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• Where to Order Alcohol in Singapore?
• Why You Should Order Your Alcohol Online
• Top Online Liquor Stores in Singapore For Your Alcohol Fix
• JARBARLAR
• Paneco
• Ring to Drink
• Prime Liquor
• Alcohaul
• Cellarbration
• 6 Drunk Men
• Asher BWS
• Wander Wine
• Changi Reccommends
• Why JARBARLAR?

Alcohol – dubbed the ultimate social lubricant, a tool that bonds people and allows for individuals to open up and socialise with more confidence, paving the way for quality conversations. However, since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Singapore government has implemented strict regulations regarding alcohol sales and consumption in bars and in public for the past year.

Since April 2020, bars, restaurants or any food joints in Singapore are not allowed to serve or sell alcohol after 10:30 pm. No alcohol is to be consumed in the abovementioned venues and in public after 10:30 pm as well. This is a stark contrast to before the pandemic when people were able to drink at least until 2:30 am in neighbourhood coffee shops and bars or until dawn at night clubs. So how did Singaporeans cope with the new regulations? They moved the party back home.

Since the regulations were enforced, there has been a surge in demand for alcohol delivery, especially in the late night. In fact, despite smaller gatherings and parties, online alcohol retailers have seen a spike in alcohol sales during festive seasons in 2020. The shift in consumer behaviour during the pandemic has also resulted in more online procurement and home consumption of alcohol.

Where to Order Alcohol in Singapore?

If you have never had your alcohol delivered to your home before, you might be wondering – where do people in Singapore order their beers? Well, the obvious answer is online. But how should you go about picking the best alcohol delivery service and what should you look out for when it comes to ordering your booze online? Read on to find out.

Why You Should Order Your Alcohol Online

1. Get Your Alcohol Fix Whenever You Want

When you drink at home, you play by your own rules. As long as you don’t flout pandemic social gathering limits, you are free to drink past 10:30 pm or until however late you like. Bid goodbye to the days where you scramble to the nearby convenience store to get your beers just before 10:30 pm. Heck, you don’t even need to lug the heavy cans back home after!

2. Skip The Crowd

Instead of queueing for a table at crowded and noisy bars on weekends, why not have a chill night in with your closest friends where you can enjoy some cheap wine and have quality conversations without being interrupted by loud music? You can get your weekly dose of great wine and great company, minus the chore of booking a cab during the fare surge to get home after – win, win.

3. More Choices

What do you do when some of your friends prefer beer, some prefer wine and you just want a good bottle of whisky to end the hectic week? Order them all! When it comes to buying your alcohol online, the best part would be being able to choose from a wide variety of cheap beers, spirits, liquors and wines all at the same time. You don’t have to worry about finishing a whole bottle of whisky since you are not drinking at a bar and don’t have to carry the heavy bottle home, and everyone can enjoy their favourite drinks. Furthermore, exclusive promotions online can in turn help to save even more cost on your overall expenditure on alcohol since you are already exempt from Singapore’s service tax by drinking at home.

What to Look Out For When Ordering Alcohol Delivery Online?

1. Delivery Timings

The most important thing to look out for when you are making an order for booze online would be its delivery timings. Some online liquor stores allow you to pick and choose your preferred delivery timeslot, some are able to deliver on-demand or do same-day delivery, while some would require you to place your orders in advance if you want them delivered at a specific time. Take note of the terms and conditions for an alcohol delivery for each online liquor store before you make a purchase.

2. Selection of Alcohol

You wouldn’t want to have to order from multiple shops just to get a variety of alcohol for your guests, so you should definitely opt for an online alcohol shop in Singapore that has a wide selection of beers, spirits, liquors, whiskys and wines for you to pick from.

3. Prices

Without having to bear the overhead costs of operating a shopfront, alcohol shops online generally sell their products at a lower price than supermarkets or popular convenience stores in Singapore. With that being said, you should be familiar with the prices of your favourite alcohols at the supermarket, which means that you can easily do a price comparison between purchasing in stores and online or between several online stores. Another thing to consider would be delivery charges or minimum spend to be eligible for free delivery.

What Alcohols Can You Order Online?

As the millennials love to say, the Internet has everything, and of course almost every alcohol. Just in case you can’t make up your mind, we have curated a list of alcohols that you can get your hands on without even stepping out of your homes.

Whisky

The selection of whiskys online is nothing short of impeccable. Whether you feel like having an authentic Japanese whisky, a glass of Scotch or even an Irish whiskey, you can get them all by ordering online. If you search thoroughly, you might even find the highly coveted and rare Hibiki 17 years, which has reportedly been discontinued by Japanese distillery Suntory.

How to enjoy whisky

The simplest method to enjoy your whisky is neat (with nothing else and in a neat whisky glass) while cleansing your palate with cool water in between sips. There is also a practice of adding a few drops of water to the whisky to “open up” the flavours of the drink. Ice works particularly well in Singapore, bringing the temperature of the whisky down to the equivalent of an enjoyably cool “Scottish room temperature”. If drinking it neat is not for you, start slow by enjoying it in a cocktail such as an Old Fashioned or a whisky sour.

