Menu Close

HOLIDAY SALE: GET UP TO $500 OF BONUS + LOCK-IN LOWEST PRICES EVER FOR LIFE. NO CODE NEEDED.

Category: Guides

Top 7 Beers to Pair With Singaporean Street Food Flavors

 

Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, and nowhere is this more prominent than in its vibrant street food. The aromatic spices, bold flavors, and complex textures of Singaporean cuisine deserve to be complemented by equally captivating beverages. While Singapore is known for its cocktails and local brews, beers like Tiger Beer, Corona Beer, etc., can be exceptional matches for different food offerings.

Just imagine taking a bite of char kway teow, its smoky, stir-fried noodles mingling with sweet soy sauce and fresh seafood, and sipping a crisp lager that cuts through the richness. Flavorful and delicious, isn’t it? Therefore, today, we will explore the top seven beers that perfectly pair with Singaporean street food to enhance your culinary experience and make it delightful.

Beers You Must Try To Enhance Your Singaporean Culinary Experience

1. Tiger Beer

No discussion about beer in Singapore is complete without mentioning Tiger Beer. It is the country’s iconic brew with a refreshing and crisp profile that pairs wonderfully with the bold flavors of local dishes.

Tiger beer’s light body and moderate bitterness help to balance spicy foods like chili crab or sambal prawns, which makes it a go-to choice for everyone. The beer’s subtle malty sweetness also complements the rich flavors of satay and peanut sauce and creates a harmonious pairing.

2. Corona Beer

When you think of pairing beer with Singaporean street food, Corona beer gives flavors a unique twist. When combined with a hint of citrus from a lime wedge, its light and crisp profile makes it a perfect choice for seafood dishes.

You can try it with a chili crab or grilled stingray. The beer’s refreshing qualities work well to cut through the richness of the dishes. Corona’s tropical vibe also complements the sunny atmosphere of Singapore, which makes it a perfect match for your street food adventure.

3. Heineken Beer

A global favorite, Heineken beer’s unique taste is another excellent match for Singaporean street food. Its slightly bitter yet smooth profile complements countless Singaporean dishes, including the famous Hainanese chicken rice. The beer’s clean finish helps cleanse the palate, which makes it ideal for flavor-rich and oily foods. Whether you are enjoying a plate of char kway teow or a bowl of bak kut teh, Heineken beer stands out as a versatile companion that can enhance your overall dining experience.

4. Anchor Beer

Anchor Beer is a local favorite that often gets overshadowed by its more well-known counterparts. This lager has a slightly stronger flavor profile, which makes it a fantastic pairing for richer dishes. Its malt-forward taste and crisp finish complement heartier meals like nasi lemak and fried carrot cake. If you want to create unique flavor combinations, mix it with Hibiki whisky. Anchor Beer’s malt-forward taste can blend well with Hibiki and does not overpower its delicate notes.

The beer’s moderate bitterness helps cut through the richness of these dishes, which allows you to fully appreciate the intricate flavors of the food. Enjoying a cold Anchor while savoring a plate of local delicacies is a must for any food lover.

5. Carlsberg Beer

Carlsberg beer is well-known for its smooth, easy-drinking nature, which makes it a fantastic choice for a casual street food outing. Its light carbonation and mild hoppy flavor can balance spicy dishes such as laksa or curry noodles.

The beer’s refreshing quality helps to cool down the heat from these flavorful meals while complementing the richness of the coconut milk in laksa. Grab a Carlsberg while indulging in your favorite hawker fare for a refreshing experience.

6. Budweiser Beer

Budweiser’s smooth and slightly sweet taste can be a delightful partner for Singaporean dishes. Its carbonation provides a refreshing palate cleanse after each bite of spicy foods like roti john or black pepper crab. The beer’s subtle maltiness can enhance the flavors of grilled meats, which makes it a superb choice alongside satay or barbecued chicken. Budweiser is an approachable option for those who prefer a less hoppy beer while still enjoying a flavorful pairing.

7. Asahi Beer

Asahi Beer is a renowned Japanese lager and the perfect drink to complement Singapore’s vibrant culinary scene. The beer is known for its crisp, light, and clean taste. Asahi enhances the flavors of local dishes like chili crab and satay. Its refreshing profile balances the heat and richness of these foods.

Drinking Asahi beer with your favorite Singaporean street food makes each bite even more enjoyable. Brewed with the finest ingredients, Asahi’s unique brewing process results in a smooth finish that leaves a pleasant aftertaste. Whether enjoyed with street food or in dining, Asahi Beer is one of the best choices for enhancing your Singaporean culinary adventure.

Conclusion

Singapore’s street food is a vibrant celebration of flavors, and pairing it with the right beer can take that experience to the next level. From the iconic Tiger Beer to the refreshing notes of Corona beer, each selection brings its own unique character to the table. Whether you are savoring a spicy bowl of laksa or enjoying savory satay skewers, these beers will surely enhance your culinary adventure.

