Gobble Gobble

Wild Turkey is a brand of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey distilled and bottled by the Austin, Nichols division of Campari Group. Its nicknames include "The Dirty Bird", "Gobble Gobble", "Bombed Tom", "Thunder Chicken", "Boat Gas", "Whiskey Tango", "The Screamin' Eagle", and "The Kickin’ Chicken” the reference of some of these being to the 101 proof of its most common bottling, as compared to the 80 proof of standard bourbons. Recently, the company's marketing has referred to the product as "The Bird."

The distillery is located near Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. It offers tours, and is part of the American Whiskey Trail and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

The Ripy brothers built a distillery near Lawrenceburg in 1869 and had consolidated the current facility by 1905 and resumed distilling after Prohibition. The Ripys were bought out in 1952 by the Gould Brothers. In turn the distillery was bought by Pernod Ricard in 1980. On April 8, 2009, the Campari Group announced the acquisition of the brand and of the distillery from Pernod Ricard.

Distillery executive Thomas McCarthy took some warehouse samples on a wild turkey hunting trip in 1940. The next year his friends asked him for "some of that wild turkey whiskey", and a brand was born. The 80 proof version was introduced in 1974.

What A View

Belvedere represents the pinnacle of the Polish vodka-making tradition. Distilled exclusively from the finest Dankowskie Gold Rye and quadruple distilled to create the perfect balance of character and purity, Belvedere Vodka is the true expression of luxury vodka. Completely additive-free and diluted with water from Belvedere's own artesian well, this is a vodka that combines over 600 years of vodka producing expertise with an uncompromising commitment to quality and heritage.

Absolut Ace's Place

Absolut Vodka was first launched in New York in 1979. It soon became talk of the town, the US and eventually of the world. But the recipe behind the pure and natural taste of Absolut is actually older than 30 years. So is the 18th century medicine flask found in an antique store in Stockholm that gave inspiration to the iconic Absolut Vodka bottle.

Absolut Vodka is made exclusively from natural ingredients, and unlike other vodkas, it doesn’t contain any added sugar. In fact Absolut is as pure as vodka can be. Still, that purity has a certain taste: Rich, full-bodied and complex, yet smooth and mellow with a distinct character of grain, followed by a hint of dried fruit.

In 1879, Lars Olsson Smith introduced the continuous distillation with which he made Absolut Rent Bränvin (Absolute Pure Vodka). Instead of the usual three or four times, the vodka was distilled an infinite number of times. 100 years later, it was reintroduced as Absolut. Just as then, Absolut is produced in Åhus, L.O. Smith’s birth town. Also the place where the wheat used for making the vodka is grown. And since the way Absolut is made won’t change, neither will the true taste of vodka.
The main ingredients in Absolut Vodka are water and winter wheat. The water comes from a deep well in Åhus where it’s protected from impurities. Winter wheat differs from other crops: it’s sown in fall, and harvested the next one. Days in between it grows under the Swedish snow developing its hard grain. Also, the use of fertilizers is minimized.

Being so pure, why drink Absolut Vodka any other way than it is? In fact, there’s a good reason why: the purer the vodka, the better it blends with other aromas meaning Absolut Vodka brings out the best in other tastes too.

Spicy

Introduced in Fall of 2011 this fireball was unleashed to an unsuspecting market. Made with a fusion of Southern Comfort and Tabasco brand pepper sauce, Southern Comfort Fiery Pepper is made with whiskey, features the flavors of Southern Comfort and is infused with Original Tabasco Sauce. Tabasco chilies and natural pepper flavors add to the 70 proof spicy spirit; it is available nationally with global expansion to follow.

Let It Snow

Malibu is celebrating the holidays with Malibu Winter Edition – a unique, wintry twist on the world’s favorite Caribbean rum. Malibu Winter Edition brings you Caribbean rum with the same great taste and coconut flavor of Malibu but with real coconut flakes that swirl throughout, like a winter snowstorm.

“Malibu Winter is a refreshing, one-of-a-kind holiday offering that combines the laid back spirit of summer with the crisp and frosty feel of winter,” commented Sheila Senhouse, Brand Manager for Malibu, Pernod Ricard USA. “To develop the product, we utilized cutting edge technology that allows the real coconut flakes to remain floating in the liquid, much like snowflakes falling from the sky. The result is a truly special and delicious limited release Malibu product that is perfect for gift giving and provides our retail partners with a traffic-stopping opportunity to drive incremental sales of Malibu during the holiday season.”

BRRRING THE FLAKES!

Take the Sting Out

This superb five times distilled vodka is produced 100% from single grain (wheat) and enriched with a real edible scorpion. The scorpions are a delicacy in several countries. These scorpions are farm raised not wild.

