“Success!” was whispered from the rooftops last Wednesday as our Secret Sherry Society tasting went splendidly in Seattle. Members turned out in droves to raise their glasses and tilt their heads, to offer up sweet libations to the forefathers of Sherry. The password to get in was, once again, “password.” But remember. That’s still a secret.

We hope we’ll catch you next time. Wherever we may appear.

Secret handshake,

President

This is the Secret Sherry Society Secret Sherry Glass (otherwise known as the white wine glass).

When purchasing supplies to sail around the world in 1519, he spent more money on Sherry than on weapons.

Sherry Basics #4
Sherry with a Capital S

Sherry is a proper noun. And not just in the case of the woman’s name that peaked in popularity in the late 1950s. Sherry is a designated distinction of orgin, so make sure you’re enjoying the real deal and not a sub-par imitation. Just like real Champagne must come from Champagne, France, a fortified wine can’t be called Sherry unless it’s from Jerez, Spain.

Pairs best with dark chocolate and oranges, blue cheese, chocolate soufflé with glazed raspberries, churros, or served over vanilla ice cream.

For those of you attending the International Food Blogger’s Conference, a Secret Sherry Society gathering will take place at Theo Chocolate on August 28th. This mysterious, pre-dinner cocktail party will kick off at 5:30pm, where a selection of fine Sherries will be presented for your tasting pleasure. Feast on delicious tapas—courtesy of Chef Phillipe Thomelin of the quaint bistro, Olivar, and enjoy a live performance by guitarist Andy Fitzgerald (you must be registered for this event).

From the headquarters of the Secret Sherry Society, we bid you good day and good Sherry.

Secret handshake,

The President

We are now accepting entries to find America’s best Sherry Cocktail and we’d love to have yours.
The official rules are below so please read on.

Please tell us:
- the precise recipe
- the proper garnish
- the ideal glass

You must explain in writing:
- why your cocktail is great
- when to serve, and how
- the exact preparation method and steps of assembly
- the perfect [bar] food match (and why?)

You must provide:
- a copy of the cocktail menu of the bar/restaurant where the cocktail is placed and being served
- a photo of the drink, (digital jpeg is best)

You can submit your recipes at any time, but the deadline for entry is Friday, September 17th, 2010

Submissions should be sent via email to winegeek@akawinegeek.com

The winner will receive an all expenses paid trip to Jerez, Spain and a full scholarship to Beverage Alcohol Resource 5-Day Program….as well as loads of press announcing the winner and the recipe on our website and in our blogs

As always, the early and well prepared barman/woman always gets the best shifts, if you know what I mean!

Good luck!

**2009 Sherry Cocktail Competition winner — Bread & Wine by Charles Joly of The Drawing Room in Chicago**

Delicious with a piece of dark chocolate, figs and dates, hazelnuts,
almonds, fruit salad, pastries, or a selection of cheeses.

On July 22nd, the Secret Sherry Society traveled to New Orleans as part of our national road trip to celebrate the city of Gumbo and Oloroso.

While in New Orleans, we had the privilege of visiting the Wine Institute of New Orleans and held a Sherry tasting, induct new members.

In addition, we mixed up Sherry cocktails at the Tales of a Cocktail event that brings together the world’s best mixoligists.

It was good. It was secret.

Salud.