New Discoveries at the Restaurant and Bar Show 2022

April 1, 2022 by evebushman

Formerly NightClub and Bar Show (NCB), the pinnacle of conventions for those in the food and beverage industry, with 2022 brings a change in name: Bar and Restaurant Expo! Some of the highlights of the convention included the Conference, Expo, Nightlife, the World Tea Academy and of course Exhibits. The first few years I attended, before I retired Eve Bushman Consulting, I attended classes with amazing information on staff retention, preventing theft, troubleshooting and a challenging future. The last two years I’ve focused on the expo convention floor alone, searching out new products to share with readers. This year’s event, held last month at the Las Vegas Convention Center we discovered these the first night:

The “Welcome Kickoff Party”, open to all attendees of the Restaurant and Bar Expo, was at Sahara’s Azilo Pool where we sampled some of the beverages we would also have at the show. Our favorites included: Kurvball Original BBQ Whiskey that reminded me of chocolate-covered bacon at the county fair, Fireball cinnamon whiskey – for the first time – and on a shotski, bottled ready-to-drink XXI Espresso Martinis with a low ABV, Eddie got his hands on a canned Ciroc sparkling with Pina Colada flavors, my favorite low ABV canned cocktails by Chaco Flaco, Ignite Vodka was creamy and well balanced, and everything from Middle West Spirits especially their Dark Pumpernickel Rye – America’s first! Sahara did some food pairings too! Photos of that first night can be seen here.

At The Show

Did you think the pre-event party for the Bar and Restaurant Expo looked like fun? Well…shout outs to the incredible Meltdown Ice Press that will make the perfect sphere without a mess, Ignite Beverage Vodka made from corn that is super smooth, Saltwater Woody Grapefruit Rum was perfect all on its own, Middlewest Straight Aged Whiskey Dark Pumpernickel stole the show again, Royal Harvest Bordeaux Maraschino Cherries that aren’t the overly sweet cocktail cherries you are used to, Bulleit canned Manhattan cocktails, Beatties Distilleries sweet potato vodka and Kurvball BBQ Whiskey…to name a few! If you just want the story in photos click here, many more details are below:

Meltdown Ice Press: Met with Program Manager Tim Seese and Co-President Brian Steere as they mesmerized us with their perfect ice press. The one we currently own sends water all over our counter when we use it, not the Meltdown Ice Press as it has a handy basin to collect the excess water during the pressing and also only takes a minute. They have a single cube maker called VAMOOSE for the press, so having both = you are good to go with perfect “clarity and purity”.

Ignite Beverage Vodka: I liked this creamy, slightly sweet and well-balanced vodka distilled from corn. The company also had a line of tequilas that was very popular at the Expo.Saltwater Woody Grapefruit Rum: This American made rum, with real fruit juice, uses diluted saltwater to cut the proof. Makes for a rum that does have some salinity which is great for us that don’t want a cloyingly sweet spirit.

Saltwater Woody Rums, photo credit Ed Bushman

Middlewest Straight Aged Whiskey Dark Pumpernickel Rye: Middlewest had a great lineup of brown spirits – all “with ties to the Ohio River valley”, vodka and gin. This pumpernickel rye whisky was remarkably tasty. From their website, “Handcrafted from scratch, this signature spirit is made in small batches and barrel aged for over three years in new white American oak casks. It’s America’s first Dark Rye Pumpernickel Whiskey…”

Royal Harvest Bordeaux Maraschino Cherries: From Oregon Cherry Growers I discovered this Royal Harvest brand of Bordeaux Maraschino Cherries. There is the original Maraschino, the shiny red one used in most bars. Then there is the Luxardo dark cherry used in upscale bars. I challenge bars to try this Bordeaux Maraschino – it’s less sweet than the others, darker and frankly simply better tasting. Eddie will be doing a reduction sauce for steak with it too!

Bulleit canned Manhattan cocktails: With nice flavorings and 37.5 ABV, look for this at your local Total Wine store.

Beatties Distilleries sweet potato vodka: Want your plain clear vodka to come with a little bit of flavor? This slightly sweet potato vodka is the ticket.

Kurvball BBQ Whiskey: Tasting this truly was like having a piece of chocolate-covered bacon at the county fair. Later I sampled it in an Old Fashioned and a Bloody Mary, both were outstanding. This would make for a unique tasting, and conversation, at any bar.

PR%F Awards: Running into Executive Director Michele D. Tell at the PR%F booth was a surprise as I’ve been following the PR%F awards on Instagram for some time. Learned that all of their judges are buyers, which makes it extra attractive to spirit and wine brands. Don’t miss flipping through their magazine too.

Honorable Mentions

Soul Premium Cachaca had interesting Umami notes, which made it quite savory, and not a relative of the creamy rum drink that has a similar sounding name.

City Lights Shine is a moonshine made in Las Vegas. They had both the plain and fruit flavors. This is their interesting story, “CLS’s roots come straight out of NASCAR. Our distiller was a NASCAR Official who made the best Moonshine in the South. His partner was a NASCAR driver for over 20 years. Both at the end of their racing journey, decided to partner up and make the best of two worlds collide! What better place than the greatest city in America, Las Vegas, to show the world the best ‘Shine in America.”

The presentation alone of the “gravity infuser” by Stundenglass, a “chilled, water filtered smoke for delicate infusions” will surprise anyone. Make the smoke, then use over a cocktail or a charcuterie plate.

Mixed-Up Mule Canned Cocktail was a very tasty Mule. This description is from their Instagram, “Fresh, wild and delicious flavors made with booze, juice, and agave nectar, that’s it.”

One booth, with bottled spirits labeled under the name Blank Collective, is a graphic design and branding company that will make a private label spirit for you. They do the “development, procurement and productions services under one roof” which I thought was pretty cool.

All Vendors:

1 4wardPay
2 7shifts Restaurant Employee Scheduling
3 Aardvark Straws / Hoffmaster
4 AC RadioCom
5 Accel Entertainment
6 Ace Mystery Shopping
7 Adentro
8 ADJ Products
9 Air Comm Radio
10 American Beverage Marketers
11 ANUBIS by FACESCAN
12 Arryved POS
13 Artic Cold Tap
14 Associated Agencies Inc
15 ATM Headquarters
16 ATM Merchant Services
17 Atmosphere TV
18 Autofry
19 Backbar Solutions
20 Bar Business Magazine
21 BarChefs.com
22 Barfly® Mixology Gear
23 Bar-I
24 Barn Furniture Mart
25 BarPay
26 BarTrack
27 Barventory
28 Bbot
29 BeatBox Beverages
30 Beattie’s Distillers
31 Beer Tubes
32 Ben’s Friends
33 Berg Company
34 Bet Booth Inc.
35 Billboard Uniforms
36 Bissell Commercial
37 Black Box
38 Blank Collective by Endless West
39 Boiron Americas Inc
40 Book Tech Labs
41 Boundless Beverages
42 Cangshan Cutlery Company
43 Casa Maestri
44 Chaco Flaco
45 ChargerGoGo
46 Choya Umeshu USA INC
47 Citrus America, Inc.
48 City Shine