Gin

Hendrick’s Gin is probably the most popular gin amongst Singaporeans, but if Hendrick’s Gin is not your top choice, there are also plenty of other choices for you to choose from online. Some brands you can expect to find online include Roku Gin, Bombay Sapphire, Gordon’s, Botanist, and more.

How to enjoy gin

The most common way Singaporeans love to enjoy their gin would be in a gin and tonic cocktail. Gin and tonic – gin with a splash of tonic water and a touch of lime, a perfectly refreshing drink for a hot day on our sunny island.

Wines

Wines are a versatile addition to cocktail parties, intimate gatherings and dinners at home. Whether it is chicken, fish or a mean beef steak that you are cooking up for dinner, you will be able to find a ton of red and white wines available online for any occasion. Search for wines from various sources such as Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, Italy, New Zealand, North America and Spain. Buy your wines at cheap prices online and taste the different wines the world has to offer!

How to enjoy wine

Wine tasting or drinking is an art in itself, often intimidating to curious beginners who are keen to dip their toes in the world of wine. However, here at JARBARLAR, we believe that wines should be enjoyed by everyone and anyone, as long as you are patient enough to learn the right steps.

Step 1: Pick the right glass – Always drink wine with a wine glass, different wine glasses can give you a different aromatic profile, so experiment with different glasses to see what most suits you and the wine

Step 2: Pour and swirl – Gently swirl the wine in the glass to release its aroma

Step 3: Nose – Take a whiff of the wine’s aromas then try to discern the different layers of flavours of the wine

Step 4: Taste it – Finally, take a sip without swallowing it right away. Keep it on your tongue and let it linger to have a full taste of the wine

Beers

Singaporeans love their beers, and the Internet provides.  Do a quick search online and you will be able to find many popular beer brands sold in bottles, six packs or in cartons of 24 cans. Some favourites you can expect to find on online liquor stores include Asahi (Black and Super Dry), Erdinger, Guinness, Heineken, Tiger and Carlsberg.

We’re sure that beers don’t need a manual for you to enjoy them. Simply crack them open and drink them chilled from the can or from a chilled pint glass.

Other Spirits

Other than whiskys, wines, gin and beer, you can also opt for other spirits like vodka, midori, rum and many more. These spirits are perfect for a night of cocktail making during your dinner soiree with friends at home, since they go well with a ton of recipes. Go on and get creative with your cocktails, the possibilities are endless!

Top Online Liquor Stores in Singapore For Your Alcohol Fix

To make your decision process a breeze, we have taken the liberty to come up with a list of online alcohol retailers in Singapore with alcohol delivery services right to your doorstep. Say hello to your favourite beers and wines on demand.

1. JARBARLAR

If you think getting your supply of booze online could be your “new normal” might as well earn points along the way by ordering from JARBARLAR. If you haven’t heard, JARBARLAR recently launched a loyalty program that rewards you for shopping with us.

If you see yourself ordering alcohol online often you can stand to save more money by choosing JARBARLAR as your designated alcohol provider. Simply create an account on our website and start earning points with each purchase to enjoy more savings! Stand to exchange accumulated points for cash vouchers usable on our online store. Find out more on our website today.

Ordering from JARBARLAR for your upcoming dinner? Check out our delivery rates below.

Delivery hours: 12 pm to 10 pm

2. Paneco

Paneco has a wide range of alcohols ranging from an assortment of whiskys to vodka, rum, tequila and wines. They even have coffee and Fever Tree tonic water available on their site.

Delivery hours: 12 pm to 10 pm

Delivery fees:

• Next day delivery – free (for orders placed before 4 pm the day before)
• Same day delivery – $8 (orders placed before 2 pm)
• Wine delivery – additional $8 with a minimum spend of $80
• Two-hour delivery – $19.90

3. Ring to Drink

This one’s for the ones who get the munchies when they drink. Ring to Drink might not have a ton of alcohol choices for you to choose from, they offer cheap bundle deals that come with snacks, mixers and ice for your liquors.

Deliver hours: 6 am to 12 am

Delivery fees: Free/$5 surcharge if delivery is to Sentosa

4. Prime Liquor

Prime Liquor might not offer as many brands of beers as JARBARLAR, but they have different-flavoured Sojus, which are widely popular among the younger crowd in Singapore, and party bundle deals available on their online catalogue.

Delivery hours: 3 pm to 2 am

Delivery fees: $8.99 or free with a minimum spend of $120

5. Alcohaul

From Sakes and Umeshus to Brandy and Cognac, Alcohaul seems to have it all. Heck, they even have beer kegs available if you prefer to dispense your favourite beer from the tap.

Delivery hours: 12 pm to 10:30 pm

Delivery fees:

• Next day delivery – $10 or free (for orders placed before midnight the day before with a minimum spend of $100), additional $10 for orders to Sentosa
• Same day delivery – additional $5 (orders placed before 2 pm)
• Two-hour delivery – $19.90 (last order at 7 pm on weekdays and 3 pm on weekends)

6. Cellarbration

The name of the store says it all. When you are in need of alcohol for your next celebratory event, Cellarbration is the place to call!

Delivery hours: 11 am to 10 pm, 2 pm to 10 pm for same day or next day deliveries

Delivery fees: $8 or free with a minimum spend of $99

Self-collection is available at the warehouse 2 days after order.

