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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 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

American Whiskey Convention

Stranahans

Old Line Spirits

Moonshine University

Makers Mark

Sly Fox Brewing Company

Victory Brewing

American Whiskey Convention 2021 – Part 2

Listen to part 2 of the interviews that we had with at this years American whiskey Convention.

This episode features our interviews from the American Whiskey Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  

It was recorded at the Independence Seaport Museum.

Available on:

🎧 Apple https://lnkd.in/e4NEf_r7

🎧 Google https://lnkd.in/e8s-MXQH

🎧 Spotify https://lnkd.in/eFR3P8tv

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

Highlights From our Discussion:

Copper Fox Distillery

Eight Oaks Farm Distillery

Catoctin Creek

Pennsylvania Farm Bureau

Gallows Hill Spirits

Uncle Nearest

Angel’s Envy

Middleton Mixology – Smoketop

Toast The Trees

Brown – Forman

Jack Daniels

Lehigh Valley Screampark

Salem Witch Trials

GWAR – Ragnarok Rye

Robin Robinson

Shenandoah National Park

Sperryville, VA

Williamsburg, VA

American Whiskey Convention 2021 – Part 1

Finally, the 16 month wait was over. The American Whiskey Convention 2021 was a major success. With over 250 whiskeys and bourbons to sample it was a hard decision on where to start. We got to meet and speak to some incredible people in the industry. Guests shared their observations on what their favorite picks were and who stood out as a surprise.

The theme this year was Whiskey on the Water and it was hosted by the Independence Seaport Museum. There were master distillers and experts on hand to share the latest stories and philosophies about all things whiskey. Discussion forums focused on the grain. The Convention was created by the Delaware Valley Fields Foundation in 2016. It pays homage to the farmers and those caretakers of the grains that we all love so much. Laura Fields worked tirelessly this year to make sure that the event was compliant with local covid rules. The event is an opportunity for novices and experienced whiskey aficionados alike to enjoy their own experience. The people that we spoke to came away with a fantastic experience. There is so much to see and do that you can’t possibly do it all in one evening.

Available on:

🎧 Apple https://lnkd.in/eUTUXQ-s

🎧 Google https://lnkd.in/eCWBQ5WF

🎧 Spotify https://lnkd.in/eDp8w562

🎧iHeart Radio https://lnkd.in/eqM2WSuG
and more…

Highlights From our Discussion:

George Washington’s Mount Vernon Distillery

Stoll & Wolfe

Delaware Valley Fields Foundation

Dick Stoll

Lititz, PA

A.H.Hirsch

Pernod Ricard USA

Jefferson’s Bourbon

Smooth Ambler

MGP

Contradiction

Heaven Hill Distillery

Evan Williams Small Batch

Larceny Small Batch

Rittenhouse Rye

Old Fitzgerald

Old Limestone Mixing Water

Episode 71 – Christmas City Spirits – Michael “Woody” Dombrosky

This episode features Michael Dombrosky of Christmas City Spirits.

It all began, when a group of 4 coworkers who were rugby players, got together to share their love of the history of Bethlehem, PA.  They formed the restaurant at Tavern at the Sun Inn.  The next step was to bring the spirits into the tavern.  Woody’s family has a long history of distilling in the coal regions of Pennsylvania.  His great grandmother would create Laudanum and make house calls to those with a variety of ailments.  His family has a storied past of making Rye Whiskey.  The owners crossed paths with Woody and they brought him on to distill their incredible spirits and unique recipes.  We learned so much sitting down with Woody and we had a great time enjoying his craft creations. 

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.

564 Main St, Bethlehem, PA 18018 – (484) 893-0590www.suninnbethlehem.orgFacebook

Available on:

🎧 Apple https://lnkd.in/eRZvJw3t

🎧 Google https://lnkd.in/e-nxP5Tg

🎧 Spotify https://lnkd.in/e3-WX2zh

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and more…

Highlights from our discussion:

Bethlehem, PA

Laudanum

Puerto Rico Distillery

Good Food Awards

MicroLiquor Spirit Awards

Ascot Awards

Easton Kuebler Lager Caves

Tito’s Vodka

Gallows Hill Spirits

Cold Springs Copper Works

Lehigh University

Steve Bashore

American Whiskey Convention

The Peoples Kitchen

Lenni Lenape

Episode 68 – Train Wreck Distillery – Aaron Diamond

This episode features Aaron Diamond of Train Wreck Distillery.

