Staff Picks!
Visit this page each month to learn about new favorites from our staff.
May 2024
Angel
Klemens Weber
Riesling
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This delicious riesling is a no-brainer! Citrus, green apple, and honey, all in one liter make for a perfect wine to share with friends. This wine pairs great with pork, shellfish, spicy food, poultry, and cured meat.
Becky
Dillon's Gin Cocktails
Blackberry
A not-too-sweet canned cocktail with juicy flavors of ripe blackberry, bright notes of lemon zest, and a subtle dash of elderflower. Perfect for the beach.
- Becky
Zach
Flying Dog
Royal Crush
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Flying Dog Royal Crush is truly a crushable juicy IPA. It has strong orange, grapefruit, and pineapple notes. It's my go-to choice at the ballpark. It's a hit!
- Zach
Javi
Ole' Smoky
Dill Pickle
A must-try for pickle lovers.
A must-try for pickle haters.
Can’t knock it ‘til you try it!
Because you know you want to…
- Javi
Vi
Fresca Vodka Spritz
The Frescas are one of my favorite picks for the warmer months. I enjoy all of the flavors in this variety pack, but the original grapefruit citrus is my favorite.
- Vi
Haley
Miller Lite
A Fine Pilsner Beer
- Haley
Nikkia
Hannya Sake
A sweet and spicy sake in a cute little bottle.
Alex
Black Flag
Session at the Yard
It’s baseball season, jabronis. Hazy and soft on the front with bitter sweet grapefruit to wrap. Get some, and go birdies.
- Alex
Steven
Good Boy
Citrus Circus
Come try Good Boy Citrus Circus and meet Street Bike Tommy on May 16th, 5 PM - 7 PM. They are both very bussin'.
- Steven
Matthew
Bowman Brothers
Small Batch Bourbon
The original Bowman Brothers classic proves Virginia Bourbons are some of the best. Light mouthfeel with a long, sweet finish makes this your perfect everyday bourbon at a super affordable price point.
Phil
Two Pitchers
All are great fruity, summer beers, but the Nordic Jam is my favorite. Anchors away!
Josh
Big Salt
Big Salt is a white wine that embodies a day at the beach. Very dry and very aromatic, with notes of grapefruit, jasmine, and freshly squeezed lemon dominating the nose. It's bright, fresh, dry, and a bit salty. Once it's finished, you're left wanting more.
- Josh
April 2024
Angel
Hudson North
Big Apple Cider
I never know what to say about my staff picks. It was delicious, I drank it this month.
- Angel
Becky
Long Drink
Peach
I am normally not a peach fan, but this has become one of my favorite Long Drinks. The subtle peach comes off as sweet and juicy, perfect for any RTD lover.
- Becky
Zach
Coors Banquet
The original stubby bottle. There's nothing not to love. It's my favorite beer.
- Zach
Javi
Ole' Smoky
Snickerdoodle
Smooth, sweet, and creamy.
- Javi
Vi
Rebel Hard Latte
You will notice a coffee theme among my staff picks. Rebel coffee has one of the best flavors with none of the malt liquor taste you get from some of the other hard coffee brands.
- Vi
Haley
Natty Boh
Nothing says ‘let’s go o’s’ more than boh in the orange cans!
- Haley
Cara
Beurer Trollinger
Shake things up! This is the ultimate summer red and a great alternative for Pinot Noir lovers! With beautiful aromas of tart cherry, wild strawberry, and a hint of herb, this juicy, vibrant wine pairs with so many "summery" foods such as tomato salads, grilled fish, and even meats such as grilled chicken and pork. Best served with a slight chill.
- Cara.
Alex
Black Flag
Session at the Yard
It’s baseball season, jabronis. Hazy and soft on the front with bitter sweet grapefruit to wrap. Get some, and go birdies.
- Alex
Steven
Arizona Hard Juice
These are all very bussin', but the fruit punch and strawberry kiwi are the most bussinest.
- Steven
Sanoy
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Viarae Prosecco
Great alone or mixed. This is by Issa Rae.
