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Friday, December 12, 2014

Santa arrives early as Utah DABC rolls out sales for December 2014

A Negroni may be served in a cocktail glass,
or on the rocks.
Once again there are over 600 items on Special Price Adjustments (SPA) for the December holidays (up from 329 last month), so when Utahans walk into the Utah DABC State Liquor Stores this month, they will expect to hear Santa chuckling.  These deals are great for gifts (given or received), or for stocking your bar.  Still need a Christmas gift for Dad (or Mom)? Don’t forget to look at the gift items that are often found on the top shelf of the Utah State Stores. These gift packages usually contain a bottle of liquor and items like glasses or a shaker for about the same price as the bottle without the gift. Some of them are pretty nice, others might be a little tacky.  Shop early in the month for a better selection and buy one for a lazy relative to give you for Christmas.

First for Gin lovers: as the Gin revival continues, stores have expanded their Gin sections to accommodate new brands.  If your local store has a small selection, visit a larger store when you have the chance to check out the new items.  This month there is a variety of Gins marked down, most of the good ones around 10%, more or less.  Gins with price adjustments include offerings from Bombay Sapphire, Tanqueray, Beefeater, and even bargain Gin: New Amsterdam (1750ml for $24).  While you’re picking up a nice bottle of Gin, pick up a bottle of Campari (on SPA this month) and try one of my favorite Gin cocktails, a Negroni.  You can look up all of the prices for yourself by clicking through to the “SPA Product List” to open a price book in PDF format that shows all of the markdowns for the current month; then search on “Gin” or the product of your choice.  Oh, and there are 13 non-flavored Vodkas marked down this month too (including Ketel One and Chopin, if you’re a Vodka drinker.

Now for the Whiskeys: There are 44 Whiskeys on SPA this month (60 if you count 1750 ml bottles), so it’s a great opportunity to stock up. Twelve different Bourbons:  most of the major brands are represented, try Bulleit ($25), and there are single barrel offerings from Basil Hayden, Elijah Craig, and Evan Williams.  Kick back on Christmas Eve and enjoy a nice Bourbon ManhattanThree Irish that normally retail around $25 to $35 are marked down around 10%.  There are 20 Single Malt and Blended Scotches marked down, including 9 twelve year olds and Glenlivet French Oak 15 year.  This is your big chance to cheer up and impress your old man with a gift he’ll enjoy.

This is your chance to stock up on your favorite Liqueurs or buy them as gifts; 30 are on SPA this month.  Try Di Saronno Amaretto ($23) over ice, or a favorite for cocktails: Amaretto Di Amore ($11); both are marked down.  Godiva Chocolate Liqueur ($27) and Kahlua Coffee Liqueur ($16) are on SPA, along with a variety of Irish Cream Liqueurs (great gifts for light drinkers) and Liqueurs like Alize and Midori.  A favorite Triple Sec substitute: Gran Gala Orange Liqueur ($20) is on SPA, or feel free to go upscale with Cointreau ($34).  There are only 11 (non-spiced) Rums on sale this month.  Appleton Estates VX Jamaica Rum is the best of the bunch, or you can try Mount Gay Eclipse for $17.  Sadly there are no high-end premium Rums to put under your tree.

If you’re looking for Champagne for New Year’s Eve, there’s not a lot of the good stuff on sale this month.  Mumm Napa Brut is the pick at $19, but the Barefoot Bubblies in the $9 range are decent and have won some awards for their price range.  I haven’t quite forgotten you Tequila lovers, either.  There are 31 choices this month in the Blanco or better categories, including some top brands!

As to any other sale or clearance items, if you see anything at your local state store that other cocktailians might enjoy, post a response to this article.  See the following list “Suggested by the author” for information on how to use the Utah DABC website.  You can check out what else is on sale (e.g. the wines etc.) by clicking through to the “SPA Product List” to open a price book in PDF format that shows all of the markdowns for the current month.