At Jarbarlar, we offer an extensive range of beers to complement your dining experience in Singapore. Whether you are exploring the street food, relaxing at the beach, or hosting a party at home, we have got you covered. With our hassle-free delivery service, your favorite beers will be brought straight to your doorstep, allowing you to focus on enjoying every moment.

Occasions for Wine vs. Champagne: When to Choose Each

 

Wine and champagne are always associated with parties and celebrations. They are the perfect companion for raising a toast at birthdays, weddings, or house parties. But do you know that wine and champagne are both different and are often used to celebrate different occasions?

For instance, you can open a moet champagne bottle to celebrate your promotion and have a Chardonnay for a fun night with your friends.

But this may also arise the confusion about when to choose champagne and when you should go for a wine? That’s why we are here to help. Before deciding on the right occasion for wine or champagne, you must know that each has unique qualities that make it more suitable for specific occasions. For that, first let’s take a look at the difference between both these drinks.

Wine – Your Versatile Companion

Wine is an alcoholic beverage made from grapes or other fruits and is produced worldwide. Different types of wine are made from grapes and other fruits like elderberry, cherry, and plum. You can make wine by fermented grape or fruit juice. 

In winemaking, fruit juice typically undergoes single fermentation and is followed by aging in oak barrels. The wine is labeled as white, red, rose, or sparkling wine, depending on the type of grapes or fruits. The sweetness of any wine depends upon the variety of grapes and winemaking techniques.

Champagne – The Celebration Beverage

Champagne is a type of sparkling wine made with the best red and white grape varieties in the Champagne region of France. The beverage gets its rich flavor and color from the combination of the three finest grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Only these three grape varieties are used for making champagne.

Champagne making involves two-step fermentation using the Méthode Champenoise, also known as Méthode Traditionelle. The amount of sugar added to champagne determines its sweetness, which classifies its styles. Champagne styles include brut nature, sec, demi-sec, doux, etc. Champagne is aged on the dead yeast for at least 12 months and an additional three months in a bottle.

Know The Right Occasion For Choosing Champagne And Wine

New Year’s Eve

A New Year’s Eve is incomplete without a champagne toast. Drinking Champagne on New Year’s Eve is a traditional way of celebrating new beginnings and symbolizes prosperity. As the clock strikes midnight, opening a bottle of champagne doubles the celebration spirit. 

It is also considered a symbol of good luck and a way to celebrate our prosperous future. Therefore, we can say a bottle of Dom Périgno or Veuve Clicquot Champagne can light up your New Year Celebration. 

Romantic Evenings

No other kind of drink but a bottle of fine wine can set the mood for a romantic evening with your special one. A rich red wine, like Shiraz or Pinot Noir, can add warmth to the ambiance and make your moments more memorable. You can also choose a crisp white wine to pair with a light meal. Choosing wine on your romantic evenings can make them more cozy and intimate. A bottle of red wine with chocolates and a bouquet of roses will create a perfect romantic evening for you.

Weddings and Engagements

Weddings, engagements, or bridal showers are occasions that celebrate your new journey, which is filled with hopes, new promises, and dreams. In these special moments, champagne symbolizes the celebration of love and commitment between the couple, which binds them together. Opening a bottle of Louis Roederer or moet champagne expresses the significance of the union, and each effervescent bubble conveys your heartfelt wishes.

Casual Dinners and Family Gatherings

Choosing a bottle of good wine from a reputable wine supplier Singapore, can be your go-to choice for casual dinners with your friends and at family gatherings. Whether you are hosting a family gathering, wine can help you set up a calm and enjoyable environment at your home. Wine is an excellent choice when it comes to dinner with your friends or close ones as it goes best with different types of food. 

You can choose a Merlot (a Red wine) with pasta or steak or a white wine like Sauvignon Blanc with seafood or chicken. Get the best wine for your special occasion with the best wine supplier Singapore and make your special days hassle-free.

Retirement or Job Promotions

Achieving a significant milestone in your job or retiring signifies and reflects on your past achievements. It is an occasion where we look forward to new opportunities or responsibilities in your life. Offering a toast of Champagne is a way to honor all your hard work and dedication to your job. Celebrating your promotions or retirement with the rich flavors and aromas of champagnes creates a joyous occasion and marks your achievements with happiness.

Friends Meet Ups

Meeting your friends is a perfect occasion to open a bottle of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir. Choosing a good wine on the night of catching up with your friends is the best way to break the ice and provide a good impression. Wine’s refined taste and elegant color can easily pair with your meet-up. Serving wine at friend meet-ups creates a calming atmosphere where you all can share your gossip and remember the old times while creating new memories.

Closing Words

Wine and champagne are the best ways to celebrate special occasions with your friends or family. You can choose any of them according to your preference and comfort. However, wine complements casual occasions and makes them special, while champagne adds more vibrancy to joyous moments.

