Siciliano's Market News, February 11 Edition

This week's list of new and returning products follows a few words about reconnecting with friends

Wintry weather has arrived in west Michigan

Preamble by Steve Siciliano

On the very first day Michigan bars, restaurants, tasting rooms and pubs were allowed to reopen, Barb and I ventured out to Trail Point Brewing to shake off the effects of a nasty case of cabin fever brought on by the double whammy of wintry weather and the Covid shut down. We masked up in the brewery's parking lot, were promptly greeted at the door and were ushered to seats at one of the tasting room's socially distanced tables. While sipping our excellent brews, a mug of Oh MI Amber for me and a snifter of Henry Lee for Barb, we had a nice visit with owners and longtime friends Gary and Lucy Evans.

Barb had another old ale for her second beer while I opted for the MobFather, a tasty double New England IPA. While I waited for my mug to be refilled and brought to the table I put on my mask and walked out to the patio to have a look at the recently installed heated igloos. On the way I ran into and chatted with another member of the ownership team, our good buddy Jeff Knoblock.

The next evening we met with pals Pat and Marcie MacAuley for some laughs and a few cocktails at Eastern Kille Distillery. We hadn't seen our traveling and drinking sidekicks since establishments were closed to indoor seating last November.

The same scene last summer

On the way home we made the impromptu decision to stop at The Mitten for a beer and to place a takeout order for one of the brewery's excellent pizzas. All the socially distanced inside tables were occupied so after placing our food order we took our snifters of Certified Imperial Milk Stout to the outdoor seating area. While we sipped the warming brews we chatted with other patrons gathered around one of the roaring fires. It sure was nice getting out of the house and experiencing a degree of social normalcy again.

Featured Wines of the Week

Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth, Italy, $51.19/1000ml, $22.89/375ml- Antica Formula stands out thanks to its unique bouquet and its unmistakable notes of the best quality VANILLA from the tropical regions of Madagascar, Papua New Guinea and Tahiti. In fact, only the beans produced by the plant, and no other derivatives, are used in the recipe. Vanilla was known in Aztec times and has appetite-stimulating and digestive properties. The SAFFRON used in Antica Formula is of a very high quality and comes mainly from the plateau areas in Iran. It is found in whole stigmas without any impurities and averages 1.5-2 cm in length. This ingredient is known for its antioxidant properties and for being a precious and very expensive spice: in fact, the stigma of around 150,000 flowers must be picked by hand to obtain one kilogram of saffron. Ancient Persians used the spice as an aphrodisiac. The WORMWOOD used in Antica Formula comes exclusively from the Alps of Piedmont and the Aosta Valley. Under current regulations, Vermouth, in order to be considered as such, must contain absinthe as an ingredient, a situation which actually has an historical basis. Antonio Benedetto Carpano, the inventor of Vermouth, gave a great deal of importance to this raw material in his recipe, even using the German word “Wermuth” (which means wormwood) to identify his product. In this, he was possibly inspired by the works of the German writer Goethe, who had arrived in Italy in 1786 on the start of his travels, and whose writings he greatly admired. BURNT SUGAR is a natural compound that, in addition to the product’s botanical ingredients, draws the many flavours of Antica Formula together thanks to its characteristic aromaticity. burnt sugar is produced by heating sugar on its own, without any additives and under controlled conditions.Colour: light brown with an amber hue. – Nose: bouquet of vanilla with spicy, citrusy and dried fruit notes of almond, raisins and cloves. – Palate: well-rounded, rich vanilla taste that picks up the aromas from the nose. Combines well with the bitter orange, dates, cocoa beans and saffron flavours. – Alcohol content: 16.5% (Source)

Cocci Vermouth di Torino, Italy, $21.79/750ml, $13.99/375ml- The original recipe of Giulio Cocchi calls for the use of herbs such as Cinchona and rhubarb which lightly colour of brown the beautiful clear wine. In order to emphasize its amber tone, the addition of sugar browned on fire emphasizes its amber tone, giving together with colour also a special note to the taste: crunchy and cotton candy able to round all the bitter tastes without using vanilla.

A thrilling vermouth, rich in sensations: among the herbs and the aromatizing spices, Artemisia and citrus are the protagonists with their balanced bitter and citrusy notes which characterize Cocchi style.