Friday, November 21, 2014

Cocktail ingredients Utah update – November 2014

Salt Lake City cocktailians will be disappointed to see that the Special Price Adjustment (SPA) list this month is a lot leaner than it was last month (down from 419 to 329).  This is the normal pre-December slump that we experience every November; Santa Claus comes in December, and his SPA list is usually very generous.  We will soon be presented with a cornucopia of liquor oriented gift items and sparkling wines for New Year’s celebrations.

Remember: November is the time to start looking up… to the top shelf, that is.  Boxed gift items that are usually found on the top shelves of the Utah State Stores. These promotional packages usually contain a bottle of liquor and items like logoed glasses or a shaker for about the same price as the bottle without the gift (quality of these “extras” varies).  These deals are great for gifts (given or received), or for stocking your bar.

For those who love Vodka Martinis, this month it’s liters of Skyy Vodka that are marked down from $22 to $19.  There are also a bunch of other Vodkas and the usual large number of flavored Vodkas on SPA.  The standout Tequila deals this month are a pair of El Jimadors: the Reposado and the Blanco are both marked down from $20 to $17.  Regular readers will know that a good Silver (or Plata or Blanco) is an essential ingredient in the ever popular Margarita, but this Reposado also makes outstanding cocktails.

If you were hoping for some Gin this month, you’re almost out of luck.  One good bet is Tanqueray Rangpur Gin, marked down from $25 to $22. Try it in a Tom Collins.  New Amsterdam Gin, an excellent economy Gin, is marked down this month (CS# 031475 down 20% to $12).  If you have an open bottle of sparkling wine and you’re in the mood for something a little stronger that a Champagne cocktail, try it in a French 75 – a reliable Champagne (and Gin) cocktail that is sure to have just the kick you need. 

November is not totally devoid of deals in the cocktail area, however.  If you’re into Bourbons, and if you like something a little pricier, Jack Daniels® Single Barrel (CS# 026906) is available for $47 (that’s a generous $3 off) should make a great Bourbon Manhattan.  All (both!) of the Scotch Whiskies marked down this month are blends, so if you’re looking for something to put into your top-shelf Rob Roy you can get a bottle of Chivas Regal 12 Year marked down 9% to $32.

Regarding any other sale or clearance items, if you see a great deal on anything at your local state store that other cocktailians might enjoy, post a response to this article.  See the following list “Suggested by the author” for information on how to use the Utah DABC website.  You can check out what else is on sale (e.g. the wines, etc.) by clicking through to the “SPA Product List” to open an online price book in PDF format that shows all of the markdowns for the current month.


Saturday, October 11, 2014

Cocktail ingredients Utah update – October 2014

Tequila Mole Manhattan is both dry and sweet.
Utah cocktailians can rejoice that it’s October, and the colder weather means it’s time for cocktails that are brown, bitter, and stirred. The count of items marked down by the Utah DABC State Liquor Stores  has revived! The number of items on SPA (Special Price Adjustment) this month (419) is quite an increase compared to the 335 in September, so now is a good time to get ready for cold weather cocktails by stocking your bar with October bargains. As the nights grow cooler and the early autumn days grow noticeably shorter, here are some cocktail ideas that, combined with these sale items, can reduce your monthly cocktail spend.
If you are into Bourbons, some good ones to try this month are Bulleit Frontier (down 11% to $25), Elijah Craig 12 Year (down 8% to $23), and Woodford Reserve (down 8% to $33). If you want to make a very mellow Manhattan, try one with some Woodford Reserve.  If you are tempted more by imported, brown liquors, there are a couple of good, blended Scotch Whiskies marked down, too; so if you’re looking for something to put into a really top-shelf Blood and Sand, you can get some Dewars Special Reserve 12 Year (17% to $30).  You might want to try a Glenlivet French Oak 15 Year (9% to $52). Feeling like some Barbados Rum? Mount Gay Eclipse is marked down 10% to $18 this month, try it in your next Rapture.  There is also a large selection of spiced Rums.

