True Fabrications Adds Some Flavor

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True Fabrications would like to welcome two new product lines to the catalog. We are very excited to carry Mama Lil’s products and Demitri’s bloody Mary seasonings and rimming salts.

Mama Lil’s peppers and relish are made from organically grown peppers from Washington State. Each type of pepper/relish features a distinct flavor profile as a result of their oils and spices. Mama Lil’s products are used regularly by many well respected restaurants across the Pacific Northwest. The creator of these peppers says they have a shelf life that can last for years. He believes “they hit their peak at 7 years in the jar. The true fabrications team had the opportunity to take these peppers home and try them out We were all very impressed with this product. We highly encourage giving these peppers/spreads a try. We would love to hear the recipe you created using these products.

Our second product, Demitri’s, is perfect for anyone who loves a good bloody mary. Demitri’s Bloody Mary Seasoning is a concentrate seasoning that is added to tomato juice. Mixed with Vodka, Demitri’s makes an excellent bloody mary. These seasonings come if 4 different flavors: original, chilies & peppers, chipotle & habanero, and horseradish. We’ve been told Demitri’s makes a great rub/seasoning for barbecuing and grilling as well.

We are very eager to be carrying these products and introducing them to our customers.

ZinZig The Wine Tasting Board Game

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ZinZig, the wine tasting and trivia game, is the newest board game to the market. What makes it special? The game was designed by wine lovers, for wine lovers. Drinking wine is a sensory experience and every aspect of the game was designed to replicate that.

The game will challenge both your mind and your palate. Compete individually or in teams against other players to taste your way to the winning winery on the center of the board.

Players begin the game with a wine tasting (so far so good right?). Every player will sample each type of wine and make notes of the varietal, the vintage, the region or country of origin, and the winery or vineyard. Players will be tested on this information throughout the game later. Each bottle is then covered with the included bottle covers before starting the game.

Throughout the game play, players will avert disasters, swap and steal resources, and test how much they really know about wine. With over 250 trivia questions and blind wine tasting cards, ZinZig can be played over and over again.

Players from any experience level can benefit from the wide range of trivia questions covering topics from pop culture, to the wine-making process, to famous varietals. So whether you’re a novice or a sommelier, we guarantee you’ll learn something new every time you play.

From the cork player pieces to the playful illustrations on the board, ZinZig makes wine fun and easy to not only enjoy, but also learn about, one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world.

Happy playing!

Introducing Variable Aeration with HOST!

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True Fabrications is thrilled to announce our new unique partnership with Seattle-based engineering and design firm, HOST Studios. HOST’s release of their first product, the Deluxe Aerator & Pourer, which boasts instant variable aeration, has already been a smash hit. We unveiled HOST two weeks ago at IHA’s International Home and Housewares Show in Chicago to a great response. With its delightfully gift-oriented packaging and incredible performance, no oenophile can go wrong with this item.

 We have had the pleasure of testing out this variable aerator first hand. Verdict? It delivers. Pour with a shallow tilt, which is perfect for lighter bodied reds, and taste your red wines open up slightly. Tilt a little more and be amazed as your robust reds instantly relax and go down smoother. We have even noticed an improvement in white wines at the steeper tilts. The beauty of this device is that you can perfectly aerate any glass of wine to your individual preference with every pour.

 How does this magic work? It’s called the Venturi Effect. As the wine flows through the device, a drop in pressure causes the wine to speed up and pull air in with it. Air mixes with the wine, resulting in instant decanting. HOST Studios scientifically measured the amount of oxygenation delivered by this aerator. Using the same methods as industry leading wine makers, they measured the amount of oxygen added to each glass of wine for each tilt setting. Coupled with extensive taste tests, they were able to determine which tilt angles are perfect for each wine varietal.

 See for yourself—hurry and be among the first to order HOST’s Deluxe Aerator & Pourer.

 

Deluxe Aerator & Pourer

 

Read All About It…

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In an effort to make True Fabrications a one stop wine/bar accessory stop for retailers, we are constantly trying to add to our catalog of new products. We have a great product team that is always looking for something new to offer our customers. After all, our goal is to create an easy, hassle free shopping experience that allows you to spend less time thinking about accessories while at the same time allowing you to continually increase your earnings via our growing line of products. As our catalog continues to grow, certain sections can sometimes be overlooked. We wanted to take a moment to highlight the books within the True catalog.

Whether you are a newcomer to the world of wine looking to learn the basics, a foodie trying to find the best wine or beer for their meal, a home-mixologist wanting to recreate your favorite bar drinks, or you just want to know more about craft beer, we have the books for your customers. Offering books to your customers is just one more resource you can provide to people as they learn more about the expansive beverage world. As with any accessory, it’s also a great way to bring extra income into your store. Although the books we offer are all hand-picked, we wanted to highlight a few for your attention.

For those looking to learn more about wine, Karen MacNeil’s Wine Bible is one of the most read guides for all things wine. We high recommend this book to anyone looking to discover everything wine has to offer.

