April Arrivals

All kinds of new stuff at the market this week...

Beer:
Cleveland's Great Lakes Brewing is FINALLY bottling the Commodore Perry IPA year-round, and the first batch hit the shelves today. Spicy and bitter up front, with a hint of malt sweetness in the finish, it's one of the best India Pale Ales you'll find anywhere, and at a special price of $6.99 per six-pack, get to the market NOW and pick some up!

Three Floyds Rabid Rabbit Saison would make a great Easter gift for the beer lover in your life. A 22 oz. bottle of spicy, herbal, sweet and bitter goodness, it's one heck of a beer. The Rabbit is only available for a limited time - when it's gone, it'll probably be gone until next year.

If you like big, barrel-aged brews (a newer trend in craft brewing), then you're sure to enjoy Left Hand Brewing's Oak-Aged Imperial Stout. Flavors of coffee, vanilla, and bitter chocolate abound in this gem.

Wine:
I'm often asked to recommend an inexpensive, but good, Italian Red that'll pair well with pasta and red meats, yet will drink great on its own. There are lots of nice values out there in this category, but one of the better ones I've had recently is the 2003 Villa Puccini Tuscan Red, which just arrived here at the market. Medium-bodied with a nice finish, it scored 86 points and is rated as a Wine Spectator best-buy. At only $11.99 a bottle, it's a heck of a deal.

Another must-try is the 2005 Dr. Loosen (Dr. L) Riesling. '05 is shaping up to be a classic vintage for German Rieslings, and at $14.99 per bottle, the Dr. L exhibits wonderful lemon, apricot and peach flavors that would pair well with seafood, lamb, turkey, or it'll drink great on its own.