49 Clover

50 Coldsell Coolers
51 Control Play
52 Cool-A-Zone
53 CoolooBar
54 CORE: Children of Restaurant Employees
55 Craft Standard
56 CRU Franchising Company
57 Daisy Corsets
58 D-Color Printing Co
59 DEHY Garnish
60 Demitri’s Gourmet Mixes
61 Devault Enterprises, Inc.
62 Diageo
63 Digital Signage Experience
64 DJ Trivia & DJ Bingo
65 Drinique
66 East West Embroidery
67 Easy Tomorrow
68 Edwards Technologies
69 El Oro del Agave
70 El Yucateco Hot Sauces
71 ELMECO
72 ELO Touch Solutions
73 Emuamericas, llc
74 Enovation Brands Inc.
75 ERC Specialists
76 Essexx Collection Inc
77 Excel Dryer
78 FETCO
79 Flip Tray Co LLC
80 Focus POS Systems
81 Food and Beverage Magazine
82 Frosty Factory of America
83 Frylow
84 Funovation
85 G&G Closed Circuit Events
86 GC Pro
87 Ghost Ice
88 Ghost Tequila
89 Grandstand
90 Gravity Beverage
91 Greenprint
92 Grosfillex
93 GuestQueue
94 Happy Boy Distributor, Inc.
95 Heartland
96 Heineken Corporation
97 Holsag (Mity Inc)
98 Homia
99 Hormel Foodservice
100 Hoshizaki America, Inc. / Lancer
101 Howler Head Kentucky Banana Bourbon (Wooler Brands)
102 Hypemakerz
103 iCashout
104 Ice-O-Matic
105 Idiosyncratic Marketing
106 IDScan.net
107 Ignite
108 IGPM Distribution
109 Illuminated Trees
110 Industry Codes
111 Jackson Warewashing Systems
112 JetChill-Theatrical Molecular Mixology & Gastronomy
113 Joe Hand Promotions Inc
114 Jumbo Stuffed Tater Kegs
115 KBEAN
116 King of Sparklers
117 Kold Draft
118 Koloa Rum Company
119 Koolmax Monitoring Technology and Soda Gun Jetter
120 Last Call Trivia
121 Leslie
122 LineLeap
123 LIQS
124 Liquid Ice Energy Drink
125 LloydPans
126 LMD LLC
127 Lola Soap
128 Luxury Electronics
129 Manitowoc Ice
130 Marqii
131 Matador Foods
132 McGrath Events + A/V Services
133 me&u
134 MEGA-LITE
135 Meltdown
136 Melvin Brewing
137 Mexcor International Wine & Spirits
138 Middle West Spirits
139 Middleby Corporation
140 Middleton Mixology
141 Mighty Swell Spiked Seltzers
142 MistAmerica
143 Mixed-Up Mules by Little Toad Creek Distillery
144 Mobile Training
145 Moyer Diebel
146 Mr. Black Industry
147 NASA Searchlights
148 Navori
149 NEFT V odka
150 Nightcap
151 Nightclub Security Consultants
152 North American Beverage Company
153 Nouveau Creations
154 NuCO2
155 Ole Smoky Distillery
156 Open Water
157 Orange Door
158 Ovation Up
159 Ovention Inc
160 Pacific Coast Producers
161 Partender
162 PatronScan
163 PayFacto
164 Perlick Corporation
165 phade by Wincup
166 Pizcadores
167 PlantSwitch
168 Plate IQ
169 PMQ Pizza Magazine
170 Polycade
171 Precision Pours Inc.
172 Price Chopper Wristbands
173 Provi
174 QubicaAMF Bowling
175 RD USA
176 Reachify
177 Red Top Farms Powered by Premier Proteins
178 Redfern Enterprises Inc
179 Religion Tequila

189 Restaurant Technologies
190 RevoSpin
191 RFALV Services
192 Richtech Robotics
193 Ripples
194 Robot Coupe
195 Rockless Table
196 Roxi Spice
197 RX Music
198 Saltwater Woody Rum
199 SAVI x LG
200 Sayersbrook Bison Ranch
201 Sazerac
202 Scotsman
203 SevenRooms
204 Shift4
205 Shot Caller
206 Siempre Tequila
207 Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
208 Singa Karaoke
209 Sip Shine
210 Skechers USA Inc.
211 Skybox Sports Network
212 SlingStir
213 Smart Bar USA
214 SmartTab POS
215 Sound Stage Systems
216 SoundTube Entertainment
217 Sovereign Brands, LLC
218 Specifi Global
219 Spectrio
220 Spiked Boozy Sorbets
221 SpotOn
222 Sprockets
223 StarMed Benefits
224 Strategic Tax Planning
225 Stündenglass
226 Sunday App
227 Sunkist Foodservice Equipment
228 Sweet Mesquite Bakery
229 Tagrisk Insurance Services
230 Tailgating Specialties
231 Tar Foods
232 Ten of Twelve, LLC
233 The Cawley Company
234 The Fan’s Place
235 The Foghat Cocktail Smoker
236 The Kurvball Whiskey Company
237 The Perfect Puree of Napa Valley
238 Tiki Farm
239 TiNDLE
240 T-Mobile
241 Toast
242 Topo Chico
243 Total Touch Point of Sale
244 Trident Beverage/ Lazy Bay
245 True Brands
246 True Manufacturing Co. Inc.
247 Tubeaux
248 U R Stickers/Marketing Ideas Group
249 Uber Eats
250 Ultimate Bars
251 United Standard POS
252 UrthPact
253 US BeerSAVER Systems INC
254 US Bowling Corporation
255 Userve Inc.
256 Valley Dynamo
257 Virtual Dining Concepts-MrBeast Burger
258 VITO Fryfilter
259 VividLite Wireless LED Lighting
260 White Claw Hard Seltzer
261 Wonkyware
262 Wristband Resources
263 Wynn
264 WyreStorm
265 XXI Martinis
266 ZLight Technology

The Bar & Restaurant Expo announced the winners of the 2022 Industry Excellence Awards during a special awards ceremony. The Industry Excellence Awards, sponsored by sunday, recognize, celebrate, and support the people who make the independent bar and restaurant industry great.

The award recipients were selected by a panel of expert judges based on their talent, integrity and commitment to equality, sustainability, community, and culture across the industry. The Industry Excellence Awards are dedicated to recognizing, celebrating, and supporting the companies and individuals who make the independent bar and restaurant industry great.

2022 Winners of the Industry Excellence Awards:

Bartender of the Year- Josh Davis, Brown & Balanced, IL
- A bartender of exemplary performance, skill, and dedication, both behind the bar and beyond it. This person has worked tirelessly to improve their bar program, their bar culture, and the industry at large, serving as a positive example for other beverage professionals.
Chef of the Year- Rhonda McCullar, Uchi Dallas, TX
- A chef who has dedicated themselves to culinary excellence, as well as sustainable, ethical practices and inclusive culture. This individual sets high personal and professional standards for food professionals across the industry, behind the pass and beyond it.
Cocktail Bar of the Year- well, Austin, TX
- A cocktail bar that consistently demonstrates exceptional hospitality, creativity, training, culture and service. The Cocktail Bar of the Year has a unique identity and has established itself as a leader within the category.
Community Leadership Awards- Jeremy and Natalee Price, Taste of Tuscany Ristorante, CA
- This award is open to anyone in F&B who has demonstrated outstanding contributions and dedication to bettering their local community, and by extension, the F&B community at large.
Innovator of the Year- Christie Lawler, The WITI Group, TXAND Lindsey Johnson, Lush Life Productions, NY
- This award is open to anyone in F&B who tirelessly moves the industry forward, pushing existing boundaries and establishing new foundations for the industry to build upon that are both equitable and sustainable.
LGBTQ Venue of the Year- Downtown Olly’s, Indianapolis, IN
- This bar or restaurant consistently delivers exceptional hospitality, creativity and service, while championing the LGBTQ community. The LGBTQ Venue of the year fully epitomizes what it means to be an LGBTQ Venue and has a demonstrated history of supporting the queer community.
Most Original Concept- Cosmic Gorilla, Cincinnati, OH
- A new or rebranded bar or restaurant that breaks the mold of convention, creating an exciting, new standard likely to make a significant impact in years to come. (Must have launched or re-branded in 2021)
Operator of the Year- Barbara Sibley, La Palpa / Holiday Cocktail Bar, NY
- A bar/restaurant owner dedicated to exemplary hospitality, creative entrepreneurship, ethical business practices and the betterment of the industry at large. This person serves as a role model, paving the way for a better future for F&B.
Restaurant of the Year- Lumi, San Diego, CA
- A restaurant that consistently demonstrates exceptional hospitality, creativity, culture and service. This venue boasts a unique atmosphere, thoughtful F&B offerings, and a training program. The Restaurant of the Year has established itself as a leader in the community and has made a significant impact within the industry.
Sports Bar of the Year- Dawg House Saloon & Sports Book, Las Vegas, NV
- A place that embodies the spirit of the category, including excellence across design, F&B offerings, training, events and community engagement. The Sports Bar of the Year has a unique brand identity and has established itself as a leader within the category.

