distilled spirits – Page 3 – Fermented Adventure

Episode 94 – Deep Creek Distilling – Royal Ferguson and Dave Emmons

This episode features Royall Ferguson and Dave Emmons of Deep Creek Distilling.

Dave and Royall have known each other for 20 plus years. The discussion of distilling came up at a Greek festival in Norfolk. They began step by step to understand the whole process. “Doing it the old fashioned way”, as Royall puts it. Grind the local grain, make the mash and then ferment it. A lot of their early experience came from trial and error. They refined and honed their spirits to what have become the amazing products that they offer today. They are the first licensed legal distillery in the Chesapeake since prohibition.

801 Butler St Unit 12, Chesapeake, VA 23323 – (757)675-3250 – www.deepcreekdistilling.com – Facebook

Available on:

🎧 Apple https://lnkd.in/gMy488Xb

🎧 Google https://lnkd.in/gxdC6ycX

🎧 Spotify https://lnkd.in/gDThJdQX

🎧iHeart Radio https://lnkd.in/gw7pnMYk
and more…

Highlights from our discussion:

Deep Creek of the Chesapeake

Ketel One Vodka

Tito’s Vodka

Episode 83 – Kim and Tom Bard – The Bard Distillery

This episode features Kim Bard and Tom Bard of The Bard Distillery.

It all started in 2005 when tom walked into Kim’s race shop. In 2006 they found themselves in Kentucky and decided to go to visit a distillery. The chose to check out Maker’s Mark. They loved the tour and afterwards they were fueled by what they saw. They couldn’t stop talking about it, The smells, the sights, the sounds and the people. They were not able to shake the idea. In 2015 they took the plunge and purchased Tom’s old school, creating The Bard Distillery, which opened in 2019. We had a fantastic experience at the distillery. We got to see the vision of what it all will become. Their spirits are wonderful and creative.

Brewscuits is the sponsor of the podcast. Be sure to check them out at www.brewscuits.com. Type in Fermented Adventure at checkout to get 15% off your first order.

5080 Highway 175 S, Graham, KY 42344 – (270) 338-6543 – www.thebarddistillery.com – Facebook

Available on:

🎧 Apple https://lnkd.in/d3e7RqNN

🎧 Google https://lnkd.in/dHZwZHzS

🎧 Spotify https://lnkd.in/dDZzmQRu

🎧iHeart Radio https://lnkd.in/dj3Qg7y9
and more…

Highlights from our discussion:

John Barleycorn Awards

Neeley Family Distillery

George Washington’s Mount Vernon Distillery

The Drinking Coach

Whiskey Business Grand Rapids

Muhlenberg Music Mission

Harvest Host

Episode 79 – Triple Sun Spirits – Kris Kwant

This episode features Kris Kwant and Sara Stier of Triple Sun Spirits Co.

20 years ago Kris was watching the TV program “How it’s made”, with his father. The episode featured Sam Adams Brewing. From watching the program, the home brewing bug took hold of him. He and his dad purchased a kit and it actually turned out pretty good. The next adventure was to make a Barley Wine. The intention for this would be to share with his son when he turned 21. Kris explains that “making good whiskey starts with making good beer”. In 2016 Kris embraced the craft spirits movement. Triple Sun is a cocktail bar that moonlights as a distillery. They are very hospitality focused. Enjoy this lively episode where we discuss history, beer and all things Triple Sun.

Brewscuits is the sponsor of the podcast. Be sure to check them out at www.brewscuits.com. Type in Fermented Adventure at checkout to get 15% off your first order.

518 Bank St, Emmaus, PA 18049 – (610) 904-8082 – www.triplesunspirits.com – Facebook

Available on:

🎧 Apple https://lnkd.in/d_2sW7xW

🎧 Google https://lnkd.in/emNBxAY

🎧 Spotify https://lnkd.in/dThwXQcy

🎧iHeart Radio https://lnkd.in/dePFZ8WH
and more…

Highlights from our discussion:

Bicardi

Jack Daniels

Fetish Brewing Company

Kelvin Cooperage

Whiskey Advocate

Discover Lehigh Valley

Funk Brewing

Monkey 47

Mike Rowe

Distilling Rosen Rye at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Distillery

This was a crisp fall Sunday morning. You could barely see the fog of your breath after sipping the hotel cup of coffee. A few of the collaborators had mustered for breakfast. Grabbing bagels, pieces of fruit and whatever else would travel quick and light. Fueling up for the long days journey that lie ahead. Some had barely gotten more than 4 hours sleep from the previous days activities. The sun began illuminating the golden leaves that still clung to their branches. There was an electricity that filled the atmosphere. Anticipation consumed the one mile trek up the winding hill to where the old mill and the distillery stand. It was difficult to adhere to the posted speed limit. Speedily pulling into the parking lot. Hurrying to get out of the car. Gear in hand. We have been here before. But, this time the beast began to come to life.

