Benz Beverage Depot

04/11/2025

We asked our resident whiskey experts to pick their favorite bourbons under $40—here’s what made the list.

1792 was the favorite, but Old Grand-Dad 114 also earned a spot on everyone’s list.

Tell us your favorite budget bourbon in the comments!

04/10/2025

04/09/2025

It’s Wine Wednesday, and we’re raising a glass to Bedrock Wine Co.!

Founded in 2007, Bedrock is the brainchild of winemakers Morgan Twain-Peterson and Chris Cottrell. With a focus on quality-driven, low-intervention winemaking—think uninoculated fermentations, native malolactic fermentation, and whole clusters—Bedrock has quickly established itself among California's top producers.

Their wines are known for their precision and grace, drinking beautifully even when young, all at a great value. If you’re a fan of California wines—especially Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Carignan—Bedrock is definitely a name you should know.

This Saturday, we’ll be pouring samples of the Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon shown in the picture, so don’t miss the chance to try it!

https://bedrockwineco.com/bedrock-heritage/winemaking/

04/08/2025

Nothing to see here; you definitely wouldn't want to come down and look at our whiskey selection.

04/07/2025

We love beer here at Benz, and you probably do too.

Don't miss out on the $5 discount for purchasing Beer Fest Tickets before April 30th!

You could use the money you save to buy more beer...

04/03/2025

🎉 El Tesoro is back! We've also got a whole selection of exciting products for you to explore.

04/02/2025

It’s Wine Wednesday, and this week is all about Semillon!

Semillon may not be as well-known as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, but once you learn about its history, that becomes truly surprising. First cultivated in Bordeaux, where it is often blended with Sauvignon Blanc (and sometimes other grapes) in signature Bordeaux Blanc blends, and most famously in the legendary dessert wines of Sauternes. Semillon is now grown all around the world and made in a dizzying variety of styles. From dessert wines to dry, racy styles often compared to dry Rieslings or Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon is a true "chameleon" grape, offering something for every palate.

Common flavor notes include lemon, peach, green apple, papaya, beeswax, saline, and chamomile. Aged styles become nutty, bready, and surprisingly complex.

The most important region for Semillon outside of Bordeaux is Hunter Valley in southwestern Australia, where it is sometimes referred to as “Hunter Valley Riesling.” These wines are bright, dry, and incredibly expressive. The region also produces a remarkable aged style that I consider a ‘must-try’ for anyone interested in exploring the wide world of wine.

So, stop in and try a Semillon, Bordeaux Blanc, or Sauternes, and get to know this fascinating and underappreciated grape! If you're unsure where to start, we’d be happy to walk you through our many options.

03/31/2025

A big thank you Best Case Wines and to everyone who joined us for our event with Arnaud Baur, the owner and winemaker at Domaine Charles Baur in Alsace!

For those who missed it, the wines are absolutely fantastic and surprisingly affordable for such high quality. We'll have them in our Featured Wine Section for you to explore.

Learn more about Domaine Charles Baur here: https://www.vinscharlesbaur.fr/en/

03/28/2025

Want to order a CRBS Benz Beer Fest T-Shirt? Check out the link and get one ordered! They will be available for pick up at the store during the event.
https://bikeragsapparel.com/collections/benz-beer-fest

03/26/2025

Happy Wine Wednesday!

This week, I’m rounding up a few of my favorite budget-friendly wines. Wine doesn’t have to break the bank—there are so many fantastic bottles out there for under $20!

I won’t go into detail about every bottle, but I’d love to highlight a couple that stand out.

First, for all the California Cabernet Sauvignon fans, Les Lunes Cabernet at $19.99 is an absolute steal. Made from grapes sourced from just three handpicked vineyards in Napa and Sonoma, it’s a serious wine at an incredible price. Honestly, it’s my favorite American Cab under $30.

Next, I have to mention an underrated white that might just be the best value wine in the store: Domaine De L'Aurière Muscadet Sèvre et Maine. With a name that’s a bit of a mouthful and made from the relatively unknown Melon de Bourgogne grape, this gem is priced at only $11.99. It’s bright, clean, and refreshing—if you love Sauvignon Blanc or are looking for a new patio sipper, this one might just become your go-to.

Narrowing down this list was tough—we have so many great wines under $20! So next time you stop by, be sure to ask for recommendations that fit your budget and match your taste preferences. Cheers!

03/25/2025

Missing Green Chartreuse as much as we are? While these products aren’t Chartreuse, they make for a pretty great substitute.

03/22/2025

🍷 Join us today for a wine tasting experience! 🍷

Stop by anytime today to sample two exceptional wines we’re excited to share! On the left we have a Vinho Verde Tinto — a red Vinho Verde, which is a rare find and truly something special. We can’t wait for you to taste it!