The winners were presented with a beautiful custom award and a VIP Ticket to attend the Expo in 2023. Winners are also eligible to become part of the judging panel moving forward.

For more information about the 2022 Bar & Restaurant Expo, visit barandrestaurantexpo.com. Bar and Restaurant Expo will return to Las Vegas on March 27-29, 2023.

About Bar & Restaurant Expo

Bar & Restaurant Expo, formerly known as Nightclub & Bar Show, has continued to evolve to mirror the fast-paced, trend-setting nature of the hospitality industry. The event has been providing the specific tools that bar and restaurant owners, operators, and managers need to grow their businesses, compete, and succeed in this hyper-competitive and dynamic industry. The Bar & Restaurant Group is a division of the Questex Hospitality Group which also produces VIBE Conference, World Tea Conference & Expo, and daily content on barandrestaurant.com. Follow Bar & Restaurant on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest industry news and trends.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

California Cowboy Whiskey and Moonshine Bandits have announced their partnership to launch Bucked Up Bourbon

December 19, 2021 by evebushman

LOS ANGELES (PRWEB) – California Cowboy Whiskey and Moonshine Bandits have announced their partnership to launch Bucked Up Bourbon. This straight bourbon is smooth tasting and behaves with the same maturity and poise of a veteran aged spirit, but still has the kick and flavor of an outlaw whiskey.

Moonshine Bandits

“Over the years we have consumed thousands of gallons of whiskey in every dive bar, saloon, and biker festival all across America, but it wasn’t until we taste tested California Cowboy’s whiskeys that we felt there was a bourbon worthy of the MSB brand,” commented Big Tex from Moonshine Bandits. “We would put Bucked Up Bourbon against any other brand. Our bourbon is super smooth and built for anyone that lives life on the edge. Let’s get Bucked Up!”

Jeff Szafarski from California Cowboy Whiskey added, “At California Cowboy Whiskey we have collaborated with many great people over the years but we could not be more excited than to be working with Moonshine Bandits. Driven by our shared love for whiskey and a good time, we created something truly special with Bucked Up.”

California Cowboy Whiskey is a whiskey brand inspired by the persistent, independent, and determined. True to the craft, our high-quality whiskeys are aged for a minimum of two years in newly charred American oak barrels with no added flavors or coloring.

California Cowboy Whiskey is proud to give back and be a voice for America’s wild horses. They have partnered with the Wild Horse Sanctuary in Shingletown, California, which has been rescuing unwanted wild horses since 1978. With a mission to protect and preserve America’s wild horses as a living national treasure, the sanctuary provides 5,000 acres of lush mountain meadow and forest land for these animals to live out their days. With every purchase of California Cowboy products, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to help preserve and give a home to wild horses.

Moonshine Bandits are a national touring band with over 200,000,000 YouTube views and Billboard charting Country albums that have debuted at the top of iTunes and Amazon charts. The group’s blue-collar work ethic and unwavering persistence have helped them land the #1 spot on CMT.com and garnered press attention from the likes of Rolling Stone, Billboard, Yahoo, Kerrang!, Loudwire, Taste of Country, and the Digital Journal. Connecting with fans on all levels, Moonshine Bandits have built a solid “Shiner Nation” of loyal fans, established Operation Packing Company, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that specializes in sending supplies to our Troops overseas, produced beef jerky and legal moonshine. Moonshine Bandits won a 2018 Telly Award for their “Take This Job” music video featuring David Allan Coe.

Ole Smoky Distilleries Welcomed A Record 4.1 Million Visitors Last Year

March 21, 2019 by evebushman

GATLINBURG, Tenn. (PRWEB) – According to on-premise traffic counters, Ole Smoky’s three East Tennessee distilleries welcomed 4.1 million visitors in 2018. The Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler in Gatlinburg welcomed over 2 million visitors; Gatlinburg’s Ole Smoky Whiskey Barrelhouse welcomed over 900,000; and the company’s Pigeon Forge distillery, The Barn, welcomed 1.1 million.

By comparison, Ole Smoky entertains more than twice as many guests as all of Scotland’s distilleries combined. According to publicly available data, Scotland’s 74 whiskey distilleries saw 1.9 million attendees in 2017. Ole Smoky’s 4.1 million visitors is also more than three times the 1.2 million people who visit the Kentucky Bourbon Trail’s 10 distilleries each year.

Each Ole Smoky distillery location includes working stills and fermentation tanks and an expansive visitor experience, including self-guided tours, tastings, live music, and large retail shops featuring Ole Smoky moonshine, whiskey, apparel, accessories and food.

Named the largest craft distiller in the U.S. by the IWSR, Ole Smoky Moonshine is also the No. 1 selling moonshine brand in the world and Nielsen indicates that Ole Smoky’s market share is over twice that of its nearest competitor.

“Our impressive visitor numbers speak not only to the attraction of the greater Smoky Mountain area, but also to the focused attention we’ve placed on the entire distillery visitor experience. From the quality and variety of our moonshine and whiskey products, to our attractive merchandise and live music, we want visitors to experience the full spectrum of our ‘C’Mon Live a Little’ motto,” explains Robert Hall, CEO of Ole Smoky Distillery LLC “It’s great to see people visiting and enjoying Gatlinburg and the surrounding area. We look forward to introducing even more visitors to the Ole Smoky experience when our Nashville location opens later this year.”

About Ole Smoky® Distillery LLC:
Ole Smoky is the leading distiller of premium moonshine in the world and the first federally licensed distillery in the history of East Tennessee. Founded in 2010, Ole Smoky’s roots can be traced to the Smoky Mountains’ earliest settlers, families who produced moonshine with enduring pride and Appalachian spirit.
buy female viagra online https://pridedentaloffice.com/wp-content/themes/Divi/includes/new/female-viagra.html no prescription

In 2009, Tennessee laws changed, and suddenly, it was legal to make, distill and sell the infamous and illicit moonshine the region had become known for — and Ole Smoky was born, with products crafted from a century-old recipe. In 2016, Ole Smoky debuted its line of premium whiskeys, many of which have been launched nationally.