If your taste runs to liquors of a lighter color even this late in the year, there are still some deals for you. There are about 14 Tequilas marked down in October, not counting the flavored ones.  Familia Camarena Tequilas, one of my favorite brands for mixing, have the Silver and Reposado both marked down 10% to $18. If you’ve never tried one, give the El Diablo a try. Deals on Vodka this month include liter bottles of Tito’s Handmade (CS# 038176 down 15% to $17). (Great in a White Russian.) You might also like to try Ketel One (12% to $22) in a Vodka Martini.

Saturday, September 20, 2014

Cocktail ingredients Utah update – September 2014

For a smooth ride, try a Sidecar!
Utah cocktailians can thank heaven that August is officially over and the Utah DABC State Liquor Stores have once again loosened the SPA purse strings for September.  The number of items on SPA (Special Price Adjustment) this month increased from only 288 in August to 335 in September. That means it’s time to get ready for cold weather cocktails by stocking your bar with September bargains.  So as the nights grow cooler and the late summer days grow noticeably shorter, here are some cocktail ideas that, combined with some sale items, can stretch your cocktail dollar.

In case you’re looking for liquors to accompany the key ingredient of your cocktail, or even be the main ingredient, you might want to try one of the following.  A favorite Triple-Sec substitute (if you’re still using that $10 Triple Sec, why not treat yourself? If you do, you may never go back...) is Gran Gala Orange Liqueur, marked down 14% to $19.  It’s cheaper than Grand Marnier, but almost as good.  E&J VSOP is a decent Brandy for mixing; it’s marked down 21% to $11.5, can do good duty in a Sidecar (or any other cocktail), and will hurt your wallet far less than mixing with your favorite Cognac. 

There are some nice Plata Tequilas on sale this month.  A couple you might like to try are Milagro Silver (13% to $26) or 1800 Silver (6% to $29).  Either of these will make a dynamite Margarita.  Why not mix them with Gran Gala Orange Liqueur (see above)?  There is also a nice selection of Reposados marked down this month, check them out at your local store.

There are only a couple of Bourbons on price adjustment this month; Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon can make a great BLT and is available for $25 (7% off).  Another Bourbon on sale is Jack Daniels Black Label for $22.5 (12% off).

If you enjoy Rum, the state has limited markdowns this month.  You might want to try Cruzan Dark at $11.  If you’re a fan of Appleton Estates, VX is marked down 14% to $18.  Vodka lovers will be pleased that there is a good selection of Vodkas in bottles large and small on sale this month, including Skyy and Stoli.  All Vodka brands have their fans and detractors, but there is something for almost everyone.  Finally, Martini lovers will be pleased to know that they don’t have to go thirsty this month.  Hendricks Gin (6% to $34 makes an excellent Classic Martinis. There are a handful of other Gins on sale, mostly in 1.75 liter bottles, so this might be the time to stock up on your favorite.


Friday, August 15, 2014

Cocktail ingredients Utah update – August 2014 – It’s raining Rye!

Corpse Reviver No. 2 cocktail will rattle your bones
Utah Rye Whiskey lovers should be grateful to the UDABC this month.  As you may remember from these posts, most months there are no Rye Whiskeys marked down in Utah.  This month there are three, and good ones, too!  Knob Creek Rye, Pendleton 1910 Canadian Rye, and High West Double Rye Whiskeys are all on sale this month (all about 10%).  Whether you like them for sipping, or in a Manhattan or a Sazerac, this is a great month to stock up on Rye!  In other news, there are two new Scotch Whiskies available this month in the $50-60 range for you Scotch lovers: Talisker Storm (single malt) and Johnnie Walker Double Black (blended).

Last August, the Utah DABC State Liquor Stores seem to have begun a new pattern.  Rather than enter the doldrums in August, they have maintained an average level of items on SPA, this month there is a respectable 288 item marked down, slightly more than in July.  August usually marks the beginning of a cooling trend as the days begin to grow noticeably shorter, but it’s still warm enough that Utah’s amateur mixologists will have plenty of takers for their cocktails when cocktail hour rolls around.  Here are some cocktail ideas that will save you money by taking advantage of the marked down items.

