Whiskey Creek is a unique neighborhood, with many of its streets bearing names related to wine and other spirits. The creek itself is said to have gained its name during Prohibition when bootleggers found it to be a secretive yet navigable waterway to transport moonshine. From its origins along McGregor Avenue to its end at College Parkway, Whiskey Creek contains more than a dozen street names that refer to this history.
Have you ever wondered what some of these street names mean? Some are more commonly known than others. Here is a look at our neighborhood’s fondness for viticulture and distillation:
Amoroso Drive – Amoroso sherry is a sweet sherry, also known as cream sherry. The term “amoroso” comes from Harvey’s Bristol Cream, a sherry that was once the best-selling in the world. These sort of sweet brown sippers are what most people in Britain think of when they hear the word “sherry.”
Beaujolais Lane – Beaujolais is a light red or (less commonly) white burgundy wine produced in the Beaujolais district of southeastern France. It is made from the Gamay grape. Beaujolais wines are dry, low-sugar wines.
Brandy Circle – Brandy is a strong spirit distilled from wine or fermented fruit juice (typically apples). Most brandy we are familiar with is from Cognac, but brandy also includes pisco, Armagnac or Obstler (produced in Austria and Switzerland).
Chablis Lane – Chablis is a dry, white wine produced in the northernmost region of Burgundy, France. The cooler climate produces wines that are more acidic and less fruity than Chardonnay. Some Chablis wines are described as having a “flinty” or “steely” note.
Chalon Lane – Château-Chalon is a picturesque hilltop village in the Jura region of eastern France. Its vineyards are situated on the slopes below it. Created in May 1936, it was one of the earliest officially introduced French appellations. An appellation is the official title given to a product made in a specific place, in a style particular to that place. The flavor characteristics of Château-Chalon yellow wines are unusual, with tasting notes listed as curry, nutty, or roasted tobacco.
Claret Court – Claret is a dark purplish-red wine from the Bordeaux region of France. Because Bordeaux wines can only come from Bordeaux, Claret can refer to wines of a similar type from other regions.
Cognac Drive – Cognac is a type of brandy made with grapes and has a very specific, proprietary distillation and blending process located in a small, protected area in the southwest of France. There are actually six growth regions in Cognac that produce different variations of grapes, resulting in six distinct flavors of cognac. Top brands include Hennessy, Remy Martin, Martell, and Courvoisier.
Together, these street names not only guide residents and visitors but also tell a story of heritage, culture, and community. We will explore more street names in the next newsletter.