Today, Ole Smoky retails globally and offers more than 25 creative moonshine flavors and 17 inventive whiskey flavors. Ole Smoky can be found at the company’s distilleries, online, in grocery and liquor stores nationwide, as well as in on-premise establishments, including some of the biggest music and sporting venues in the country. The Ole Smoky product line also includes a wide array of branded apparel, gifts, accessories, plus whiskey- and moonshine-flavored food items, including barbecue sauces, hot sauces and dips.

Ole Smoky distilleries are the most visited in the world. Each year, more than four million people visit Ole Smoky’s three famed East Tennessee distilleries: The Holler, The Barrelhouse and The Barn.
buy viagra soft online https://pridedentaloffice.com/wp-content/themes/Divi/includes/new/viagra-soft.html no prescription

In 2019, Ole Smoky will open a fourth location in Nashville.

For more information, please visit http://www.olesmoky.com and follow Ole Smoky on social media @olesmoky.
Shine Responsibly®

Now Open: The Underground, The Mob Museum’s Prohibition History Exhibition

May 20, 2018 by evebushman

LAS VEGAS (PRWEB) – The Mob Museum, The National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, today announces the opening of The Underground, its new Prohibition history exhibition featuring a working distillery and speakeasy. Zappos.com serves as The Underground’s signature sponsor.

The Mob Museum is located in downtown Las Vegas, Nevada.

Entirely re-envisioning the typical museum exhibition experience, The Underground takes visitors on an uncommonly vivid journey back in time: Situated discreetly in the basement of the Museum, The Underground encompasses 2,814 square feet appointed with luxurious, Art Deco design motifs. Guests of The Underground are encouraged to ponder the time when consuming alcohol was not only a criminal act, but also bred secret watering holes–some of which became the most glamorous places to be.

“We are extremely proud of this addition to the Museum, which was developed to tell the story of this pivotal period of American history in the most dynamic way possible,” said Jonathan Ullman, president and chief executive officer, The Mob Museum. “To our many supporters whose contributions made The Underground possible, we extend enormous gratitude.”

The Museum’s project team for The Underground included LG Architects, design firm Gallagher and Associates, historic consultant Robert Chattel of Chattel, Inc., custom fabricator CREO Industrial Arts, the City of Las Vegas and Core Construction.

Numerous exhibits and artifacts found in the distillery and speakeasy add depth and context to the experience. Exhibits and artifacts on display bring to life the essence of a time that saw organized crime syndicates grow richer and more powerful than ever before, while giving rise to great cultural and societal change.

Artifacts on display include:

Five-gallon whiskey still, an example of one of the smaller home stills used to make alcohol during Prohibition.
Valise with hidden flasks produced by Abercrombie & Fitch, with a brass stud on its base that, when swiveled, reveals a tiny keyhole. Once unlocked, the false bottom opens to reveal three silver flasks.
One-gallon “alky cooker” like those used by impoverished families employed by Chicago’s Genna brothers to make small batches of liquor in their homes.
Grape brick sign, which advertised the blocks of grape concentrate sold in grocery stores. These blocks could be combined with water to make grape juice. Of course, yeast could be added, the mixture poured into a bottle, the bottle corked and, three weeks later—voila!—home-made wine.
Budweiser frozen eggs, which along with more than 25 other non-alcoholic products, carried Anheuser Busch’s most popular brand name during Prohibition. Other products included soft drinks, malt extract, corn syrup and truck bodies. The frozen eggs were sold in 30-pound canisters and stabilized with sugar and salt.
Beaded chiffon dress, circa 1926, which provides an example of the new and bolder fashions that became popular during the Prohibition era due to the rise of flapper culture.

A unique aquarium exhibit, produced in conjunction with The Animal Planet series “Tanked,” tells the story of the 1922 sinking of the Lizzie D, a tug boat believed to have moonlighted as a rum runner, off the coast of Fire Island, New York. The 440-gallon tank memorializes the discovery of the sunken vessel in 1977, which was indeed found to be carrying crates containing hundreds of bottles of Kentucky bourbon, Scotch whisky and Canadian rye whisky.

Master Distiller in Residence George Racz, oversees the initial production of corn-mash moonshine in The Underground’s 60-gallon, custom-made copper-pot still. Capable of producing 250 750 ml jars of moonshine per week, the gleaming still forms the focal point of the distillery.

In the speakeasy, The Underground’s moonshine provides the centerpiece of the cocktail collection, while a full bar is also available. The speakeasy cocktail menu includes typical Prohibition cocktails such as Bee’s Knees, Underground Old Fashioned, Ginger Jake and Giggle Water. A variety of coffee cocktails, draft beer, bottled beer, wines by the glass and non-alcoholic cocktails are also available.

Finally, for private groups and intimate events, a VIP hideaway called “The Fitting Room,” concealed by a secret entrance off the speakeasy, can accommodate up to 12 guests.

Entrance to The Underground at The Mob Museum is free with general Museum admission until 5 p.m.; guests who wish to visit just The Underground after 5 p.m. may enter via its exterior side entrance free of charge until closing. The new hours of the Museum, including The Underground, are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday through Wednesday, and 9 a.m. until midnight, Thursday through Saturday.

For even more information about Prohibition, visit the Museum’s online exhibit at prohibitionhistory.org. Photos are available for download here.

ABOUT THE MOB MUSEUM
The Mob Museum, the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, provides a world-class, interactive journey through true stories—from the birth of the Mob to today’s headlines. The Mob Museum offers a provocative, contemporary look at these topics through hundreds of artifacts and immersive storylines. Whether you like it or not, this is American history. It debuted a major renovation in 2018, including a Crime Lab, Use of Force Training Experience, and Organized Crime Today exhibit as well as The Underground, a basement-level Prohibition history exhibition featuring a working speakeasy and distillery and sponsored by Zappos. Since opening in 2012, The Mob Museum has accumulated numerous accolades, including being named one of TripAdvisor’s “Top 25 U.S. Museums,” one of Las Vegas Weekly’s “Twenty Greatest Attractions in Las Vegas History,” one of Hotel.com’s Top 7 “Travel Brag Landmarks,” one of USA Today’s “12 Can’t Miss U.S. Museum Exhibits,” “A Must for Travelers” by The New York Times, one of “20 Places Every American Should See” by Fox News and Budget Travel magazine, “Best Museum” by Nevada Magazine and is a multi-year winner of the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s “Best of Las Vegas” rankings. The Mob Museum has been awarded accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums, the highest national recognition afforded U.S. museums. General admission is $26.95 for adults ages 18 and over with special pricing for online purchase, children, seniors, military, law enforcement, Nevada residents, and teachers. The Museum is open daily; visit the website for up-to-date operating hours. For more information, call (702) 229-2734 or visit https://themobmuseum.org. Connect on Facebook at facebook.com/themobmuseum or Twitter @themobmuseum.

Ole Smoky Distillery Receives 2017 “Hot Brand” Award

April 18, 2018 by evebushman

GATLINBURG, Tenn. (PRWEB) – Ole Smoky®, the world’s most awarded moonshine company, has been named a 2017 Impact Hot Brand by M. Shanken Communications, a leading publisher in the U.S. Wine & Spirits industry known for such magazines as Wine Spectator, Impact, Market Watch, and Cigar Aficionado.

“It is a huge honor to receive this award,” says Robert Hall, CEO of Ole Smoky. “We are all aiming to build a world class spirits brand, and this award is recognition of all of our efforts. We are proud of what we have accomplished to date, pleasing so many consumers with our great products, and will continue working for greater success in the future.”