- Sanoy
Matthew
New Riff Single Barrel
Sweet caramel and brown sugar with a nutty finish. This is the perfect bottle for this Spring's camping trip.
- Matthew
Chris
Arizona Hard Lemonade
The mango lemonade is my favorite, but they are all pretty good.
- Chris
Matt
Evolution White
Smooth, drinkable taste perfect for summer.
- Matt
March 2024
Angel
Astral
RTD Margarita
It's blue, it's good, that's all I have to say.
- Angel
Becky
Truly Unruly
Great new flavors at a nice ABV. The perfect drinks to transition into Spring.
-Becky
Zach
Bell's
Hazy Hearted IPA
Hazy Hearted is a very juicy, crushable IPA. It's a great beer to keep stocked in your fridge.
- Zach
Javi
Aslin
Volcano Sauce Sour
A true sour beer retains its sourness. Volcano Sauce knows how to give you the sweet without sacrificing the tart. While not the most sour, this beer will satisfy sour aficionados as well as act as a good first step for those new to sours. Volcano Sauce's only “error” is making you think it’ll be red when it’s actually blue.
- Javi
Vi
Proper 12 Apple
Genuine green apple taste that you do not find in other apple whiskies. This is the perfect Irish whiskey for March.
- Vi
Haley
Dashfire
Chai White Russian
It’s the best of both worlds for the folks who want to mix their morning chai with an evening cocktail!
- Haley
Tyler
Dewar's
Japanese Smooth
Dewars Japanese Smooth Scotch- an extremely smooth whisky with floral and honey notes with a nice dry finish
- Tyler
Alex
Black Flag
Stupid Sexy Wizard
Stupid Sexy Wizard NEIPA from BlackFlag is my pick of the month! A well-rounded and luscious Hazy IPA packing a 7.2% worth of “junk in its trunk”. A light vanilla swirl is counterbalanced by floral Citra hops for a perfect level of sweet. Also, Black Flag, I am starting to get real tired of y’all using my likeness on these cans.
- Alex
Steven
Monaco Margerita
This is the best pre-made margarita I've ever had. Come buy them in the variety pack with the watermelon and passionfruit margarita as well. They're all bussin'.
- Steven
Matthew
Scrappy's Fire Tincture
These bitters pack a punch of flavorful heat that can immediately upgrade your usual evening cocktail into something completely new. I recommend Scrappy's Fire Tincture in margaritas, whiskey sours, rye old fashioned, and much more!
- Matthew
Phil
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Troegs Little Nator
I love this new beer from Troegs. It's simple yet complex taste is the perfect toast to a beautiful day.
- Phil
Matt
Other Half Blackberry Cannibal
It's like a blackberry eating a blackberry eating a blackberry eating a blackberry eating a blackberry.
- Matt
February 2024
Matt
Redbreast 12
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I like this one because it is a classic copper pot Irish whiskey taste. Nice and sweet with a long finish of sherry.
Becky
Absolut Vodka Cran
Classic Vodka Cranberry is made even better with the Ocean Spray we all know and love. Sweet, tart, and perfectly sippable.
-Becky
Zach
Monaco
Vanilla Cream
It is sweet and delicious. The perfect drink for the end of a long day.
- Zach
Javi
Abbeywood Vice Black and Blue Razz
This one doesn’t overdo the sourness nor does it cut the sourness with crazy dessert ingredients. You can see yourself having more than one of these. This simple and straight-forwards sour has the versatility for a lazy home hang-out or out-on-the-town adventures. Abbeywood Vice sours are always an excellent choice.
- Javi
Vi
Sugerlands
Banana Pudding
It's like having a drink and a dessert all in one!
- Vi
Cara
Graham Beck
Sparkling Wine
Graham Beck sparkling wines. My favorite is the Brut. But, if you prefer your wines on the sweet side, they make a delightful sparkler called Bliss Nectar. Something for everyone!
- Cara
Chris
Simply Spiked Limeade
If you like limeade like I do, then this is for you!
- Chris
Matthew
Glenmorangie
Nectar D'or
A brown sugar palate combined with flavorful barbeque smoke makes a delightful but approachable Scotch for those who are hesitant to try single malts. This scotch pairs best with some smoked brisket in an Adirondack chair by the campfire.
