Often when I put together an email it’s tailored to a theme; products that all fall into some category that fits what is happening this week at Zipps, or some sort of seasonality. We like to keep them timely and relevant. Most of the time it’s products we’re excited about or have really enjoyed in the past, and want to pass that enthusiasm on to you. But what do we like right now? What are WE drinking? So, in the email this week, you’ll get a sneak peek at what I’ve brought home in the last week to MY liquor cabinet!

This by no means explores the breadth of what I have at home, nor what I drank this week (Hi Volstead’s & Saint Dinette!) but this is what I personally was excited for and enjoyed in the recent past. Let’s start with a little side project I’m working on! If you read these emails regularly, or have stopped in the store for a tasting, there’s a good chance you’ve heard about Copper & Kings. We love them, critics love them, and their brandies are simply extraordinary. Well, at home I’ve been playing around with some of their more off-the-beaten-path ingredients to make something new and tasty! I’ve been taking the formula I have in my head for a Last Word and kind of tweaking it around. First and foremost, I’ve replaced the gin with their Un-Aged Apple Brandy. This lets the bright, vibrant apple flavor peek out from behind the anise-y and herbaceous Chartreuse and stone-fruit-rich Luxardo Maraschino. Subbing in lemon for lime, as well as the addition of mint to the game really creates a cocktail that is reminiscent of the original but something different altogether. The final recipe? Well… a man must have his secrets. (Copper & Kings Un-Aged Apple Brandy $29.99, on sale for $26.99 during Saturday’s tasting)

I’ve also taken a shining to the American Apple Brandy in their portfolio. It is perhaps a bit more suited to colder weather, but it really is the gift that keeps on giving the whole year round! The apple brandy is aged in a combination of Kentucky bourbon barrels as well as sherry butts and casks. This gives the apple flavors an awesome spiced or mulled quality. It serves perfectly as an after dinner refreshment, or even better in a cocktail! You’d be surprised at how elegant a Manhattan it makes (called a Marconi Wireless on their official page). The spice and apple blend perfectly with a richer, full-bodied Italian-style sweet vermouth (think Carpano Antica or Cocchi di Torino). (Copper & Kings American Apple Brandy $39.99, on sale for $35.99 during Saturday’s tasting)

You might think I’m crazy, but I’m gaga for Mellow Corn. It’s a total Grandpa whiskey. One of the last Bottled in Bonds standing up, and a total weirdo in the world of American whiskey. It is inherently sweet, being a corn whiskey, and it has a butterscotch, kettle corn quality to it. Aged in used barrels, it has a milder wood influence, but it only serves to accentuate the natural earthy sweetness of the corn used in the spirit. Yes, it has a bit of a bite, but damn is it an easy go-to for an after work sip. Personally, I like it best paired with a crisp, clean beer. As the fine folks at K&L noted, sometimes you need a break from the big, aggressive beers and just want to reach for something light and refreshing. Mama’s Little Yella Pils is exactly that beer. Floral, a bit nutty and tremendously quaffable, it provides a pretty stellar pairing for delicious Mellow Corn whiskey! (Mellow Corn $11.99, on sale for $8.99)