The Hot Brand Award is given to both established and upcoming brands that have reached a minimum depletion number of 200,000 cases, and whose volume has grown at least 10% in each of the past three calendar years or at least 15% in 2017.

This award comes at a very exciting time for Ole Smoky. The company is not just growing its moonshine sales, but taking the brand to the next level with the late 2017 national launch of its whiskey product line. Mango Habanero is listed on menus at multiple on-premise locations, the demand for Salty Caramel Whiskey has far exceeded expectations, and Ole Smoky’s 5 year aged Straight Tennessee Bourbon Whiskey is among the highest quality product of its type in the market today.

Ole Smoky’s three distilleries in East Tennessee have been a source of competitive advantage to build awareness and trial of the company’s products, while educating consumers about the deep heritage and authenticity of the brand. Sales have been strongest in the states within a few hundred miles of these distilleries, but are now growing rapidly in many states further afield. This success has inspired the company to start building a 4th location in Nashville, which is targeted to open later in 2018, further fueling the growth of the brand.

“We are very excited to have our efforts in building such a strong brand recognized by receiving the 2017 Impact Award,” says Michael Bender, President of Wholesale at Ole Smoky. “Our numbers have been incredible these past few years. We are motivated to continue setting and reaching higher goals.”

Ole Smoky will receive their award at the Impact & Market Watch Hot Brand Awards Reception, held during the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) 75th Annual Convention & Exposition in Las Vegas on May 1, 2018.

For more information about Ole Smoky and a list of other awards the company has achieved visit http://www.olesmoky.com

About Ole Smoky® Distillery LLC:
Ole Smoky is the leading distiller of premium moonshine in the U.S. and the first federally licensed distillery in the history of East Tennessee. The company’s roots can be traced to the early settlers of the Smoky Mountains. In 2009, (when the law in Tennessee changed and suddenly, it was legal to make, distill and sell the infamous bootlegger’s hooch), a group of families decided to bring their artistry of superior moonshine making to the world at large.

Over 3.9 million people annually visit Ole Smoky’s 3 famed East Tennessee distilleries: Holler™, Barrelhouse™ and Barn™. The Holler™ see’s over 2 million visitors per year making it the most visited distillery in the world. In 2018, Ole Smoky will open a 4th location in Nashville.

Ole Smoky now retails globally and offers more than twenty creative flavors crafted from authentic family recipes. Ole Smoky can be found in grocery and liquor stores, as well as in on-premise establishments including some of the biggest music and sporting venues in the country.

For more information, please visit http://www.olesmoky.com and find them on social media @olesmoky.

Shine Responsibly®

Ole Smoky Distillery, Yee-Haw Brewing & Music City Roots Have Teamed up

January 8, 2018 by evebushman

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (PRWEB) – Ole Smoky Distillery, the leading craft distiller of Moonshine and home of the world’s most visited distillery, announced today that they are expanding their East TN presence by joining forces with Yee Haw Brewing Company, one of Tennessee’s top craft breweries. In collaboration with Music City Roots, they will collectively open an entertainment complex in Nashville’s burgeoning area of SoBro. The venue, currently being called 6th & Peabody will feature a distillery, brewery, live music, bars, tasting rooms, beer & bottle shops and merchandise. Visitors will be able to enjoy cocktails by the glass, as well as purchase jars of moonshine and bottled beer for enjoyment at home. Doors are scheduled to open in the second half of 2018.

“We are all very excited about this new endeavor,” says Joe Baker, Owner of Yee-Haw Brewing Company and Founder of Ole Smoky Distillery. “By providing guests with the best of Tennessee music, beer and moonshine, in a comfortable setting, we are confident that our newest venue will do extremely well in Nashville.”

The announcement of the multidimensional property comes after years of planning the overall concept. Having a brewery and distillery under the same roof will give visitors a unique experience with something that appeals to every individual, which is what the companies always envisioned. On any given day, there will be at least six beers on tap, and ten moonshine flavors being poured.

Along with experiencing a unique drinking occasion, guests will also enjoy authentic, world–renowned musical performances. Music City Roots, will be curating the live music talent and entertainment for the venue. Music will be presented day and night with an intimate performance area in the tasting room, a full-production concert stage in the main hall, as well as a broadcast studio for WMOT Roots Radio 89.5 FM. In order to build anticipation for the new venue, Music City Roots will be hosting a “Roots on the Road” campaign where they will go to various venues in Nashville, performing and spreading the word about the new location.

“Music City Roots looks forward to continuing to export the diversity and quality of our musical culture to a national and international audience from the heart of Nashville. We are honored to expand our long-term relationship with the great folks at Yee Haw and Ole Smoky by opening what will be an iconic and authentic addition to Music City,” says executive producer Todd Mayo.

“The heart of this partnership is our shared goal to curate a world-class listening environment, and present the music with the utmost respect for the artists that create it. In addition to being a live venue, it will be fully equipped for HD video broadcast, state-of-the-art live audio recording and radio broadcast”, says executive producer John Walker.

Baker and team will be transforming a warehouse currently standing on a 12k square foot property located in SoBro, also known as the South Six District. Currently the area is surrounded by a number of apartment buildings and hotels in development, which means there will be a need for more entertainment facilities for these residents and guests to enjoy. SoBro is a short walk and easily accessible from the popular “Lower Broadway” strip, the Music City Convention Center, and Bridgestone Arena.

“It makes sense for Ole Smoky and Yee-Haw to team up and create a space where all of our fans can enjoy themselves outside of our East Tennessee home base,” says Robert Hall CEO of Ole Smoky. “Both brands have a strong presence in the state and by joining forces we can offer great entertainment and a wide variety of beverages to fit every taste.”

This facility will be Yee-Haw’s second location and Ole Smoky’s fourth location.

Details about the bottle shops and tasting room (including a full beer and moonshine list, hours, events, and more) will be available soon. For more information about Ole Smoky please visit http://www.olesmoky.com. For more information about Yee-Haw please visit http://www.yeehawbrewing.com. For more information about Music City Roots please visit http://www.musiccityroots.com.

About Yee-Haw Brewery Co:
Founded in 2015, Yee-Haw Brewing Co is a craft brewery and tap room located in a historic railroad depot built in the late 1800’s in Johnson City, TN. Yee-Haw quickly grew from a start up to one of the southeast’s fastest growing craft breweries. Best known for their World Beer Cup award-winning Dunkel, Yee-Haw Brewing’s reputation for high quality ales and lagers is built on their commitment to using only the finest ingredients.

Yee-Haw is an expression of exuberance, a celebration of life, and a commitment to adventure. They’re serious about making great beer and improving the lives of those around them. Whether it is their commitment to a local nature conservancy, reviving a local outdoor concert series, supporting local art programs, or helping a local bike club raise money to build new trails, Yee-Haw is part of that experience. Remember, you’ll say it when you drink it, and cheers to the good times.

About Music City Roots:
Founded in October of 2009, Music City Roots is a weekly live musical variety radio show hosted by Grammy winning “Mr Americana” artist, Jim Lauderdale. Streamed live every week online to a global audience and airing on over 25 radio stations, Music City Roots has aired nationally in 75% of the United States on public television. Roots was created to shine a light on the variety and diversity of American Music. Roots has hosted Grammy winning artists like Chris Stapleton , Sturgill Simpson, Emmylou Harris as well as iconic American acts like The Doobie Brothers and features a weekly emerging artist as well. A community of fan’s, bands and brands, Music City Roots hearkens back to the golden age of live radio utilizing traditional and present platforms of discovery: radio, television, and streaming both live and on demand.

