Gates Circle Wine & Liquor

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the three main types of Tequila?

Tequila is split into two main categories, 100% Blue Agave, and Tequila Mixto. Mixto (Mixed) Tequila is a blend of at least 51% Blue Agave and some percentage of other distillates, typically made from cane sugar. The law permits the addition of other additives for color and flavor, most of which you probably wouldn’t want in your shot glass. 100% Blue Agave Tequila is further divided into the three specific varieties you’ve seen on our shelves. Blanco Tequila is unaged and occasionally left in stainless steel tanks to settle for as long as two months. This clear spirit preserves the pure flavor and sweetness of the Blue Agave plant. Reposado Tequila is aged in French or American oak barrels for a minimum of 2 months all the way up to 11 months. Unlike Blanco Tequila, Reposado Tequila takes on a golden hue and more complex flavoring from the barrel it is stored in. Anejo Tequila spends at least 1 year in small oak barrels, which you’ve correctly assumed leads to even more flavor and smoothness. This deeper, fuller flavor profile makes it an excellent choice for slow sipping after a long day.
Is it Whiskey or Whisky?

Actually, they’re both correct. The United States and Ireland tend to favor the spelling “whiskey” whereas Scotland, Canada, and Japan prefer to go with “whisky.” It’s an honest mistake to mix the two up, though diehard Scotch drinkers might think otherwise.
What’s the difference between Green Label and Black Label Whiskey?

Green label whiskeys are pulled from barrels stored on the lower floors of a warehouse where the cooler temperatures mature the spirit more slowly. This leads to a lighter, mellower flavor profile than what you’d expect from a bottle of full-bodied black label. In some cases, green label whiskey is bottled at a lower ABV (alcohol by volume) than its black label counterpart. Professional tasting plays a role in the selection process, too. If a barrel sample doesn’t meet the high standards of the flagship black label bottling, you better believe it’s getting a green sticker slapped on it.
Is all Sparkling Wine Champagne?

Nope! Just like all bourbon is whiskey but not all whiskey is bourbon, real deal Champagne can only come from Champagne, France. Sparkling wine is made in a variety of ways. The Italians prefer the Charmat process, where the wine undergoes secondary fermentation (resulting in carbonation) in steel tanks. Popular, inexpensive brands prefer gas injection to get their bubbles. The traditional method invented in France is a strictly regulated, extensive process. You’ll still occasionally see labels claiming to be “American Champagne” but this is technically impossible. The laws in the United States and elsewhere have been changing to preserve the integrity of regional processes and reputation, but there are still a handful of long-lived brands allowed to market themselves as something they are not.
Some Wines give me a Headache, Is it from Sulfites?

If you drink a couple bottles of red wine in a sitting, chances are the morning will bring with it a splitting headache. This could be for any number of reasons, and the science isn’t exactly clear. All wines contain sulfites, which occur naturally in the winemaking process. Though a small percentage of the population have a sulfite allergy, this usually resembles an asthma attack, not a headache. The alcohol contained in wine is the most obvious culprit, and the dehydrating effect it has on your body certainly doesn’t help. Your best bet is to proceed with caution, and maybe enjoy a little downtime between glasses.
Do you carry Gluten Fee Spirits?

The safest way to avoid immediate death by Gluten allergy is to drink potato Vodka and we have options for you. However, you might also note that nearly all spirits that make it above the bottom shelf are safe for the Gluten-phobes. If a magnum costs $14 you can pretty much bet they’ve used barrel paste or unnatural additives that allow them to maximize their mass production at the cost of gluten weaseling its way in.
Do you support local?

We most definitely support local. Aside from a serious collection of New York State wines from several recognized American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) and Finger Lakes Distilling spirits, we’re also closely monitoring the developing market of spirit distillations happening right here in Buffalo. By February of 2014 we will be one of a select few retailers to carry Lockhouse Vodka, the first locally distilled spirit to hit the commercial market since prohibition.
How long will my wine last after I’ve opened it?