7. 6 Drunk Men

Looking to get drunk this weekend? You can get your beers from 6 Drunk Men, but not literally. This online liquor shop has everything from whiskys to Tequila but one of its highlights would be its offering of international craft beers rarely found in Singapore bars.

Delivery hours: 10:30 am to 1 pm on weekdays, 1:30 pm to 8pm on Saturdays, 10 am to 5 pm on Sundays

Delivery fees: $25 or free with a minimum spend of $150

8. Asher BWS

Other than the usual selection of liquors and beers, Asher BWS has festive giftpacks and bundle promotions available for special occasions. Planning to make cocktails? They have a full cocktail toolset available for purchase too.

Delivery hours: 12 pm to 6 pm from Monday to Saturday (closed on Sundays)

Delivery fees: $7 or free with a minimum spend of $50

Same-day delivery: only available on a case by case basis

Self-collection is available at the warehouse from Monday to Saturday.

9. Wander Wine

If you are only planning to get some wine for an intimate dinner at home, go for Wander Wine, a brand that is passionate about educating all Singaporeans about enjoying a good bottle of wine.

Delivery hours: 10 am to 10 pm

Delivery fees: $16 or free with a minimum spend of $75 (only next day delivery available)

10. Changi Recommends

While Changi Recommends is not a drinks-only online liquor store, it carries an expansive range of liquors ranging from spirits and Sakes to rare Chinese liquor such as the Moutai Prince.

Delivery hours: 8 am to 11 pm
Delivery fees:
– Next day delivery – $8 or Free with a minimum spend of $70 (orders places before 4 pm)
– Same day delivery – $9.90 (orders placed before 6 pm)
– Two-hour delivery – $19.90 (orders placed before 10 pm)

Get Your Booze Online Now

With the latest Covid-19 regulations in Singapore, it might be best if everyone takes their drinking sessions back home since dining-in is no longer allowed – at least until 13 June. Skip your weekly runs to the supermarket to pick up your favourite beers and start ordering online instead!

Did you know that there are over 1300 wine grape varieties used for commercial production today, and only about 100 of these grapes make up 75% of the world’s vineyards? In fact, the wine grape with the highest production in the world is Cabernet Sauvignon – famous for producing fine red wine with its firm tannins and rich taste with blackcurrant notes and woodsy flavours, not forgetting a great potential for ageing.

Wine grapes are not at all like the regular table grapes that you find in supermarkets. The former is smaller, has thicker skin and comes with seeds. Since wine grapes take an entire season to ripen, wine can only be produced once a year. While you can never discuss wines without mentioning wine grapes, there is so much more to wine drinking than wine types and grape types.

If you enjoy your occasional red or white wine, you might be familiar with terms such as acidity, tannin and body, but are you drinking your wines right? Read on to find out.

Serving Wine

Have you ever tasted a can of Coke at room temperature? It tastes nothing like a refreshing carbonated drink – which brings us to the point that every beverage has its ideal serving temperature and wine is no exception.

Ideal Serving Temperatures for Wines

Red Wine

Red wine tastes better when served just slightly below room temperature at 12 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celcius.

White Wine

White wines taste the best at about 7 degrees Celsius to 14 degrees Celsius. Zesty white wines can be served at cooler temperatures while oak-aged ones on the warmer side.

Sparkling wine

Sparkling wines can be served between 2 degrees Celsius to 7 degrees, but serve high-quality Champagnes at white wine temperatures for a better tasting experience.

Decanting – is it necessary?

If you have ever spoken to seasoned wine drinkers in Singapore, they almost always swear by decanting their wines before serving. The go-to method would be to pour wine into a glass pitcher or wine decanter and let it sit for 30 to 45 minutes.

The decanting period will allow the wine to “breathe” as exposing it to air enhances the wine’s flavour by softening the tannins and releasing gases that have developed in the bottle with the absence of oxygen. Aerating the wine will allow flavours and aromas of the wine to expand after laying dormant for some time.

Besides, if you ordered a bottle of cheap wine to enjoy at home, you can avoid the garlic-like aroma by decanting it first.

Choosing Proper Glassware

Though it might seem unassuming, but choosing the right wine glass absolutely matters when it comes to a great wine tasting experience. This is due to the fact that the glass’ shape and design affects the amount of air that comes into contact with your wine, and thereby impacting its flavour and taste.

In general, red wines should be enjoyed in a glass with a wider bold to allow bolder aromas to merge. The wider glass will also allow more aromas to reach your nose while the wine aerates.

On the other hand, white wines should be poured in a narrower glass to channel its subtle aromas towards your nose. The lesser surface area of the bowl also helps keep the wine chilled for a longer time.

Order Your Favourite Wines on JARBARLAR

Looking to get your wines online during this period of heightened alert in Singapore? Opt to order online and have your wines delivered to your doorstep instead of shopping for wines at the supermarket! Whether its red, white or sparkling wines that you are searching for, we have it all here at JARBARLAR.

Browse through our online catalogue to see the many wines and other alcohols on sale at wholesale prices on our website now.