Jarbarlar brings the best wine collection to your doorstep. Now, you can get every high-quality whiskey, wine, beer, and other liquor online without hassle at Jarbarlar. With our wide range of alcoholic beverages and reasonable prices, you can enjoy your favorite drink in the comfort of your home.

Wine Gifting Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts

Wines are always a wonderful gift, be it for the host of a housewarming or simply as a holiday gift. When you are stuck finding the perfect gift for your friends and family during these occasions, wine is the perfect and thoughtful choice. But when you visit the wine store, you will be overwhelmed by the wide range of wines, which will leave you confused. 

Should you opt for a crisp white wine, a robust Italian wine variety, or a rich Spanish selection? The choice can be overwhelming. But fret not; we are here to help you sail through this treacherous journey with ultimate wine-gifting etiquette tips. We have curated a list of do’s and don’ts for giving wine as a gift for the holiday season and beyond. 

The Do’s & Don’ts of Wine Gifting You Must Know: 

The Do’s of Wine Gifting

Do Think About Your Recipient 

When it comes to wine gifting etiquette, the first thing you have to do is to know what your recipient likes. While you may be excited to share your favorite Moscato wine with your friends, if they prefer sweet or any other white wine, then your wine gift may not be as well received. This is why it is crucial to consider the person when you are choosing a wine. There are hundreds of brands and varieties to choose from, so it should be the one that the recipient loves or looks forward to.  

Do Consider The Occasion 

Another big consideration you must keep in mind is the occasion. The occasion plays a huge role in your wine selection. For example, if you are heading to a celebratory event like a wedding or anniversary, then it might call for sparkling wine or champagne. On the other hand, a casual dinner or housewarming party with your friends will be better suited with a red or white wine or sometimes even a non alcoholic wine

Do Dress The Bottle A Little & Add Complementary Things 

While wine itself is an amazing gift for a wine lover, there are still some souls out there who love a little charm and charisma. So, decorating your wine bottle a little bit can give it a gift-like feel. Additionally, you can add some complementary items like a selection of fine cheese, gourmet chocolates, or anything else. This thoughtful gesture will make your gift even more special. 

Do Choose Age-Appropriate Wines

Consider the recipient’s age and experience level. A seasoned wine enthusiast might appreciate a rare vintage or an aged wine, while a novice might prefer a more approachable and easy-drinking option. Tailoring your selection to the recipient’s level of wine knowledge ensures a more enjoyable experience.

The Don’ts of Wine Gifting

Don’t Regift Wines 

One of the most important wine gifting etiquette that everybody must learn is to avoid regifting wines. This is a super risky affair, especially if you are not aware of the wine’s origin or quality. There are chances that the person who originally gifted it to you might notice you regifting it. So, if you plan to gift wine, then it’s always best to choose a fresh and thoughtfully selected wine to avoid awkward scenarios. 

Don’t Choose Wine On The Basis of Price 

Although it is quite appealing to associate higher prices with better quality, this is not always right. There is a possibility that the receiver will not like some expensive wines, but on the other hand, cheap wines can be great. It is advisable to pay attention to the characteristics of the wine and the receiver’s  taste rather than the price of the wine. So, explore the wine supplier Singapore thoroughly and then choose the best available option. 

Don’t Expect Your Host To Serve Your Wine That Night 

Remember, it’s a gift, and like any gift, it’s the host’s choice to do whatever they want with it. If they’re into wine and have planned a dinner, then they may have already anticipated which wine to serve with which meals. So, don’t expect them to serve the wine you brought them as a gift the same night. After all, nobody likes to simply unwrap the gift the moment they receive it. 

Don’t Overlook Wine Storage Conditions

If you’re purchasing wine well in advance of the gifting occasion, make sure to store it properly. Wine should be kept in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature. Improper storage can affect the wine’s quality and taste, diminishing your thoughtful gift. So, don’t grab that bottle that’s been resting and gathering all the cobwebs in your kitchen. 

Key Takeaway! 

If you want to make the best impression possible on your friends and family with a bottle of wine, then be sure to follow the above wine etiquette points. Remember,  wine gifting can be a delightful experience when done thoughtfully.

At Jarbarlar—Online Liquor Shop Singapore —we offer a wide selection of wines to help you make the best choice for any occasion. Explore our extensive collection today and find the perfect bottle for your next gift. 

 

Top 5 tips for Singaporean pick and choose their Online alcohol delivery store.

Here are the top 5 tips and in depth review on Singapore top online alcohol delivery store. How to choose from and which store is good and bad. 

Introduction:

After the COVID-19 lockdown, Singaporeans have turned to online stores to fulfill their alcohol needs, delivered straight to their doorsteps. Over the past few years, several top online alcohol stores have been established. Names such as JARBARLAR, PANECO, CELLARBRATION, ALCOHOL DELIVERY, PRIME LIQUOR, and LE VIGNE have become prominent in meeting the growing demand.

