The Best Wines and Spirits for Your 2021 San Diego Escapades

To call 2020 underwhelming might be too generous, but 2021 is looking up. We’re looking forward to adventures with friends and loved ones! Good company with a couple of good drinks sounds amazing. But what drinks suit you? What’s really a “spirits”? (Is wine a spirit?). 

How about some basics? The next time you drink your favorite drink and you know how to distinguish it from the rest correctly will make you more confident with every sip. 

What Are Spirits?  

Is wine a spirit? Answer: No. Not even wines with higher alcohol content.

You see, wine is made through fermentation, while spirits are made by distilling fermented products. In wine, the juice of fruits or flowers is added with yeast in barrels while fermenting over time. It takes only 6-12 hours to ferment the wine, and whatever the fruit or flower is used, the process is always largely the same as has been used for thousands of years.Also, wines have a lower alcohol content of 15%, while liquor’s ABV typically ranges from 35-40% at the minimum.

On the other hand, distilled beverages, or “spirits,” take longer and are much more complex to produce since they go through distillation. Spirits are also called liquor or hard alcohol, and they are classified into several categories like rum, vodka, tequila, gin, whiskey, and bitters. Simply put, wines do not go through distillation. 

What spirit might you try in 2021?

We all have our favorites, but it’s nice to try something now. Here are your 2021 getaway must-haves:

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Select Tennessee Whiskey

You’re probably expecting this one. Consistency is what makes this brand stand out from the rest. JD’s signature robust, spicy taste and banana notes are the true definition of a classic.

Grey Goose Vodka

Grey Goose is one of the pioneers; its toasty notes, hints of spice, and creamy, smooth finish are straight-up elegant. It has a crystal clear appearance, a very delicate taste, and a pleasant nose, making it clear why this brand has been dominant for the years.

Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum

Some people want it even more with a chaser! This is a very smooth spiced rum with accents of caramel and vanilla, where you can also taste hints of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg, making it a bit unique compared to other rum brands.  

Bombay Sapphire Gin

Want some diversity in your drinking game? This gin is ideal for mixing due to its distinct but not overwhelming flavor. 

Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon

No list would be complete without at least one good wine. Alamos is a quality Cabernet Sauvignon at a low price. It’s a terrific table wine for any occasion with hints of malt and mocha and a smooth, easy finish.

We know that life has been hard lately. Hopefully this list of popular spirits (and one great wine) gives you some new ideas for celebrating in 2021. We carry all of these at our store in San Diego. Please check us at https://www.bigtimemarketandliquor.com/ or stop by!