Singapore has gone from Circuit Breaker to Phase 3 then back to Phase 2 in the span of a year. Even though Covid-19 regulations have changed several times, one thing remains constant – no alcohol served after 10:30 pm in your favourite bars or restaurants. If you haven’t got your favourite booze stocked up at home for nights when you have your best buddies over, now is the best time, since it doesn’t look like the government is going to ease the rules regarding alcohol consumption during the pandemic.

Keep reading to find out the basic essentials and must-have liquors for a well-stocked home bar.

1. The Essential Alcohols

Vodka

Any self-respecting home bar will definitely have a bottle of crowd favourite vodka – the most versatile spirit that bartenders can easily morph seamlessly into almost any cocktail for a kick. Whether you prefer it fuss-free with some orange juice and call it a day or infuse it with vermouth and serve up a classy vodka martini, vodka will make it work.

When it comes to serving vodka, do it as the Russians do – serve it chilled and get popular brands such as Absolut, Grey Goose or Belvedere.

Gin

Most ladies love a good glass of gin and tonic, which means that you will probably need a bottle of good Hendrick’s gin whenever you are entertaining the ladies because how else are you going to make a gin and tonic cocktail?

Whisky

When it comes to whisky, your best bet would be a bottle of good Scotch or Japanese whisky. Serve it up neat or with a splash of water to open up the spirit, best for entertaining more sophisticated drinkers or simply for a quiet night alone at home.

Rum

If you are organising a celebration, you can never go wrong with some rum in your belly. Rum cocktails remind people of the beach, the sun and everything beachy, making it perfect for a casual poolside party on a hot Saturday afternoon. Stock up on your favourite rum and make that pina colada for your guests!

Tequila

Making margaritas by the jug? You’ll need plenty of tequila in your home bar then! Most tequila cocktails are citrusy and refreshing, best suited for the warm weather in Singapore or for a refreshing drink after a heavy party meal.

2. Garnish

If you are going to have a home bar fully stocked with the best booze, you can’t be serving your cocktails with no garnish! While garnishes on a $25 cocktail at your favourite bars might look complicated and intimidating to mimic at home, it actually isn’t that difficult to jazz up a glass of cocktail with simple garnishes. For your home bar, you just need a couple of essentials.

Olives

Never underestimate what a few olives can do to complement your drink. Simply line three together with a toothpick and serve it up on the rim of your glass of martini, or serve it dipped in the drink. 

Fruit Peels

Fruit peels are probably the most versatile and useful garnish for your home liquor bar. It works with almost any cocktail that contains fruity elements and can complement as well as beautify a cocktail. Keeping fruits such as lemons, limes, and oranges will allow you to add subtle citrus flavours to some of your favourite classic cocktails at any time.

Stock Up Your Home Bar With JARBARLAR

Want to set up your home bar pronto? You will be glad to know that JARBARLAR carries all the alcohol or liquors that you need for your home bar setup and you can simply make your purchase online and get them delivered to your doorstep within Singapore.

Register an account with us and start earning points to convert into vouchers whenever you shop with us to restock your home bar. View our expansive catalogue now.

Buying gifts is a tricky affair. Much like gifting alcohol, you will have to know the likes, dislikes and taste preferences of the recipient. On top of that, you will need to consider the price range and whether the alcohol is appropriate for the occasion. However, when alcohol gifting is done right, you can expect to leave a good impression on the recipient and come off as a courteous guest or gift-giver with remarkable taste.

Read on to find out the right alcohol to bring along when you are attending your next dinner party.

1. Housewarmings

As Singaporeans, we typically don’t get many housewarming invitations a year, since moving to a new home is not a regular occurrence here in Singapore. But it won’t hurt to be prepared for when your closest friends finally get the keys to their long-awaited Build-To-Order (BTO) flat.

When getting a bottle of alcohol for a party, bear in mind that you should be gifting to the hosts, not buying drinks for the guests and that your gift will most likely be consumed during the party – which means that you shouldn’t be getting anything too special to be emptied within an hour. Wines and beers are perfect for these scenarios.

A case of craft beer or local favourites such as Heineken or Guinness would be suitable for a housewarming since you can never have too many beers at a party. As for wines, you can opt for non-vintage sparkling wines such as Cava, Prosecco and sweeter options such as Moscato and Rose. Simply pack the bottle in a simple gift bag and you are good to go.

2. Dinner With the Boss

When it comes to getting an appropriate bottle of alcohol for your boss, the rule of thumb is to be as generous as you can afford to. After all, this is going to affect your boss’ impression of you, you wouldn’t want to come off as cheap or insincere, do you? If your superior is hosting a dinner, chances are that he or she is celebrating an important professional milestone, or planned the meal as a gesture of appreciation towards your team.

A bottle of expensive fortified wine such as the Talisker Port Ruighe, Teeling Brabazon Bottling Series 2 or Balvenie 21 Year Madeira Cask would be great in this case, since they last longer and will give your boss more opportunities to enjoy and remember your thoughtful gift.

If your boss happens to be a whisky fan, gifting a bottle of premium Japanese whiskey such as the Hibiki Harmony or Yamazaki 12 Years would be a great idea as well. If you are lucky, your boss might just be impressed enough to extend another invitation to enjoy the drink together in future.

