Category: Guides

You know you like your coffee with milk – a latte, you know you like your steak medium-rare, but do you know how you like your beers? The best way to find out your preferences is to give everything a shot – literally. However, if you are heading to a specialty craft beer joint this weekend with your posse and don’t want to risk burning a hole in your wallet trying to figure out which beer you fancy, narrow down your options by identifying the type of beer that you usually drink. Bars usually categorise beers into different categories such as lager, stout and pale ale, which makes things easier for you.

For most Singaporeans, it almost always boils down to stout or lager. Why so? 

The Difference

Technically speaking, all beers are either lagers or ales so it really is just lager VS ale instead of lager VS stout. The categorisation is mainly determined by the type of yeast used during the fermentation process during beer-making. Lagers are made with yeast that ferments at the bottom of the beer mixture while ales are made with yeast that does the opposite – ferment at the top. Stout happens to fall into the category of ales, as it is a top-fermented beer.

Lagers are golden-coloured beers that are usually lighter in flavour, more refreshing and lower in alcohol content. It is also most popular in countries like the Czech Republic and Germany. Stouts on the other hand, are dark beers (usually looks dark brown to black) that come with a strong roasted flavour and are commonly attributed as “strong” since it has a higher alcohol level than lagers in general. 

Lagers

Being one of the world’s most popular choice of beer style, lagers are easy on the alcohol level and can satisfy alcohol-thirsty amateurs to casual Friday night drinkers looking to unwind and grab a cold one after work during dinner. Lagers are known for their “crisp” profile and some popular ones in Singapore available on JARBARLAR include Peroni, Heineken and Asahi Super Dry.

Lagers are the stuff of summertime beer commercials, the equivalent of a can of Coca Cola in the world of soft drinks. As it is usually heavily carbonated, the best way to enjoy a pint or a can of the former would be to have it served chilled, making it perfect for Singapore’s warm climate. The best part of it all – lagers tend to have fewer calories than other alcoholic beverages, making it the choice for calorie-conscious individuals who are looking for a “healthier” alternative to consume alcohol. If you work out regularly and don’t wish to waste too many calories on beer, lagers can be your go-to. 

Stouts

Made with roasted barley, stouts are commonly known to be strong, roasty and dark. If you like heavy profiles and a low level of carbonation in your beers, stouts will definitely be your choice of poison. The most celebrated stout producer in the world is probably Guinness, the Irish icon for stout and the preferred beer for Irishmen on St Patrick’s Day.

Known affectionately as Ang Ji Kao (red-tongued dog) by locals, stouts have won the hearts of young and old Singaporeans who regularly enjoy a pint or two at neighbourhood coffeeshops or bars they frequent. Some might even order in bulk for festivities such as Chinese New Year. However, many do not know that the dark beer got its colloquial name as Guinness’ Asia distributor used to feature its own logo of a wolfhound beside the former’s brand name decades ago and it stuck. 

Get Your Favourite Stout and Lager From JARBARLAR

Can’t decide between stouts and lagers? Fret not as you can get both types of beers and tons more at JARBARLAR’s online liquor shop. Order online today and get your alcohol fix at cheap prices and islandwide delivery within Singapore to your doorstep.

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.

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.

• 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!

With dine-in restrictions in place for the next month or possibly longer in Singapore, it is once again time to return to the kitchen and try out new recipes for daily meals and perhaps drinks.

So, what is a layered cocktail exactly? A layered cocktail, also known as a pousse cafe, is a layered drink where liquors of different densities are used to create multiple coloured layers (three to eight layers). Usually, liquors that are the densest and with the most dissolved sugars are put at the bottom, while liquors with the least water and most alcohols are floated on top.

Layered cocktails are a feast for the eyes and mostly taste too strong for anyone’s taste, but they are mostly enjoyed as a shot rather than sipped slowly like most cocktails. If you are looking to impress your date or guests for a stay home dinner, why not learn how to make a layered cocktail for some post-dinner fun?

How to Make a Layered Cocktail

1. The Slippery Nipple

The Slippery Nipple is an iconic shot made with mostly Baileys Irish Cream and sambuca – a sweet-tasting cocktail shooter that packs a punch and only takes a few minutes to pull together. Originating in the 1980s, it has a fun name and promises a fun time for its maker and drinker.

You will need:

• 7ml of Grenadine
• 15ml of Sambuca
• 15ml of Baileys

Directions:

Pour the grenadine into the shot glass, just enough to coat the bottom of the glass, then pour in the sambuca slowly to create the next layer. To do this without disrupting the grenadine, run the sambuca slowly down the handle of a spoon to help it disperse evenly above the layer of grenadine. Lastly, pour Baileys with the same method to form the top layer.