The walk was familiar. The same familiar pathway. Familiar faces greeted us as we entered the dimly lit distillery. George Washington’s Mount Vernon Distillery still runs on natural light. Sunlight beamed through every window to reveal the magic that was taking place. Sounds of buckets being filled. Wood being stacked neatly next to the stills. Five in all. Named after queens. There was a hive of well orchestrated activity. Mash tons being emptied into buckets. Stills being filled being filled with fermented Keystone Rosen Rye and heirloom corn. Fires being lit. Steam rising from the tubs. Fresh water being diverted from the mill to be used to cool the hot distillate. More wood being carted in. An empty mash tun being turned onto its side and rolled out the door to be cleaned and prepared for the next ferment. The crackle of the fire and the smoke from the wood was a distinct education of how whiskey was made back in the 1700’s. Everyone there was playing a role and focused intently on making history and history come alive.

Steve Bashore drove a big box truck up to Imler, PA. Robert and Sherri McDonald of Dancing Star Farm had 11,000 pounds of grain waiting to be picked up and milled for distilling. The catalyst for this historic event took place between a conversation with Steve and Laura Fields of The Delaware Valley Fields Foundation. Laura loves whiskey, history and promoting heirloom grains and the farmers that grow them. She asked if GWMV would want to run Rosen Rye. Of course Steve was more than happy to make that happen.

Steve got to work planning, organizing and assembling an all-star team to put it all together, people of like mind who love history and distilling. They all came together to create whiskey and retell the story and produce a new one. The sense of camaraderie came through. Of course, having a game plan was helpful. Everyone worked together with a sense of pride. Thomas and Kim Bard came all of the way from Graham, KY, leaving The Bard Distillery for a few days to assist in distilling. Erik and Jim Wolfe, who are no strangers to Rosen, brought their experience and expertise. Stoll and Wolfe Distillery distilled Rosen just 2 years earlier. Lisa Roper Wicker, of Widow Jane, focused on the process as the stills began to offer their sweet and fruity distillate. Lisa has been a familiar face at GWMV since the very beginning. Aleasha Monroe is the head distiller at West Overton. They just released a Monongahela Style Rye and she brought her knowledge and skill. The Mount Vernon team brought it all together.

The Rosen is being distilled with Orange Creole and Bloody Butcher Corn. Time will tell if the juice will be bottled separately or together. It will rest in barrels from Kelvin Cooperage, Speyside Cooperage in Virgina, and a very special barrel made from a 240 year oak tree that fell at Mount Vernon 3 years ago. There is great anticipation for some bottles of the white spirit to be offered. This will provide a prelude of things to come. Whiskey and history lovers alike have so much to look forward to. George Washington’s Mount Vernon Distillery is moving into the future while retaining the roots of the past.

Listen to our interviews as we reflect on this historic event.

Part 1:

🎧 Apple https://lnkd.in/ehhfbhqc

🎧 Google https://lnkd.in/emNBxAY

🎧 Spotify https://lnkd.in/edu9vqpd

🎧iHeart Radio https://lnkd.in/eCduAGTV

Part 2:

🎧 Apple https://lnkd.in/dVDtwJje

🎧 Google https://lnkd.in/dtgr-eAf

🎧 Spotify https://lnkd.in/d2EPM3YQ

🎧iHeart Radio https://lnkd.in/d4XtTGe7

Road Trip – “Christmas City, USA” – Bethlehem, PA

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania is easy to get to from all points. Just follow the North Star, or if you prefer, you’re GPS. It’s so easy to fall in love with this historical picturesque town. It is not what it once was when Bethlehem Steel shuttered its doors over 20 years ago. The city is experiencing a rebirth. Pick anytime to go, however, Christmas is when “Christmas City, USA” shines the most brightest. This is a Fermented Adventure paradise.

The Lehigh River divides the town. We began the day on the South Side at the Christkindlmarkt. If you’re looking for holiday gifts and crafts this is the place to begin. There is something for just about everyone on your list. For us it provided an opportunity to revisit and stock up on the libations being offered by many of the local craft providers. Eight Oaks greeted us first. Most recently they have released their Barrel Finished Old Tom Gin. Have you ever tried mead? Colony Meadery is a great place to start. As you wind your way through you will discover some nice sweet treat options. Stroopies, Groffs and Ye Old Toffee Shoppe enticed us to give our sweet tooth some attention. Social Still is one of our go tos for their exceptional craft spirits. They are also right across the free parking lot, within walking distance. Grab a cocktail before or after shopping. Do check the website for a complete list of the vendors and when they will be there. Buy your tickets ahead of time and skip the line.