In case you haven’t noticed, the UDABC has been slowly expanding their selection of Gins, and there is now a made-in-Utah Gin available: Beehive Jack Rabbit Gin ($28, Google it for more info).  A classic Gin cocktail from The Savoy Cocktail Book is the Corpse Reviver No. 2.  This month you might want to try one using Bombay Sapphire Gin (CS# 028236 down 11% to $24).  If you’re looking for something to go into a summer cooler like a Tom Collins, try some New Amsterdam Gin (CS# 031475 down 20% to $12), an excellent economy Gin. 

Lovers of Brandy cocktails will be pleased to find that E&J XO Brandy is on SPA for $13.5 (an 18% reduction); try it in a Sidecar (or any other cocktail calling for Brandy), where it will hurt your wallet far less than using your favorite Cognac.  Deals on Vodka this month include Grey Goose (CS# 034433 down 9% to $31) and Absolut (CS# 034006 down 15% to $17).  Try these in a White Russian or a Vodka Martini.

Purists may be offended by the Rum deals this month, all of the Rums on sale are spiced or flavored...  If you are so inclined, you can check out the selection and try one in one or two of my favorite Rum coolers: the Mojito and the classic Rum and Coke (with lime, of course).  You can check all of the prices for yourself by clicking through to the “SPA Product List” to open a price book in PDF format that shows all of the markdowns for the current month; then search on “gin” or the product of your choice. 


Saturday, June 14, 2014

Cocktail ingredients Utah update – June 2014

Enjoy an Aviation Cocktail in honor of World Gin Day!
June brings the beginning of summer, and with summer comes hot weather.  Hot weather and yard work make for thirsty people, so when cocktail hour rolls around Utah amateur mixologists should have plenty of takers for their cocktails. The number of items on SPA (Special Price Adjustment) in Utah this month rose from around 270 for May to a more generous 420 in June.  That means there are some quality cocktail ingredients on sale this month at the Utah DABC State Liquor Stores, so you can get what you need to make some tall coolers or shake up some great cocktails.  Here are some ideas on how to use this month’s sale items to improve your cocktail offerings.

Rye lovers are in luck this month, Knob Creek Rye is marked down 11% to $40.  As for Bourbons, there are about a dozen on sale this month, including single barrel offerings from Elijah Craig and Ridgemont Reserve.  If you like Mint Julep (I know I do), you might want to try one with Jack Daniels Black Label (down 8% to $24.5).  There are not a lot of Rums on SPA this month, but you might want to try some Appleton Estates VX (14% to $18) in a Mojito or the classic Rum and Coke.  

June 14 is World Gin Day, but there are only a few Gins marked down this month.  If you love Gin and Tonics to cool down in the hot weather, you might want to stock up on New Amsterdam Gin (CS# 031475 down 20% to $12), an excellent Gin for the price. Try some Tanqueray ($22) in a Classic Martini

Lovers of Scotch Whiskies should be happy this month: there are nine single malts and eight blends marked down in a variety of sizes.  The single malts range from ten to 16 years old, so enjoy.  The blended Scotch Whiskies include Johnnie Walker 12 year old ($38) and Chivas 12 year for $40.  If you’re searching for a Scotch cocktail to try this month, consider trying the classic Bobby Burns.  The usual mix of Tequilas is marked down in June, but you might want to try my favorite bargain Tequila: Familia Camarena Silver or Reposado, both of which are marked down this month 15% to $17.  If you want something a little more expensive, I also like El Jimador Reposado, marked down to $37.  If you’ve never tried one, give the Tequila Mojito a try. 

Irish Whiskey lovers will be happy to discover that Jameson Black Barrel is now available in Utah for $35 (not on SPA); I had a chance to taste this one in Portland two years ago and can tell you that you will enjoy it.  As to any other sale or clearance items, if you see a great deal on anything at your local state store that other cocktailians might enjoy, post a response to this article.  See the following list “Suggested by the author” for information on how to use the Utah DABC website.  You can check out what else is on sale (e.g. the wines, etc.) by clicking through to the “SPA Product List” to open an online price book in PDF format that shows all of the markdowns for the current month.


