The Original Pilsener

Power in numbers, folks! Towns, communities, even groups of people can become powerful and influential when dissatisfaction is among them. This was the case in the town of Pilsen, Bohemia around 1838. Citizens were fed up with the quality level of the beers available to them. They decided to dump cask upon cask of their low-quality(albeit drinkable) ale into the streets. Soon after, in 1839, the citizens founded and built their own brewery. They wanted to brew beer in the bavarian style, which uses bottom-fermenting yeasts. The town hired reknowned Bavarian brewer, Josef Groll. His use of modern technology and new paler malts melded to produce the world's first golden beer. This new brew was very pale in color, high in hops, light bodied, and crisp with a bit of carbonation. The beer instantly became popular among the locals. The transportation and communication of the times made this brew widely available throughout Europe. This Pilsen style Lager soon after became imitated by breweries around Europe. In 1859 "Pilsen Bier" became a brand name. To emphasize the beers' origination in Pilsen, the brewery trademarked the name "Pilsner Urquell", meaning "of the source." Pilsen-style Lager enjoys recognition around the world. The most popular are brewed in Europe, but they can be found from all corners of the world. The West Vail Liquor Mart is proud to carry a fine selection of these great beers. From the Czech Republic: Pilsner Urquell and Czechvar. From Germany: Konig Pilsener, Saint Pauli Girl, Paulaner, Becks, Bitburger, and Warsteiner. From Holland: Heineken, Amstel, and Grolsch. From Belgium: Stella Artois. From Austria: Trumer Pils. From America: Victory Prima Pils, etc.

DR

Scotch in Summer?

Every high country Scotch drinker knows the perfection a glass of Scotch brings after a long winter day, tromping around out in the Mountains. The bliss that comes with sipping Scotch is not something that I can explain to you in words, you need friends, a fire and tired legs. But why is Scotch so overlooked in the summer months? Scotch truly is a forgotten pleasure in the summertime. Being in the mountains, our cool nights provide the perfect atmosphere for that silky glass of whiskey. One Scotch that I have always loved is Laphroaig, reigning from the Isle of Islay.
Scotch is basically broken into three categories: Lowland, Highland and Islay. To me, Islay Scotches are the most intriguing. Being isolated on this blustery island gives bold and distinctive characteristics to these whiskeys. A strong presence of Blue Peat smoke gives a warmth to this style of whiskey that is unique to only Islay. This is balanced with sweeter nuttiness of the barley used and is capped with the refreshing cleanliness of pure Islay stream water.
Laphroaig is one of the oldest distilleries on the island operating since the early 1800's. It was started by the Johnston family and soon became a local hit, eventually cementing itself in Scottish whiskey making history. You can go to http://www.laphroaig.com/ and take a virtual tour of the distillery and learn a little more about this historical site. Laphroaig offers Scotches in the 10 year to 40 year range. Although typically older Scotches are considered "better," all the whiskeys produced by Laphroaig are award winning and second to none. As quoted by the Laphroaig team, "In 2005 we were proud to be voted 'the best of the best' in the Champions of Whisky Competition." Most people in the mountains dream of caiparinhas in Brazil, or Mojitos in the Caribbean during the summer months. Warm weather and cool drinks are only natural when you are clouded by winter 8 months out of the year. Even with this style of thinking, I still dream of bringing the warmth of a seaside Scottish peat fire into my living room on a cool summers eve, or watching my glass of Laphroaig disappear with the sun over the horizon on the Western Banks of Islay!

Cheers,
Nicholas Agnew
West Vail Liquor Mart

Stolichnaya Blueberry Vodka

Whether you are cooling off by the water or grillin' and chillin' with family and friends, spirits add a dash of excitement to any summer occasion.

It was a cold and wintry day when all I could think of was warm air, a cool breeze, and a glass of Stolichnaya Blueberry Vodka and lemonade. The drink which many agree, tastes like summer in a glass. Stoli Blueberry Vodka has a natural fruit tastes, not artificial tasting like some other brands. When Stoli Blueberry is combined with lemonade, forget about it, the drink relaxes in your mouth with you. The sweet acidity of the lemonade combined with the fresh blueberry flavor of Stolichnaya truly is refreshing. A drink worthy of the name, "Summertime in a Glass".

Chris Kormanicki
West Vail Liquor Mart

Wedding and Party Planning in Vail, Colorado

Are you looking to plan a wedding in Vail, Colorado in the near future? The West Vail Liquor Mart can provide you with a free estimate of the types and quantities of liquor you will need for you big event. We work with many caterers and catering companies and can help you find the perfect wedding wine to match your caterers suggestions.

Part of the service we offer is free delivery to the most popular wedding venues in the Vail area: Donovan Pavilion, Lazy J Ranch, Eagle-Vail Pavilion, Singletree Pavillion are all great locations to have a wedding. If you are planning a wedding in a private home in Vail, Beaver Creek, Bachelor Gulch, Arrowhead, Singletree or any other neighborhood in the Vail Valley give us a call and we can help!

Tom Mullen
West Vail Liquor Mart
970-476-2420
tmullen@westvail.com