3. Celebrating Weddings and Anniversary

Weddings are one of the biggest celebrations in life and there will be no shortage of alcohol at a wedding party or dinner, thanks to the open bar. However, if the bride and groom are your close friends and you would like to give them a gift on top of the customary red packet, a bottle of quality champagne like the Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs for the celebratory occasion will be apt.

However, if you are attending a vow renewal ceremony in lieu of an anniversary party, vintage sparkling wines such as the Taittinger Prelude Grand Cru would make a great gift. Plus points if you are able to find a wine that matches the date or year of the anniversary!

Get Perfect Bottled Gifts at JARBARLAR

Decided on the perfect gift already? Make your alcohol order on JARBARLAR’s online alcohol store and get them delivered for free within Singapore with a minimum spend of $50.

If you can’t seem to decide on the ideal bottle of wine or spirit, why not give the gift of choice to your lucky recipients? Here at JARBARLAR, we have online gift vouchers redeemable for any alcohol of your recipient’s choice. Denominations are available in $10, $25, $50, $100 and $200.

Visit our website to find out more today.

Cider – the crisp, complex, alcoholic beverage made from pressed apples that originated in Britain, but what is cider exactly?

Cider is basically fermented apple juice fermented by fruit-borne yeast or added yeast. There are sparkling and still variations, but it mostly depends on what type of apples are being used and the production process. Ciders commonly found in Singapore are typically low in alcohol content with about 3-4% ABV, but most ciders are about 6-8% ABV, with some French variations going up to above 10% ABV.

Most American ciders are produced with Winesaps and Golden Russets, which are also commercially sold for consumption as a fruit. However, apples used to make ciders should traditionally be extremely tart and tannic, with high levels of acid and sugar, making them unsuitable for eating.

Types of Ciders

Heritage Ciders

Heritage ciders, or otherwise known as traditional ciders, are made from cider-specific bittersweet/bittersharp apples, with wild or crab apples added for acidity. These apples yield ciders that are higher in acidity, bitterness and complex aromas. Heritage ciders in the market include Strongbow Gold and Magners Original Irish Cider.                                      

Flavour: Complex with dryness and bitterness

Appearance: Yellow or amber, clear to hazy variants

Modern Ciders

Modern ciders are made with table apples such as Mcintosh, Golden Russets or Gala. They are usually low in tannins and higher in acidity but taste incredibly refreshing. Popular modern ciders include Singapore favourite Somersby Apple Cider and Growers HoneyCrisp Apple Flavoured.                                              

Flavour: refreshing with strong apple character

Appearance: Pale to yellow, clear to hazy variants

Fruit Ciders

Fruit ciders are apple-based ciders that have other fruits or fruit juices added before or after fermentation. With the addition of fruits other than apples, the cider’s flavour changes according to the added fruits. Fruit ciders typically include cherry, cranberry, blueberry and peach on top of apples.                                                         

Flavour: additional aroma and flavour from added fruits

Colour: varies according to fruits added

Wood-Aged Ciders

Wood/barrel-aged ciders are apple-based ciders that have a wood or barrel-aged character as part of their overall flavour profile. Its flavour intensity is mostly based on the proportion of wood and cider used. 

Flavour: notable cider character along with wood/barrel character

Appearance: clear to brilliant

Cider Around The World

Most of the cider we consume are produced in England, France and Spain, the three leading producers of the world’s ciders. 

English ciders taste just like modern ciders because, well, they are modern ciders. However, its traditional farmhouse cider,  Scrumpy, is drier, more complex and comes still or sparkling.

French cidre, on the other hand, produces the world’s most elegant ciders – sweet, tannic and naturally sparkling, thanks to the unique process of keeving.

Spain’s sidra is probably the most interesting of the bunch. Made with high-acid apples, the ciders are fermented in oak barrels at warmer temperatures to produce a “funky” and sour cider that resembles beer.

Get Somersby Apple Cider From JARBARLAR

Thinking of knocking back a couple of cold ciders with your friends this weekend? Why not get your supply of Somersby Apple Cider online at JARBARLAR instead of lugging back a heavy case of 24 cans back from the supermarket.

Simply make your purchase online, and JARBARLAR will deliver your alcohol to your doorstep the next day. Spend a minimum of $50 to be eligible for free delivery within Singapore. Don’t forget to register as a member and earn points for your purchase! Points can be used to redeem cash vouchers that can be used for your next purchase.

Visit our website to take a look at our full collection of alcohol.

Thinking of getting into the wine game? Well, one of the first things to do would be to learn how to choose a good bottle of wine. What constitutes a good bottle of wine, you ask? 

Good wines are a balance of the terroir (the French term for describing the combination of environmental effects upon the grape), the grape and the hand of the winemaker. While it is easy to say that any good year produces a good wine, that is simply not true. A good winemaker learns to coax the best out of any grape, regardless of whether the vineyard has suffered through a long wet harvest, or even a short hot one. Experience can help dictate how a winemaker reacts to the grapes he has been given, and can help produce ethereal products out of poorer years. 

While the best advice that can be given is to try every bottle and see what you enjoy, we have also endeavoured to provide a short, handy guide to help provide a launching point for your new interest in wine. Santé!