A rich taste with vibrant notes of cocoa and bitter orange. From the infusion of some noble and balsamic woods, we have in the end light aromas of camphor and rosemary notes. Among the minor ingredients, herbs and woods with unique perfumes such as sandal, musk, myrrh and nutmeg.(Source)

Dolin, Rouge, Vermouth de Chambery, France, $15.59/750ml- Dolin's red vermouth has a very long history, punctuated with many prizes and awards. It's unchanged recipe is one of our treasures. This vermouth has a lustrous coppery color, gentle aromas of fruit compote, of prunes and walnuts with grassy notes, tempered by spicy aromas like Szechwan pepper... then aromas of almond, citrus, pear and cinnamon with gingerbread, tobacco, oregano and hyssop notes. This very rich bouquet is tempered by a subtle bitter base wine. (Source)

Moutard pere & fils, Grande Cuvee Brut Champagne, France, $41.49/750ml-Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir

Elaboration: Fermentation and vinification in stainless steel tanks. Temperature controlled stainless steel vats with cool settling at 45°F. Malolactic fermentation is done. 36 months on the lees in their chalk cellars at a constant 54°F in Buxeuil

Tasting Notes: Refined, rich nose which evokes notes of butter, almond and brioche. Lively, elegant and balanced palate with good mouthfeel. (Source)

Bonterra, Equinox Red, California, $16.29/750ml- (Organic) Twice a year, the sun crosses the celestial equator, resulting in a day and night of equal length. These occurrences are referred to as “equinoxes,” and the twin lengths of day and night when they occur are among the many ways nature demonstrates balance. At Bonterra, we strive for a similar natural balance in our organic vineyards and in our wines. Equinox Red celebrates this vision, offering supple notes of juicy red and black fruit matched with a patina of intriguing spice, herb and oak tones. (Source)

Palacio del Burgo, Rioja, Spain, $9.99/750ml- This wine is made of 100% Tempranillo from 15-25 year old vineyards in the Rihuelo area between the town of Alfaro and the slopes of Monte Yerga.

The wine shows a deep cherry red color with violet tones. Intense fruity nose of blackberry and licorice over sweet mocha aromas. Vibrant with smooth tannins; long-lasting, powerful and smooth. An incredible Rioja value. (Source)

Les Lauzeraies, 2019, Tavel rose, France, $22.49/750ml- Les Lauzeraies Tavel is the “Original Rosé”, before rosé was cool. Tavel is the Rhône Valley’s rosé-only appellation. These wines have nice grip and body so they can be drunk year-round and even benefiting from aging. Make no mistake however, this is still Rosé, meant to be chilled and enjoyed with a wide range of meals. A Grenache dominant blend of numerous grapes (including the white varieties Clairette and Picpoul), this wine undergoes a longer maceration than most rosé, up to 48 hours, which brings out that deeper character and color. Displaying a generous mouthfeel, excellent purity, lovely florals (violets, roses) and a light spice note, Les Lauzeraies shows great versatility and range.

Tasting notes

Eye: deep pink. Nose: mineral, fruity woodland. Mouth: flinty, delicate and very fruity

(Source)

Buy three or more bottles of wine get 10 % off.

"It's our mission at Siciliano's to sell quality wine at affordable prices."

New and Returning Products

Arbor Faricy Stout, $2.19/12oz - We blend black malts with roasted and flaked barley to brew this Irish-style stout, giving it a full body, notes of roasted coffee and dark chocolate, and smooth dry finish. (Source)

Austin Brotheres Hoplock, $4.09/12oz - IPA - American

Austin Brothers Exclemation Murk, $4.09/16oz - New England style IPA with Strata and Galaxy hops. (Source)

Barrel + Beam Peeling Funky, $7.59/375ml - Michigan sourced malt, including barley, wheat, rye and spelt, wild ale finished on Orange and Lime Peel. Naturally carbonated in the bottle with Michigan Beet Sugar. (Source)

Barrel + Beam Viticulture #2, $8.69/375ml - A Blend of Select Barrels Finished on Michigan Grapes. (Source)