- Matthew
Alex
Abbeywood
Slick Shoes Porter
Slick Shoes Porter by Abbeywood Brewing. Nothing wild. It’s a solid American porter clocking in at 7.1 ABV with clear and creamy notes of coffee and chocolate. Drink it. That’s it.
- Alex
Josh
Capitoline
Vermouth
Have the winter blues? Try this cool vermouth that can be mixed with sparkling wine or club soda with a lemon for a nice cocktail.
- Josh
Tyler
Olde Mother Smashburgers
Olde Mother Smashburgers in paradise- A good medium bodied ipa with a fruity flavor and experimental Bru-1 hops that is smooth for 8%
- Tyler
Christian
Big Truck
Half Cab
Built Ford Tough
- Christian
Steven
Truly
Getaway Variety
This is a brand new pack from Truly. All four flavors are equisitely bussin'. Mountain pear-adise is my favorite.
-Steven
Sanoy
Cline Sauvignon Blanc
Nice aromatic flavor with good alcohol content too!
- Sanoy
January 2024
Matt
Clase Azul Plata
The plata is my favorite. Very flavorful. You can taste the agave but it's not dirty agave. The best way I can describe it is crisp and clean. There was so much flavor it's hard to describe.
- Matt
Becky
Ceder's N/A Gin
Perfect for dry(er) January! Try this mocktail recipe:
2 parts tonic
1 part Ceder's N/A Gin
Lemon wedge
Sprig of rosemary
- Becky
Zach
Woodford Reserve
Woodford Reserve is a great bourbon for beginners and experts. Great bourbon to always keep around. Great for sippin' or mixin'
- Zach
Steven
Deep Eddy Orange
This $%*# exquisitely bussin'
- Steven
Tyler
Dewey Optica
Dewey Optica. A nice flavorful double IPA with notes of citrus, stone fruit, and pine. At 9% it's a refreshing beer for any occasion.
-Tyler
Cara
Teutonic Gewurztraminer / Pinot Noir Blend
An 80% Gewürztraminer 20% Pinot Noir blend is a little off the beaten path, but this wine is so floral, herbal, and delicious.
- Cara
Chris
George Remus Wine World Barrel Pick
Good smooth taste that I like to drink neat. Also makes a good Manhattan. You're getting a great bourbon for its price!
- Chris
Matthew
Legent
Legent takes the warm caramel and vanilla tones of a Kentucky bourbon to a new level through sherry and red wine cask aging. The resulting blend showcases an extremely long finish of raisin, nuts, and cocoa with light acidity. All this at an excellent price point!
- Matthew
Alex
Dewey Outsiders Only
This is an absolute banger of a barleywine! The 2023 edition of “Outsiders Only” by Dewey Beer Co. was given a chance to nap in our store pick Ross and Squibb Distillery and Remus barrels from last year. The “raisin-esque” nose on this dark brew is followed by rich malt flavors and a clear spice of the delightful bourbon. Enjoy it at room temperature or SLIGHTLY chilled to get the perfect flavor out of this delightful treat. A bourbon snifter or tulip glass will serve you well, in this situation. CHEERS, Y’ALL! - Alex
Philip
North Coast Pranqster
A robust golden ale that provides a light sweet front that's followed by a strong malty finish. This is a year-round favorite.
- Phil
Samantha
Bubba's Burnt Sugar Whiskey
This is definitely a go-to for me! The lemon flavor isn't overpowering and is just the right amount of smoothness. It's great by itself or in a mixed drink!
- Samantha
Haley
Jeppson's Malort
Jeppson’s Malört:
The gift that keeps on giving. Having friends and family in town from Chicago this holiday season? A bottle of this Swedish-inspired liqueur with potent botanical notes will make them feel right at home.
- Haley
December 2023
Matt
Lost Ark Brownie Cream Liquor
The Lost Ark Brownie Caramel Cream Liquor is my personal choice for the colder months. It's perfect sweet and creamy. Matched perfectly with the great taste of salty caramel gooey brownie. It's sure to warm you up on its own or in your hot chocolate.