This fun drink is best enjoyed at a go so the layers combine in your mouth. All that is left to do is to take the shot!

The Malibu Sunset

Aptly named with its beautiful pink-ombre appearance and perfect for Singapore’s tropical climate, this layered cocktail will freshen you up on a scorching Saturday afternoon at home.

You will need:

• 90ml pineapple juice
• 60ml coconut rum
• 30ml orange juice
• 30ml grenadine
• orange slices and maraschino cherries for garnish optional

Directions:

Add the pineapple juice to a chilled cocktail glass, add the grenadine, coconut rum then the orange juice. Pour the four ingredients slowly to create the layers before garnishing them with orange slices and cherries. If you prefer to have this cocktail over ice, simply add the ice after the grenadine, before the rest of the liquids and liquor.

Get Your Liquor Delivered to You by JARBARLAR

Still clueless about where to get your alcohol fix during the heightened implementation of restrictions during this period of time in Singapore? Why not shop online for your liquors and get them delivered to you after making your order online?

Here at JARBARLAR, we have a ton of alcohol for you to take your pick from at wholesale prices. Whether you are thinking of making a Slippery Nipple or a Malibu Sunset for your two guests, we have got Malibu rum and Baileys right here for you.

Place your orders before 4 pm and you will receive your alcohol the next day. Spend a minimum of $50 and be eligible for free delivery. To earn rewards while purchasing alcohol from us, sign up for an account, and you will be able to earn points with every dollar you spend at JARBARLAR and redeem up to $50 worth of vouchers for your subsequent purchases.

Sign up now.

Everything You Need To Know About Pairing Wine With Food

Learning how to enjoy wine can be a steep learning curve and mastering the art of pairing wine and food can be intimidating to amateur wine drinkers, but fret not as JARBARLAR is here for you. Read on for the ultimate guide to achieve the perfect pairing of wine and food for your next dinner soiree. 

Essential Terms  

First things first, let’s go through some essential terms before discussing wines.

• Acidity – Acidity plays a part in the preservation of wines. Wines with higher levels of acidity will taste sharper and crisper.

• Body – A term often used to describe the flavour profile of a wine. A full-bodied wine is one with strong flavours and aftertaste.

• Dry – Dry wines usually consist of little to no sugars

• Tannin – Chemical compounds found in the skin, seeds and stems of grapes that are incorporated in the ageing process of wood barrels.

Basic Guidelines for Wine and Food Pairing

Red Wines

Red wine pairs the best with red meats such as steak, due to its ability to soften the proteins in the meat and helps enhance the flavours of the fat present in the meat. This is possible due to the tannin found in red wine. If you have difficulties remembering the reason behind this ideal pairing, simply go with red and red. 

White Wines

White wines are most suited to pair with white meat such as fish or chicken as the acids in the wine elevates the taste of the fish, making it taste fresher. Think of it like a zest of lemon squeezed over the fish. You might be faced with a situation where your fish dish comes with a heavy-tasting sauce – what should you do then? The answer is fairly simple, you will have to pair the wine with the sauce instead of the fish. A simple rule of thumb is to choose a wine that is described the same way as your food. For example, you should choose a sweet wine if the sauce is sweet. 

Pairing Methods

Congruent Pairings

With congruent pairing, food and wine will share several compounds or flavours, like when a sweet dish is paired with a sweet wine as mentioned above. However, the pitfalls of congruent pairing is the risk of getting the taste of the wine overpowered by the dish. This will result in the wine tasting bland and not living up to its potential, therefore wasting it.

Red wines are the most suited when it comes to creating a congruent pairing since they have diverse flavour profiles and aromas, making them easy to match with similar tasting food. 

Complementary Pairings  

Complementary pairings are based on food and wines that share no similarity in compounds or flavours, but instead, complement each other. Flavours in the food and wine are perfectly balanced and allow each to taste better. 

Rosé, white wines and sparkling wines make for impeccable choices for complementary pairings – sweet white wines work well with a spicy dish or a salty dish, while a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir will go well with fried dishes. 

Pick Out Your Ideal Wine for Your Dinner at JARBARLAR

Whether you are going for red wines, white wines, sparkling or rosé, JARBARLAR has a wide array of prominent wine brands for your perusal for your upcoming dinner party. Buy your wines online at the comfort of your own home and have them delivered to your doorstep in Singapore. Here at JARBARLAR, not only do we provide our customers with fuss-free ordering processes, we also offer cheap prices for all the alcohol you need. Start looking for your wines today!

