Source for Kirsch, preferably in Oakland?

[abstractpoet]

Need it for a pound cake recipe. Berkeley Bowl doesn't have it. Neither do Buckingham Wine or the Savemore Market. When I called the New Grand Lake Market, the guy said he thought they carried it, but he didn't sound too confident, so it'd be good to have a backup in case they don't come through.

[Robert Lauriston]

Call Ledger's in Berkeley.

I bought a bottle at Bevmo a few months back but they're currently sold out. K&L has Etter though you'd have to order online for delivery in SF.

I'm not crazy about any of the American cherry spirits. The good German or French stuff is not wasted on baking.

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Ledger's Liquors
1399 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702

[lexdevil]

I guess it depends on how deep your pockets are. Also on if we're talking a Tbsp. added to the batter before cooking, or a greater quantity soaking the cake after baking. I assumed the former (w/ the kirschwasser taking the place of the vanilla extract, rum, etc. found in other recipes). If the latter, quality is a greater concern.

[abstractpoet]

The kirsch goes into the batter before baking. I'll look into the good stuff for next time, but in a pinch (for a dinner party tomorrow night), the Hiram Walker bottle I got at Piedmont today will have to do.

Thanks again for all the suggestions.

[moto]

if you still need a source, try eddie's liquor on college ave., near the rockridge oakland library.

[lexdevil]

I've always found the good Black Forest kirschwasser at Piedmont Grocery, though I have not looked for it recently. They also carry the local St. George Spirits cherry Eau de Vie. If you don't want to spend a fortune, Safeway usually has the cheap DeKuyper kirschwasser. Probably a better call for baking than $25+ for a 375 of something good.

[abstractpoet]

Just called Piedmont Grocery, and they've got a small bottle for $5.99. Don't know if it's the good Black Forest you mentioned, but should be perfect for my needs in any case. Thanks!

The St. George's sounds great, but probably not necessary in this case.

[lexdevil]

Probably DeKuyper or similar US made. The Black Forest stuff was around $40 last time I bought it. It's great, but wasted on baking.

[wolfe]

Bevmo has it online but if you really want to keep it local try St. George's Eau de Vie cherry.
From their site.
...notes from the tasting room

"Kirsch is the most difficult of the eaux de vie to do really well, and the most complex to taste. Its cherry tang (enhanced by Pinot yeast) is combined with the almond flavor it picks up from the cherries fermenting with their pits. The cherries themselves are Montmorencies, a sour variety grown in Michigan. Sweet varieties, like Bing and Rainier, are terrific for eating, but don’t translate well into spirits.
Tasters are often fooled by the kirsch’s genteel approach; the smooth almond beginning is chased by a huge, lingering cherry finish. I love the stunned silence that follows. "

[Glencora]

BevMo?