Look Out For Typicity, or Typicité

One thing that many people look for in wine is typicity, or typicité, in its original French. Typicity refers to the wine representing where and what it has come from. For example, drinking a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, with its ripe fruit, lush aroma and tight tannins, should be telling of its hot days and cool nights spent in the valley, coupled with the winemakers’ hand of French Barrels to tamper and provide a spicy, chocolate-y backdrop upon which to shin. 

As winemaking progresses, winemakers have also stretched their repertoire to try different techniques or expressions. In recent years, there has been a recent rise in the number of orange wines experimented from places other than Italy, leaving white grapes on their skins, to produce something unique, more complex and full-bodied. This explosion of new and experimental wines has provided an exciting avenue of exploration that often leads to the exception to the rule, providing an exciting adventure in every bottle that cannot always be captured only by academic preparation.

Get Familiar with Varietals

Knowledge of good wine is often laid upon a foundation of the grapes typical of a region, its climate, and the winemaking techniques, and this undoubtedly still holds true.    

If you are just dipping your toes in the world of wine and aren’t too sure about the wine selection process, a good way to spot a good bottle would be to get yourself familiarised with your favourite types of grapes, or “varietals”. Since there are more than 10,000 types of grapes out there, go with the more popular ones first to figure out what suits your taste buds best! As a brief guide, go with best-sellers like Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir to lesser known ones like Rkatsiteli and Petit Syrah.

Go With Widely Popular Wines

If you are in a rush and don’t have time to go looking for a nice bottle of wine to impress your boss at the upcoming team dinner, just go with everyone’s favourites!

Cabernet Sauvignon

The Cabernet Sauvignon is probably one of the most popular choices for wine lovers everywhere, judging by its yearly sales numbers. Within a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, you can expect to find flavours of darker fruits such as cranberries and black cherry, with noticeable tannins. Its lingering finish is a plus point for red wine lovers, and it is also a great option when pairing with meaty or grilled meals.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is an excellent choice in which you and your friends can anticipate elements of earth, cherry, cranberry and rose within a bottle. It is a lighter and more delicate choice among other red wines and usually comes with nice acidity and minimal tannins (smoother texture), perfect for pairing with salmon or pasta dishes.

Sauvignon Blanc

When enjoying a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, expect to be greeted with grassy, grapefruit or green bell pepper flavours. However, the Sauvignon Blanc is a light white wine that can also offer flavours that include mint, melon and kiwi. Both a sweet and dry wine, it is an interesting choice with a lot of character to offer.

Serving Your Wine

Now that you have chosen a great bottle of wine, the next step would be to serve it properly. You wouldn’t want to waste a good bottle, would you? Seasoned wine drinkers will agree that decanting can form an essential part of the process by helping to aerate young wines, opening up tight tannings, or even, by letting older wines breathe. This has the added advantage on older wines of ensuring that sediment at the bottom of the bottle does not get poured out with the last sip.

If you are planning to make post-dinner drinks a weekly habit, why not invest in a handy decanter for home use?

Get the Best Wines at JARBARLAR Today

Have your heart set on a bottle of wine? Simply make your order online at JARBARLAR today and enjoy free delivery within Singapore with a minimum spend of $50. Here at JARBARLAR, we have a wide selection of red, white, sparkling wines for you to choose from.

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If you are thinking of hosting an intimate party at home this coming weekend since most bars will be closed due to the latest pandemic regulations, it’s high time you learn how to make those highly-raved bar favourites in your own home! However, when it comes to hosting a gathering, the last time you want is to be behind the bar all night, mixing drinks for your guests. So the natural solution is to make your drinks in bigger batches, so all there is left to do would be to refill.

Read on to find out how you can easily mix up big batches of tasty, boozy cocktails in no time to keep your thirsty friends satisfied and at the same time, have enough free time to mingle and catch up with them!

Pomegranate Kombucha Punch

This thirst-quenching and fruity recipe is one for the hot summer heat, best for a fun afternoon by the pool!

You will need (this recipe yields 4 servings):

• 235ml rum
• 120ml pomegranate juice
• 120ml pineapple juice
• 60ml orange juice
• 235ml pomegranate kombucha
• Pomegranate arils and pineapples for garnish                        

Directions:

Simply pour everything except the garnishes into a punch bowl, then mix it all together, fill 4 chilled cocktail glasses with the rum mixture and serve with ice and garnish. For a stronger pomegranate taste, you can top the drink off with additional pomegranate kombucha.

Pear and Rosemary Sangria

Instead of serving a bottle of wine, why not go for a refreshing jug of sangria – light, floral and not to forget, packs a punch!

You will need (this recipe yields 6 servings):

• 2 oranges
• 60g sugar
• A 750ml bottle of dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc is perfect)
• 120ml of St Germain elderflower liqueur
• 1 pear
• 240ml club soda or seltzer
• 1 Rosemary sprig 

Directions:

First, use a peeler to remove the zest from one of the oranges, then cut in half before squeezing the juice into a large pitcher. Slice the second orange thinly and add it into the pitcher as well. For the rosemary syrup, bring the sugar, rosemary sprig, orange zest and 60ml of water to a simmer before straining it to discard solids. Add the syrup, elderflower liqueur and wine into the pitcher along with thinly sliced pear, then stir evenly to combine. Top the jug off with club soda and garnish before serving in individual glasses.