Here is a list of criteria based on which I evaluate and select an alcohol store to deliver my products:

 

  1. Reviews: I consider the feedback and reviews from other customers to gauge the store’s reputation and service quality
  1. Delivery Timing/MOQ for Free Delivery: Timely delivery and reasonable Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) for free delivery are crucial factors in my decision-making process.
  2. Selection of Alcohol: The variety and quality of the alcohol available play a significant role in my choice of a store.
  3. Services: I assess the overall customer services provided by the store, including responsiveness, support, and order tracking.
  1. Prices: While being a price-conscious Singaporean, I prioritize fair pricing over excessively cheap options. I want to avoid the risk of cheap alcohol that may never arrive or turn out to be counterfeit.

In summary, these criteria help me make an informed decision, ensuring a balance between cost-effectiveness and reliability in my choice of an alcohol delivery service.”

Section 2: In-Depth Review of Each Store

3.1 JARBARLAR

  • Wide selection, from beer to wine.
  • Fast delivery/ express delivery as well, price is on the competitive side
  • Friendly customer service that always do next level customer service

3.2 PANECO

  • Wide range of product, Membership benefits
  • Express delivery available, several complains about the delivery timing but overall its still a minor factor compare to the plus side they are offering

3.3 CELLARBRATION

  • it has been in the scene for quite sometime. there is retail shop as well
  • Have festive period item, If you are new to online purchase check out their store but pricing is also on the higher side, Customer service is harder to reach as well because of the large volume

3.4 PRIME LIQUOR

  • Wide range of product, there is gifting options provide a more premium feel
  • Deliver till midnight but price is slightly on the high side. 

3.5 LE VIGNE

  • Impressive collection, Sell almost everything from glass to Wine
  • Lacking the common product brands that Singaporean always go for or beer

3.6 ALCOHOL DELIVERY

  • Wide selection, Open almost 24/7, offer even chill beers
  • prices is on the high side, but if you need anything last minute check out here

Conclusion:

Always take note of new online shop that came out recently that offer ridiculous prices. Always do your research before buying. Happy drinking!

Comment:

Finally if you are interested check out Jarbarlar for their time to time promo. If you like this post feel free to share, like or even comment! let me know if you have any feedback

Alcohol Delivery

Birthday Celebrations in the Time of a Pandemic

All through this year, COVID-19 has been the dark rain cloud looming over everyone’s parade. In the face of this pandemic, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate another year of health and happiness, without journeying out for parties. With equal parts good company, good food, and great drinks, the recipe for a memorable birthday remains mostly unchanged, sans swapping out the atmosphere of a bar for a comfy couch at home.

Throwing a Party at Home

As exciting as bar hopping and painting the town red might sound, an intimate birthday has its merits as well. The biggest upside of celebrating at home is a controlled and comfortable environment where everyone can let loose, and truly relish in birthday celebrations together. It isn’t that difficult to throw a house party – there’s a routine checklist of things that you need to cross off, undoubtedly. These items consist of food, drinks, and entertainment, which can all be arranged fuss-free in advance.

1. Food

The food at a party sets the tone and mood. For example, a host could decide to make the house party a little more formal by deciding to lean towards a dinner party vibe. A multiple course dinner paired with wines that complement each dish is a more serious tone, compared to a pizza party. The benefit of a house party is the ability to pick and adjust the tone of the party based on what the birthday guest would like. If they’re craving something a little informal, ordering in take out from different places might be a convenient option that adds variety to a chill night. 

Alternatively, a potluck is a great way to introduce unique flavours and allow people to share stories about their respective dishes. Just be sure to get an idea of what everyone is bringing beforehand, otherwise, you might end up with four trays of carbs and no appetisers.

2. Drinks

With food decided, let’s talk about drinks! A party wouldn’t be a party without some alcohol – to save time and cut down on unnecessary work, party planners can opt for JARBARLAR’s alcohol delivery services and avoid the hassle of carrying cases and bottles of alcohol home from the supermarket!

In most instances, beer would be the best casual drink for a fun party. Easily prepared and stocked, serving beer at a party removes the awkward need for guests to mix their own drinks. The low alcohol by volume (ABV) also ensures that partygoers won’t accidentally get too smashed early in the night, and end up passing out before the cake is cut. Another option takes on the form of wine, or pre-made batch cocktails that can be easily served, with minimal preparation. If you are thinking of ordering beers, why not take a look at the Asahi and Hoegaarden beers available on our website? Ideally, guests should spend less time fixated on getting a drink and more time socialising!

3. Entertainment

To go along with food and drinks, entertainment is a must. We’re not implying that conversation amongst friends might get boring, but consider mixing things up by playing some games, either analogue or digital.

