While the precise origin of absinthe and its signature ingredient, wormwood, are unclear, there is evidence pointing to medicinal use dating back as far as 1550 BC. Wormwood extracts and wine-soaked wormwood leaves were used as remedies by the ancient Greeks. There is also evidence that the Greeks produced wormwood wines.

 

Just as ancient wineries and breweries produced small batches of their libations, so do today's artisan distillers. As the first and only artisan distillery in Illinois, the North Shore Distillery consistently delivers superior quality small-batch spirits. North Shore Distillery's latest release is their take on a traditional absinthe. Sirène Absinthe Verte combines the finest botanicals, painstaking preparation and tradition to bring you an unforgettable spirit.

 

Traditionally, absinthe is poured through a special slotted spoon into a glass. A sugar cube is deposited in the spoon and ice-cold water is dripped over the sugar until the drink is diluted. During this process, some of the ingredients, those from anise, fennel, and wormwood come out of solution and cloud the drink. This milky opalescence is called the louche. The addition of water is important, causing the herbs to "blossom" and bringing out many of the flavors originally overpowered by the anise.

 

Join us this weekend as we sample this new hypnotic. (paul)

 

NORTH SHORE DISTILLERY SIRÈNE ABSINTHE VERTE, Illinois $64.95

The Peak Organic Brewing Co. began in 1998 when Jon Cadoux and a friend purchased home brewing equipment to brew the best and most interesting beers possible for themselves and friends. The name Peak was chosen because they felt the beer was best enjoyed after "peak" experiences - spectacular days spent outdoors, time spent with family and friends and special occasions. Since then, the Peak Organic Brewing Company, located in downtown Portland Maine, not far from Peaks Island, has been producing high quality all-natural beers. Based on mild ale, brown ales tend to be maltier and sweeter on the palate, with a fuller body. Their color can range from reddish brown to dark brown. Some versions lean toward fruity flavors while others tend to be drier with nutty characteristics. Almost all nut-brown ales have a low hop aroma and mild bitterness. Try this beer with St. Marcelin, Camembert, Asiago, or Old Amsterdam cheeses - the nuttier the better! This beer is also perfect for those end of summer barbecues with grilled meat, pork and game. Enjoy!

 

Due to shipping limitations, we are unable to sell this item online, but you can order it via email and we will hold it for you to pick up in our store.

 

PEAK ORGANIC $9.99/six-pack

Is there a better description for a beautifully ripe, triple cream cheese from France? Probably not. We love to spoil ourselves with a wedge of Délice de Bourgogne, especially when our farmers markets are loaded with local, summer fruit at its ripest. Fresh-picked local fruit and this decadent cheeses are a match made in heaven.

 

The Lincet family, have been making cheese for five generations. They established their cheese production house in 1957. The facility is ideally situated at the heart of Champagne, Burgundy and the Ile de France regions. The family embraced whole-heartedly the cheese making traditions of these regions. Today they are known for more than one product the world considers the ultimate in decadence, and produce regional specialties and cream enriched cheeses like Epoisses, Brillat Savarin, and Délice de Bourgogne.

 

Serve a silky, salty, sweet wedge of Délice de Bourgogne with the ripest peaches, nectarines or strawberries you can find, garnish with a spring sprig of mint and pour something smooth and delicious like the Saint-Amour Don talks about below. If you feel like you need the ultimate indulgence, really go for it and open Barbara's favorite Matrot Meursault "Chevalieres" 2006. The Matrot domaine is one of the oldest estate-bottlers in Burgundy. The 2006 Meursault is stony and mineral-rich on the nose, yet the palate is fat and weighty with some sugared grapefruit and candied lemon on the finish. (mary)

 

DÉLICE DE BOURGOGNE $12.97/lb

As the days of summer wind to a close, there's still enough heat in the day to warrant a lighter red, and the Clos de la Brosse Saint-Amour from Paul Beaudet is a great choice - in fact, it was one of Alpana Singh's top choices for the summer on Check Please! The 2007 vintage just arrived and it's as good as last year's, fruity and wonderful, full of intense cherry and spice flavors with a long, smooth finish. Saint-Amour is one of the top villages (crus) of Beaujolais, located in the north of the area, close to the white wine villages of Mâcon (St Véran and Pouilly Fuissé). Made from Gamay, this barely resembles its nouveau cousin - lots of acidity and low tannins, yes, but there's depth and even good ageing potential in this one. Definitely recommended with barbequed chicken.

 

CLOS DE LA BROSSE SAINT-AMOUR 2007, Beaujolais $19.95

 

Boxed wine update

 

Cracking the code on restaurant wine pricing

 

More on the mysteries of restaurant wine pricing

That's all for this week. If we may be of any further service, please stop by our store at 9965 Gross Point Road in Skokie (for directions, click here), visit our website at http://www.schaefers.com, give us a call at 847-677-WINE (9463), 800-833-WINE (9463), or click here to contact us.