If you’ve ever left an inexpensive bottle of wine uncorked on the counter overnight and made the mistake of taking a swig the next morning, you’ve met our friend Oxidation. Oxidation hates wine and fun, doing everything in its power to make sure you enjoy your wine within a limited time frame before it gets turned to vinegar. Refrigeration slows this process but doesn’t stop it. Chilled wine will typically keep for a few days while it slowly loses complexity and character. You could keep it around for longer, but that’s up to personal taste.
What gives a bottle of Wine its flavor?

There are many different components all working together to make your glass of red or white taste the way it does. Everything from grape varietal, residual sugar, alcohol content, oak barrel aging, and even where the wine was made can be a factor. And that’s not considering the decisions made by the winemaker during the winemaking process. You’ll often hear someone describe ripe fruit or peppery notes in red wine, but that doesn’t mean the winemaker has actually thrown in extra fruit or cracked black pepper over the barrel. Wine changes while it ages, picking up new flavors while losing others. Trying similar wines from different vintage years is a great way to experience the way a wine evolves over time.
What’s the deal with screw caps on wine bottles?

Screw caps were developed in the late 1960s and put into commercial use in Australia in the late 1970s. In some markets, most notably Australia and New Zealand, they have overtaken cork to become the most common way of sealing wine bottles. Screw caps may be frowned upon by some people, but it’s not a bad idea to embrace change. They prevent a wine from oxidizing and eliminate the risk of cork taint. Screw caps, you may have gathered, are also much easier to open. Consumer support would suggest that people are starting to come around to the idea of throwing out their corkscrews, but those days are still a ways off. Many appellations (wine producing regions) ban the use of screw caps outright.
Will absinthe make me hallucinate?

That’s up to you! Drinking anything excessively is probably a bad idea, but absinthe in particular has never been shown to be more dangerous than any other spirit. The absinthe smear campaign began to gain footing in the 19th century, due in large part to the temperance movement. With absinthe being the drink of the day, it became the easy villain the teetotalers needed to push their agenda. Backed by several scientific studies of a questionable nature, it wasn’t long before the drink became associated with violent crime and the gradual erosion of common social decency. Thujone, a chemical compound present in wormwood, became the poster child for the dangerously psychoactive properties absinthe was alleged to have. In reality, thujone is present in absinthe in only trace amounts, and all major governments now regulate maximum concentrations to ensure no one partaking in the green spirit finds themselves descending into the madness dreamed up by prohibitioners. Absinthe has been enjoying newfound popularity, following the adoption of more reasonable food and beverage laws across the globe. Thankfully, this should allow us all to get back to painting beautiful works of art and writing novels that wistfully reflect on our shared humanity.
What’s the difference between Liquor and a Liqueur?

Liquor is simply the common name for any distilled beverage. To become a liqueur, a base liquor (i.e. grain spirit, brandy, rum) is sweetened with the addition of fruits, flowers, plants, or pure juices to achieve a minimum sugar content of 2.5%. This infusion of sweetness and flavor is the primary factor that makes the two categories so distinct. Though you will often see flavored liquors, these flavors are added rather than infused, further separating them from liqueurs. Both categories can be of equal potency, with some liqueurs going as high as 110 proof. Therefore, alcohol percentage is not a distinguishing factor. Cordial is another name for a liqueur, so keep that in mind to reduce confusion!
I just bought some wine. How long will it last in my wine cellar?

If you can afford to maintain a wine cellar, you might already know the answer to this question. However, if by “wine cellar” you mean “scary basement” or, more preferably, a place that is generally cool and dark without temperature fluctuations, that depends on what’s in the bottle.
The majority of wines, in fact, are meant to be consumed “young”, that is, within a year or two after they’ve been produced. Many other wines, regardless of their aging potential, are also slugged back in this early window. It’s difficult to identify which bottles can stand up to a year or ten in a dark corner of your basement/buried in your backyard without some familiarity with the compounds that contribute to the structure of the wine. Tannin, a substance found in the seeds, stems, and skins of grapes, is one such compound. A bitter, mouth-puckering agent, tannin is a key preservative for wine, instrumental in its long-term maturation process. As wine ages, tannin slowly falls out of solution, collecting as sediment in the bottle. In wines known for their aging potential, this reaction allows other characteristics to show through. That’s why a bottle you thought tasted like asphalt might suddenly become more flavorful, more complex, and perfectly balanced. Tasting wine and becoming acquainted with regions known for the great old vintages is a sure way to make sure you’re not wasting precious space on a bottle that won’t evolve into anything except vinegar. As a rule, red wines will always age better than white wines, but several whites can withstand a bit of cellaring themselves. Just like with most things, the best way to get better at identifying these bottles is with practice. In this instance, that means pull some corks and start experimenting!
What is chill filtering?