Saturday, May 17, 2014

Cocktail ingredients Utah update – May 2014

The Campden Cocktail is quite a treat.
The number of items on SPA (Special Price Adjustment) at the Utah DABC State Liquor Stores this month dropped off again this month into the high two-hundreds.  There are, still, some quality cocktail ingredients available this month, so you might be able to get what you need to shake up some great cocktails.  Here are some ideas on how to use this month’s sale items to improve your cocktail repertoire.

Surprisingly, there weren’t a lot of Bourbons on sale for the derby this month; if you’re into Evan Williams, you’re set.  Otherwise if you want a Mint Julep or a BLT, a liter of Jim Beam is about it this month.  There’s not much in the way of blended Scotch Whiskies marked down this month either: 1750 ml bottles of Chivas Regal are marked down around $5 to $65 and the large bottles of Dewars White Label are marked down to $46.  If you’re searching for a Scotch cocktail to try this month, consider going outlaw with a Rob Roy.

Martini lovers will be pleased to know that they don’t have to go thirsty this month.  Hendricks Gin (8% to $33 makes an excellent Classic Martinis).  The other pick of the Gins this month is the large bottle of Tanqueray (marked down 6% to $45) goes well in a Campden Cocktail; this little known cocktail is one you should try. If you love Tanqueray Gin and Tonics while sitting in the yard in the summertime, this might be a good time to stock up.

The selection of Tequilas this month is not bad!  This month Milagro Silver is marked down 13% range to $26 and the Reposado is marked down 9% to $30. Combine them with Gran Gala Orange Liqueur (an excellent, low cost Triple Sec marked down 14% to $19) to make a dynamite Margarita.  You will also find 1800 Añejo (5% to $37) and Silver (9% to $30) on sale.


As to any other sale or clearance items, if you see a great deal on anything at your local state store that other cocktailians might enjoy, post a response to this article.  See the following list “Suggested by the author” for information on how to use the Utah DABC website.  You can check out what else is on sale (e.g. the wines, etc.) by clicking through to the “SPA Product List” to open an online price book in PDF format that shows all of the markdowns for the current month.

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Cocktail ingredients Utah update – April 2014

Tanqueray Taj will put your Gin & Midori to good use.
When Utahans walk into the Utah DABC State Liquor Stores this month they will find that the number of marked down items has dropped back into the “high average” range.  The number of items on SPA (Special Price Adjustment) dropped from around 440 last month to around 356 for April.  Cocktailians who need to stock their bars can still find some nice bargains.  There are some quality cocktail ingredients available this month, so dust off your wallet and your wallet and your shaker and get ready to mix some great cocktails.

There are a few Bourbons on SPA this month; let’s hope they are holding them in reserve for the Derby next month, always a big day for Bourbon.  In the 750ml size there three Single Barrel offerings marked down: Elijah Craig 12 Year (8% to $23), Knob Creek (6% to $33), and Basil Hayden 8 Year (7% to $39).  Sip it, or you can make a very good Manhattan, or perhaps even a Boulevardier.  The only Scotch Whisky marked down this month that you might want to pour into a cocktail like a Blood and Sand, is the Bowmore Legend Single Malt that has a small mark-down to $26.  Johnnie Walker 12 Year 1750 ml. is marked down 6% to $73.

Fortunately, the UDABC didn’t forget about you Tequila lovers.  There are 16 Tequilas (Platas, Añejos and Reposados) on SPA.  My favorites include Herradura Añejo.  This month Familia Camarena Silver and Reposado are both marked down 15% to $17.  It’s Margarita time!  The Rum deals are few and far between this month if you don’t count the “Spiced and Flavored” category.  Cruzan Dark is marked down 23% to $10, you might want to experiment with a Rum Old Fashioned. 