Bells Black Hearted, $1.99/12oz - Love isn’t always handwritten notes and candy hearts. Sometimes, it’s a sinkhole full of skeletons and worn out platitudes, yet here you stand with your chin held high. Our latest member of the Hearted family, a Black IPA, holds no ire towards love lost, it thrives on it. Remember your ex, take a few sips, and then go back to enjoying your day. They’re someone else’s problem now anyway. (Source)

Big Lake Scotts A Little Hazy, $4.39/16oz - A juicy NEIPA brewed with Comet, Pearle, and Centennial Hops. (Source)

Big Lake Tropical Ale, 3.19/16oz - Fruit Beer

Boulevard Flying Start, $1.99/12oz - Embrace those New Year's resolutions and get a Flying Start on your goals with this innovative, non-alc IPA made with our friends at Athletic Brewing Company. It's the real deal - juicy hop flavor and crisp malt balance - minus the alcohol and many of the calories. (Source)

Brewery Vivant The New Now, $4.69/16oz - A clean and vibrant double IPA brewed with Cryo Simcoe, Idaho 7, and Mosaic hops. Part of our Rotating IPA series of beers. (Source)

Broadleaf Mirror Dimension, $5.29/16oz - A Hazy DDH DIPA. We brewed this beauty with Moutere and Wai-iti hops and then added in just a bit of tangerine peel for even more wow factor. (Source)

Dark Horse Mango Tree, $1.99/12oz - The original crooked tree with a mango twang. (Source)

Dogfish Head Hazy-O, $1.79/12oz - 'Hazy-O!' starts with literally truckloads of oats & wheat for a full body, then it’s liberally dry-hopped to deliver juicy tropical notes of citrus, mango and pineapple! But the real star is our secret ingredient: oats! This Hazy IPA uses 4 types of oats including: malted oats, providing cloudiness & mouthfeel; rolled oats, creating silky mouthfeel; naked oats, providing a subtle toasted and nutty flavor; and oat milk to amplify the haze and mouthfeel for a beer that is incredibly juicy & hop-forward while being smooth and refreshing! Hazy-O!’s silky soft, creamy mouthfeel makes it drink like a 5% ABV session sipper, even though it is a 7.1% ABV powerhouse! (Source)

Fix Hellas Lager, $2.79/12oz - FIX Hellas, the first and most historic Greek beer is a premium lager beer that is ideal for any time of the day. Its soft flavor has a balanced bitterness enhancing the pleasant flavors that emerged during the yeast fermentation and a rounded long-lasting aftertaste. Its content in alcohol amounts to 5% and its prevailing perfumes are the freshness of apple and banana scents. FIX Hellas guarantees high quality and reliability throughout the production stages and is of Greek origin offering a unique pleasure from the first sip. (Source)

Founders Panther Cub $4.59/12oz - A robust porter, Panther Cub is aged in the finest bourbon barrels available along with a kiss of maple syrup and vanilla extract. The aroma of maple and vanilla notes combine with a surprisingly deep character to make this rare creature one to gaze upon fondly. Don’t let it fool you, this kitty has claws. (Source)

Genesee Spring Bock, $.89/12oz, $9.99/12pk - Our take on the 16th century German legend has turned out to be a legend in its own right. For every spring since 1951, our brewery has carefully crafted and lagered Genesee Bock Beer. The result is an exceptionally hearty, full-flavored beer with a slight malty finish—and a perfect way to celebrate the snow melt. (Source)

Great Divide Coffee Porter, $2.89/12oz - Porter - Coffee

Lansing Brewing Joe In Black, $2.09/12oz - Here is your introduction to dark beers. A very light bodied ale, that is clean and to the point. Very delicate and smooth chocolate profile. The finish is dry and will leave you wanting another sip! (Source)

Middle Coast Stone Skipper, $2.19/12oz - A crushable lo-cal session IPA with ample citrus notes and medium body. (Source)

Mikkeller Double Blush, $5.99/16oz - Imperial Berliner-style Weisse Brewed w/ Raspberry & Coffee. Lots, and lots, and lots, and lots, and lots, and lots of raspberry. Suuuuuuper lots. Coffee? Yes, the grown-up-out of the house-still hasn't learned how taxes work-what are bonds older version of Raspberry Blush. Twice as much everything, wiser, and delicious. (Source)