Board games such as Avalon and video games on a Nintendo Switch, like Mario Party, make for fun highlights that are sure to immortalise the night. The former is a social deduction game where players work to achieve their own goals while subverting their friends, while the latter is a haptic-based game that uses a remote to pit players against each other in a party game style system. Regardless of what you pick, such interaction and friendly competition make for fond memories.

Whether it’s a fancy dinner party with paired wines or just a pizza party with beer and video games – there are many awesome ways to celebrate your birthday at home with friends and loved ones. Shop online at JARBARLAR now for all your alcohol needs, delivered to your doorstep. Sign up for our loyalty program and be rewarded with points for each dollar spent.

What Your Go-To Alcohol Says About You

Everyone has a type – regardless of what they say otherwise. We all have our creature comforts that we enjoy, a go-to that makes us feel happy and safe. Consider how you like your eggs, and your favourite cup of coffee. These subtle inclinations speak volumes about us, and your favourite libation and how you consume it likewise says the same.

Something about our alcohol preference just alludes to a deeper connection to our character, our personalities and our behaviour. Whether you’re a fan of whiskey, wine, or gin – your personality is sure to shine through the type of alcohol you can be found sipping regularly.

Whiskey

A glass of whiskey

Let’s get something clear – there is a monumental difference between “whisky” and “whiskey”. The inclusion of one more letter might seem pedantic but it separates the two spirits into regional distinctions. For starters, whiskey is an umbrella term for these spirits distilled in Ireland and the United States. Conversely, if you drop the “e” then whisky in general refers to any spirit distilled in Scotland, Canada and even Japan.

Much like this subtle distinction that is taken very seriously, whiskey drinkers are often found brooding in a corner and contemplating life. Direct and to the point, they love nothing more than being straight up (much like how they like their drinks).  Never one to hold their tongue if need be, whiskey drinkers would rather tell you how they feel and get down to meat and potatoes, rather than sidestepping and paraphrasing. Often excelling in one-on-one conversations, chances are you’d enjoy a fulfilling and thought-provoking night of heart to hearts over a bottle of Jameson Irish Whiskey with these folks. Just be sure that you can hold your own, and know when to call it quits – the night rarely ends without the bottle finishing.

Wine

A glass of wine

Divided square along the middle, regular wine drinkers can be viewed in two camps – lovers of red wine, and lovers of white wine. The former, usually seen as high society snobs, appreciate the finer things in life. They might present as being tired of such a label, but secretly they probably love it. They also love nothing more than using a glass of Cotes-du-Rhone as a vessel to discuss their vast worldly experience, humbly bragging to the group about the time they were touring the vineyards of Bordeaux and sampling the wines of France.

Meanwhile, the latter epitomises the textbook definition of a social butterfly. Armed with a glass of Chardonnay and a regalling tale of their latest predicament, they love entertaining and buzzing from person to person. Never one to bog down conversation in a single topic, these free-spirited individuals love being the life of the party, in an elegant refined way of course.

Vodka

A glass of vodka

The group of vodka drinkers are as diverse as the alcohol itself. True to form, lovers of this clear spirit vary as much as the way they like their vodka. On one side of the coin, we have the vodka cranberry “Woo” girls who are just out to get smashed while partying with a bottle of Belvedere or Grey Goose. On the other, there are those who enjoy vodka in specially curated cocktails, such as an Espresso Martini. In truth, it is more of how vodka drinkers like their beverage prepared that says more about them, than their preference of the spirit itself.

 Gin

A glass of gin

The final group, and one that is near and dear to our hearts. Gin drinkers are solemn and mysterious. Unlike their whiskey brethren who prefer to externalise their thoughts, those brooding over a gin and tonic spend majority of their time introspecting and thinking.

Given the recent influx of appreciation for classic gin brands such as Hendricks, we might see this stereotypical arche-type shift away as a younger generation of gin drinkers emerge. However, for the foreseeable future, it seems as though the large majority with gin and tonic in hand might still remain in their own bubbles of inner monologues and soliloquy.

Regardless of your drink of choice, you can count on JARBARLAR for all your alcohol needs delivered right to your doorstep in Singapore. Shop online at JARBARLAR, your go-to online liquor store now, and check out our wide range of whiskey, vodka, and gin.

Signature Drinks From Around the World

As far back as civilisation has existed, mankind has always enjoyed alcohol. From the early Egyptians to ancient China and India, historical evidence has pointed towards the existence of fermented drinks often brewed from the available ingredients of that era. Fast forward to the 21st century, alcohol is still available in wide supply and enjoyed around the world copiously. Every country seemingly manufactures a signature beverage, which they often make a big show of championing. Steeped in tradition and refined through centuries of research, these beverages deserve every little bit of praise lavished onto them. 

If you’re still wondering what we’re referring to, read on to find out more!

