at home to brave the cold wet night, you missed a really great cask and some rolling good times. While it wasn't a packed house, Aromas still rocked this Monday nite special and ultimately killed the cask by night's end.

The deep brown, almost black, stout had a strong chocolate and mild coffee scent to it. I found it smooth and creamy thanks to the unique flavorful milk sugars. It was a pleasure to drink and perfect on a wet wintering evening.

Wine & Chocolate Tasting @ Aromas

Love wine? Love chocolate? Come to Aromas
Wine Bar for the Wine & Chocolate Tasting
Monday, February 9th at 7pm.

Wines:
Patrick Bottex Bugey Cerdon Sparkling Gamay
Veuve du Vernay Brut
Picket Fence Chardonnay
Tilia Merlot
Rosenblum Zinfanel
Sandaman Ruby Port
Rosenblum Desiree Chocolate
Rosenblum Late Harvest Viognier

Taste the wines and indulge on the vast selection
of chocolate, including truffles, chocolate fondue,
and chocolate covered strawberries.

Call 706.208.0059 for reservations or for more
information.

3rd Annual Terrapin Wake-n-Bake Off

Hands down our favorite event of the year. This years Wake-n-Bake Off with 27 different desserts and 3 Terrapin Beers on draught plus a special cask of Terrapin Wake-n-Bake with Vanilla Beans leaves our sweet tooth fulfilled, but planning our dessert for next year.

'Beer Paradise', a Trip to Belgium & Germany

Everyone has their own idea of paradise and for Five Points Bottle Shop owner Sachin Patel, a trip to 'beer paradise' was in order over the holidays. Traveling with local beer icon, Owen Ogletree and friends, the group set off on a 10 day whirlwind beer adventure in Belgium and Germany the day after Christmas.

One highlight of the trip was a magical stay at the beautiful bed and breakfast Het Pahillek where hosts Patrick and Hilde Gouwy-Hauspie welcomed the guests as part of the family. (Owen has stayed with them before and you can read about his 2005 trip at his Classic City Brew website).

Behind the B&B there is also a walking path that leads to the Saint Sixtus Trappist Abbey that is the location of the Westvleteren brewery. This Trappist brewery currently brews 3 beers, in limited quantity and are only sold at the brewery itself or at the abbey-owned cafe across the street. All buyers must agree to not resell the beer. The bottles have no labels on them and have all the required information printed on the colored crown tops.

There is too much to tell about every beer, every brewhouse and every new friend they encountered, so you will have to stop in at the store and ask Sachin all about it.

Blink and You'll Miss It Super Bowl Ads

Beer company, MillerCoors, figured $3 million for a 30-second spot during the big game was a hefty price to pay for its "great value" beer so it found an alternative: run a one-second ad instead.

In the blink of an eye, those with sharp eyes, or unaffected by alcohol, will spot them.

Read the whole story at LA Time Blog.