Mikkeller Haze Cowboy, $4.69/16oz - This New England Style IPA brewed with Galaxy/Simcoe/Citra hops. Expect a soft, pillowy mouthfeel and body paired with citrus, peach and passion fruit aromas. A hazy libation for the people. One small step for man one giant leap for Haze fans. A New England Style paired with Galaxy hops to create something out of this world. (Source)

Mikkeller Traeblod, $8.79/16oz - Inspired by early mornings drinking diner coffee and enjoying a comforting pile of syrup covered waffles. Big and bold, expect deep layers of baker's chocolate, toasted bread, and rich maple sugar balanced by freshly ground coffee beans: full-bodied and coating, a pure treat. (Source)

North Peak Berserker, $2.79/12oz - Stout - Imperial / Double

Ore Dock Uncle Drews Flying Machine, $2.09/12oz - Tangerine wings and plumes of pineapple soar through Kveik dreams over blankets of Mandarina Bavaria hops. (Source)

Perrin Roeselare, $2.49/12oz - Flemish sour amber aged for a year and a half. (Source)

Revolution Ryeway to Heaven, $1.99/12oz - Bourbon and rye barrels work together in harmony to breathe life into our Ryewine. This unforgettable ale is brewed with over 60% rye, yielding entirely unique malt- and barrel-derived complexities. Enjoy an ample body that suggests sweetness but still finishes smooth and dry. (Source)

Roak Blow Your Face Out, $3.59/12oz - Crafted to maximize the dank character of hops with piney, tropical and stone fruit aromas and flavors. At 100 IBU’s these hops are ready to explode right out of the bottle. So grab a glass, this Double IPA is going to Blow Your Face Out. (Source)

Rochester Mills Soul Snatcher Black, $4.89/16oz - Aged for two years in Bourbon barrels, this Imperial version of our Irish Pub-Style Ale features a rich, malty flavor profile, full-body, and low hop level. Filtered to present clear and clean. Best served at warmer temperatures. A true sipper. (Source)

Rogue Double Chocolate Stout, $4.39/16oz - A decadent imperial version of our classic Chocolate Stout made with imported Dutch bittersweet chocolate. (Source)

Rogue Nitro Shakespear Stout, $3.59/16oz - One of the three original brews introduced when Rogue opened in 1988, this oatmeal stout is one of Rogue's most award-winning and highest rated beers. (Source)

Shorts Good Humans, $2.59/12oz - Good Humans is a Double Brown Ale made with Briess' Carabrown Malt, and then dry hopped with Simcoe hops. The brew has sweet malty aromas that mingle with prominent toasted caramel and toffee flavors. This beer finishes pleasingly dry, with a bouquet of hops that have slight citrus and piney qualities. (Source)

Speciation Hopeful Monsters, $11.69/375ml - Foeder Aged Solera Sour Ale with Black Currants. (Source)

Speciation Stop Codon, $11.69/375ml - Foeder-aged Amber Sour Ale

with orange zest, cocoa nibs, fenugreek, tamarind, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice,

vanilla & back-sweetened with caramel. (Source)

Transient Real Feel, $10.89/500ml - Real Feel is an imperial oatmeal cream stout with chicory coffee. Huge nutty and earthy goodness, at a scant 13% it’ll make you feel real again. (Source)

Transient Stay Crumble, $11.99/500ml - Stay Crumble takes the same 13% imperial oatmeal cream stout base as Real Feel and adds caramel, graham cracker, vanilla, and just a dash of cinnamon, for something tasting just like it’s inspiration, a stroopwafel. It’s dessert, it’s breakfast, it’s a snack. It’s everything! (Source)

Two Roots Enough Said, $2.59/12oz - Firmly rooted in its German tradition, our golden non-alcoholic Helles is made with only Pilsner Malt and Hallertau Hops. This clean refreshing near beer is perfect for any occasion. (Source)

Two Roots New West, $2.59/12oz - The non-alcoholic, cannabis-free version. (Source)

Two Roots Straight Dank, $2.59/12oz - IPA - American

Stay safe. Please wear a face covering in indoor public spaces. Spread kindness not germs!