Sidecar

This batch version of a classic cocktail might go down easy but be warned; it packs a serious punch once the taste of citrusy lemons wears off. The best part of this recipe is that you can make batches in advance since it requires an overnight chill in the refrigerator. Once your party shows up, all you have to do is serve your drink in pretty glasses and let the fun begin!                                

You will need (this recipe yields 10 servings):

• 700ml cognac
• 300ml Cointreau
• 300ml fresh lemon juice 

Directions:

Simply mix all ingredients in a large bowl or pitcher, then cover and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight.

Grapefruit Beer Punch

Bored of drinking beers out of cans? Change it up and mix your beers with a little gin and grapefruit juice – you might just find yourself a new favourite boozy drink. 

You will need (this recipe yields 10 servings):

• 950ml gin
• 500ml fresh grapefruit juice
• 2l pale ale                             

Directions:

Pour the gin and grapefruit juice into a punch bowl or pitcher and chill for at least two hours or overnight. Add the beer to individual ice-filled glasses just before serving.

Stock Up on Liquors for Your Cocktails at JARBARLAR

Ready to play bartender at your next dinner soiree? Don’t forget to get the liquors and alcohol you need online at JARBARLAR. Other than paying wholesale prices, you will also be able to get all alcohol delivered to you within Singapore for free with a minimum spend of $50. 

Check out our extensive catalogue online now.

Are you a fan of craft beer or just an avid fan of beer and are looking for locally-brewed beers to enjoy while you watch the National Day parade from home? Well, you’re in luck as we are about to share everything that we know about the local craft beer scene!

You might be wondering – what is the difference between craft beers and regular beers like Heineken and Carlsberg which are widely available in Singapore? The main difference would be that craft beers are usually made only in small quantities as the ingredients are hand-selected and added by craft brewers. Most craft beers are made with malted barley but other non-traditional ingredients may also be added for a more distinctive flavour.

Since the latest pandemic regulations have made visits to the bar less appealing, find out how you can get your fix of locally brewed craft beers delivered to you in Singapore now!

1. That Singapore Beer Project

That Singapore Beer Project is a social beer project that aims to discover the beer preferences of Singaporeans all while translating these insights into tasty craft beers for the locals – beers for Singaporeans, by Singaporeans. Their signature brew, the Kiam Sng Di or Guava Sourplum Gose, is a combination of salty, sour and sweet, a pleasant drink for seasoned and casual drinkers. Other craft beers under their belt include the Tri-Tip (bottled) and Triple Luck (seasonal draft).

Get a taste of That Singapore Beer Project’s beers in the comfort of your own home by ordering from local bars such as Temple Cellars and Good Luck Beerhouse.

2. Pink Blossoms Brewing

What started as one man’s dream to share delicious beers with his community became a full-fledged local brewing business that poured its first pint for the public in 2018. Pink Blossoms Brewing wants to share big and bold flavours that make life beautiful, how poetic. With two tasting rooms in Singapore, one in Ubi and the other in Tampines, Pink Blossoms Brewing has successfully brewed tons of different craft beers since its opening. On top of its many seasonal beers, they have a total of five flagship beers (Lean on Me IPA, Hundred Years milk stout, Don’t Stop Believing IPA, Let It Be IPA and Never Say Goodbye Imperial Stout) available all year round at their tasting rooms, talk about variety!

Get a taste of their unique beers by ordering directly from their brewery.

3. Trouble Brewing

Singapore beers, born and brewed. Trouble Brewing was started up in 2017 with a simple goal – to provide the public with quality fresh beers that taste good and don’t burn a hole in the pocket. With a brewery based in Tuas, the founders experimented unendingly and now have a full range of craft beers, cider and hard seltzers that are cheap and hard to forget once you give them a shot – literally.

Get the full collection of beers via delivery (Middle Child, Stolen Boat, Brick Head, Dodgy Tip, Road Hog and Pips Out) on their website now.

4. RedDot BrewHouse

Yes, we are referring to the maker of the green beer that every bar crawler on Boat Quay knows (and raves) about. While it might not be known to most, the folks behind the Green Monster beer have a whole range of other craft beers that are also worth a try at their bar. The RedDot BrewHouse has a total of eight other craft beers such as the RedDot Lime Wheat that you can start with.

Since they are only open for takeaways now, order from their e-shop to enjoy their tasty beers at home.

The Singapore craft beer scene continues to grow and stay vibrant despite the pandemic restrictions. Help local breweries stay afloat during this tough time by supporting locals and ordering from them this National Day.

E-commerce has made it much easier for consumers to obtain alcohol since making bulk orders can be as easy as making a few clicks in the comfort of your own home. Unfortunately, the increase in presence of online liquor stores has also made it easier for alcohol counterfeiters to sell fake whiskey and vodka in authentic bottles and hence allowed the circulation of counterfeit alcohol in the market.

Recall the last time you bought a bottle of whiskey online – how sure are you that you didn’t get a counterfeit bottle? Do you know where the drink came from and if you are simply getting the bottle at a steal or are being scammed?

