Believe us when we say it's no easy task, not easy at all.
To sample all the new products hitting the Israeli market (and sometimes beyond), to taste before everyone else, shipments upon shipments, paper bags piling up in the office (and at home), a never-ending sense of abundance.
Seriously, it's tougher than it looks, and no one pays you for the gym membership or compensates you for the rapidly developing FOMO.
However, the "New on the Shelf" section, with its loyal tasters, curious souls, and dedicated consumers, sets out once again, determined and focused on the task at hand. And this time - barrels, decanters, sips, and revelries. Yes, we are quite eclectic.
Edition 300, Remy Martin
The esteemed cognac brand from Remy Cointreau celebrates three hundred years of classic edition with a festive, and of course limited, edition of Remy Martin V.S.O.P.
The cognac, which began its journey in 1724, relies on the produce of their vineyards (Uni Blanc, Colombard, and Folle Blanche) from the two regions in the Cognac district - Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne - and advances from them to be rightfully labeled as Cognac Fine Champagne. Aged between 4 to 14 years in oak barrels, it is meticulously blended and packaged in colors that are almost "royal" now, boasting a dramatic, festive, and assured golden-black combination. The pouring and sipping echo all of these, providing warmth and complex-deep flavors, a sweet-bitter balance, and above all, a continuous French dream. Price: NIS 250.
In two words: Happy Birthday!
Tequila La Poeta Negra, Zur World of Wine
The wine and spirits importer expands shelves and offerings, introducing the first representations of excellent Mexican tequila in the country.
The tequila, from the La Poeta Negra distillery in Jalisco, contains 40% alcohol and is based on 100% blue agave. It is currently offered in two versions - a relatively elegant Blanco, with hints of herbs and fruits and a clean, smooth sip (NIS 125) that blends well in cocktails, and a slightly more mature Reposado (NIS 150), golden with an excellent and complex finish, which probably prefers a bit of ice and maybe a slice of lime.
In one word: Fiesta.
Staropramen and Miller Beers, Carmel Wineries
The collaboration between the Israeli company and the Molson Coors Brewing Company bubbles and froths into two local landings, bringing joy.
The first is Staropramen beer, well-known and traditional from Prague, in a Czech Pilsner style (5% alcohol) with a great balance between depth and lightness. Price: NIS 12 per bottle and can of 500ml, NIS 40 per six-pack (330ml).
The second is Miller, the ultra-popular American beer (4.7% alcohol), aiming to embody the taste of fresh beer straight from the barrel, providing receipts in the form of real freshness and lightness. Price: NIS 12 per can of 500ml, NIS 40 per six-pack (330ml).
In two words: Welcome Guests.
Scottish Ale Beer, Shevet Brewery
The boutique brewery from Kibbutz Ma'abarot expands catalogs and launches Barrel Aged Scottish Ale, a Scottish ale beer aged half a year in whiskey barrels from the "Roh" distillery, offered as a limited edition of 500 bottles.
The result is a strong beer (10.2% alcohol) with a deep brown color, possessing a wonderful vanilla-sweet aroma, caramel-honey flavors, and yes, that whiskey from the barrels emerges, a present reminder. Price: NIS 85.
In two words: Israeli Spirit.
The Schweppes Cocktail Series
The popular brand from Jafora-Tabori spreads its wings, evolves, and expands, entering the realm of bottled alcohol.
The result is a new cocktail series (5% alcohol) with flavors of Vodka Cran, Gin and Tonic, Mojito, and Limonark (our favorite), ready to drink without requiring special mixing or preparations.
The bubbly cocktails are delicate in taste and provide an excellent base for a multi-participant gathering or a solitary sip - whether you want it strengthened or not. The mixes lean on classic and popular hits and indeed come close enough to touch. It's done the job on ice, and a gentle twist of the cap on the second bottle completely seals the deal.
In three words: Bottle Opener Needed.