Chill filtering is simply a method in the manufacture of whisky employed to remove fatty compounds and proteins from the spirit before bottling. The distillate is chilled to right around freezing and passed through a filter where the undesired distilling byproducts are removed.

There’s been some controversy about the chill filtering process and its effect on the final product. Though designed to improve the clarity of the whisky, certain flavor components (such as peat particles) can be filtered out along with the rough stuff. As a result, many distillers have abandoned the practice.

Equally controversial, if not more so, has been the addition of E150a caramel coloring to the whisky produced by large brands to safeguard against potential inconsistencies in the color profile of the spirit. These topics remain a source of intense debate amongst Scotch enthusiasts. Fortunately, it’s never been easier to find a dram that perfectly suits your palate. Chill filtered and color corrected? Fine. Non-chill filtered and au naturel? Great. Straight E150a down the hatch? Too far.

The point is, no matter which side of the argument you fall on, you’ll never have to worry about an empty glass. Happy sipping.
What do AOC, DOC, and AVA mean on a wine label?

Demystifying these terms is a relatively simple process. First, understand that each of them simply refer to a certification for the place where the products (in this case, wine) originate. AVA, or American Viticultural Area, is less restrictive than its European cousins, requiring only that the area in question be locally or nationally significant and possessing distinctive soil, climate, and terrain. It gets a little tricky when discussing DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) and AOC (appellation d’origine contrôlée). In the case of Italy’s DOC, or controlled designation of origin, wine labeled as such must be produced within a defined region using specific processes to reach a certain threshold of quality. DOC also goes a step further with DOCG, or controlled designation of origin guaranteed. This wine must be tasted by a panel of government personnel before being fixed with a government seal. AOC, which likewise translates as controlled designation of origin, can be considered the French equivalent of DOC. Applied to a whole spectrum of agricultural products and regulated by the government, AOC is based around the concept of terroir, or the effect of climate and terrain on flavor. AOC recognition is a big deal in France, indicating whether or not a product is “true” to its location by adhering to traditional standards and ingredients. It’s actually illegal to sell a bottle of wine (or a wheel of cheese) using an AOC geographical indication that doesn’t fit this rigid criteria. This, among other reasons, is why you will never see a bottle of wine labeled Bordeaux if it has Moscato grapes in it. (Other reasons: it would be terrible.) That’s not to say wine produced in an AOC region can’t be fantastic. Our Buffalo wine store wouldn’t be the same without bottles made by rogue vintners eschewing AOC status to grow what they want, how they want. For you, the discerning consumer, think of these terms as offering peace of mind when you’re in your local wine store. Or, should you choose, ignore them completely!
Understanding Scotch Whisky

The two main types of Scotch whisky sold by whisky stores (that’s whisky store, not whiskey store when talking about Scotch) are malt whisky, produced from 100% malted barley, and grain whisky, which is typically distilled from corn or wheat but must also include a smaller percentage of malted barley. Your typical black label whiskey is usually a blend of both. To be legally recognized as Scotch, this spirit must be aged for at least three years. Cheaper Scotch will usually only hit that three year mark, but the good stuff is often older. Whisky labeling requires the youngest batch in the bottle to be the stated age on the package, meaning your 12 year old expression might be blended with casks substantially older. But probably not. All of the Scotch you drink comes from Scotland, and all of that Scottish Scotch from Scotland is made by distilleries traditionally grouped into distinct regions. The five regions producing the majority of the Scotch you’ll find when you’re waist deep in options during your local whisky shopping trips are Lowlands, Highlands, Speyside, Campbeltown, and the island of Islay. Campbeltown is frequently counted as part of the Highlands region, while the oft-cited “Islands” sixth region is comprised of every island that isn’t Islay. Confused? Great! Knowing these regions can help you make good whisky buying decisions, but they don’t tell you much about what’s in the bottle on their own. Typically, the area where a distillery is located might be an important signifier of what to expect once you pour a dram, such as the well-known peatiness of Islay Scotch, but as more and more distilleries enter the fray and begin experimenting, this becomes less true. It’s best to consider them a starting point before setting out on your own whisky adventure.
I can’t seem to stop drinking Prosecco. What is it?

The short answer is that Prosecco is a sparkling wine made from the grape Glera utilizing the charmat process (Metodo Italiano), with a fun and fruity flavor profile and bigger bubbles than what you’ll find in a flute of champagne. The slightly longer answer is that, up until recently, Prosecco was just Prosecco. The name of the sparkling wine was used as a synonym for the grape (Glera), you had a reasonable expectation that it came from the Prosecco region (though not always) and there was no Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita handwringing about heritage and cultural identity. That all changed around 2009 when the elevated profile of Prosecco led to stricter regulation and suddenly producers making their wines outside of DOCG specifications were left out of the brave new world of Italian bubbles. If you were a stone’s throw away from one of these newly protected areas, but not technically within its boundaries, no longer would you be able to call your sparkler Prosecco. How terribly confusing! If you’re looking for a simpler explanation, we refer you to the first sentence in this FAQ. And the next time you have yourself a glass, consider raising a toast to all the Italian winemakers left out in the cold.
How can I find the perfect wine for Thanksgiving?

Picture the traditional Thanksgiving table; roasted vegetables, some pies that will rattle around in the refrigerator for the next three months, cranberry sauce, and at the center of it all, a gigantic bird with stuffing (or dressing, if you’re a weirdo) spilling from its hindquarters while your dad struggles to carve it with a dull knife in one hand and a beer in the other. With such a diverse array of flavors, you should consider the fact that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to Thanksgiving food pairing, or any food pairing where the mission statement is to prepare as dramatic a spread as possible and serve it all at the same time. It’s easy to picture some poor soul standing over the table, his eyes locked on the green bean casserole, wondering if he should bring up a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc from the cellar. The best advice is to go with the bottle that makes you happy. Of course, a little guidance goes a long way. For example, Sauvignon Blanc might taste great with that green bean casserole, but before long something on your plate will clash hard with what’s in your glass. Check out our blog for some of our favorite Thanksgiving suggestions!
Buffalo’s Best Liquor Store of 2016 Award

Gates Circle Wine & Liquor has been named the best liquor store in Buffalo, New York by Buffalo Spree magazine. Gates Circle Wine & Liquor carries an excellent selection to accommodate all tastes with both efficient and friendly service at reasonable prices. Buffalo Spree awards local retailers based on public polls and an expert panel, ensuring the community’s involvement in selecting the most deserving winners. The winners represent a premium selection of local merchants that have worked hard to earn your business. Gates has been a long favorite in Elmwood Village and Delaware district communities and is glad to be serving you and providing you with your favorite beverages for over 70 years. “We wanted to thank and those who voted as well as the panel of judges. We are looking forward to giving back to the community with the events that we support, such as Buffalo Zoo’s Wines in the Wild fundraiser” said Lesle Heubach, owner. Buffalo Spree is an award-winning monthly magazine written for the community of Buffalo and Western New York. They provide articles and features on arts, entertainment, fine dining, as well as information about local history, events and people.
Brown-Forman Off Premise Retailer Of 2015

