Know your wine

Wine is the glorious result of the crushing of grapes. And any man can appreciate the art of crushing. Whether it’s crushing an opponent at the poker table or crushing a sledgehammer into intensely ripened grapes, utter dominance has its fruitful rewards. So please continue on to learn a little more about Sledgehammer wines and how to drink them like the man you are.

Download a PDF copy of "Know your wine" here

Zinfandel

Is a Dark Red Grape believed to have originated in Croatia and Italy. It produces robust red wines, not to be confused with the semi-sweet "blush" called white Zinfandel. Though Sledgehammer is all about being secure in oneself, we cannot in good faith condone a man imbibing in "blush." But if you must, we highly recommend you do it alone or in a darkly lit setting. Sledgehammer Zinfandel is grown in Red Hills Lake County, California, on a vineyard that features red volcanic soils and huge chunks of obsidian rock. The grape vines must struggle for water, which results in small berries with exceptional flavor.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Made from robust red grapes grown in volcanic soils, Sledgehammer is a man's ultimate wine. Fill your chalice today. Wine is the glorious result of the crushing of grapes. And any man can appreciate the art of crushing. Whether it's crushing an opponent at the poker table or crushing a sledgehammer into intensely ripened grapes, utter dominance has its fruitful rewards. So please continue on to learn a little more about Sledgehammer wines and how to drink them like the man you are.

Hold the Stem of Your Glass with a Fist

and never stick out your pinkie. A fist projects power and confidence; an extended pinkie projects something entirely different.

No Swirling.

Sledgehammer doesn’t need to be swirled around to bring out its big flavor. It’s already there. Keep it simple. Your drinking motion should involve lifting your glass up to your mouth and bringing it back down again. Moving your wine in a circular motion has nothing to do with sophistication, and it may even cause carpal tunnel.

Sniff Wisely.

Yes, Sledgehammer smells quite good. And it’s perfectly normal to want to inhale something that you know is going to taste delicious. However, nothing says wine snob more than sticking one’s schnozz deep into a wine glass and then emerging with words to describe it, such as “a spectacularly fruity nose” or “a complex bouquet of cinnamon, nutmeg, and plum.”

No Mouth Swishing.

When you take a sip of Sledgehammer, we highly recommend swallowing it rather than just letting it sit there in your mouth. Whether you swish it or not, the flavor is the same — ripe, rich, and powerful. So while the other guys are swishing around, you can be engaging in manly conversation about linebackers, hedge funds, or torque wrenches.

How to Open a Bottle of Wine with Your Shoe

There are few things as sadistic as having a full bottle of Sledgehammer and no way to open it. That’s why it’s recommended that every man always carry a Swiss army knife, especially one equipped with a bottle opener. However, there are times when you simply may not have yours with you. Perhaps your knife was wrongly confiscated during an act of workplace bravery, or maybe it’s still stuck in the rabid rhino you fended off during your safari vacation with your girlfriend. The good news is, if you have a bottle of Sledgehammer, there is always a way to enjoy it. Use this method to dazzle your friends, enlighten a waiter, and woo the ladies:

The fine arts of
toasting and roasting

are valuable social skills that every man should hope to master. Offering a proper toast as the best man at a wedding remains a timeless honor. And, executing a roast with deft precision can elevate your mockery to the highest level. Whatever the case, you want to make it memorable and flavorful, much like a glass of Sledgehammer.

Download a PDF copy of "The fine arts of toasting and roasting" here

The Toast Is a Centuries-
Old Ritual

in which people take a drink to commemorate a notable occasion or a guest of honor. The term “toast” originated from the British, who would add burnt toast to the evening’s wine for a unique flavor when honoring someone special. As for the wine of choice, we highly recommend filling your glass with our Cab or Zin. And while we believe both taste perfect as they are, if you would like to add burnt toast, that is your call. We do ask that your choice of toasted bread be somewhat masculine, such as pumpernickel. Please do not insult the wine with a nine-grain flaxseed variety.

Toast Essentials

It's not about You.

As dynamic as you may be, always remember that a toast puts the spotlight on the honoree, not you.

Three Minutes or Less.

Keep it snappy. Droning on for 15 minutes will bore the audience (look for a glazing of the eyes), tire their arms, and take away from time better spent drinking the wine and mingling with the bridesmaids.

Rehearse.

Practice first and you’ll be less intimidated and better prepared to deliver a smooth performance. If you don’t have time to rehearse due to long work hours, or if you cannot find a practice audience, you may consider commandeering a dull meeting in the office conference room, passing out some wine, and boldly practicing your toast.

Toast Confidently.

Speak loudly and clearly and stand tall.

Drink to Your Toast.

It’s hard to fathom, but one of the biggest mistakes a toaster makes is forgetting to take a drink to his own toast. It is also unforgivable to clink glasses with another and simply put down your beverage without even taking a sip. The hearty swig at the end of the toast is the exclamation point!