Japan – Sake


Let’s get something clear – despite its clear nature and tendency to be served in tiny cups, sake is not a spirit. Rather, sake is defined as a brewed alcohol, a byproduct of fermentation. Like wine or beer, which are the results of fermenting grapes and malted barley respectively, sake is derived from the fermentation of polished short-grain rice.

The process of brewing sake begins with Koji, a fungus that possesses enzymes that helps break down the rice starch into sugar. Yeast is then added to the koji-rice mixture, which ferments the sugar and produces alcohol as a byproduct. Brewers then proceed by squeezing the mass of fermented koji-rice, collecting the liquid and further clarifying it before storing it in tanks. At this point, the liquid is allowed to mellow and age a bit before being diluted with water and bottled as sake.

A key reason why sake is a popular alcoholic drink amongst native Japanese or consumers around the world is because of its mellow and subtle flavour notes. Brewers differ in the type of koji spores and yeast used, resulting in an appealing variety of tastes. 


Germany – Lager


Stemming from the German word for storage, the term “lager” alludes to how the drink is traditionally stored and fermented at low temperatures. In practice, beer and lager are often interchangeable terms with very little difference. To be even more pedantic, German lager is normally fermented bottom-up, and this sets it apart from other beer variants such as ale.

German appreciation for the drink is deeply rooted in its rich past to their culture, as well as its accessibility. Beer and lager were historically used as a substitute for clean drinking water, with German laws enacted as early as 1516 to ensure the purity and quality of German brewed beers. This national appreciation of beer is none more evident than in the annual Oktoberfest where citizens gather to celebrate and feast while consuming lavish amounts of the golden liquid.

France – Bordeaux Wine

A name was given to all wines originating from the titular French province, Bordeaux wines may present themselves in both red and white varieties. The former, usually made out of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, possess medium to full bodies that are usually aged to balance out the strong tannin flavours. Meanwhile, white Bordeaux wines are dry and sweet, consisting of Sauvignon Blanc, Sauternes and Semillon.

The process of brewing Bordeaux isn’t unlike other wines – grapes are harvested and crushed before fermentation in stainless steel vats. These fermented crushed grapes, known as must, are then pressed and transferred into large wine barrels where they are left to age. What distinguishes Bordeaux from the rest is that bottled Bordeaux wines are a mix of different grape varieties and are scarcely made up of a single one. This is also what leads to the unique and complex flavour profile that many enthusiasts go crazy for. 

Best served just under 18 degrees celsius, red Bordeauxs should be decanted when possible in order to allow the wine to breathe and let the tannins set. This removes the unwanted metallic and overly acidic nature of the wine, fully opening up its true nature.

Get a Taste of the World’s Signature Drinks at JARBARLAR Today

Get a taste of these exotic signature drinks from around the world at JARBARLAR today. With free alcohol delivery and next-day delivery options, you don’t have to wait for a plane ticket to experience a wide range of authentic drinks. Shop online now!

Cooking with Alcohol – Easy Alcoholic Meal Recipes

Alcohol and food go hand in hand – nothing pairs better with a steak than a nice full-bodied Cabernet. The idea of alcohol as an ingredient in meals, however, is a little riskier. One chief concern we all have lurking at the back of our minds while cooking with alcohol is accidentally starting a fire and panicking for a fire extinguisher to put out the stove. 

Fret not, if Gigi Hadid has shown us anything on TikTok, it’s that cooking with alcohol can be relatively simple and risk-free. Let’s take a look at some fool-proof (and flame-proof) meal recipes.

1. Beer Battered Fish and Chips

fish-and-chips-cooking-with-alcohol

A pairing that many would consider the national dish of Great Britain, beer-battered fish and chips can be found on almost any corner of London. Whether it’s for lunch, dinner, or a cheeky supper after a night at the pub, fish and chips are comfort food like no other. Yet what makes this iteration so good? According to experts, the addition of beer into the batter makes it light and airy which gives the fish a nice crunchy texture. Quick to prep and even quicker to cook, this recipe for beer-battered fish and chips promises to go swimmingly.

You will need:

700g x white fish fillet
50g x rice flour
115g x plain/all-purpose flour
1.¼  teaspoon x baking powder
¼  teaspoon x salt
250ml x lager/wheat beer (anything beer that isn’t dark like stout or porter)
4-5 cups x peanut oil

Serves 4 portions

Directions:

Begin by patting the fish dry with paper towels and slicing them into 7cm x 3cm pieces. Heat the oil in a large pot to 190 degrees celsius before seasoning the fish with salt. Mix the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt and beer into a slurry. Dust the fish in rice flour and dip into the batter, frying for 3 minutes per piece. Flip and ensure every piece is cooked evenly until deep golden. Drain on paper towels and serve with your condiments of choice (tartar sauce, chilli, or a vinaigrette) 

 

2. Tiramisu

cooking-with-alcohol-tiramisu

It is said that you can tell the quality of an Italian restaurant not just from their pasta, but how they make their tiramisu. Moving further south of the United Kingdom, this iconic Italian dessert needs no introduction. This twist on the classic tiramisu recipe adds the coffee-liqueur Kahlua to further enhance the bittersweet flavour within the espresso-soaked ladyfingers.

