Our Spirits Selection in Woodbridge

Learn about Joe Canal’s in Woodbridge, NJ spirit selection:

Blended Scotch- Blended scotch whiskey is created by blending together different single malt and grain whiskeys. These types of scotch are known for their well-rounded flavor, lingering finish and a smoothness that is unrivaled by other whiskeys.

Bourbon- Bourbon is an American whiskey that must be produced in a very specific way to be called bourbon. Not only must bourbon be American made, it must be produced with at least 51 percent corn, distilled at or less than 160 proof in new charred-oak barrels, and bottled at 80 proof or higher. This process of making Bourbon results in a whiskey that is sweeter than other types of whiskey, such as scotch whiskeys or Irish whiskeys.

Brandy- In some ways, brandy is similar to whiskey. Like whiskey, brandy typically contains a high alcohol concentration and is aged in oak barrels. However, unlike whiskey, brandy is a distilled wine that's produced from fermented fruit juice. It's what lends brandy its fruity and sweet flavor, and it's why brandy is often enjoyed as a digestif. There are many different types of brandy, but two of the more renowned types include Cognac and Armagnac. To be considered Cognac or Armagnac brandies, they must be produced in the Cognac or Armagnac regions of France. Cognacs are produced using a special type of grapes and must follow certain aging restrictions. They often contain a blend of various brandies as well. Armagnacs are fruitier than cognacs are and tend to take on notes of toffee and caramel as they age.

Cordials - Cordials are considered a type of liqueur. In fact, a lot of people don't know the difference between cordials and other types of liqueurs because they share a lot of similar traits. For example, both contain at least 2.5 percent sugar and/or dextrose and neither contains as much alcohol as other types of liquors. The big difference between cordials and liqueurs, however, is that cordials are made using an infusion process. This is different than the liqueur production process, which uses distillation. To produce a cordial, a base liquor, such as whiskey or brandy, is infused with different flavors, which include herbs, spices and fruits. This results in a distinctively sweet flavor that makes cordials especially popular as after dinner drinks.

Cordials & Liqueurs- Liqueurs and cordials are often considered excellent post-meal drinks due to their sweet nature - and because many of them are considered digestifs to boot, which means that they aid with digestion. Liqueurs and cordials can be a bit difficult to tell apart due to their similarities. In fact, cordials are considered a type of liqueur. However, not all liqueurs are considered cordials. Although both feature a similarly sweet taste and neither contains as much alcohol as other liquors, the production process differs. Whereas liqueurs are made using a distillation process, cordials are produced by infusing a base liquor, such as brandy or tequila, with spices, fruits and herbs.

Gin- Gin is a clear alcohol that is distilled from fermented grain or malt along with juniper berries, which add an aromatic base for other types of botanicals that give different gins their flavor. These botanicals can include cucumber, lemon peel, spices and fruits. Although many people mistakenly believe that gin came out of England, it was actually first produced in The Netherlands. In fact, "gin" is the English translation for the Dutch word "Jenever." Whereas other types of alcohol are often consumed on their own, gin is made to be mixed. It's when the botanicals within gin really come to life. Considering this, it should come as no surprise that some of the most popular cocktails in the world are made using gin, including Gin and Tonics, Martinis, Negronis, Tom Collins and Gimlets.

Rum- Rum is a sweeter type of liquor that's often used in tropical-style mixed drinks. Rum originated out of the Caribbean in the 1700s. Rum is made through a distillation process using either fermented molasses or freshly pressed sugar cane juice. Rum made using sugar cane juice often exhibits grassy notes, while rum made using molasses is a bit sweeter and often has notes of molasses and tropical fruits.

Single Malt Scotch- Single malt scotch is one of many types of whiskey. However, single malt scotch may have some of the strictest guidelines when it comes to earning the single malt scotch classification. Not only does it have to be produced at a single distillery in Scotland, but it must be made from a mash of malted grain using a unique pot still distillation process. It must then be aged for at least three years in matured oak casks.

Tequila- Tequila is unique in that it can only be produced in Mexico, specifically, the state of Jalisco (although Mexican law does include a few limited exceptions in the case of a few other Mexican states). Tequila is produced from the cooked and fermented juice of the agave plant. To be legally classified as tequila, it must contain at least 51 percent blue agave. There are several different types of tequila categorized by how they are aged. Tequila Silver (or Blanco) is unaged and is tequila in its purest form. Tequila Gold is generally used for mixed drinks, such as margaritas, because it's made with the addition of flavorings and colorants. Tequila Reposado is a tequila that's been aged in wood barrels or storage tanks for two to 11 months. Tequila Añejo is a tequila that's been aged for at least a year.

Vodka- Vodka is a clear liquor that doesn't really have a distinctive aroma or flavor, which is why it's used for some of the world's most popular cocktails, from the Bloody Mary to the Cosmopolitan. What few people don't realize is that most vodkas aren't actually produced from potatoes, like many people believe. Roughly one percent of all vodkas are produced from potatoes, but most of the world's vodka is distilled from corn, wheat or rye. The flavor of Vodka varies depending on several factors. Producers will alter the flavor by distilling their vodka numerous times, passing it through activated charcoal or by adding flavors. In fact, almost every major vodka producer offers a line of flavored vodkas.