Now that we got some shopping out of the way, it was time to head to the North Side. Where, even more shopping was waiting. There are local crafts being offered in huts along the E Market Street. There is plenty on this short block to experience. We set our sights on some local beer flavor. We quenched our thirst for Sours and Stouts at Lost Tavern Brewing. Fegley’s Bethlehem Brew Works has an array of beers as well and we settled on the Pumpkin/Yam Beer, The Steelworkers Oatmeal Stout, along with the Steelgaarden Wit. Along the street we discovered one amazing chocolatier. You will want to get one of everything at The Chocolate Lab. We certainly did our best to practice restraint. There is a new coffee shop at the far East end of the street. Don’t go to Bitty & Beau’s for just the coffee. You will meet the most incredible people there who are making your visit special and impactful. We wandered in and out of the shoppes, watched a real live metal work demonstration and were overwhelmed with all of the history. As the sun began to set, the street became electrified.

Bethlehem offers so many places to get cocktails. Don’t miss the Tavern at The Sun Inn where you can enjoy hand crafted distilled spirits featuring Christmas City Spirits. We landed at the McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub and Whiskey Bar. The atmosphere was lively with conversation. The bartenders are knowledgable about their whiskey and make tantalizing drinks. Our meals were outstanding and full of flavor, everything that you would expect to get at an Irish Pub. While enjoying our last dram we took in the evenings live music with Regina Sayles, shared a fresh baked scone and made some new friends.

Episode 76 – West Overton Distilling – Aleasha Monroe and Sam Komlenic

This episode features Aleasha Monroe and Sam Komlenic of West Overton Distilling.

Some familiar and many not so familiar faces filled the large room at West Overton Museum. The sold out crowd of over 100 people showed up to talk, drink and learn about rye whiskey. More specifically Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey was the focus and topic of conversation. The distinguished panel included: David Wondrich who is widely hailed as one of the world’s foremost authorities on the history of the cocktail and one of the founders of the modern craft cocktail movement. Lew Bryson who is currently a Senior Drinks Writer for The Daily Beast, and is also a columnist for Craft Spirits magazine. He is the author of Tasting Whiskey. Steve Bashore who is the Director of Historic Trades and head distiller at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Sam Komlenic who has been the copy editor for Whisky Advocate magazine for 15 years, led and navigated the evening’s discussion. Old Overholt Bonded Straight Rye Whiskey welcomed all in attendance. Aleasha Monroe, head distiller, was introduced to the crowd. As dinner was served talk began of the history of whiskey and more particularly rye whiskey in Pennsylvania. For almost an hour an a half thoughts and facts were exchanged. Breaks were taken to toast the featured rye whiskeys from throughout the state. First Liberty Pole Rye Whiskey, followed by Stoll and Wolfe Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey and then Dad’s Hat Monogahela Rye Whiskey. For the first time West Overton Distilling Monogahela Rye Whiskey was tasted. The discussion got the most heated on the topic of what defines the Monoghahela style or brand. Listen to this episode as Aleasha and Sam deconstruct the festivities. We discuss some of the highlights and taste the 3 expressions that are now on sale only at West Overton Distilling.

Brewscuits is the sponsor of the podcast. Be sure to check them out at www.brewscuits.com. Type in Fermented Adventure at checkout to get 15% off your first order.

109 W. Overton Road, Scottdale, PA 15683 – (907) 229-7942 – www.westovertonvillage.org – Facebook

Available on:

🎧 Apple https://lnkd.in/eKFt8E3u

🎧 Google https://lnkd.in/ezUyG_nF

🎧 Spotify https://lnkd.in/eWCE2kEX

🎧iHeart Radio https://lnkd.in/e9iStfwg
and more…

Highlights from our discussion:

Distilled Spirits Council

Lisa Roper Wicker – Widow Jane Distillery

Vendome Copper and Brass Works

Leopold Brothers

Episode 74 – Wilson’s Secret Sauce – Steve Wilson

This episode features Steve Wilson of Wilson’s Secret Sauce.

