Dear Whole Foods Enthusiasts,
While shopping recently, I found a few fresh beverages at the WFF Bar which stands for Whole Foods Full Bar. Technically they don’t have liquor but they have a full staff, almost always full seats, an espresso machine, as well as beer and wine to fill your glass, happy hour or not.
All kidding aside, the Whole Foods bar is actually named Holland Pub. They have knowledgable, friendly staff who are always at the ready to chat with you and help you find what you’re looking for. I stopped by for a quick question during my shopping trip and then felt so comfortable I hung out with them and had a beer on tap. I was looking for a malty and sweet beer that’s reminiscent of a winter ale. They let me taste three different beers and the third one was by far the winner:
Devils Backbone Devil’s Secret / 7.5% ABV / Forest, VA
Two breweries got together to concoct this epic brew, Apocalypse Ale Works and Devils Backbone, and it’s honestly hard to find (sorry). As for the taste, it’s malty and fruit-foward with notes of chocolate and raisins. It also boasts a gorgeous red-brown hue. Unfortunately, Whole Foods isn’t carring this particular beer aside from the tap which by the way was in the shape of a tree trunk, split at the top. It reminded me of Hobbiton and propelled me into nostalgic memories of drunken hobbits dancing on tables.
That wasn’t the only moment of nostalgia I experienced. On the menu I saw a red wine made by Sass Winery. The name immediately brought to mind one of my favorite comics, Rat Queens. In case you haven’t yet heard of it, Rat Queens is about four booze-guzzling, vulgar battle-maidens for hire and they go about their business using sass and sorcery. Back to the red, it’s a pinot noir from Willamette Valley, Oregon where I’m from and I found that funny. I know a lot of pinot noirs hail from there, but still when you’re homesick on the other side of the country, it’s a comforting thing to see. And the wine was delicioius, so good I went to go buy it…but then saw the price of $22.99 and I threw my hands up in despair muttering, “Where are the inexpensive wine gods when you need them!?” I know it’s really not that much, but I’m penny pinching at the moment. I’ll probably muster up the dough for a bottle, it’s very good and worth the money.
So even though I struck out on taking these fine adult beverages home with me, I do have to say well done Whole Foods. Your in-house pub has sold me, and I’ll be returning now and then to hang out and throw back a palate-happy pint or fine wine. Maybe I’ll see you there!
Cheers!
P.S. If you’re interested in picking up Rat Queens, click here to find your local comic book shop! As for Devil’s Secret, here’s a handy beer-finder app to track it down! And if you can’t find it there, try your local beer shop. For Sass Pinot Noir, I’ve found wine-searcher or vinopedia to be useful.