On the right we have La Scolca Gavi, if you haven’t yet discovered Gavi yet, this refreshing and easy-drinking white from the Northwestern corner of Italy is the perfect summer sipper. It just might become your new go-to for hot weather!

And don’t worry if you can’t make it today — we’ll be pouring wine samples almost every Saturday, so there’s always another chance to join us!

We look forward to seeing you! 🍇

03/21/2025

🎉 Bremmer Brewing is here! 🍻 Come on down and try the latest addition to our lineup of local craft beers. You won’t want to miss it!"

03/20/2025

The first day of spring seems like the perfect time for another spirit and cigar pairing with our resident connoisseur, Curtis Otto . If you have any pairings you enjoy, let us know in the comments!

With dreary Iowa spring weather, I decided to escape to the Caribbean—at least in spirit. I’m trying the latest Offerman edition from Lagavulin. This 11-year-old scotch is finished in Caribbean rum casks, and both the 11 years of aging and 92 proof are consistent across all Offerman releases.

I'm pairing it with an Alec Bradley Caribbean Classic cigar—a 6" Gordo with a 60-ring gauge, making it a larger cigar, not for those short on time.

On the Nose: The Lagavulin has its signature sweet brine, but the fruity notes, typical of Speyside scotch, are more prominent than expected for an Islay. You still get the classic Lagavulin smoke and spice, but the rum cask aging softens those sharper flavors.

Taste: Younger Islay whiskeys are often iodine, saltwater, and smoke-heavy, appealing to a select few. However, this one is a great introduction to Islay whiskeys. It’s more mellow than typical Lagavulin or Laphroaig, without tasting watered down. The rum casks add a subtle sweetness of cane sugar without overpowering the spirit.

Cigar: Pre-light, the cigar has a faint to***co scent. Once lit, it’s a mild smoke with bursts of coffee and peanuts. There’s no harshness, and I don’t get the grassy notes typical of mild ci**rs. The draw is clean, and the burn is even.

Final Thoughts: This release ranks highly among the four Offerman editions so far. It’s an entry-level Islay with a solid backbone but without the intense punch often found in Islay whiskies. The rum cask sweetness balances the iodine and saltwater flavors beautifully. I’m glad I paired it with the Alec Bradley Caribbean Classic, as ci**rs with peated scotch can often overwhelm the palate. The easy draw and light flavors let me switch between cigar and pour without losing the nuances. Cheers!

03/19/2025

This week's Benz Wine update is all about Syrah/Shiraz, as we've recently added some exceptional examples to our collection.

Syrah originates from the Northern Rhône, with appellations like Côte-Rôtie, Cornas, and St. Joseph producing some of the most classic examples of this expressive varietal. However, Syrah is now widely planted around the world. The U.S. and South America are major producers, and it's even Australia’s most planted grape (where it’s called Shiraz—because, of course, wine naming isn't complicated enough). This grape is a true reflection of its place of origin, showcasing its unique terroir.

Syrah is crafted in a wide variety of styles, but you can typically expect a bold, expressive red with prominent notes of dark fruits such as black cherry, blueberry, and cassis. Many examples (especially French) also feature a distinct black olive note. Subtle savory elements like leather, black pepper, and bacon fat add richness and complexity to many Syrah wines. French Syrah tends to be more savory and nuanced, while Australian Shiraz is often ripe and juicy, with blueberry and other fruit flavors taking center stage. There really is a Syrah for every type of red wine drinker.

If you're a fan of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah is definitely worth exploring, as world-class examples of Syrah are often more affordable than their Cabernet counterparts. In fact, it’s even the favorite grape of Master Sommelier Dustin Wilson!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHRJR4YGhqg

Next time you stop by, be sure to ask us about Syrah—we’d be happy to help you find the perfect one for your taste!

03/18/2025

Cheers to beer weather! 🍻 The temps are perfect, and almost as nice—Junipero’s back, and is that Bruichladdich 18yr I see?

03/17/2025

Fautor isn't joking about looking for perfection. Their wines are seriously delicious! If you are unacquainted with them, they are worth seeking out.

Fautor Winery a fost numită cea mai bună vinărie din Republica Moldova la trei dintre cele mai importante competiții de vin recente. Două dintre ele în Europa: Mundus Vini și Berliner Wine Trophy, iar alta — Sakura Wine în Japonia. Este o realizare, în premieră, pentru Moldova. Prima râ...

03/15/2025

The 2nd and 3rd wines from the renowned Ornellaia are now open and waiting to be savored. Don’t miss your chance to taste the artistry from one of the most prestigious wineries in the world!