Hendrick’s Gin is a popular choice of liquor for many Singaporeans who are fans of the famous cocktail – gin and tonic. Light, refreshing and thirst-quenching, what is there not to love about this cocktail? But have you tried anything other than the original Hendrick’s Gin crafted from eleven delicate botanicals?

The original Hendrick’s Gin might be the go-to gin under the brand, but why not give the other gins a shot too? Who knows, you might just add another bottle of gin to your list of favourites. Read on for a comprehensive list of Hendrick’s gin for your next weekend soiree.

The Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice

The Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice Gin celebrates nature’s most vivid blooms packed in a bottle. It is infused with natural flavours and floral essences post-distillation, and its tasting notes are sweet and extremely fruity on the nose. The aroma begins with raspberries, roses and strawberries. You will taste lavender, strawberry and rose hips early on the palate and a spicy hit of sandalwood and pine mid-palate. At the same time, the fruit notes become drier and take on the flavour of prickly pear fruit and dragonfruit. It finishes with gentle spice, mild pine and leaves your palate fresh. 

Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice is a small batch, limited edition bottle of gin from Hendrick’s Gin. The brand likens it to a fleeting holiday romance with the lifespan of a mayfly. Grab this exclusive gin before it is gone forever.

How to Enjoy It 

Experience the beauty of Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice in a Midsummer Spritz – a zesty concoction of elderflowers with a zip of soda and fresh cucumber. Simply mix 50ml of Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice, 50ml sparkling wine and 150ml tonic water with ice and garnish with an orange and cucumber slice. 

The Hendrick’s Lunar 

Deeply floral and richly aromatic, the Hendrick’s Lunar Gin is an intriguing combination of the refreshing and the warm, specially crafted to be savoured on a special evening watching the sun go down and admiring the moon charge the sky – perfect for a night of slow drinking and nice conversations.

Hendrick’s Lunar creator Lesley Gracie describes this special bottle as one with “rich aroma of night-scented flowers with a background of a refreshing burst of citrus.”. 

Its nose is softly peppery with hints of lavender, hibiscus and rose, staying true to the botanical gin branding. The palate is spicy with mellow juniper, lemongrass and rosewater and a touch of orange in the background. It finishes vanilla, orange and lemongrass.

How to Enjoy It

You will be happy to hear that you can enjoy Hendrick’s Lunar simply in a Gin and Tonic like you are used to. Thoroughly combine 50ml of Hendrick’s Lunar and 150ml of tonic water on ice, then garnish with a twist of black pepper and cucumber slices. 

Hendrick’s Orbium

According to Hendrick’s, this is what Hendrick’s Gin would taste like in a parallel universe. The gin is a reimagination of the original Hendrick’s Gin, instilled with additional extracts of quinine, wormwood and blue lotus blossom and the result? An exquisite gin that sits roundly on the palate.

While Hendrick’s Orbium is distilled the same way as the original Hendrick’s Gin, the brand took it in another direction by infusing flavours found in tonic and vermouth plus a touch of blue lotus blossom which balances the overall taste. The trinity of essences creates a complex gin with surprising brightness and a long finish, evolving from floral into a deep and alluring bitter note. 

How to Enjoy It

If you are one to enjoy a tipple of martini, you will be glad to find out that the Hendrick’s Orbium Gin works perfectly in one. Simply combine 60ml of Hendrick’s Orbium and 3ml of dry vermouth with ice, strain into a cocktail glass and garnish the cocktail with lemon zest and cucumber slices. 

Shop for Gin at JARBARLAR

Still searching online to buy bottles of Hendrick’s Gin? Look no further as you can find a wide range of gin and other liquors and alcohol on JARBARLAR’s online catalogue. With a minimum spend of $50, you will be entitled to free delivery to your doorstep within Singapore.

Did you know that your “Japanese whisky” might not even be made or produced in Japan? Before the latest regulations were announced, there have been no real regulations for whiskys sold in Japan to present any detailed information about their source. As long as the whisky was bottled in Japan, distillers and producers could easily categorise the liquor under Japanese whiskys, which means that you might just have been drinking Scotch whisky that was bottled in Japan. 

The good news is that this is all about to change once the new regulations set by the Japan Spirits and Liqueurs Makers Association (JSLMA) kick in on 1 April 2021.

What Do The New Regulations Entail?

