Popping the Cork
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
It’s almost New Year’s Eve and it’s time to reach for that favorite bubbly.
Liquor stores will be hopping Wednesday as people rush in for those last-minute purchases. Keith King, manager of King Liquor, 318 E. Sixth Ave., said the store hasn’t sold any champagne yet, but that will change.
“Generally it just happens at the very last minute,” King said.
King said the most popular brands are the less expensive brands including Andre and Ballatore.
Andre is a popular brand at Liquor Locker, 2716 W. 12th Ave., as well, said owner-operator Brian McCracken.
“Hands down it’s Andre every year, but it’s the least expensive, of course,” he said. “The same is true for weddings and such.”
In the mid-range for prices, Cooks and Barefoot Bubbly are popular. Barefoot is an up-and-coming winery in Southern California, McCracken said. Corbel is the base of the upper line champagnes, and Asti Spumante also is a popular item, along with Ballatore.
McCracken said champagnes have a dry flavor.
“And dryness is an acquired taste,” he said. “If you don’t drink much you won’t appreciate the upper end. Your best bet is to stay with an affordable price range. Unless you’ve got a trained palate you’re not going to see much of a difference.”
Champagne isn’t the only thing that is popular on New Year’s.
“I think a lot of people buy beer and things,” McCracken said. “Basically the champagne is just a way to cap off the evening.”
Ballatore Spumante is a hot item at Old Rum’s Liquor, 906 E. 12th Ave., said Bob Hubba, manager. Martini and Rossi is another, Hubba said.
madpoet (anonymous) says...
Too bad New Year's is mostly about drinking alcohol anymore. It used to be more about reflecting on the year past and setting goals for the next year. I hope everyone drinks responsibly and drives safe.
December 30, 2008 at 3:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Happiness09 (anonymous) says...
Reflecting on the year past is exactly the reason some of us get drunk!!
December 30, 2008 at 5:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Weltha (anonymous) says...
Right on Happiness09. I don't remember a time when it wasn't centered around drinking. Even as a kid all the adults were doing it. Well, most anyway.
December 30, 2008 at 6:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )