Q: My wife and I look forward to reading your column every week. Thank you for all the good information. A few years back, while living in North Carolina, my wife purchased a men’s fragrance for me called Woods, which was sold at Abercrombie & Fitch stores. Over the years, it was discontinued and I need your help in locating this men’s fragrance. Thank you. — Ed Kind, Snellville
A: Thank you for reading, Ed. Because Abercrombie & Fitch discontinued its Woods fragrance, it’s quickly disappearing from the few sources that are still available, so, if you want it, you’ll need to act fairly quickly. I’d also suggest you consider buying as many as your wallet will allow so you’ll have a bit of a stockpile, giving you enough time to find a new favorite scent. Check out amazon.com and you’ll find Abercrombie & Fitch Woods eau de cologne in a 1.7-ounce spray for $79.
Q: Many years ago, my father-in-law had a small bar and, during special visits, I was allowed to have a bottle of Champale or Pink Champale malt liquor. My husband and I have tried unsuccessfully to find it over the years during various travels around the country. Many places we visited have never even heard of it, and I don’t remember the manufacturer. We’d like to know if it is even still being bottled. I would love to surprise my husband for his upcoming birthday with a bottle of Champale. Could you help with this surprise, even if we have to order it online? Would greatly appreciate any help you can provide. — Mary Nelson, Covington
A: Currently produced by the Pabst Brewing Company in Los Angeles, Champale was introduced in New Jersey during the late 1930s. Despite its moniker, Champale is a malt liquor, not a wine, but the brewing process offers the drink some characteristics found in sparkling wine. You won’t have ot order it online. In the Atlanta area, I found Champale Golden, Extra Dry and Pink. The Golden and Extra Dry versions are available in six packs for $7.69, while the Pink Champale comes in four-packs for $4.79. You’ll find Champale at Tower Beer, Wine and Spirits, 5877 Buford Highway, Doraville, 458-3272. Cheers!
Q: I have a 9-month-old grandson who is teething. We have all looked for zwieback cookies, but none of us have been successful. I found a brand at Vermont Country Store, but it is shaped like a slice of bread, which would be hard for a 9-month-old to hold. Can you help find some in the Atlanta area? Thanks ever so much. — Lanelle LaRue, email
A: Zwieback toast hails from Germany and is simply lightly sweetened bread that’s twice baked and often given to teething babies. But it’s also used in many savory and dessert recipes, including as an ingredient when making a cheesecake crust. You can think of it as sort of a dressed-down version of the Italian biscotti. While Nabisco and Gerber used to offer zwieback toast for toddlers, the companies stopped making the products. However, Brandt, a German company, has been making zwieback toast for ages. Locally, you’ll find 8-ounce boxes of zwieback for $2.99 at Buford Highway Farmers Market, 5600 Buford Highway, Doraville, 770-455-0770. The bright orange Brandt packages with a toddler on the label are stocked on Eastern European aisle 19.
Q: Years ago, my mother would always eat her biscuits with sweet butter and a good spoonful of sorghum syrup. She mentioned the other day that she hasn’t seen sorghum around, and I’ve been looking for her and came up with the same problem. Do you know where I can find sorghum syrup locally? I know my mother would love to enjoy those biscuits again. Thank you. — Myrna Jackson, Atlanta
A: The syrup is made from sweet sorghum, a grass-like plant, and it ends up looking similar to dark honey when processed. Locally, you can find sorghum syrup from Kentucky at David’s Produce and Country Store, 3561 Lavista Road, Decatur, 404-325-0709. A pint jar sells for $6.99 and a quart is priced at $12.99.
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