Lesle Heubach, owner of Gates Circle Wine & Liquor has been named the best off premise retailer of the year, at the American Beverage Licensees Annual conference. This award was presented to the licensees who have demonstrated excellence in responsible and innovative sales and service of alcoholic beverages. 21 retailers from all over the country received this award for their outstanding contribution to both the industry, as well as their communities by having a solid bottom line while maintaining their professional responsibilities. American Beverage Licensees initiate, promote and support laws and freedoms of responsible alcohol retailers. They are in charge of communicating the laws, supporting innovation, and educating the stakeholders of the industry including both the retailers as well as the customers. Their conferences have been supported by Brown-Forman for 13 years consecutive years. Brown-Forman located in Louisville, Kentucky, is one of the largest American-owned spirits and wine companies and is among the top 10 largest global spirits producers. Brown-Forman has more than 25 brands of wines and spirits. Founded in 1870, Brown-Forman has been responsibly building fine quality beverage alcohol brands, to enhance the experience of life and to support the growth and sustainability of deserving brands. Their vision consists of five behaviors of curiosity, courage, collaboration, creativity and excellence which is displayed with this award.
Arrowhead Special Tasting, August 19 2016

Arrowhead Spring Vineyards will be at Gates Circle Wine & Liquor, in Buffalo, New York, to introduce some of their top wines to our local customers. Founded in 2005, this winery creates 5,000 cases of wine annually, several of which have are highly acclaimed according to the Wine Spectator.
The Soil:
The soil they use is limestone based clay, originally a sea bed with neutral acidity. The limestone ridge is the same as the one that runs through the Great Lakes. The limestone synergizes with the Great Lakes to create a maritime microclimate ideal for a vineyard. The soil is reminiscent of Burgundy and combined with the local weather, helps Arrowhead grow a larger variety of grapes. We have selected a few of their Red Blends, a few Charonnay and a Riesling to give you a taste of this vineyard.
The Wines:
The Cool Terrior is a 2012 medium-bodied red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Syrah. It is a velvety smooth wine and easy drinking wine. The Red Meritage is a 2010 reserve a medium-bodied blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. This wine has been aged for 23 months in French, Eastern European and American oak barrels. The Semi Dry Riesling, is a white wine made using Finger Lakes fruit. It is a fruit cocktail of green apple, peach and citrus flavors. The Unoaked Chardonnay is a white wine with citrus and earthly notes blended with lemongrass. It has an apple blossom nose and a soft fruit palate. The Reserve Chardonnay is a white wine with a marvellous acidity that is mixed with soft subtle cream and vanilla flavors. It tastes like a nectarine slices on toasted creme fraiche. Join us on Friday, August 19th at 4 P.M. in the store to taste these wines for yourself. James Susice of Arrowhead Spring Vineyards will be there to meet you and pour your favourite Arrowhead wine.
21 Brix Winery Buffalo Wine Tasting on September 2 2016
Get excited about the 21 Brix special tasting at Gates Circle Wine & Liquor, in Buffalo, New York. Come in this Friday September 2, 2016, to try out and learn about this excellent local vineyard and some of the tastes they offer. These will include Ella’s White, Ella’s Red, Marquis, Noiret, Riesling, Syrah and the Thirty Elephant. About The Winery: 21 Brix Winery is one of Lake Erie Wine Country’s newest additions. Their doors opened at the beginning of September 2011, but the story starts several years earlier around the Jordan kitchen table, when Kris Kane discussed his dream of opening a winery with his parents, Mike and Marion Jordan. Armed with Kris’ winemaking experience, Mike’s grape farming knowledge, and Marion’s business skills, the winery slowly began to take shape. Despite its young age, the winery has already earned a shelf full of medals, including:
- Long Beach Grand Cru Wine Competition: Gold, 2014
- Finger Lakes International Wine Competition: Silver, 2014
- New York Wine & Food Classic: Silver, 2014
About The Wines: 21 Brix Ella’s White opens with a fresh, fruity aroma of white grape with hints of pear. The fruit mixture lingers onto the palate and sets up a long, smooth finish that makes you want a second sip. Ella’s White is the recipient of a number of awards, including:
- Riverside International Wine Competition: Chairman’s Award (Unanimous Gold/Best of Class), 2014
- Pacific Rim International Wine Competition: Double Gold (Best in Class), 2012
- Amenti del Vino International Wine Competition Double Gold, 2012Ella’s Red
Aromas of fresh, fruity grapes introduce you to 21 Brix Ella’s Red. Delicious flavors of jam and grape juice fill your mouth and lead to a satisfying finish. Ella’s Red is perfect for an evening sitting on the porch watching the sunset with close friends. Ella’s Red is the recipient of a long list of awards, including:
- New York Wine & Food Classic: Double Gold, 2014
- Long Beach Grand Cru International: Double Gold, 2012 (Best in Class)
- Pacific Rim Wine Competition: Gold (Best of Class), 2014
Fresh aromas of white pineapple make 21 Brix Marquis a unique classic. The pineapple hangs on through the palate and refreshing finish.Marquis has earned a shelf full of medals, including:
- Long Beach Grand Cru Wine Competition: Gold, 2014
- Finger Lakes International Wine Competition: Silver, 2014
- New York Wine & Food Classic: Silver, 2014
21 Brix Noiret reveals notes of black pepper and pine resin in the nose and on the palate. Toasted oak aromas step forward thanks to the six months this wine spent barrel aging. Enjoy with a variety of strongly-flavored dishes, expecially chili. Noiret is the winner of several awards, including:
- New York Wine & Food Classic: Double Gold, 2014
- Indy International Wine Competition: Silver, 2014
- Oakland Comm. College Great Lakes Great Wine Comp.: Silver, 2014
21 Brix Sweet Riesling has aromas of peach and pear flavors with undertones of honey and citrus that carry over into the flavor, followed by a sweet, easy finish, 4% residual sugar. The Sweet Riesling is a winner of several awards, including:
- Gold – Indy International Wine Competition (IN, 2014)
- Silver – American Wine Society Commercial Wine Competition (NC, 2014)
- Bronze – New York Wine and Food Classic (NY, 2014)
Light floral aromas of violets and rose petals in the nose of 21 Brix Syrah are followed by subtle notes of cocoa. Hints of toasty oak are contributed by the six months this delectable Syrah spent in oak barrels. The Syrah was the winner of a Bronze Medal at the New York Wine & Food Classic in 2014. 21 Brix Thirsty Elephant Rose is a delicious blend of varieties that provide aromas of jam and cotton candy, flavors of fresh cherry and sweet red fruits, and a refreshing finish. Thirsty Elephant is the recipient of a number of awards, including:
- New York Wine & Food Classic: Double Gold, Best Native Blush, 2014
- Indy International Wine Competition: Double Gold, 2014
- Amenti del Vino International Wine Competition: Gold, 2013
Black Button Buffalo Liquor Tasting on October 21 2016