Their diet and environment is controlled to assure their good quality. The scorpions are processed for human consumption, according to high quality food preparation standards. The toxins that make the mind venom of these particular scorpions when alive, are broken down with a special process. The scorpions have been subject to analysis in many countries to confirm that no harmful substances are present. Distilled and bottled under license of Rodrigo Rodriguez.

The New Vodka; Let It Rain Over Me

After nearly two years of working with leading mixologists, vodka connoisseurs, and premier roducers of distinguished spirits, Voli is proud to offer the first low calorie, delicious fruit and fusion flavored vodkas.

Light. Voli light vodkas are on average between 25% and 40% lower calorie than leading brands. In a world where things add up, it's nice to start subtracting.

Delicious. Voli light vodkas' natural ingredients are expertly blended to achieve the perfect balance of natural fruit flavors and vodka distilled from superior French wheat and pure spring water. You balance the world on your shoulders; let Voli balance the cocktail in your glass.

Fusion. Voli light vodkas pioneer the introduction of fusion flavors. Voli's fusion flavors are multiple fruit flavors masterfully blended together in perfect proportion to create tastes and aromas unlike any other. Simply pour Voli over ice and enjoy.

Voli is available in original lyte, lemon, orange vanilla, pear vanilla, raspberry cocoa, and espresso vanilla. Enjoy Voli in your favorite cocktail or, even better, enjoy it straight up. Welcome to the fusion of light and delicious.

Shot, Shot, Shot, Shot, Shot, Shot, Shot, Everybody!

CÎROC Ultra-Premium celebrates the uncommon on every level; from the uniqueness of its grape composition, to the innovative cold fermentation and maceration techniques, CÎROC has subtle aromatics and a smooth, naturally refined taste.

The name “CÎROC” comes from the combination of two French words: Cime, meaning peak or summit-top and Roche, meaning rock. Its name references the high-altitude vineyards where the Mauzac Blanc grapes are grown, and the stony village walls of the famous medieval Cordes-sur-Ciel, which look onto the vineyards.

CÎROC Ultra-Premium Vodka releases the true flavors of every cocktail. The complexity of the distilled grapes draws out and complements the flavors of whatever CÎROC is mixed with. Add to that the distinctly clean finish of CÎROC and absence of alcohol burn, and you have the most celebrated vodka cocktail experience.

La Fee Verte

Lucid Absinthe Supérieure is a traditional, French-made absinthe verte (green absinthe), whose formula was first approved in 2006. It was granted a COLA (Certificate of Label Approval) in the United States on March 5, 2007, making it the first genuine absinthe to gain approval for legal distribution in the U.S. since 1912.

Lucid is produced in France for the Viridian Spirits company of New York. It is distilled using traditional French methods. Lucid contains less than 10 ppm thujone, because the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau mandates that any finished food or beverage tests less than 10ppm (equal to 10mg/kg) thujone in order to be considered legal (i.e. "thujone-free") pursuant to 21 CFR 172.510. Speculation about the extent to which thujone is important persisted for more than a century, but any lingering notions that thujone was an 'active ingredient' of absinthe has been conclusively debunked by modern science. The Lucid brand revived the antique term "Absinthe Supérieure" to differentiate itself from the negative connotations of absinthe that persisted in the TTB. The recipe includes Grande Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), along with green anise, sweet fennel, and other herbs, and was developed by T.A. Breaux, an absinthe expert and historian. By early 2008, Lucid became available through most distributors in many states.

Keep On Walking

The makers of Johnnie Walker announced the launch of Johnnie Walker Double Black to the United States. This is a new limited edition scotch whiskey that enhances the classic essence of Black Label.

Taking cues from the unparalleled flavors of Johnnie Walker Black Label, Master Blender Jim Beveridge struck out to craft a blend that would take the intensity of Black to unexplored territory. He started on Scotland's vast shores, rediscovering the powerful west coast and subtle east coast scotches integral to today's world-renowned Black Label.

Blended to break the rules, Double Black boasts an edgy confidence in flavor that separates it from its balanced relative, Johnnie Walker Black Label. It is not simply a darker version of Black Label, for it cannot be defined by color alone. Nevertheless, the two blends are intrinsically linked. As any discriminating drinker can see, they share DNA - in their smoky nose, unmistakable spice and slight tones of dried fruit.

Originally debuting only in Duty Free shops across the globe, there has been large hype around Double Black being available nationwide. This is only available for a limited time so make sure you get yours now. Double Black sales are set to stop at the end of the year so cough up the $40 and get walking

Shaken, Not Stirred

Ever wonder what was special about James Bond that made every woman want him and every guy want to be him? The suits? 007 number? License to kill? Fancy gadgets? All wrong. It is that suave, sophisticated martini he drinks.