You will need:

6 x large egg yolks
200g x sugar
300g x mascarpone cheese
400g x heavy whipping cream
30 x Italian ladyfingers
250g x cold espresso or strong coffee
120g x Kahlua
30g x unsweetened cocoa powder

Serves 9 portions.

Directions:

Prepare a sabayon by first placing a bowl above a small pot of water brought to a boil and simmer. Add the egg yolks and sugar to the bowl, whipping with a whisk for 10 minutes till the mixture thickens in volume. Remove from heat and allow to cool briefly before mixing in mascarpone, a little at a time. In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to whip cream to stiff peaks. Proceed by folding the whipped cream into the mascarpone, and refrigerate after. Mix the espresso and Kahlua in a bowl, and dip ladyfingers into the mixture long enough to get them wet. Avoid soaking the ladyfingers entirely! Arrange the ladyfingers in the bottom of a 22cm square baking dish and spoon the mascarpone cream filling over the ladyfingers. Repeat this process till the baking dish is full, after which you should refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours. Slice and dust with cocoa powder before serving, and voila! 

 

3. Gigi Hadid’s Vodka Cream Pasta

We can’t mention Gigi Hadid’s TikTok video without providing a recipe, and boy is it good. Red sauce vodka pasta has a delightful dryness to it, which brings out the acidity of the tomatoes. Follow this simple recipe if you don’t believe us!

You will need:

250g x pasta
¼ cup x olive oil
1 clove x garlic
¼ cup x shallots
¼ cup x tomato paste
1 tablespoon x vodka (clear, not flavoured)
½ cup x heavy cream
1 teaspoon x chilli flakes
Salt and pepper
¼ cup x parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon x butter

Serves 2 portions.

Directions:

Cook the pasta in a pot of boiling water, draining and saving ¼ cup of pasta water when noodles are al dente. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil and cook a small clove of garlic and the shallots till soft. Add the tomato paste and simmer the sauce till darker and caramelised. Pour the vodka into the sauce and cook till it almost evaporates, finish the sauce by adding your heavy cream and chilli flakes to your preferred tastes. Taste and season with salt and pepper before tossing in the cooked pasta, pasta water, and butter. Stir well to melt the butter and garnish with parmesan cheese before plating.

Looking for the perfect wine for your meal, or simply just need that additional bottle of alcohol to complete your recipe? Shop online at Jarbarlar now, and browse our wide catalogue of liquors, wines, beers, and spirits for every occasion. Spend $50 and get your booze delivered to your doorstep for free within Singapore.

3 Tips for Attending a Wine Tasting Event

Singapore’s announcement of the Vaccinated Travel Lane in conjunction with European countries has excited many. For the first time in almost two years, the hope of a holiday overseas isn’t just a pipedream anymore. Getaways to exotic destinations like France and Italy are now an actual possibility, and we can’t think of a better way to kick off a holiday than with a wine-tasting.

1. How to Dress for a Wine Tasting

Anyone that has ever gotten a spill of wine on their clothes knows how painstakingly difficult it is to wash out. Our first tip is to dress in dark colours in case of spills, which will inevitably happen considering you’re in for a night of inadvertent inebriation. Decide on the tone of your outfit by sussing out the venue(s) in advance, to make sure that you’re neither overdressed nor underdressed. A jacket makes all the difference indoors versus outdoors.

If you’re on a wine tasting tour, consider comfortable shoes because chances are it’ll involve a lot of walking amongst vineyards and distilleries. For wine tasting acolytes who take themselves seriously, consider carrying a small bag or purse to keep a notebook for taking notes on tastings. This also doubles up by allowing you to have a place to store phone and water while touring the beautiful sights.

2. Eat Beforehand

Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach is not only bad for your digestive health, but it’ll most likely knock you out early. Of course, if we were having just the odd glass or two, that would probably be acceptable. However, most tastings run anywhere from eight to ten different glasses of wine, which implies that drinking without any food will cause you to get prematurely drunk and put an end to your night.

Most wine tastings offer food in between drinks to avoid this very unceremonious welcome, which you should not feel shy to take full advantage of. In fact, many wine tasting tours design food menus to be paired with specific wines on offer to enhance its flavour and the overall wine tasting experience. Apart from food, it is also key to stay hydrated even if you aren’t travelling from point to point tasting wines. Alcohol is a diuretic and dehydrates the body, so if you want to avoid a wicked hangover the next day it’s best to keep your non-alcoholic fluids topped up.