Read on to find out the perils of getting a bottle of counterfeit alcohol and some ways to authenticate your bottle of liquor.

The Dangers of Consuming Fake Liquor

The consequences of consuming fake liquor are far more serious than just not getting your money’s worth of quality or bad-tasting alcohol. Chemicals such as methanol and isopropanol which are commonly found in cleaning fluids, nail polish remover, and automobile screen wash are often used as substitutes for ethanol in counterfeit vodka. Needless to say, these can cause dangerous health consequences such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, kidney failure, liver problems, and even coma when ingested in high volumes.

One might argue that consuming authentic alcohol in large amounts regularly can also cause alcohol poisoning and other major health problems but these consequences are brought upon by abuse of alcoholic products, and not caused by the quality of the alcohol itself. Alcoholic drinks which are produced under the governing regulations ensure that products are safe to be consumed, whereas counterfeit alcohols are often made in illegal or unregulated factories that compromise the safety of consumers. To make matters worse, chemicals such as methanol or ethylene glycol are difficult to differentiate tastewise from ethanol even though the former is significantly more dangerous.

How to Sniff Out The Fakes

Although it might be difficult to authenticate fake and real liquor based on its colour and taste, there are many other methods that consumers can try to protect themselves from the disastrous health consequences that fake liquor can bring.

Counterfeiters typically collect empty alcohol bottles from bars and refill them with bootleg liquor before repacking and relabelling them to sell over the internet. To spot a bottle of fake product, give the product label a check – if there are typos, it is most definitely a counterfeit bottle of alcohol. You can also check the type of glue used to stick the label and the consistency of liquor levels for each bottle – a shoddy job would be a red flag.

For Chivas whiskey bottles specifically, consumers can shine a light into the whiskey bottle to tally the serial number embedded in the interior of the bottle with the serial number printed on the label. A counterfeit bottle will most likely have a different serial number printed on its new label.

Another method major alcohol brands have undertaken to avoid counterfeiters is to develop smart bottles that come with QR codes that consumers can scan to check the production process and serial numbers of each individual bottle. In theory, this would at least prevent counterfeiters from being able to use authentic bottles in their illegal operations.

Get Authentic Alcohol at Wholesale Prices at JARBARLAR

Looking for high-quality liquor that you can drink with peace of mind? JARBARLAR has got you covered. Here at JARBARLAR, we have a wide assortment of authentic spirits, wines and beers at wholesale prices. Free delivery is also available with a minimum spend of $50.

Browse through our catalogue to find out more about our products today. 

Red wines and white wines are wine varieties that come in a wide range of colours. Wine lovers in Singapore often debate which is better but it is important to remember that each wine type has its own flavour profile and it is best to try both yourself before deciding which one you like more.

While red and white wines are largely different, they were originally made from one species of  grape called Vitis Vinifera. Vitis Vinifera grapes might come in a range of red and white these days, but Ampelographers believe that they might have been black grapes originally, with natural mutation creating the first white grapes.

Read on to find out more about the differences between red and white wines now.

Different Production Processes

Other than colour differences, red and white wines also differ in production processes. The key differences lie in the fermentation process, in which red wines are fermented with grape skins and seeds while white wines are not. This is also the process that gives red wines their signature colour – from the skins and the seeds of the grapes.

However, there are also special cases where white wines are fermented without having the grape skins and seeds removed. Wines made with this method are commonly referred to as Orange Wines and they share a taste resemblance with red wines and have tannin. Similarly, Blanc de Noirs, a red wine which is made with the white wine method has an appearance that looks like white wine. Other red wines that look like white wines include the White Pinot Noir or Pinot D’alsace.

Their Taste Differs

Both red wines and white wines have their own unique taste, but both types of wines each have their own spectrum of differing tastes. For example, some white wines are very sweet, and others dry while red wines tend to be on the bitter side, with a puckering taste. White wines also have a lighter, fruitier flavour than red wines, which tend to be bolder with more complexities.

The main reason why red wines are more bitter is due to the tannins present within the wine, which is enabled by the fermentation process that keeps the grape skins and seeds on. Without the grape skins, there will be little to no tannins in the wine, causing it to be sweeter and lighter like white wines.

Enjoying Red and White Wine

With its differences in taste and flavour, it is only natural that red and white wines have different ways of consumption in order to reap the most out of each bottle.

Since red wines contain tannins, it is recommended to allow red wines to “breathe” by decanting them before serving. Decanting would aerate the wine and increase its natural aromas and soften the taste of tannins that can cause harshness for younger wines. While white wines can benefit from five to ten minutes of “breathing”, one should serve immediately after as decanting white wine for too long can cause it to lose its vibrancy and freshness.

When it comes to storage, the common belief that red wine must be served at room temperature while white wine should always be served chilled is not entirely true as some whites can develop aromas when warmed slightly.

Get Your Red and White Wines at JARBARLAR Now

Looking to get a nice bottle of wine or two to pair with a steak and pasta dinner over the weekend? Simply place your orders online on JARBARLAR and we will have your wines delivered to your doorstep. Spend above $50 to be eligible for free delivery within Singapore.

Browse our full range of wines online now!