The JSLMA has come up with a series of rules that distillers and producers have to abide by when associating their whiskys with Japan, that will ensure that whiskys labelled “Japanese” will in fact be made in Japan. The new regulations for whiskys labelled “Japanese Whisky” or “Japanese whisky” will take effect in April and they are as follows: 

The JSLMA has come up with a series of rules that distillers and producers have to abide by when associating their whiskys with Japan, that will ensure that whiskys labelled “Japanese” will in fact be made in Japan. The new regulations for whiskys labelled “Japanese Whisky” or “Japanese whisky” will take effect in April and they are as follows:

The JSLMA has come up with a series of rules that distillers and producers have to abide by when associating their whiskys with Japan, that will ensure that whiskys labelled “Japanese” will in fact be made in Japan. The new regulations for whiskys labelled “Japanese Whisky” or “Japanese whisky” will take effect in April and they are as follows:

1. Raw ingredients
– Limited to malted grains, other cereal grains and water extracted in Japan
– Malted grains must always be used during production

2. Production method
– Saccharification, fermentation and distillation must be carried out at a distillery in Japan, alcohol content at the time of distillation must be less than 95%
– The distilled product must be poured into wooden casks not exceeding the capacity of 700 litres and matured in Japan for at least three years thereafter during the process of ageing
– Bottling must take place only in Japan with an alcoholic strength of at least 40% as of such time
– Plain caramel colouring is allowed

Other than the abovementioned, bottles will not be allowed to print the word “Japanese” or include any reference to Japan, its culture and language which includes any kanji script or a flag that represents the land of the rising sun.

For whiskys still on the shelf currently or already in production, producers will have until the end of March to comply with the new rules. Once the regulations become whisky production laws in Japan, any import of whiskys into Japan will have to abide by the new law as well. 

What Does This Mean for Japanese whisky Lovers?

Instead of feeling like you have been taken for a ride all these years, why not take this as an opportunity to get to know what real Japanese whisky tastes like? Besides, if you are a seasoned whisky drinker, you will be familiar with big Japanese names like Hibiki, Yamazaki and Hakushu which are unaffected by the new rules and are Japanese whiskys through and through, as confirmed by Hideki Kanda, the president of Suntory Spirits. However, you should brace yourself for a price hike if you are a fan of Japanese whiskys since the demand will likely be far higher than the current supply.

Get Your Supply of Japanese whiskys from JARBARLAR

Fortunately for you, JARBARLAR has plenty of Japanese whiskys in stock, and we are ready to take your orders. Simply place your order online on our website, from the comfort of your own home and we will take care of it from there.

Free delivery is available with minimum spending of $50. If you are planning to buy yourself a bottle or two of Suntory Yamazaki whisky or Hibiki whisky, the minimum spending will definitely not be a problem for you.

In a rush to taste real Japanese whisky? Simply opt for express delivery that comes with a small fee of $19.90.

Humans err, and that is a harsh truth of life, but one of the few situations you would not want to be caught looking like an amateur is while you are in the company of seasoned wine drinkers. If you are an amateur wine drinker, rejoice as JARBARLAR has come up with a handy list of wine-drinking faux pas that can help you avoid any embarrassment at your upcoming dinner party or meal with your colleagues.

 1. Holding the Wine Glass by Its Bowl

This is probably the most obvious mistake that screams “amateur alert” when it comes to wine drinking as it is considered bad wine etiquette to hold a wine glass by the bowl as it transfers body heat from your palm to the wine and warms the wine while you hold the glass. This will affect the optimum temperature that the wine is suited to be enjoyed at, which might waste the wine entirely since you will not be able to taste it at its best. Therefore, how you should hold a wine glass is always by its stem – a wine glass is made with a stem for a reason, after all.

2. Serving Wine at The Wrong Temperature  

Yet another faux pas pertaining to the temperature of the wine. If you didn’t know, wines made with different grape varieties and methods should be served at different temperatures for the best tasting experience. Not serving wine at its ideal temperature will affect its taste and aroma, which can waste a nice bottle of wine. To prevent any harm done while serving wine at a dinner you are hosting, be sure to do some research or get the advice of the sommelier you obtained the wine from for accurate storage tips serving instructions.

3. Pairing The Wrong Wine with Your Meal

Even individuals who have never tasted wine know that the type of meat you are having for your meal should determine your choice of wine. Having the wrong wine with your dinner can result in less than desirable tastes and also affect the quality of your meal.

If you are hosting a dinner at your place, follow this general rule of thumb – Red wines pair best with bold flavored meats (red meat). White wines pair best with light-intensity meats (fish or chicken). This is not an all-encompassing rule, but good enough for rookies. Always remember that a correct food and wine pairing creates a nice balance between the components of a dish and the characteristics of a wine, elevating the experience of the meal. It might sound complicated, but the basics of wine and food pairing is easy to grasp. 