Get ready for another special liquor tasting at Gates Circle Wine & Liquor, in Buffalo, New York. Try out this local distiller on Friday, October 21, 2016. About The Distiller: The Black Button Distillery is a local distiller based in Rochester, New York. The distiller pays homage to the owner’s grandfather where real men worked hard and drank real pot-distilled whiskey. Breaking the tradition of manufacturing fine buttons for men’s suits, he decided to follow his own path and went into the business of creating whiskey. Their small batch, grain to glass spirits are iconic of American tradition and are full of pure heart. About the Spirits: Black Button Bespoke Bourbon Cream Liquor is a mixture of fresh local cream from the heart of western New York, select batches of hand-finished bourbon, and just a hint of caramel. The result was fine enough to win the distillery a silver medal at the Spirits of the Americas Competition in the year it was launched. Gin and juniper go hand in hand like peanut butter and jelly. Black Button Citrus Gin offers subtle hints of juniper with an orange zest overtone that brings a fresh new twist to this old classic. Whether it’s in a Tom Collins, Gin & Tonic, or Gimlet, Black Button Gin will have you pondering just what else Gin can do. It’s a Gin that both experienced Gin drinkers and newcomers can enjoy. Black Button Four Grain Bourbon is 60% Corn, 20% Wheat, 9% Rye, 11% Malted Barley, and 100% New York state grown and distilled. Experience the product that will capture your heart! Perfect for a Manhattan, an Old Fashioned, or just on the rocks. So sit back, relax and try the new definition of quality American Bourbon. Black Button Collaboration Whiskey is made from hand-selected bottles of the finest whiskeys from Black Button Distilling and The O’Begley Distillery. Chosen by their respective head distillers, the whiskeys were blended together in wooden casks and set to age together until the ideal marriage of flavors is reached.
Black Squirrel Buffalo Liquor Tasting on October 29 2016