If you need some Dry Gin, Tanqueray Ten is marked down 9% to $29.  Try it in a Classic Martini.  Always reliable Beefeater is marked down $3 to $22 (try it in a Tom Collins).  If you like Vesper Martinis, Ketel One (it’s great with a lemon twist) is also on SPA for $22.  There are also deals on Belevedere and Skyy, as well as the usual multitude of flavored Vodkas that are better not mentioned.

There are a couple of Liqueurs marked down this month.  Amaretto Di Amore ($12) goes great in Mai Tais and is marked down around 14%.  Midori Melon Liqueur is marked down 10% to $19; try it in a Tanqueray Taj.

As to any other sale or clearance items, if you see anything at your local state store that other cocktailians might enjoy, post a response to this article.  See the following list “Suggested by the author” for information on how to use the Utah DABC website.  You can check out what else is on sale (e.g. the wines etc.) by clicking through to the “SPA Product List” to open a price book in PDF format that shows all of the markdowns for the current month.


Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Cocktail ingredients Utah update – March 2014

Campari Ole will put that sale Tequila to
good use.
When Utahans walk into the Utah DABC State Liquor Stores in March, they will be excited to see that sale tags are more in evidence than they have been during the last couple of months.  The number of marked down items has increased from January and February lows into the “above average” range.  The number of items on SPA (Special Price Adjustment) rose from around 230 last month to over 440 in March.  Cocktailians who have been waiting to stock their bars will see that this is an opportunity.  Quite a few quality cocktail ingredients are available this month, so get ready for some great cocktails.

The UDABC didn’t forget about you Tequila lovers this month.  There are 16 Tequilas on SPA with plenty of Platas and Reposados.  My favorites range from El Jimador to Herradura; and there are four different 1800’s marked down, too.  Leave your credit card at home... it’s Margarita time.  Rum seems to have been overlooked this month.  If you like Dark Rums, Mount Gay Eclipse Barbados Rum is marked down over 15% to $17, try it in a Rum Old Fashioned, but that’s about it for Rums. 

If you need some Gin, my favorite “economy Gin”, New Amsterdam (CS# 031475), is marked down 13% from $15 to $13 (try it in a Tom Collins).  If you have an open bottle of sparkling wine but you’re in the mood for something a little stronger than a Champagne cocktail, try a French 75 – a reliable champagne (and Gin) cocktail that is sure to have just the kick you need.  If you’re more into Vodka Martinis, Tito’s Handmade is marked down 15% to $17 this month.

If you enjoy Bourbons, selections this month range from Jack Daniels Black Label (down 8% to $23) to Blanton Single Barrel (down 5% to $53).  If you want to make a very good Manhattan, or perhaps a Boulevardier, try some Woodford Reserve ($30) or Ridgemont Reserve 1792 ($29).  This month you might want to stock up on your favorite Liqueurs.  Liqueurs like Underground Herbal Spirit ($25) and Frangelico ($23) are on sale, and also an excellent Triple Sec substitute that works well in Margaritas: Gran Gala Orange Liqueur (14% to $19).

As to any other sale or clearance items, if you see anything at your local state store that other cocktailians might enjoy, post a response to this article.  See the following list “Suggested by the author” for information on how to use the Utah DABC website.  You can check out what else is on sale (e.g. the wines etc.) by clicking through to the “SPA Product List” to open a price book in PDF format that shows all of the markdowns for the current month.


Saturday, February 22, 2014

Cocktail ingredients Utah update – February 2014

El Diablo is a cocktail the
Devil himself might enjoy.
As is usually the case in February, a monthly UABC post that appears this late means that there is not much to write about.  If the Utah Mixologist had not stocked up in December and didn’t expect to see around 400 items on markdown in March, he would be really depressed this month.  The number of marked down items at the Utah DABC State Liquor Stores in February has increased only slightly from January.  This month the number of items on SPA rose from under 180 to around 230, barely more than a third of the over 615 items marked down in December.  Obviously, this is not the time to stock your bar, but there are still a few quality cocktail ingredients available.