4. Sticking to a Favourite Bottle, All the Time

Wine drinking is not about playing favourites. While it might not considered a blunder to prefer a particular bottle of wine over another, the best way to enjoy the art of wine drinking is to expose yourself to as many types of wines as possible. After all, wine drinking is all about the experience and tasting new notes with every sip. With time, you will learn the the possibilities are endless with wine.

Begin Your Wine Drinking Journey with JARBARLAR

Want to embark on a wine drinking adventure but don’t know where to start? Browse through our online catalogue and check out our expansive list of wine brands. From white wines to red wines and sparkling wines, you name it, we have it. Plus, you don’t even have to burn a hole in your pocket since JARBARLAR gets its wines wholesale and you can buy them for cheap prices online.

Place your orders online before 4pm to receive your wine in time for dinner the following day. Cart out today and enjoy free delivery within Singapore with a minimum spending of $50.

 Although restaurants and bars are opening up, albeit with several restrictions, finding a spot this Valentine’s Day ahead of time might be a bit of a crunch. This Valentine’s, plan for a night in with your significant other (or friends), and try your hand at some of these cocktails. There’s plenty of fun to be had with a little cocktail mixing home. Visually arresting – these cocktails are also perfect for your Instagram feed. Get started with our pretty in pink themed drinks!

Celebrating Valentine’s with a twist

Although Valentine’s Day gets its name from a saint, there are several stories of who he was and how the holiday came about. Modern day celebrations signal shows of affection for lovers and friends alike through cards, flowers, and chocolates. From romantic dinners to friendly get-togethers, the number of ways to commemorate this sweet holiday sees no end.

1. Love Potion

Put a spin on the traditional champagne with this cocktail. Pink, sparkly, and festive – this concoction is guaranteed to make your partner swoon. Instead of the usual champagne, add one part blackberry syrup to take things up a notch.

You’ll need: 

• ⅓ cup of blackberries
• ⅓ cup of water
• ⅓ cup of sugar
• 1 bottle of champagne
• 4 sprigs of thyme

Bring the blackberries, water, and sugar to a boil in a small saucepan. Let it simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the blackberries and let the syrup cool. Add 2 tablespoons of syrup to each glass, top with champagne – we have a good range of champagnes – and finish with thyme and some blackberries. 

2. Charleston Pink Lady Cocktail

Everyone loves a good gin-based drink. The Charleston Pink Lady Cocktail is a sweet treat decadent with heavy cream. Demure, indulgent, and rightfully sinful, this cocktail recipe is not without a kick. Use Hendrick’s Gin and Bols Grenadine Syrup for the recipe.

You’ll need: 

• 3 jiggers gin
• 1 ½ jiggers of heavy cream
• 1 jigger applejack
• 1 teaspoon grenadine
• Ice

Pour all the ingredients and shake vigorously in a shaker. Strain and serve in cocktail glasses.

3. Single Lady Sangria  

Who doesn’t love sangria? If you’re celebrating Valentine’s with your girlfriends, skip ordering the wine and go for the Single Lady Sangria instead. Make a large pitcher and put on a movie for the night! 

You’ll need:

• 1 bottle of rosé
• 1 ½ cup of seltzer
• ½ cup of pomegranate juice
• ¼ cup of raspberry liqueur
• ½ cup of vodka
• 1 cup of sliced strawberries
• 1 cup of raspberries

Combine the rosé, seltzer, pomegranate juice, vodka, and raspberry liqueur in a large pitcher and stir well. Add the fruits and leave to chill for about an hour. Stir before serving and enjoy! 

Order rosé wine from us here. We also store a good collection of vodka on our website. 

4. Valentine’s Day Mimosa

For better reasons than its name, this twist on the classic mimosa is bound to leave your partner and/or friends speechless. Made with champagne, the Valentine’s Day Mimosa is – dare we say – one of our favourites to start the evening off with!

You’ll need: 

• 1 bottle of champagne
• 2 tablespoons of grenadine
• Strawberries or raspberries for garnish 

Play on the theme of love with heart-shaped strawberries. Use a knife to cut them into shape and pierce them into skewers. Alternatively, you can use raspberries for a punch! Fill champagne flute glasses ⅔ full with champagne and a tablespoon of grenadine at the top. Garnish and enjoy! Buy the Moet Champagne or Dom Perignon from our online store today.

For an extensive list of our champagnes, see here.

Order wine, vodka, gin, and all other alcoholic beverages online in Singapore

We know how to throw a good party – and each one starts with good cocktails! Find any and every kind of alcohol you’ll need – from red and white wines to spirits – on our website. Make this Valentine’s Day one to remember! We offer delivery services in Singapore – make your shopping experience a hassle-free one