Patxaran

On a recent trip to the Basque area of Spain, I tasted and grew fond of a local liqueur made made from sloe berries called Patxaran. Pacharan is another way to spell it. There are a variety of brands. Baines is one of the better known brands in America. Does anyone know of a liquor store in the Chicago area that stocks any brand of Patxaran?

I've had my bottle long enough that I frankly cannot recall whether I got it here in town or by mail order (and the bottle's only label is the name of the importer--in Connecticut). A quick look at the likeliest places here I would have gotten it showed absolutely nothing so I am inclined to believe the latter. There's also a chance that someone like Binny's could special order it for you. That's not much help, I realize, but short of that, it may mean that your best bet is to put together an order of a couple "oddball" bottles...other things you had there (or elsewhere) and enjoyed but can't find here. I've usually found that when I wanted something I couldn't find here, I was usually able to think of a couple other things to add to the order. Sorry I can't be more helpful. Good luck!

The folks at Spanish Square in Lakeview might be able to help.

1358 W. Belmont Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: (773) 717-7900
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.thespanishsquare.com

The folks at Spanish Square in Lakeview might be able to help.

Also, Craig Perman at Perman Wine and Don Hupp at Que Syrah have always been helpful in locating and special ordering anything that's available in this market -even if it's a single bottle. I've never found Binny's to be good for that but both of these shops are great for fulfilling special requests.

Spanish Square
1358 W. Belmont Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: (773) 717-7900
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.thespanishsquare.com

Perman Wine
802 W Washington Blvd
Chicago, IL 60607
312 666 4417
[email protected]

Que Syrah Fine Wines
3714 N. Southport
Chicago, IL
T: 773-871-8888
[email protected]

Atxa makes a fine Pacharan (as well as a couple tasty vermouths.) It's distributed locally by Lagniappe, so a retailer who is carrying other Lagniappe products--if you see Letherbee on the shelves, they're buying from Lagniappe--should be able to tag a bottle on to their order for you.

I contacted Lagniappe and was directed to Gene's Sausage Shop in Lincoln Square where I bought a bottle of Atxa Pacharan yesterday. Many thanks for the suggestion.