If you’re into Bourbons, you’re almost out of luck this month.  The pick of the lot is the Knob Creek, marked down $2 to $33, but Evan Williams Single Barrel is marked down, too.  The only Scotch Whisky marked down this month is Macallan Ten Year Old, marked down $2 to $40, so if you’re looking for a blended Scotch to put into a Rob Roy you’re out of luck.  If you need some liqueurs, Amaretto Di Amore is marked down almost 15% this month.

The number of Tequilas on SPA this month has been generously increased from one to four!  Discerning Tequila lovers may want to forgo the Tortilla Gold Blend at $7, but the Herradura Añejo (CS# 003656) marked down $5 to $50 might be worth the investment.  Regular readers will know that a good Silver (or Plata or Blanco) is an essential ingredient in the El Diablo, but this month the only Plata is El Charro, marked down from $17 to $15.  For those who love Cosmopolitans or Vodka Martinis, there are two Vodkas in 750 ml bottles on SPA.  Effen Vodka, down 7% to $25, may interest some of you.

There’s no excitement in the Rum shelves this month.  Bottles of Bacardi 8 are marked down around 16% to $16, and that’s it!  Let’s hope for better pricing next month.  As to any other sale or clearance items, if you see anything at your local state store that other cocktailians might enjoy, post a response to this article.  See the following list “Suggested by the author” for information on how to use the Utah DABC website.  You can check out what else is on sale (e.g. the wines etc.) by clicking through to the “SPA Product List” to open a price book in PDF format that shows all of the markdowns for the current month.


Friday, January 10, 2014

Cocktail ingredients Utah update – January 2014

BLT Cocktail: simple, but delicious
When Utahans walk into the Utah DABC State Liquor Stores this month, they will know that Santa Claus has left the building.  Special Price Adjustments (SPAs) originate with the distributors of the products, not the UDABC (only Clearance item price reduction come from the UDABC).  Last month they were generous with the holiday promotions.  This month those promotions are scarce.  The number of items on SPA drops from over 600 last month when Santa was around to under 200 this month.  Cocktailians in search of ingredients who didn’t stock up in December will wish they had.  If this post seems short, you now know why.  The forecast for next month is not much better, so tighten up your belt and wait for March.

If you’re into Bourbons, liter bottles of Wild Turkey 101 and Jack Daniels Black Label are both marked down 10% to for $27. These should make a great BLT; too bad that’s about it for Bourbons.  There is only one Scotch Whisky (a blend) marked down this month: liter bottles of Chivas Regal 12 YO are marked down 7% to $40, so if you’re looking for something to put into your high end Bobby Burns, give it a try.  As usual, the number of Rye Whiskies on SPA this month is low: one: Bulleit 95 Rye Whiskey is marked down 11% to $24; my friends and I almost killed a whole bottle New Year’s Eve, so it’s time to stock up. Try it in a Rye cocktail like the Scofflaw Cocktail.  If you need some liqueurs, there’s not much action there, either. Tuaca is marked down a little over 10% this month; this vanilla and citrus-based liqueur mixes well with Tequila.

Tequila lovers may shed a tear at the lack of SPA tags on the Tequila shelves; unless there is something wrong with my program, they will find one!  Your option for Tequila deals this month is Epsolon Reposada (12% to $23).  For those who love Vodka Martinis, 1750ml bottles of Ketel One® are marked down 10% to $45, and there is a variety of under $20 Vodkas on sale.  There isn’t much excitement in the Rum shelves either this month: Cruzan Light Rum is marked down 8% to $22 for a 1750ml bottle.

As to any other sale or clearance items, if you see anything at your local state store that other cocktailians might enjoy, post a response to this article.  See the following list “Suggested by the author” for information on how to use the Utah DABC website.  You can check out what else is on sale (e.g. the wines etc.) by clicking through to the “SPA Product List” to open a price book in PDF format that shows all of the markdowns for the current month.