Join us on Saturday, October 29, 2016 for a special liquor tasting at Gates Circle Wine & Liquor, in Buffalo, New York. About the Distiller: As a New York farm distillery, Black Squirrel manufactures spirits using primarily New York State agricultural products and is permitted to hold tastings and sell products at their location, state and county fairs, and local not-for-profit farmers’ markets. As Black Squirrel grows, they help local farms expand and flourish in New York. About the Spirits: Black Squirrel Maple Rum offers characteristics similar to premium aged rum, fine bourbon, or whiskey. The sweet aroma introduces an equally pleasant subtle sweetness on the front of the palate. The finish is complex, oaky, and clean. No one asked the question, but this is the answer to what happens when you artfully blend Grade A maple syrup, full-bodied cold brew coffee, and aged Caribbean rum. In keeping with their tradition of craft maple spirits, the Black Squirrel presents something that you’ll be glad to find out there in the wild. Again, it is not your typical woodland creature, this is an Ardilla Negra Maple Coffee Liquor.
Redemption Buffalo Liquor Tasting on November 4 2016

Get ready for the Redemption Liquor Tasting on Thursday November 3, 2016 at Gates Circle Wine & Liquor, in Buffalo, New York. About the Distiller: Redemption Rye whiskey is an American award-winning Deutsch Family of Wine & Spirits, based in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Their 168-year-old MGP Distillery has been named Whisky Advocate’s 2015 Distiller of the Year. Following the trends from saloon era (popular until prohibition), Redemption Rye captures spicier and bolder flavors. Crafted in small batches, to appreciate the past and enjoy the taste for what’s new. About the Spirits: Redemption Bourbon (coming soon) is a classic American bourbon has a traditional mash-bill heavy in premium corn for the sweetness you expect and exceptional smoothness. Redemption Rye (coming soon) starts with a mash-bill of 95% premium rye and aged for over two years in new charred oak barrels. Redemption High-Rye Bourbon has a golden amber color and offers a explosive herbal aroma. The dry spiciness of the rye balances the sweetness of the corn for a really wonderful sipping experience on its own or in classic cocktail recipes. Redemption 3 Pack Set Bourbon (coming soon) allows you to enjoy all three products described above.
VIP Buffalo Food & Wine Dinner on November 14 2016

Webster’s Bistro and Gates Circle Wine & Liquor invite you to a very special and exclusive Buffalo wine tasting dinner on Monday November 14, 2016. The dinner will consist of a three course meal perfectly complimented by the featured french wines. Reserve your spot on this exclusive event by calling (716) 264 4314. Seats are limited, and only available via reservation.
First Course
To start us off, the first course will consist of charred carrot, parsnip, goat cheese fritter, and cana segments. Origine Sauvignon Blanc Vin De Pays Du Val De Lorire 2015 (Coming Soon) is pale gold in colour, clear and brilliant. The wine has am elegant nose that combines floral notes (white flowers) with the fruity aromas typical of Sauvignon (citrus, grapefruit). Its well-balanced palate, achieves both freshness and roundness, expressive with an aromatic finish. This wine stands out for its aromatic exuberance and balanced flavours.
Second Course
We will continue with skate wing, beet nage, pomegranate, baby greens, and Creme Fraiche. Domaine Jaeger-Defaix Rully Rouge Burgundy 2014 (Coming Soon) contains Red fruits flavors typical of Pinot noir. It goes perfectly with delicatessen and white or red meat with a light sauce. To serve at ambient temperature.
Third Course
The third course will consist of moulard duck breast, cranberry, horseradish, brussel sprout, and manchego. Charles Joguet Chinon Les Petites Roches 2013 (Coming Soon) has a light fresh nose of fruit and a charcoal like character. The palate is light bodied with a touch of tannin and a fresh feel.
Desert
The delicious Meyer Lemon Tart will conclude this meal. Chateau Laribotte Sauternes 2011 (Coming Soon) is an complex nose of acacias, white flowers, lemon, and a touch of honey. The light, fruity mouth of candied fruits and dry apricots, finishes with a long palate of backbone, reflecting good acidic balance.
Tommy Rotter Buffalo Spirit Tasting on November 18 2016