- Matt
Becky
Ayana Sweet Shiraz
This semi-sweet shiraz from Australia is very fruit-forward with notes of cherries and a hint of vanilla. Great party wine, easy to drink. Best served lightly chilled.
- Becky
Zach
Other Half
All Citra Everything
Imagine if your favorite IPA had a favorite IPA. Flavorful, creamy, smooth, and well-balanced. It doesn't get much better!
- Zach
Steven
Smirnoff Kissed Caramel
A little bit of this, a little bit of apple cider, mix 'em together and you got yourself a 'lil caramel apple cider. Perfect winter beverage warm or cold.
- Steven
Vi
Cantera Negra Cafe
This liqueur is for coffee lovers! The coffee and tequila blend may seem strange, but the pairing tastes very natural when you try this product. A genuine coffee flavor with little to tequila taste.
- Vi
Cara
Jean Vesselle Brut
When I was a young person I tried this wine and fell in love with it. Twenty years later it remains my favorite champagne I have ever had. Layers upon layers of complexity make this the gold standard of champagne.
- Cara
Chris
Kentucky Coffee Cold Brew
Actual black coffee without any cream and a great flavor. Not too sweet or too rich.
- Chris
Matthew
Wild Turkey Rare Breed Barrel Proof
I am not a fan of regular Wild Turkey or 101, but Rare Breed Barrel Proof surprised me. Very cherry forward ending with a hint of mulling spice. While I certainly enjoyed this bourbon neat, I also found it fit well in a New York Sour.
- Matthew
Angel
Jean-Louis
Blanc de Blancs
An inexpensive bottle with an expensive taste. My favorite way to enjoy it is in an apple cider mimosa or paired with Sanoy's staff pick for a flavorful cocktail perfect for any occasion.
- Angel
Philip
Port City Pizza Night
Port City's Pizza Night is a fun amber lager. Medium-bodied with hints of cheddar and oak notes. If you're looking to try something out of the ordinary try a Pizza Night.
- Phil
Javi
Vice Red Velvet Sour
The only cake-inspired sour I enjoy. Doesn't overpower, stays simple, and tastes great!
- Javi
Haley
Jeppson's Malort
Jeppson’s Malört:
The gift that keeps on giving. Having friends and family in town from Chicago this holiday season? A bottle of this Swedish-inspired liqueur with potent botanical notes will make them feel right at home.
- Haley
Christian
Evan Williams
Bottled-in-Bond
Best bang for your buck!
- Christian
Sanoy
Mclintock Ginger Lime Cordial
It's the season for a nice hot cup of tea with lemon so why not add a little something special to it during these cold months?!
- Sanoy
Samantha
Bubba's Burnt Sugar Whiskey
Bubba's Burnt Sugar whiskey is smooth and delicious! It's great to drink by itself or in a twist on an Old Fashioned.
- Samantha
Josh
Colmant Brut Chardonnay
This South African sparkling is the quality of a French Champagne at half the cost!
- Josh
Alex
Dewey Outsiders Only
This is an absolute banger of a barleywine! The 2023 edition of “Outsiders Only” by Dewey Beer Co. was given a chance to nap in our store pick Ross and Squibb Distillery and Remus barrels from last year. The “raisin-esque” nose on this dark brew is followed by rich malt flavors and a clear spice of the delightful bourbon. Enjoy it at room temperature or SLIGHTLY chilled to get the perfect flavor out of this delightful treat. A bourbon snifter or tulip glass will serve you well, in this situation. CHEERS, Y’ALL! - Alex
Tyler
Other Half Special Broth
Other Half Special Broth. A citrusy and creamy double IPA. The nectaron hops come through well with a flavor of peach and candy.
-Tyler
November 2023
Matt
Rascal Pinot Noir
I really like the Rascal Pinot Noir because it is very fruit-forward. Red cherry and plum notes on the front finishing with sweet vanilla and a hint of earthy basil. They also support the humane society!
- Matt
Becky
Long Drink Cranberry
Crisp, light, and refreshing. The subtle hint of cranberry makes for a perfect holiday cocktail in a can. Cheers!