3. Technique

You might have seen videos of fancy sommeliers swirling the wine around the glass and sniffing it to determine if it’s any good. I promise you that isn’t just to appear snobby. There is indeed a technique to tasting wine and these key points should help you avoid looking like an amateur.

First off, the best way to hold a glass of wine is by the stem and not the bowl. Holding it via the bowl leaves greasy fingerprints and potentially affects the temperature of the wine, hurting the entire drinking experience. Next, before tasting the wine, it is important to take a deep breath of the aroma within the glass. Experts refer to this as the nose, and how a wine smells greatly affects your palette as the wine enters your mouth. It is also at this step that the wine glass should be swirled, to allow the wine’s aromas to attach to the oxygen and give it a stronger nose. Lastly, as you sip the wine, swirl it in your mouth and ensure it touches all surfaces. Different parts of your mouth have different endings which pick up a wide spectrum of flavours and textures. Follow these steps to a tee and you should appear to know what you’re doing with minimal effort.

On a parting note, it is also crucial that wines are consumed in a specific order. White wines and wines with higher acidity should be tasted first before moving on to the heavier bodied reds. The logic behind this is simple – heavy-bodied reds often leave a strong aftertaste and cloud the palette from fully appreciating the more subtle white wines.

Still worried about appearing silly at your next wine tasting? Choose from our wide selection of wines from across the world today. Paired with tasting notes to let you know exactly what to expect, Jarbarlar’s online liquor store is the perfect place to begin your wine tasting journey.

Investing in Whisky – Is it Worth it?

Diversification is a term commonly thrown around by financial experts – in the past it referred to expanding your financial portfolio with different forms of commodities and equities. Stocks, bonds, ETFs, the list goes on. 

Yet the newer generation of investors, that grew up during the 2008 Lehman Brother Housing Crisis, have found new ways of investing. As distrust of corporations grew, tangible commodities such as art, limited collaboration shoes, and even watches, started to become massive stores of potential value.

Whatever the item, it’s undeniable that collectability is the defining factor for investing in these objects. Much like wine in the past, whisky has also joined the ranks of sought-after collectible status. As recent as August 2020, a bottle of 55-year old Yamazaki set the new auction record for the most expensive Japanese whisky sold in history. Liquid gold, indeed.

Possible High Returns

If you’re like us, and you don’t have the better half of a million dollars lying around in pocket change, there are other ways to begin a journey towards investing in whisky. Begin by investing in distilleries that allow you to own and house a cask of whisky on-site for as long as you want to age it. Over time as the spirit proofs, your cask is assessed and revalued based on its  regauged litres per alcohol (RGA), age, and distillery reputation. On average, annual profits from whisky cask investments have ranged between 10% to 30%, depending on the investment distillery of choice. 

Before you get out your cheque books, there are caveats one must consider before investing in a distillery. First off, casks of whisky are inherently more valuable the older they are. Prospective investors must be prepared for a 12 to 18 year investment. Along the same lines, as whisky ages in a barrel it also evaporates. Known as the angel’s share, this process is inevitable and results in the average Alcohol by Volume (ABV) in a cask to decline. Investors must be sure to avoid letting their cask ABV fall below 40%, which is one of the legal requirements for a spirit to be termed whisky-worthy. Finally, a good rule of thumb would be to begin investing in younger casks from reputable distilleries with a higher ABV, to give yourself some breathing room as your cask ages.

Investing in Rare Whisky is Pandemic-Proof

Even in a pandemic-laden economy, it appears that buying rare whisky as a form of investment seems fool-proof. Despite tighter pockets, spending on rare whisky has not dwindled a single bit. In fact, statistics say otherwise.  By the numbers, The Wealth Report found that the value of rare whisky has compounded faster than cars, art, and wine, hitting an astounding 564% growth over the past decade. 

The advent of online marketplaces and virtual auction houses have contributed significantly to this surge of demand for rare whisky. Experts, available around the clock, work tirelessly to pair available offerings with that of the respective investors’ risk palette. Further pushing up prices is the fact that not all whisky collectors purchase bottles for financial gain. Bottles of rare whisky are consumed more often than imagined, which leads to a dwindling pool of supply and limited availability. 

The Demand for Rare Whisky Continues to Surge

Outside of advancements in technology growing the interest in whisky, increasing global wealth and demand in the Far East has led to prices of rare whisky skyrocketing to unseen heights. Commonly seen as a premium product from the West, rare whisky has long been associated with sophistication and class. 

Enjoyed by the children of the nouveau riche in China, who spare no expense for entertainment, whisky has become a cornerstone of their lavish and grand lifestyles. 

These High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI) under the age of 30 consistently fuel the ever growing market for rare whisky in China, where it stands as the third most popular alcoholic beverage across the nation. This swell in the rare whisky market does not appear to be going away anytime soon either. Aside from being a functional store of value, rare whisky possesses a certain grandeur and makes a social statement. It’s no wonder why collectors pour out cash for liters of this amber gold.