These facts highlight the both rich history and diverse production methods, as well as unique characteristics that make Scotch whisky such a beloved spirit worldwide. Exclusivity: Aging Requirements: Types of Scotch: Regional Differences: Single Malt vs. Blended: Peat Influence: Water Sources: Cask Influence: Bill’s Package store recommends Chivas Regal. There are many “Highball” cocktail recipes…[READ MORE]
Moscato is a sweet Italian wine known for its fruity notes. Made from the Muscat grape, this white wine is typically thought of as a dessert wine with a hint of fizz. It’s one of the oldest varieties of wine spanning thousands of years. It has gained popularity mainly in recent years because of its…[READ MORE]
They say all bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. And all bourbons aren’t necessarily made in Kentucky, while Tennessee whiskeys are made in, you guessed it, Tennessee. Let’s discuss: Bourbon and whiskey are both popular spirits, but they have key differences. Whiskey, a broader category, can be made from various grains and…[READ MORE]
What is Tequila? Tequila is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from the blue agave plant, which is primarily found in the area surrounding the city of Tequila and in the highlands of the western Mexican state of Jalisco. Here are some of Bill’s favorite tequila facts. Origin Agave Plant Types Appellation of Origin Popular Drinks…[READ MORE]
If you’re from around here, you’ve probably heard about Jack Daniels and his whiskey made right here in Tennessee. If you’re new to the area, here’s what you need to know. The Founder Jasper Newton Daniel, more commonly known as Jack, started his journey to whiskey making back in 1864. By 1866, the Jack…[READ MORE]
The French say it’s made from l’eau de vie (“the water of life”), but we can certainly tell you more about this French form of brandy. But what is Cognac? First of all it’s made from white grapes grown across both the Charente and Charente-Maritime departments of western France. Cognac is actually a protected…[READ MORE]
If you haven’t seen a worm in your bottle of tequila, you’ve surely heard about it. Here’s the truth about “The Worm.” Is there really a worm? Yes, there is a worm. Yes, you can eat it. No, it’s not alive. No, it won’t make you hallucinate. No, it does not add to the…[READ MORE]
Some cocktails have been around for decades and are still classics. Bill’s Package Store thinks you should try some of these classic cocktails at least once in your life. The Manhattan This classic cocktail started at the Manhattan Club in New York City circa 1880’s. Ingredients: Bourbon* or rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters…[READ MORE]
If you’ve noticed, we say “Spirits” and “Wine” at Bill’s Package Store. But what about liquor or alcohol? We will try to explain. What do they have in common? The answer is alcoholic fermentation, a process that all these beverages undergo. The one important distinction is the level of alcohol content. This results from…[READ MORE]
If you’re planning a holiday party, your first stop should be to Bill’s Package Store for the ingredients for a holiday cocktail or two. Here are a few of our seasonal favorites. Holiday Cocktail #1: Holly Jolly Christmas Ingredients: 2 ounces vodka* ½ ounce St. Germain ⅓ cup fresh squeezed clementine or blood orange…[READ MORE]