- Becky
Zach
Mobtown The Octopus
Juicy, slightly sweet, and a touch of bitterness. It's everything I personally look for in a good IPA. The Octopus by Mobtown has become one of my favorites. If you're looking for a spinoff try the Negative Octopus as well!
Steven
Right Coast
Wild Berry Whips
You know I didn't think about this! Right Coast Whips are a perfect lil sipper while playing video games. Imagine 7.5% blue Gogurt, that's what you get with the Wild Berry. They're bussin'!!!!
-Steven
Vi
Proper 12 Apple
Proper 12 Apple is the only apple whiskey I've ever had that has a true apple flavor. One sip tastes like taking a bite straight out of a green apple. I enjoy Proper 12 Apple on the rocks or mixed with a little bit of ginger ale.
- Vi
Cara
Baileys Chocolate
This Double Gold award-winning product combines two beloved treats – Baileys Original Irish Cream and real Belgian chocolate – to bring the pleasures of enjoying dessert to the bar. Best served in a chocolate martini, chilled, or as a dessert shot for when you feel like having something a little more special, we hope you look forward to sipping your dessert with Baileys Chocolate.
Anatoly
Proper 12 Apple
I just like it!
- Anatoly
Matthew
Knobel Tennessee Whiskey
Knobel Tenessee Whiskey is my favorite fall spirit. Showcasing notes of apple, cinnamon, and caramel, Knobel perfectly blends sweet and spicy characteristics into a whiskey that's great for drinking neat or on the rocks. To top it all off, Knobel is owned by Baltimore boy Mike Rowe.
- Matthew
Angel
Sono 1420 Orange Kush
Crushes aren’t just for summer. A convenient and smooth RTD that packs a punch at 14.20% ABV, made with premium vodka and triple sec. Great for brunch if you’re not a fan of mimosas, or if you just wanna kick back with a refreshing, quality cocktail.
- Angel
Kevin
Mad Elf
Christmas time is almost here!
Troeg's Mad Elf is back in the house!!
- Kevin
Javier
Vice Caramel Apple Fruited Sour
This one doesn’t get too extravagant in mixing so many flavors. It sticks to something that makes sense for a sour beer and stays simple. Great sour taste with hints of caramel that don’t overpower. Great ABV to boot.
Haley
Jeppson's Malort
Jeppson’s Malört:
The gift that keeps on giving. Having friends and family in town from Chicago this holiday season? A bottle of this Swedish-inspired liqueur with potent botanical notes will make them feel right at home.
- Haley
Christian
Don Julio Anejo
Beautiful Tequila! I like to put it in the fridge and pour a little sip when I want it!
- Christian
Sanoy
Avantis Malagousia
Avantis Malagousia is a dry white that belongs in every wine bar, wine shelf, wine cabinet, and wine cellar.
- Sanoy
Samantha
Seacret's Lemondrop
This is definitely a go-to for me! The lemon flavor isn't overpowering and is just the right amount of smoothness. It's great by itself or in a mixed drink!
- Samantha
Josh
Colmant Brut Chardonnay
This South African sparkling is the quality of a French Champagne at half the cost!
- Josh
Alex
Lost Ark Goetze's Carmel Cream Liquor
I’m a coffee lover, and coffee needs a mate, and that mate is Goetze's Caramel Cream. The creamy base and sweet bite of this cream liqueur pair perfectly and help me start my morning just right. The familiar Goetze caramel flavors of my childhood really bring it all on home. I also do an espresso martini with this and Black Joe Coffee Liqueur.
- Alex
Chris
Engine Gin
Engine gin is a sweet mellow botanical gin and despite the unique packaging, it's actually a really good gin!
- Chris
Tyler
French Toast Bastard
Founders French Toast Bastard
A smooth delicious scotch ale clocking in at 11.1 % ABV with the perfect amount of vanilla cinnamon and maple to create a French toast experience like grandma used to make
-Tyler
Philip
Port City Pizza Night
Port City's Pizza Night is a fun amber lager. Medium-bodied with hints of cheddar and oak notes. If you're looking to try something out of the ordinary try a Pizza Night.
- Phil