About Ole Smoky Distillery LLC:
Ole Smoky is the leading distiller of premium moonshine in the U.S. and the first federally licensed distillery in the history of East Tennessee. The company’s roots can be traced to the early settlers of the Smoky Mountains. In 2009, the law in Tennessee changed and suddenly, it was legal to make, distill and sell the infamous bootlegger’s hooch. It was at that point that a group of families decided to bring their artistry of superior moonshine making to the world at large.

And the world welcomed it. Ole Smoky was named an Impact Hot Brand by M. Shanken Communications, a leading publisher in the U.S. wine & spirits industry. The Hot Brand Award is given to both established and upcoming brands that achieve double-digit growth in each of the past three years, with a minimum of 200,000 cases. Additionally, people from all over the world visit the famed Gatlinburg Distillery, The Holler™, to see and experience how Ole Smoky moonshine is made. Since it’s opening in July of 2010, Ole Smoky Distillers have opened two more locations with The Barn™ in 2013 and the Barrelhouse™ in 2015, which produces the company’s new whiskey line that just launched nationally in Fall 2017. 2018 will mark the opening of the company’s fourth distillery in Tennessee.

Ole Smoky now retails globally and offers more than twenty creative flavors crafted from authentic family recipes. And while Ole Smoky has long been enjoyed on the porch from the jar or the jug, Ole Smoky now finds itself mixed in handcrafted cocktails of the finest order in establishments across the U.S. including at some of the biggest music and sporting venues in the country.

For more information, please visit http://www.olesmoky.com and find them on social media @olesmoky.

Shine Responsibly®

How I Know it’s Spring: Newhall Refinery Spring Cocktail Rollout Offers New Spirits and More

March 18, 2016 by evebushman

Newhall Refinery has kind of set the bar on the craft cocktail movement in Santa Clarita Valley. I applaud earlier efforts made by Mojitos, SAKE, Mixers and Roman Holiday. And, just so you know it’s not always Newhall Refinery for me, I also appreciate the cocktails at Le Chene, Salt Creek Grille, The Social and others. (And all of the vendors already signed up to participate in Cocktails on the Roof!)

But, though they all offer a Moscow Mule, a Manhattan, and the like, Newhall Refinery has raised the bar by offering spirits, liqueurs, juices and even techniques not always found on the everyday bar list. These include, from the current menu:

Hangar One Vodka

“Spanked” Basil leaves

Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey

White Orchard Syrup

Whistle Pig 100-proof Rye

Vya Sweet Vermouth

Cassis Noir De Bourgogne

Abbott’s Bitters

Kimo Sabe Mezcal

White grapes

Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur

Cilantro

Rittenhouse Rye

Luxardo Cherry

Hakushu 12-year-old Japanese Whiskey

Hendricks Gin

Aloe Vera Juice

Angostura Rum

Shipwrecked Spiced Rum

Sam Smith Strawberry Ale

House made fruit leather

Fernet-Branca Digestif

Camus Cognac

Ugly Monkey Moonshine

Fever Tree Tonic

Teelings Irish Whiskey

Suerte Blanco Tequila

So now, lets get to my review:

Bartender Peter Nguyen (Watch this 90-second YouTube slide show to see him in action.) used his expertise to make samples of several of the new cocktail menu items, utilizing every item in the list above. He “spanked” some basil to bring out its flavor, created an Aperitif that would tickle anyone’s appetite, shaved chocolate over the finale…and then some.

The 2016 Spring Cocktail list, and my comments on each that we sampled are noted with *, is below:

Juice Box

Angostura Rum

Sam Smith Strawberry Ale

Orange Juice

Sprite

½ oz. Cassis Noir De Bourgogne

Fruit leather

*Can you say innovative? Adding a little fruit leather to this lovely fruit-filled libation was interesting and fun. Appealing to the child in us all, especially with the flavors of Jolly Rancher Strawberry hard candy that I got. Reminded me of a Mai Tai with a twist.

Clarity

Barr Hill Gin

White Orchard Syrup

Aloe Vera Juice

Fever Tree Tonic

Lime wheels

*One of my favorites of the night, this is not your average G & T. The aloe vera gave it a distinctly different and wholly appealing flavor. Peter called it “a spring G & T option” and I enjoyed it for its sweetness and crispy bite.

Ain’t Life Grape

Hangar One Vodka

White grapes (or red)

Blueberries

Spanked Basil Leaves

Simple Syrup

Lemon Juice (or ¾ oz.)

Blueberry, grape, blueberry

*Loved the used of green grapes, so refreshing. Subtler and less sweet for those that don’t want a sweet cocktail. This was another I would order again.

Bourbon Bramble

Evan Williams Whiskey

St Germain Liqueur

Cassis Noir De Bourgogne

Lemon Wedge

*Make my brown spirit cocktail pink? Blasphemy! But…oh so good. I found it lingering on the palate, and Peter added, “Yes, it definitely lingers, and in the best way possible.”

Poco Pica

Ancho Reyes Liqueur

Kimo Sabe Mezcal

Cucumber Slices

Cilantro

Agave Nectar

Lime wedge, Orange Juice, Sprite

*This was the group’s favorite of the night. And Peter said they were probably going to serve it with a side of sliced cucumber and a dish of chile powder. Like a better Maggie from your fave Mexican restaurant, this one had just the right juxtaposition of fresh appeal and spice.

Extended Vacation

Tia Maria Coffee Liqueur

Mt Gay Dark Rum

Half n Half

Shaved chocolate

*Dessert plain and simple – but not really. Peter called it “adult chocolate milk” and all I could think of was Kahlua and milk taken up a giant notch. For the person that doesn’t have room for dessert, but can’t resist it anyway, order this.

“Refine” your Wine

Hendricks Gin

Raspberry puree

Simple Syrup

Raspberries

*Reminded me of a Bellini, but fresher and with the kick of juniper-cucumber –rose petal infused Hendricks Gin.

Aperitivo

Cassis Noir De Bourgogne

Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur

Soda Water

*We started with this little treat. And it did the job as, again the juxtaposition of heat (the chile liqueur) and sugar (cassis) tickled my taste buds into submission. I wanted this after dinner too. The flavors from the chile liqueur were very reminiscent of tamarind candy, and quite remarkable.

Around the World

Whiskey Flight

– ¾ oz. each of

Teelings Irish

Hakushu Japanese

Whistle Pig, North American

*These I did sample, the last two require a little bit of water in my opinion to open up the flavors and reduce any harshness (often done) however, the Teelings did not. All excellent and definitely on my list when I can’t dare choose between the three. If you haven’t had these it’s a must.

(*We didn’t sample the Moscow Mule, Old Fashioned or Rye Manhattan as they are not new, just favorites that weren’t removed. I’ve ordered and enjoyed them several times and I’m happy they remained on the menu!)

Moscow Mule

Hangar One Vodka

Mint leaves

Lime wedge

Fever Tree Ginger Beer

Mint Sprig, Lime Wedge

Old Fashioned

Evan Williams Bourbon

Orange wheel

Luxardo Cherry

Simple syrup

Bitters

Luxardo cherry

Rye Manhattan

Rittenhouse Rye

Vya Sweet vermouth, divided

Bitters

Luxardo Cherry

Also available:

Mimosa

Bloody Mary

Red Sangria

More Scoops

Rumors of beer flavored ice cream and an in-restaurant barrel aged Manhattan program…

Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® Welcomes Peerless, Hartfield & Co. Distilleries

November 26, 2015 by evebushman

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced that Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. in Louisville and Hartfield & Co. Distillery in Paris are the two newest members of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour^®.