If you’re looking to dive a little deeper into wine, Consider John Hudelson’s Wine Faults. This book will explain the problems and complications that can arise in wine.

Finally, have you ever planned a meal and then been unsure about your wine/beer pairing? What to Drink With What You Eat tackles the world of beverage pairing with ease, featuring over 300 pages of pairing advice.

Our books make great gifts while providing interested customers with more information about the beverages they love. Consider bringing in a title or two to your store.

Wine Travel Made Easy

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The Bottle Bubble

As the snow starts to melt and people begin to come out of winter hibernation, it’s time to start preparing for tourists to start traveling again. Wine collectors everywhere will be purchasing bottle of wine to take home to remember their trips by. Whether it’s visiting a winery, or purchasing a hard to find bottle at a shop, tourists everywhere need to find a good way to bring home their purchase.

Before TSA restrictions were put in place, people could carry their wine on the plane. In today’s world, wine must be checked with luggage. However, airlines require that checked wine be sealed in a liquid tight container. True Fabrications has a solution to this security restriction. Wrapping your bottle in your clothes is both a risk for your clothing and against TSA rules. So, for customers traveling great distances, offer the Bottle Bubble as a solution to their transportation problems. Liquid tight via an adhesive seal and made from heavy duty bubble wrap, the single bottle and double bottle version will protect your customer’s wines all the way home.

We recommend checking out the bottle bubble for this spring and summer. It’s a great way to help your customers who need to travel with their wine.

Have You Customized Yet?

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Every year, companies spend billions of dollars trying to get their names out to the public. Whether it’s through radio, print, television, or internet, more visibility will obviously lead to more traffic and more sales. In the world of retail, customizing merchandise is a very easy and effective way to advertise your business. If you haven’t put your name or logo on a True Fabrications product yet, we highly recommend it.

Imprinting on a reusable product is a great way to develop brand recognition and customer loyalty. Where a radio spot or print space is good for one use, imprinting your name, number, and other information on a product like a corkscrew, is advertising that works again and again. See our truetap corkscrew with a large flat imprinting space. This is one of our most popular corkscrews for customization. If you sell a corkscrew with your name on the side, your customer will see your logo every time they open their drawer. Soon, once the customer needs to buy more wine, your business will be the first thing that pops into their head. Also, if a server or bartender purchases one of your custom products and takes it to his or her restaurant, your logo/name will be shown to countless guests every time they use the item. For those that own businesses in vacation spots, custom products make great souvenirs for tourists as well!

We highly recommend this inexpensive and effective way of advertising. True Fabrications offers a large selection of items for customization that keep on advertising long after your initial investment. With significantly lower minimums than most overseas printers, consider customization with True Fabrications as a great way to promote your business.

Customized Truetap Corkscrew

Everything You Need for a Special Valentine’s Day

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At True Fabrications, we strive to make your shopping experience easy, efficient and meaningful. This includes helping you stock your store with the perfect gifts, tools and accessories for holidays and special occasions. According to an article discussing the US Economy, in 2011, Valentine’s Day shoppers spent almost $15.7 billion on their loved ones and significant others.  Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, so stock up on some of our best-selling, red-themed products in preparation of cupid’s holiday.

True Fabrications Red Hearts Glitter Bag

The first must-have items are our selection of love-themed wine bags. Our red hearts glitter bag is sure to make an impression for anyone gifting a bottle of wine or champagne. For those with more of a classic taste, our heart paisley or juicy grapes bag is a sheer and simple way to merchandise any bottle. Our newest additions to our bag line are likely to make any fashionista swoon. Our line of designer purse wine bags have been fantastic sellers. They come in either a classic or bright set, and both have proven to be strong sellers.

As there is likely to be many of bottles of champagnes popped on the 14th, our best-selling champagne stopper  is a must-have.  If romance is in the air, our appropriately pink Dragonfly Corkscrew will serve as a cheerful and easy-to-use accessory for opening that Bordeaux bought specifically for the occasion.

True Fabrications Champagne Stopper

Finally, don’t forget to stock up on sweets. Our best-selling Brix Bites are the perfect chocolate for any wine lover. The milk chocolate pairs best with lighter reds and dessert wines while the extra dark pairs with the deepest reds. These items will make the shopping experience for your customers easy this Valentine’s Day. So, don’t miss out on sales possibilities from this lucrative, albeit, cheesy holiday.

What Are Those? Rocks? Glacier Rocks Demystified

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As the True Fabrications catalog continues to expand, so does the breadth of our product variety. Of these products, the one item our sales staff fields frequent question about is our Glacier Rocks. Glacier Rocks arrived in the True Fabrications catalog during the middle of last summer. They have been one of the best selling products ever since. If you haven’t put a case of either the 6 stone or 9 stone sets in your store, you’re missing out.  For those who are not familiar with the product, we thought we would give you a little background on this best selling product.

One of the most common questions we receive is: “what are those cubes made of?” The answer: Soap stone from Finland. Why soapstone? Soapstone is a non-porous stone, meaning it won’t take on, or absorb any of the flavors from your drink. Because soapstone is non-porous, there is no need to put any kind of finish or sealant on the stone. So, the only thing you’re putting in your drink is a stone. The fact that soapstone can be natural without a finish makes it a popular stone for kitchen countertops.   

