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.

Amazing Holiday Sale on Wine

The holidays are here. Company parties, neighborhood parties and and holiday gift giving have begun. And what better gift idea than wine. Wine makes a perfect holiday gift, hostess gift or corporate gift. That's why Five Points Bottle Shop is offering a special sale this week. Get 15% off any mixed case of wine and 10% off any 6 bottles. Our talented wine buyers are glad to help you personalize your selections. Ask for Svetlana at our 5 Points location or Rachael on the Westside, and let us help you select the holiday gift everyone loves.

Ola Dubh Cask Revved Me UP!

Local beer fans come out to taste the very special Harviestoun Ola Dubh cask tapped at Aromas last night. Local beer legend Owen Ogletree was on hand to introduce the keg and gave away two tickets to the Atlanta Cask Ale Tasting this coming January to a lucky winner. In another name drawing a guest was chosen to hammer in the tap and taste the first glass.

Based on Harviestoun's award-winning Old Engine Oil, the beer was pitch black, delicious, and smooth. I had two 8oz pints, enjoyed them, and enjoyed the evening talking with friends and new acquaintances.

I'm starting to make a habit out of attending these simple, but rich events at Aromas. Can't seem to help it. There is no need to be an expert I've learned; just a desire to taste and have fun.

Hope to see you at our next event, The Battle of the Bubbles.

Harviestoun Ola Dubh Cask - On Tap Tonight!

We've had this cask for a year now and it's time to break it out!

A little bit about the beer:

Harviestoun Ola Dubh Special RSV 30 is Harviestoun Old Engine Oil aged in select oak casks, formerly used to mature Highland Park's rich and complex 30 yr Single Malt Scotch Whiskey.

Now for the cask:

This is a very special cask; it is one of a few that they made.

The cost will be $8 for an 8oz pour.

At Aromas Wine & Craft Beer Bar in 5 Points.

Barolo Wine Dinner at DePalma's Italian Restaurant

Hello everyone and happy holidays! Please join us for a very special evening at DePalma's (downtown) for an exclusive Barolo wine dinner pairing four exquisite courses with four vintage Barolo wines.

Make your reservations now for Thursday December 11, at 7:00 by calling DePalma's at 706.354.6966.

For those of you who aren't familiar with Barolo, they are considered some of Italy's best and most sought after wines. Barolos are made in the Piedmont region where the vineyards are managed as meticulously as they are in the Burgundy area of France.

The Barolo wines are made purely from one grape, Nebbiolo. The wines produced are inky and robust, making them the perfect pairing for roasted meat and game.

DePalma's chef Homer Whitmire (winner of the Red Clay Chef Competition in 2007) will be cooking a fabulous meal to compliment the wines.

I want to stress what and incredible value this dinner is for only $85 per person. Most Barolo wines retail anywhere from $60 to almost $300 per bottle.

Don't miss this opportunity to taste several different vintages from several different producers in one sitting. Click here to view the menu including the wine selections.

If you have any questions please call me at 706.316.2337 or email at rachael@fivepointsbottleshop.com and I'll be glad to help.

Have a wonderful week and I hope to see you all soon.

Rachael, Westside Wine Manager

Sponsored by Avant Partir Wines and Five Points Bottle Shop