The seed of entrepreneurship was planted by Arron’s Grandfather, Norman Diamond.  At a very young age Aaron would help Norman make beer and wine.  After his grandfather passed, Aaron tried making his own beer and wine.  It just didn’t turn out the same.  According to Aaron it was not very good at all.  That’s when he thought it would be better to distill the bad product that he made.  He turned his sights to distilling.  He began taking classes with his father to learn how to distill.  Traveling all over the country and even London to gain the knowledge that the desired.  In 2014 they purchased a run down train station in Mount Holly.  Right on the banks of the Rancocas Creek.  In 2015 they started distilling and working on perfecting their recipes.  In July of 2017 they opened their door to the public.  Train Wreck is a vibrant distillery where people come for the spirits, the cocktails, the great entertainment and the lively banter.  From it’s humble beginnings this is no longer a train wreck but, a rousing success.     

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.

25 Madison Ave, Mt Holly, NJ 08060 – (609) 288-6300www.trainwreckdistillery.comFacebook

Available on:

🎧 Apple  https://lnkd.in/ev4hbVy

🎧 Google https://lnkd.in/eSgvZSr

🎧 Spotify https://lnkd.in/eTx3gMG

🎧iHeart Radio https://lnkd.in/eVN-w7h
and more…

Highlights from our discussion:

Sipsmith Gin

East London Liquor Company

Beefeater Gin

Spellbound Brewing

Auburn Road Vineyard

Little Water Distillery 

Bluecoat Gin

Stateside Vodka

Episode 67 – Puerto Rico Distillery – Angel and Crystal Rivera

This episode features Angel Rivera and Crystal Rivera of Puerto Rico Distillery.

Angel and Crystal opened the distillery in March of 2020, just as the Covid shutdown took effect.  The City of Frederick and the surrounding community has welcomed them with open arms.  It has been a great fit for everyone.  It wasn’t an easy decision at first.  But, when the Rivera’s made up their minds, they sold their home and moved to Frederick.  There is family and culture around Pitorro.  It is a Clandestine Rum that is Puerto Rican Moonshine.  This is the true Puerto Rican Rum passed down from generation to generation.  “Puerto Rican born and Maryland made.”  So, what is Pitorro?  Listen to the podcast episode and learn all about it.  

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.

1341 Hughes Ford Rd, Frederick, MD 21701 – (240) 457-4038www.puertoricodistilery.comFacebook

Available on:

🎧 Apple  https://lnkd.in/eJ8typb

🎧 Google https://lnkd.in/eupFAYV

🎧 Spotify https://lnkd.in/eHht-wG

🎧iHeart Radio https://lnkd.in/e4yq4vr
and more…

Highlights from our discussion:

Pitorro

Taneytown Liquors

The Wine Source

University of Maryland

Honey Bee Lab

Frederick, MD

Episode 65 – PA Libations – Arthur Etchells

This episode features Art Etchells of Pennsylvania Libations.

Pennsylvania Libations is opening their Philadelphia Location in the Reading Terminal Market.  It will feature over 20 craft producers in the State of PA and will offer over 100 different products.  The soft opening is set for the weekend of June 19th and 20th.  Just in time for Father’s Day.  PA Libations began in Pittsburgh just 4 years ago.  Christian Simmons is the brain child behind this incredible store that offers products created in Pennsylvania.  Philadelphia’s own Art Etchells is managing the location here in the RTM.  We enjoyed our time learning more about Art’s journey from Hockey Blogger to creating one of the most successful social media pages… Foobooz.  Art brings his vast experience in the craft wine and spirits industry and will help to showcase some of the best that PA has to offer.  Now locals and tourists alike have just one more reason to get to the Reading Terminal.

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.

51 North 12th Street Space #439 Philadelphia, PA 19107 www.palibations.comFacebook

Available on:

🎧 Apple https://lnkd.in/eHVQWkf

🎧 Google https://lnkd.in/emNBxAY

🎧 Spotify https://lnkd.in/e2Jn3Dh

🎧iHeart Radio https://lnkd.in/eJQnRe7
and more…

Highlights from our discussion:

Christian Simmons

Manatawny Still Works

Row House Spirits

Philadelphia Magazine

Artillery Brewing

Maggie’s Farm Rum Distillery

The Italian Market

Strip District

Reading Terminal Market

Thistle Finch Distillery

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