Another question we frequently receive is: “How do I use and maintain my glacier rocks?” To use your glacier rocks, simply put them in the freezer for 3-4 hours. Afterward, take them out and place them in the spirit of your choice. Be sure to not completely submerge the rocks in liquid as they are not going to chill a full glass the way an ice cube might. Fill your glass to a similar level as the image below. The rocks will chill your spirit without melting and diluting. When you’re finished, simply wash the Glacier Rocks in the sink and they are ready to be put back in the freezer. We recommend you refreeze your Glacier Rocks after you have finished your first drink as they will have a difficult time chilling a second round to the same temperature without being refrozen.

Finally, Glacier Rocks are not just for whiskey. Glacier Rocks are just as effective on other types of spirits as well. If you haven’t tried them out yet, we highly recommend putting a case in your store. The response has been overwhelming and we believe you will experience the same from your customers.

A Sommelier’s Best Friend: The Double-Hinged Corkscrew

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In the midst of all the wine tools and accessories on the market, the most basic and perhaps most important is the corkscrew. Big, small, short, and tall, there is a corkscrew in every size, shape, and color. Each corkscrew has its benefits and drawbacks that can either help or hinder the user. For example, while the leverage and stability of the Countertop Corkscrew makes opening wine very easy, it’s not the most practical for someone who is opening wine on the go, like a waiter.

For ease, mobility, and price, the traditional waiter’s style corkscrew, often called a “wine key,” is still one of the most popular styles. However, not all waiter’s corkscrews are created equal. Picking the best corkscrew, like picking a “best” wine, is up to personal choice. However, for those that are not aware, we would like to explain the benefits of the double hinged waiter’s corkscrew.

With most waiter’s corkscrews, there are two steps. First, the worm is twisted into the cork. Second, the lever is used to ease the cork out of the bottle. The double hinged corkscrew features a second hinge that makes this process much easier. For those who have difficulty with waiter’s style corkscrews, the double hinge could be your answer.

Typically, with a single hinged corkscrew, the user needs to make sure the worm is far enough into the cork that they have enough leverage to ease the cork all the way out. However, if you over twist the corkscrew, you will be unable to place the hinge on the lip of the bottle.

This is where the double hinge corkscrew becomes superior to the single hinge. Notice the middle hinge on the image below. To use the second hinge, insert the worm into the bottle like a normal waiter’s corkscrew. Instead of having to remove the cork in one motion, rest the middle hinge on the lip of the bottle. Use this hinge to ease the cork partially out of the bottle. After the cork is 1/3 to 1/2 of the way out, use the hinge at the end to EASILY remove the cork from the bottle.

744 Action Double Hinge Corkscrew by True Fabrications

While insignificant sounding at first, the two piece hinge makes opening wine twice as easy. To visualize the difference, consider going up a flight of stairs one step at a time. It’s controlled, easy, and you could probably do it with your eyes closed. Now consider trying to jump up five steps at a time. Which one of these routes to the top sounds easier and less likely to end with injury?  The same is true for opening wine—the double hinged corkscrew allows for a nice, 2-part removal that is akin to climbing one step at a time whereas the single corkscrew is the equivalent to taking the leap. If you have trouble with waiter’s style corkscrews, give the double hinge a try!

Super Size Your Super Bowl With the Right Beer and Wine Accessories

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Although the college football season has come to an end, there is still one big football game to go. The NFL’s Super Bowl XLVI is just around the corner, and it’s time to start thinking about how you are going to prepare your store. According to PartnershipActivation.com, 9 out of 10 households watch the Super Bowl. Because the game is so heavily followed, Super Bowl parties and consumption of food and drink are at an all time high. Are you ready to take full advantage of this big Q1 weekend?

Beer sales surrounding the 2 weeks prior to the Super Bowl are surpassed only by the Independence Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Halloween. Making sure that your beer section is stocked and your Super Bowl-related displays are ready, is essential for retail stores who want to get the most out of this mid-winter sales jump. Super Bowl viewers also consume an estimate 166 million pounds of food for the annual big game. When it comes to food and beverage, Super Bowl weekend is not one to be ignored.

Consider special displays that will cater to Super Bowl weekend. Have food and beer very clearly placed in the forefront of your store. This is also a great time to take advantage of some extra accessory sales. Place one of our convenient POP displays of Beer Bands next to your beer selection. The large margin on beer accessories is a great way to collect some extra revenue. For those who are a little more into utility, the Bottle Hammer Automatic Opener is a great tool to show beer lovers. Simply press the hammer down on the top of any bottle, and the Bottle Hammer effortlessly removes the cap. Finally, whether its Super Bowl season or not, having an inexpensive beer opening option near your register is a great idea. Our key chain openers come in 5 assorted colors and can fit conveniently in your pocket. Now is the time to start thinking about super bowl weekend. The sales possibilities from this game are not to be missed.

Key Chain Bottle Openers by True Fabrications