It all began with barbecue competitions that were sponsored by Gary Maddox of the Philadelphia Phillies. The competition benefited Maddox’s charity Compete 360. Steve took first place in chicken and second place in ribs. Steve and Kelly met and they turned the BBQ passion into a thriving business. Their little catering company started to get high praise. As Steve puts it, “the secret to their sauce is love”. They characterize their style as Upper Darby Barbecue or UDBBQ. They provide options for vegans, vegetarians and gluten free diets as well. In this episode we talk whiskey and barbecue. Steve has been working on a maple bourbon barbecue sauce which highlights local craft ingredients. WARNING… this episode will make you hungry for what Wilson’s is cooking up.

Brewscuits is the sponsor of the podcast. Be sure to check them out at www.brewscuits.com. Type in Fermented Adventure at checkout to get 15% off your first order.

265 E Township Line Rd, Upper Darby, PA 19082 –(484) 453-8608

www.secresaucebbq.com – Facebook

Available on:

🎧 Apple https://lnkd.in/e3PUEUy5

🎧 Google https://lnkd.in/emNBxAY

🎧 Spotify https://lnkd.in/e64uwsFR

🎧iHeart Radio https://lnkd.in/eCGXe7mH

Highlights from our discussion:

Camp Out For Hunger

Caledonia Spirits

Cheat Day USA

Robert Irvine

Kru Coffee

Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery

Philly Grit

Diners Drive-ins and Dives

Taconic Distillery

Preston & Steve

Loch’s Maple Syrup

Linvilla Orchards

Philladelphia Magazine

Pennsylvania Distilling Co.

1675 Spirits

Episode 73 – Caledonia Spirits – Sam Nelis

This episode features Sam Nelis of Caledonia Spirits.

We met Amy Casale at the Philadelphia Flower Show in 2019. Dressed in a Bee costume, she introduced us to Barr Hill Gin and we immediately fell in love with the spirits. We finally made it up to Montpelier, Vermont the home of the Barr Hill lineup. The distillery was founded by a bee keeper, Todd Hardie. He is passionate about the land and agriculture, as well as, what bees were bringing to the area. Todd partnered with Ryan Christiansen who had a home-brew store. In the beginning they came together and produced mead. Soon, they began focusing their attention on gin which began winning awards. The honey takes center stage and leads the way to make their special spirits amazing. Bees, as Sam explains, are the Angels of Agriculture. We had a fantastic time sitting down with Sam and discussing all things Caledonia Spirits. This is most certainly a destination that you want to put on your travel bucket list.

We welcome Brewscuits as a sponsor of the podcast. Be sure to check them out at www.brewscuits.com. Type in Fermented Adventure at checkout to get 15% off your first order.

116 Gin Ln, Montpelier, VT 05602 –(802) 472-8000 – www.caledoniaspirits.com – Facebook

Available on:

🎧 Apple https://lnkd.in/eQMVG6sQ

🎧 Google https://lnkd.in/emNBxAY

🎧 Spotify https://lnkd.in/e3AmbD87

🎧iHeart Radio https://lnkd.in/eAVthqMA
and more…

Highlights from our discussion:

Philadelphia Flower Show

Bee The Change

Bees Knees Week

New York International Spirits Competition

Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Competition

Montpelier, VT

Episode 72 – Manatawny Still Works – Max Pfeffer

This episode features Max Pfeffer of Manatawny Still Works.

Max graduated Penn State University with a degree in chemical engineering. He began home brewing when he was in college. This led to him discovering the UC Davis Master Brewing program. His education and experience led him to a stint with Victory Brewing Company and then to Sly Fox Brewery. One day, Owner John Giannapoulas, called Max into his office. He approached Max about opening a distillery. Max knew beer but not distilled spirits. That was over 8 years ago. Today, not only does Max know distilling, he excels at it on a high level. He and his team are producing whiskeys that are incredible. What is coming out of the barrels now are spirits full of character, flavor and complexity. This is a must visit for craft spirit lovers. When you do you will become a fan for life.

We welcome Brewscuits as a sponsor of the podcast. Be sure to check them out at www.brewscuits.com. Type in Fermented Adventure at checkout to get 15% off your first order.

320 Circle Of Progress Dr Ste 104, Pottstown, PA 19464

(484) 624-8271 – www.manatawnystillworks.com – Facebook

Available on:

🎧 Apple https://lnkd.in/ebbzb4mr

🎧 Google https://lnkd.in/etxwe_Kf

🎧 Spotify https://lnkd.in/exqdwSM7

🎧iHeart Radio https://lnkd.in/eZGypEpS
and more…

Highlights from our discussion:

Piper Project

Whiskey Rebellion Trail

Philadelphia Whiskey Society

Kelvin Cooperage