A total of 10 micro distilleries now comprise the tourism adventure that was founded in 2012 to complement the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experience. Nearly 100,000 people visited a participating craft tour distillery last year.

“Craft distilleries are a thriving part of our signature industry and are increasingly vital to the future of our iconic spirit,” KDA President Eric Gregory said. “They are the next generation, and we’re all extremely proud of their growth and success.”

Corky Taylor and his son, Carson, have revived the Kentucky Peerless brand that their ancestor, Henry Kraver of Henderson County, made famous in the 1880s. The new state-of-the-art distillery opened in June and is located at 120 North 10^th Street in downtown Louisville.

“Kentucky Peerless is proud to join the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour, and we look forward to sharing our grain-to-bottle experience with Bourbon enthusiasts from all over the world,” Corky Taylor said. “It’s an honor to be part of such a wonderful organization.”

Kentucky Peerless is producing Bourbon, rye and a new “Lucky” moonshine. Tours are conducted Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.kentuckypeerless.com.

Andrew Buchanan and his wife, Larissa, became the first licensed distiller in Bourbon County since 1919 when they opened The Gentleman Distillery last year. They recently changed the name to Hartfield & Co. to reflect their family’s distilling heritage in Green County in the 1800s.

“Joining the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour was one of our original goals when all of this was just a dream,” Buchanan said. “It’s the culmination of a lot of hard work and effort. Being counted among some of the best distillers in the country is a true honor.”

The distillery, located at 718 Main Street in Paris, specializes in whiskies and rums. Tours are available Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit www.hartfieldandcompany.com for more information.

Adam Johnson, Director of the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail^® experiences, said, “Adding experiences in both Louisville and Bourbon County adds to the appeal of the craft tour for visitors looking to learn more about the state’s distilling past and innovative future.”

Other participating craft tour distilleries are Barrel House in Lexington; Corsair Artisan, Bowling Green; Limestone Branch, Lebanon; MB Roland, Pembroke; New Riff, Newport; Old Pogue, Maysville; Wilderness Trail, Danville; and Willett Distillery, Bardstown.

The KDA created the original Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour in 1999 to give visitors an educational and first-hand experience behind crafting the world’s finest Bourbon. It has shattered attendance records every year, with more than 625,000 visits in 2014 alone.

Its nine featured distilleries include Bulleit and Evan Williams, Louisville; Four Roses and Wild Turkey in Lawrenceburg; Heaven Hill in Bardstown; Jim Beam, Clermont; Maker’s Mark, Loretto; Town Branch, Lexington; and Woodford Reserve in Versailles.

Go to www.kybourbontrail.com for more information on all tours.

Kentucky Bourbon is one of the Commonwealth’s most historic and treasured industries, a thriving $3 billion economic engine that generates more than 15,400 jobs with an annual payroll topping $700 million and pours $166 million into state and local coffers each year.

The KDA’s 27 members – the most since the Repeal of Prohibition – are in the midst of a $1.3 billion building boom to satisfy global demand and keep pace with its burgeoning tourism trade. There are currently 5.7 million barrels of Bourbon aging in the Bluegrass – a 40-year high.

“This is the Golden Age of Kentucky Bourbon,” said Gregory, president of the non-profit trade group founded in 1880. “But there’s more work to be done as other states are reducing fees, expanding privileges and cutting bureaucratic red tape to lure distilleries there.”

Gov. Steve Beshear and the KDA have called upon legislators to modernize the state’s archaic Bourbon tourism laws. Kentucky produces 95 percent of the world’s Bourbon, but currently ranks 8^th in the number of operating distilleries in the country.

“Our historic distilling monopoly is in jeopardy,” Gregory said. “What if that number slips to 90 percent or 80 percent? That’s lost jobs and revenue that we may never recover. We must reform our tourism laws and defend our rightful title as the one, true and authentic home for Bourbon.”

For more information, contact:

Eric Gregory, KDA President, (502) 875-9351

Corky Taylor, Kentucky Peerless, (502) 724-5632

Andrew Buchanan, Hartfield & Co., (859) 559-3494

The KDA is a non-profit trade association founded in 1880 to promote, protect and elevate Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Heritage members include Beam Suntory (Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark), Brown-Forman Corp., Diageo North America, Four Roses Distillery, Heaven Hill Brands and Wild Turkey Distillery. Proof members include Michter’s Distillery.

Craft members include Alltech’s Town Branch Distillery, Barrel House Distilling Co., Bluegrass Distillers,

Boundary Oak Distillery, Casey Jones Distillery, Copper & Kings American Brandy Distillery, Corsair Artisan

Distillery, Dueling Grounds Distillery, Hartfield & Co. Distillery, Kentucky Artisan Distillery, Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co., Limestone Branch Distillery, MB Roland Distillery, New Riff Distillery, The Old Pogue Distillery, Second Sight Spirits, Three Boys Farm Distillery, Wilderness Trail Distillery and Willett Distillery. The Distilled Spirits Epicenter is the KDA’s official educational distillery.

Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. The KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. For more information about joining the KDA’s distilling family, contact KDA President Eric Gregory at (502) 875-9351. Visit www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com to learn more.

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®, KENTUCKY BOURBON

AFFAIR™ and BOURBON TRAIL™ are trademarks/service marks of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. Please drink responsibly.

Get In The Spirit This Halloween With Spook-tacular Sips & Boo-zy Treats!

October 28, 2015 by evebushman

From several LA-based bars and restauurants!

FIN – Dark & Stormy, photo courtesy FIN.

Alley Lounge:

Witch’s Brew
Created by Ken Whang

Dare to sip the Witch’s Brew! This vibrant red potion concocted by Bar Manager Ken Whang is a mouthwatering mixture of Absolut Peach Vodka, Svedka Citron Vodka, OR-G Liqueur and a dry ice finish that is sure to put a spell on you this Halloween.

Alley Lounge will be open for Halloween, Saturday, October 31^st from 6:00 pm to 2:00 am; 12223 West Washington Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90066; 310.398.8611; www.alleyloungela.com

Bar Mattachine:

Rudi’s Downfall
Created by Garrett McKechnie

A terrifyingly tasty Tiki libation, the Rudi’s Downfall is an icy frozen treat blended with Flor de Caña 4 yr and 7 yr Rum, honey syrup, fresh pineapple juice and lime juice served in a scary-faced tiki mug.

Bar Mattachine will be open for Halloween, Saturday, October 31^st from 5:00 pm to 2:00 am; 221 West 7^th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014; 213.278.0471; Facebook.com/BarMattachine

FIN:

Dark & Stormy
Created by Ken Whang

A fitting libation for a frightful Halloween evening, try the Dark & Stormy cocktail shaken up with dark rum, lime juice, lychee juice and ginger beer poured over ice and garnished with floating lychee nuts stuffed with bright red cherries that resemble a pair of eerie eyeballs.

FIN will be open for Halloween, Saturday, October 31^st from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm; 12223 West Washington Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90066; 310.398.8611; www.finculvercity.com

HACHÉ LA:

Spiced Chocolate Chip ‘N Fig Republic Stout Beer Float
Created by Michael “Mick” Schepers

This Halloween, avoid the tricks and indulge in boo-zy treats! Sip on the Spiced Chocolate Chip ‘N’ Fig Bear Republic Stout Float crafted with velvety spiced chocolate chip and fig frozen custard and Bear Republic Black Stout served in a glass goblet with a spoon-straw to savor sips and spoonfuls of this tasty indulgence. Available and prepared in celebration of HACHÉ LA’s one-year anniversary!