The drink was invented by author Ian Fleming in the 1953 novel Casino Royale.

Ian writes:
"A dry martini," [Bond] said. "One. In a deep champagne goblet."
"Oui, monsieur."
"Just a moment. Three measures of Gordon's, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shake it very well until it's ice-cold, then add a large thin slice of lemon peel. Got it?"
"Certainly, monsieur." The barman seemed pleased with the idea.
"Gosh, that's certainly a drink," said Leiter.

Bond names it the Vesper, after his character’s love in the novel. This martini is different then the standard Bond martini because it uses both gin and vodka, Kina Lillet for dry vermouth, and lemon peel for the basic olive. There is many debate over the Vesper because it was only used once in the novels and Bond resorted back to his vodka martinis.

At this point most people are more astounded that the 007 movies are actually based off of novels. Daniel Craig, in the film Casino Royal, truly made the Vesper Martini famous. During a heated poker match, he stops to order a dry martini: 3 measures of Gordon’s, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet; shake it up over ice and add a thin slice of lemon peel. Wait, sound familiar? No matter where you herd it, you too can feel like a secret agent when you order this drink.

Always Room For Dessert

To think you used to have to make your own from scratch. Why did it take so long for someone to create this?

Dare to stimulate your senses with the new and refreshing sensory explosion that is CREAM. Choose from six passionate whipped cream flavors infused with a 30 proof (15% alcohol by volume) kick that propels cocktails and mixed drinks to a whole other level.

A tempting blend of natural and artificial ingredients, CREAM inspires whipped cream flavors like raspberry, cherry, orange, caramel, chocolate, and of course vanilla with a smooth alcohol burst.

Each 375 ML aerosol-dispensed can of CREAM offers endless and palatable possibilities. Imagine topping off your favorite mixed drinks, signature shots, martinis, daiquiris, coffees, and desserts with a sensory infusion like no-other …CREAM. The crème de la crème confectionery sensation, CREAM offers the simple pleasures of traditional whipped cream with grown-up benefits.

Green Lantern

East meets west has struck again. Combining a mesmerizing bottle and unsurpassable liqueur, it is a sake-based drink, billed as both "The World's Only Sake Liqueur" and "The All Natural Asian Liqueur" due to its 20 strange botanicals and fruits and Asian production and inspiration. Can you believe that is a result of a graduate program assignment?

Kirk Sahn and Trent Ulciny were given an assignement of creating a product to produce, market, and create a business. Both were on course for masters in International Business & Marketing but ended up with a healthy liqueur with captivating design. The name TY KU was born. What was developed was a vibrant green liqueur that lights up when poured.

TY KU is produced in Japan using a junmai-ginjo sake and an Asian vodka (Shochu) as a base. Sake, often referred to as rice, is sulfite-free, meaning no hangovers. No hangovers is nothing compared to the blend of 20 ingredients including: pomegranate (antioxidant), Asian pear (hangover remedy), honeydew, yuzu (Vitamin C), plum (Vitamin C), fuji apple (lowers LDL, increases HDL), white cranberry (antioxidant) and oolong and green teas (antioxidants). The spirit is sweetened with elderflower syrup which reduces the sugar factor common among liqueurs and the effects of the aphrodisiacs ginseng, damiana and dragon's eye are not to be forgotten.

This amazing bottle self-illuminates when picked up and makes a wonderful display in any bar. There is a button at the base of the bottle that activates the LED. The LED lights when pressure is released from the base so you get a shot of light every time you go for a drink.

TY KU has since came out with several other varities as well; to be saved for another post. Lets all follow the glow for now.

Liquid Gold

Every wanted to know what is considered an exquisite bottle of cognac? The Louis XIII is from Rémy Martin and is made of 100% Champagne grapes. The cognac is blended from eaux de vie, some of which are more than 100 years old. The wine is aged in tiercons, barrels that are hundreds of years old, all done in a cellar isolated from the rest. The crystal carafe dates back 150 years when Paul-Emile Rémy Martin bought a Venetian-style decanter decorated with fleurs-de-lys and named his cognac Louis XIII in homage to the period in which his family settled in the Cognac region of France and to the king under whose reign Cognac was officially recognized as a category.

This liquid gold is of golden mahogany color, extraordinary aromas of banana guava and fig. Intense wood flavors with layers of flavor, including figs, prunes, dried apricot and vanilla. All this is in a hand blow Baccarat crystal bottle sleeping in a satin lined jewel box. All well deserving of this rare cognac.

