Quest for Cocktails

My latest article in Hudson Valley Wine Magazine. 

Quest for Cocktails

Uncovering the Spirits at Orange County Distillery

In research for my book I realized I needed to set out and be a tourist one day and visit some of the distilleries and breweries I haven't been to.  Orange County Distillery was the first on my list.

I sat down with John Glebocki and Bryan Ensall at their Cocktail Room at Brown Barn Farms.  John and Bryan are not only friends, they are related, their wives are first cousins so it was only natural to go into business together.  Their cocktail room had just opened and is a great place to visit and taste libations made with their spirits.

I'll let them tell their story and afterwards they made me a wonderful cocktail which I will share.

They made the Jen and I "The Courkat". This drink was made with their Vodka, muddled jalapeno, sparkling lemonade and a splash of lime.

I have to admit, I like jalapenos but I was a little hesitant on what the drink was going to taste like.  I was very surprised that I really liked it.  You can get this drink in various levels of spice. I would say mine was medium spice and very refreshing and enjoyable.

They have many other great cocktails on their list so stop by and enjoy.

"Peace" Catskills First Vodka

When I'm not drinking wine my spirit of choice is vodka. I recently picked up a bottle of Catskill Mountain Peace Vodka produced by the Catskill Distilling Company in Bethel, NY.  If you are heading to Bethel Woods, this will make a nice stop for a tasting and tour before you get to your show.

Monte Sachs is the owner and distiller. I feel very privileged to have a bottle of their first product release.  This vodka was made with water from the 2011 Catskill spring thaw and locally whole wheat. It is produced in small batches, one batch at a time.

I first poured the vodka in the glass and it had aromas of caramelized sugar earth and fresh meadow.  I then added Sparkle Ice Black Raspberry.  The Sparkle Ice Black Raspberry on its own tasting a little like jello, maybe bug juice would be the correct term.  Once added to the vodka the juice came alive.  The vodka toned down the sweetness of the juice, and juice put on its little black dress and was ready to party.

This drink will be great in the summertime.  The vodka, while not as smooth as others I have tasted is only one of 5 vodkas produced in the region.