HACHÉ LA will be open for Halloween, Saturday, October 31^st from 12:00 pm to 12:00 Midnight; 3319 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90026; 323.928.2963; www.hachela.com

Magnolia House:

La Básica
Created by Brian Klemm

Built from “all things basic,” the La Básica cocktail is anything but basic. Crafted with El Silencio Mezcal, chocolate, coffee, vanilla ice cream and a dash of pumpkin spice, this creamy cocktail is a brilliantly balanced beverage you are bound to enjoy this Hallow’s Eve.

Magnolia House will be open for Halloween, Saturday, October 31^st from 10:00 am to 2:00 am; 492 South Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101; 626.584.1121; www.themaghouse.com

Rooftop Film Club:

The Thing On The Rocks, Created by Brady Weise

Make it a movie night this Halloween season and head to the iconic rooftop of The Montalbãn in Hollywood for a scary screening of the cult classic The Thing (Tuesday, October 27^th). Pair the eerie evening with The Thing on the Rocks cocktail mixed up with Modern Times Stout and sparkling wine created by onsite guest Barman Brady Weise.

Bates Cough Syrup, Created by Brady Weise

Suppress those screams while watching Alfred Hitchcock’s thriller Psycho on Thursday, October 29th with the Bates Cough Syrup mixed up with Hefeweizen beer and fresh blueberry syrup.

The Hockey Mask
Created by Brady Weise

Take in Friday the 13th at Rooftop Film Club during Halloween Week (Tuesday, October 27^th through Saturday, October 31^st) and sip on The Hockey Mask (Friday, October 31st, 2015). This sinful sipper is a mixture of Chenin Blanc, lemonade, dry vermouth and fresh seasonal fruit.

Rooftop Film Club will be hosting Halloween Week on the rooftop of The Montalbãn from Tuesday, October 27^th to Saturday, October 31^st; 1615 Vine Street, Hollywood, CA 90028. For more information or to book tickets directly, please visit www.la.rooftopfilmclub.com.

The Raymond 1886:

Hob Goblet
Created by Peter Lloyd Jones

Crafted with applejack, house-made pumpkin syrup, allspice dram, cinnamon, fresh lemon juice and garnished with spookily sensational cobweb candy, the Hob Goblet is a devilishly delicious cocktail to sip on this Halloween.

The Raymond 1886 will be open for Halloween, Saturday, October 31st for Brunch from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm, Lunch from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and Dinner from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm; 1886 Bar will be open from 4:00 pm to 2:00 am; 1250 South Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105; 626.441.3136; www.theraymond.com

Tipple & Brine:

Danse Macabre
Created by A.J. Korchak

A ghoulish gulper from Bar Manager A.J. Korchak, the Danse Macabre cocktail is a crafty sipper composed of Laird’s Apple Brandy, Ballast Point Devil’s Share Moonshine, Giffard Apricot Brandy, honey and aged pumpkin bitters dusted with freshly grated nutmeg and cinnamon, topped off with an orange peel and cinnamon stick garnish.

Tipple & Brine will be open for Halloween, Saturday, October 31st from 5:00 pm to 12:00 Midnight; 14633 Ventura Boulevard, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403; 818.528.2550; www.tippleandbrine.com

Tunnel Bar:

Polyjuice Potion
Created by Victoria “Ninja” Ortiz

A spellbinding sipper that is enchanting in color and flavor, the Polyjuice Potion from Bar Manager Victoria “Ninja” Ortiz is shaken up with absinthe, gin, Crème de Violette, lemon and pineapple syrup, served in a coupe with a lemon peel garnish.

Access to Tunnel Bar is granted through Tipple & Brine; Tunnel Bar will be open for Halloween, Saturday, October 31^st from 7:00 pm to 2:00 am; 14633 Ventura Boulevard, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403; 818.528.3434; www.tunnelbarla.com

Venice Whaler:

Tequila Mockingbird
Created by Anthony Settecase

A murderous masterpiece that is perfect for pairing with a balmy beachside on Halloween weekend, the Tequila Mockingbird cocktail from Bar Director Anthony Settecase is handcrafted with Sauza Hornitos Black Barrel Tequila, agave, blood orange bitters and grapefruit.

The Venice Whaler will be open for Halloween, Saturday, October 31^st from 11:00 am to 2:00 am; 10 West Washington Boulevard, Venice, CA 90292; 310.821.8737; www.venicewhaler.com

Newhall Refinery Brings Craft Cocktails to SCV in a Big Way – Starting March 31!

March 31, 2015 by evebushman

Overdue. That’s what we are here in SCV, overdue for the craft cocktail invasion. Mixers, Roman Holiday and SAKE all had some great versions of old cocktails revived with top shelf spirits combined with muddled fruit and spices, fresh fruit purees, garnish, the correct glassware and captivating presentations.

The new Copper Moscow Mule mug at Newhall Refinery

But with all of them now closed I longed for a craft cocktail bar to open – and then I learned that Newhall Refinery, an already popular spot in downtown Newhall that recently expanded, had obtained a spirits license with the intention of creating a craft cocktail menu…and a whisky list as well! I quickly emailed the owners, Shannon and Simon Mee, for more information.

The new additions will first be offered on Tuesday, March 31, with eight signature cocktails – see the full menu below.

“They all taste amazing – we’re really excited and think they will be a hit,” Shannon Mee said. “I’m not aware of anywhere else out here that’s doing this and in addition we will have a big emphases on whisky. As you know bourbon and other whisky are really hot right now – and we will have at least 20 whiskys served with the proper large sphere ice cubes.”

The Initial Whisky List.

Angels Envy

Calumet

Clyde Mays

Elijah Craig

Evan Williams

Four Roses

Glengoyne 10 year

Glengoyne 21 year

Green Spot Irish

Hibiki 12 year (Japanese)

Hudson

Laphroaig 18 year

Makers 46

Old Forester

Rittenhouse Rye

Speyside 18 year

Teelings

Whistle Pig

Craft Liquor List

“Initially there will be a small selection available on request, and we will be sticking to our current craft concept whereby we do not serve the generic brands,” Shannon added. “That means no Grey Goose, no Ketel One, no Bombay Sapphire etc. For mixers we are using the small bottles of Fever Tree which is a exceptional brand that helps create a quality beverage.”

Hanson of Sonoma Organic Vodka

Bummer and Lazarus Gin

Barr Hill Gin

Angostura Rum

Suerte Blanco

Fortaleza Reposado

Ugly Monkey Moonshine

Fernet Branca

Camus Cognac

Craft Cocktails List

Moscow Mule (Copper Mug pictured above)

Blackberry Fence Hopper

Bloody Brilliant

The L Train

Raspberry Suerte

Classic Daiquiri

Rye (or Bourbon) Manhattan

Old Fashioned

Newhall Refinery is located at 24258 Main Street, Newhall, CA 91321

Telephone: 661-388-4477

Email: info@newhallrefinery.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newhallrefinery

Website: http://www.newhallrefinery.com

Eve Bushman has been reading, writing, taking coursework and tasting wine for over 20 years. She has obtained a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, has been the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and recently served as a guest judge for the L.A. International Wine Competition. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits that may be answered in a future column. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com