A 750 ml bottle of Louis XIII may be priced as high as US$3,000; however the average price range is $1,900 - $2,500. "Louis XIII Black Pearl" is a limited edition cognac packaged in 786 individually numbered Baccarat dark crystal carafes. The edition completely sold out within two months. Decanters were sold in Tokyo for 1 million yen ($9,494 US). At Vancouver International Airport a Rémy Martin Louis XIII Black Pearl 1.5 liter bottle was sold to a Chinese couple for US$34,000. On 15 June 2011 the cognac house launched a Jeroboam bottle of Louis XIII, a magnum decanter with the price of €16,000 ($22,600).

Cap-On, Cap Off

While others browse the latest in celebrity gossip pages, we find ourselves looking through bar supply distributors and stumble upon the next item you are going to run out and buy. To think we assumed there could be nothing new in the world of bar supplies.

Cap-On liquor pourer is a product from the imix company. Cap-On is geared toward the home bar enthusiast and bar owners as well. You get all the accuracy and functionality of all the fancy free pour spouts. You will never waste any more of that precious booze with your shaky hands.

The Cap-On is extremely easy to use. Just open your standard bottle, insert the Cap-On and you have your new favorite toy. The top of the pourer does not protrude like other bottle toppers; it is flush and level. A level top allows you to screw on your bottle cap, hide the pourer, and store away.

No one likes bugs, dust, accidental spillage, or evaporation. Cap-On solves all these problems. Did we forget to mention that each Cap-On is $0.79 for a dozen? Buy a bag and just chuck the pour spout if you don’t want to recycle. Just go get it already…we bought a case…

Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend

John Walker & Sons, makers of the Johnnie Walker brand is set to produce a limited edition whiskey to honor Her Majesty the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

The edition is limited to 60 crystal decanters of blended scotch whiskey. 57 bottles are being offered by invitation only at the pocket busting price of £100,000; that is about $157,480 USD. Bottles numbered 1, 8 and 60 will be held for auction. All profits from the sale of the bottles are going to the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust, charity part of the Royal Warrant Holders Association.

Jim Beveridge, Master Blender for John Walker & Sons said: "These are extraordinary grain and malt whiskies that have been maturing slowly since 1952. It's a huge privilege to work with them using all our resources and experience to craft a John Walker & Sons blend that's fitting for this special anniversary. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

All bottles are bestowed in a lead crystal decanted adorned with a Britannia silver collar that highlights a half carat diamond set by hand. Each seal is individually numbered. Each bottle is accompanied by a pair of hand-engraved lead crystal glasses and a leather bound, personalized, hand-embellished artifact book, all housed in a bespoke cabinet incorporating woods from the Queen's Sandringham and Balmoral estates.

Sixty editions of 'Diamond Jubilee by John Walker & Sons' will be bottled on February 6th, 2012, exactly 60 years to the day since The Queen acceded to the Throne.

Smirnoff Following and Leading

Smirnoff has finally followed on the "Whipped Cream" market with Smirnoff Whipped Cream. Don't think Smirnoff is losing their edge. They have come out with the first marshmallow vodka as well; Smirnoff Fluffed Marshmallow. Before Fluffed Marshmallow, all those wanting the campfire treat had to infuse their own vodka.

On November 9th, 2011 Smirnoff introduced two new flavors into the vodka market. After a pour of Smirnoff Whipped Cream you can instantly smell that wonderful desert topping not the mention savor the intense flavor. This is not second to Smirnoff Fluffed Marshmallow's distinct taste so delicious it makes you want to play "chubby bunny."

Keep your eye out for recipes for both of these new flavors, currently too new for all the recipe sites. Your only limit is your imagination making all your deserts in liquid form. For hints on how to get started, check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/theacesplace, with recipes using these two new vodkas.

Welcome To Ace's Place

Hello and Welcome to Ace's Place

This is where you come to learn about all that is up and comming and get reviews from all that is Beer, Wine, & Spirits.

Holding one of the largest documented collections of liquor, we are experts in the field and love to share our knowledge.

If you would like us to review or feel you have something you would like us to share, follow the guidelines for submission.

Guidelines for Submission:
Include the following in your email:

• Where your product can be found and the price.
• Sites and articles relevent to your item.
• What is great about this product?
• Pictures of the product.
• Anything else you think we should know.

If you are submitting a product for review, send an e-mail to review@theacesplace.org and mail product to:

Ace's Place
PO Box 2013
West Lafayette, IN 47996

If you would to purchase ad space or inquire about site sponsorship, please e-mail ad@theacesplace.org