Join us on Friday November 18, 2016 at Gates Circle for Tommy Rotter spirit tasting.
The Distillers:
Located in the historic Hydraulics manufacturing district in New York State, Tommy Rotter uses a blend of local grains to produce the cleanest vodka and a most flavorful gin. Every long day of manual production is completed in the distillery, making the perfect cuts and discarding unfavorable distillates. Every bottle is filled and labeled by hand, obsessed over by heart and mind. As a result of their efforts both of their featured products have won Silver medals in San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Denver International Spirits Competition. The Products: Tommy Rotter Vodka is distilled batch by batch from New York State grain! Charcoal-filtered and bottled by hand! An ode to the craft. Tommy Rotter Gin is pot-distilled in small batches to articulate a deliberate blend of infused herbs, fruits, roots and flowers. The 2016 Ultimate Spirits Challenge awarded this Gin 92 pts, while the Tasting Pannel Magazine gave it 93 pts.
Arrowhead Buffalo Wine Tasting on November 19 2016

Come in to Gates Circle on November 19th to experience the taste of Arrowhead, your local Buffalo winery.
The Winery:
Arrowhead Spring Vineyards will be at Gates Circle Wine & Liquor, in Buffalo, New York, to introduce some of their top wines to our local customers. Founded in 2005, this winery creates 5,000 cases of wine annually, several of which have are highly acclaimed according to the Wine Spectator.
The Products:
The Cool Terrior is a 2012 medium-bodied red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Syrah. It is a velvety smooth wine and easy drinking wine. The Red Meritage is a 2010 reserve a medium-bodied blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. This wine has been aged for 23 months in French, Eastern European and American oak barrels. The Semi Dry Riesling, is a white wine made using Finger Lakes fruit. It is a fruit cocktail of green apple, peach and citrus flavors. The Unoaked Chardonnay is a white wine with citrus and earthly notes blended with lemongrass. It has an apple blossom nose and a soft fruit palate. The Reserve Chardonnay is a white wine with a marvellous acidity that is mixed with soft subtle cream and vanilla flavors. It tastes like a nectarine slices on toasted creme fraiche.
Billecart-Salmon Wine Dinner on December 6 2016

Come in to Rue Franklin on December 6, 2016 to get a taste of Champagne, France with wines from Billecart-Salmon Winery. This Buffalo wine tasting is supported by Gates Circle.
Billecart-Salmon and its History:
It all began in 1818 when Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon founded a Champagne House that was above all conscious of the excellence of its wines. Since then, every member of the Billecart family has been committed to perpetuate the family tradition through standing by the immutable oath: ‘Give priority to quality, strive for excellence’. Today, the mythical House of Billecart-Salmon wins international recognition and regularly praised by their peers for exception wine from the region. Bilecart-Salmon truly captures the essence of Champagne – a wonder to be enjoyed.
The Products:
Billecart-Salmon Brut Réserve Wine is a light, fine and harmonious champagne. Its blend is made with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier from three different years, sourced from the best sites in the Champagne region. This cuvee has reflections of a straw yellow color. It stands out by the finesse of its slowly rising bubbles and its persistent and abounding mousse. Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose Wine is a pale and bright pink color that is adorned with warm glints of gold. Its delicate slowly rising bubbles give it a persistent mousse. This cuvée unveils a subtle aroma leading to an elegant, delicate bouquet of fine notes of red fruits and zest of citrus fruits. Its special method of vinification gives this cuvée a light, elegant flavour, followed by a fresh finish with a taste of raspberry. Billecart-Salmon Demi-Sec Champagne is identical to that of the Brut Réserve (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier), however, the dosage is greater. Please note that these special wines will be available for order on the night of the dinner.