42+ Magazine Fall 2021 by greatlakespublishing

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Bar

Behind the

Get festive at bars serving expertly crafted cocktails.

y a d i l Ho ON

EDITI

VOLUME 3

Cheers TO FALL

Q A with an influencer KYLE STRATEGIER is the food and beverage

JIM CANEPA: STUDIO 301; KYLE STRATEGIER: MEGAN LEIGH BARNARD

director at Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph. He consulted on the recently upgraded OHLQ.com. We asked him about the website, his favorite drinks, and industry tidbits.

Like many Ohioans, the OHLQ team has started to resume some sense of normalcy. While it has been a year of change, one thing remains — OHLQ’s service to our consumers. After months of talking about it, I am pleased to share with you that the upgraded OHLQ.com site is now in production. The site creates a powerful platform through enhanced digital capabilities and more robust product data that positions OHLQ to meet the future of e-commerce and home delivery, which is certainly on the horizon. We have been updating our policies, which will allow Agencies to participate in safe, responsible delivery to consumers. The upgrade also provided the opportunity to create a more user-friendly experience, inspired by your feedback, with the goal of becoming the go-to destination for high-proof spirits. In addition to powerful product search and enhanced browsing capabilities, including “Last Call” products, the site features near real-time inventory data that shows product availability updates at a number of OHLQ locations within a 15-minute window; a platform that connects consumers with OHLQ liquor store websites; the ability to share and create shopping lists; and recipes, thanks to influencer Kyle Strategier, food and beverage manager at the Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph, who is featured in this edition. Kyle, and so many others, worked so hard to make our site what it is now, and I am so appreciative. The site also has a prominent focus on responsible consumption, which remains a part of OHLQ’s DNA. We have an article dedicated to parents on how to talk with

their teens about alcohol consumption on page 10. It’s that time of year we feature your favorite spiced fall cocktails on page 4 and a delicious bourbon apple pie recipe on page 30. Learn how to make your drinks a little more festive with cherry liquors. OHLQ shelves are stocked with everything from cherry whiskey to brandy and vodka to cordials. Not quite sure the difference between cordials and liquors and liqueurs? Find out in our That’s the Spirit article on page 6. Plan a road trip to the Northside Marriott in Akron, which features a list of historically themed specialty cocktails designed by a creative mixologist. Make a stop at Minglewood Distilling Co. in Wooster, in the heart of Amish country, where a father-son duo is making rye whiskey and other spirits. Tour the distillery while you’re there, too. Finally, check out Speyside Bourbon Cooperage in Jackson, a barrel maker for spirits distillers (including Middle West Spirits in Columbus) and subsidiary of Speyside Cooperage of Scotland. We take great pride in the quality of the product we bring to Ohio. If you would like to see something new, please let us know by visiting our Facebook page, where we also share information about our upcoming OHLQ exclusives. And as you flip through these pages, don’t forget to look for the Golden Barrel. We would love to have you at a future barrel tasting. — Jim Canepa, Superintendent Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Liquor Control

Can you tell us more about the new OHLQ.com? There are several fun features coming to the site. Our recipe index will help with drink recipes of various difficulties and for multiple occasions, with helpful step-by-step instructions and articles about the spirits and unique techniques used in the drinks. You will also be able to see bottle lottery updates and new spirits coming to an OHLQ location near you, along with the already popular product tracking system that saves you time finding the right place to buy that special spirit. How does it help users better explore spirits across Ohio? The website allows you to set your home store location and see what they have in stock. When they are out of something, your search shows what stores have it in the state. This has been a huge timesaver for me when I am locating certain products. What’s your go-to drink when you try a new bar? I order a Negroni or a Sidecar if I want to test the bartender’s knowledge, but I always defer to the bartender and their menu to find something they have perfected. Do you have a favorite drink to make for guests? While we pride ourselves on asking questions to learn about our guests’ tastes, a Ramos Gin Fizz is always a showstopper. It’s a test of skill and effort, but when done right is topped with a towering foam meringue and tastes like drinking a summer cloud. What are some current cocktail trends? I’m excited by the spicy cocktail trend. Spicy margaritas became popular and opened the door for many other classic drinks to add a spicy twist. The carryout cocktail movement has also increased the attention to batching drinks and making ready-to-drink options. I never thought I would be able to grab a can of Mai Tai or a bottle of martinis before heading to a party. Ohio Department of Commerce

| 01

TAKE A PEEK

the fall issue

2021

EVERY TIME TALK TO US 04

Our Facebook fans share their favorite spiced cocktail for fall.

THAT’S THE SPIRIT 06

Curaçao varies in color, as well as in sweetness and tasting notes.

CHERRY ON TOP 08 ON THE COVER: Get festive at bars serving expertly crafted cocktails.

This holiday season, whip up festive drinks using cherry liquors.

WHAT’S NEW 12

Find out what new products are on Ohio’s liquor shelves this fall.

A BARREL OF FUN

Look inside this issue for this barrel — your ticket to enter a drawing to join us on a future barrel selection. (Pro tip: the barrel can be any color!) Once you find the page the barrel is hidden on, go to OHLQ.com and click on the Golden Barrel link. There’s one lucky winner each issue! For advertising information, contact advertising@42plusmag.com.

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Ohio Liquor OHLQ.com

MINGLEWOOD DISTILLING CO.: WENDY PRAMIK; SPEYSIDE BOURBON COOPERAGE: WENDY PRAMIK; NORTHSIDE SPEAKEASY: STEPHANIE PARK

24 28 THIS TIME TALK IT OUT 10

Talking about alcohol consumption is vital to preventing underage drinking.

BEHIND THE BAR 16

The secret’s out about Akron’s Northside Speakeasy.

SLOW GIN 22

Minglewood Distilling Co. in Wooster knows time is a valuable ingredient.

PLATFORM FOR THE FUTURE 26

The upgraded OHLQ.com is a platform for the future.

TURNING AN ART INTO A BUSINESS 28 Speyside Bourbon Cooperage is a boon to Ohio distilleries.

JUST DESSERTS 30

Top off your homemade Thanksgiving dinner with a rich and boozy dessert.

DID YOU FIND THE GOLDEN BARREL? 32 Copyright 2021 by the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Liquor Control. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without permission of the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Liquor Control. All rights reserved. The Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Liquor Control, and the publisher are not responsible for errors or omissions. All information is subject to change.

20 Ohio Department of Commerce

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S U O T K TAL Looking for a way to spice up your fall? Our Facebook fans share their favorite drinks.

“WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SPICED COCKTAIL FOR FALL? ”

Old fashioned with black walnut bitters and maple syrup. — Jordan Becker

I prefer Bloody Mary but my fall drink is a hard apple cider. — Josh Kennedy

Bourbon. It’s always bourbon. — Ohio Bourbon Times

Bourbon on the rocks, hold the ice. — Tim Durbin

I used to make Caramel Caramel Apple Apple Cider. Caramel apple liqueur, Caramel Smirnoff, Apple Pucker, and apple cider. Mmmmmm. — Sean King

Red Eagle Distillery makes a delicious Red Maple spirit, which is great to use for a fall version of Old Fashioneds. — Alexia Kemerling

I love to sip on warm, spiced apple cider. I make a big pot everyone in the family can sip on. — Alyssa Kimmberly

IT’S A

Mocktail!

I like to warm up with a hot toddy. I mix whiskey, honey, and chamomile tea. This fall, I want to try adding apple cider and cinnamon. — Kitty Stevens

CONNECT Don’t just wait for the next issue of 42+ to hear about the latest from Ohio Liquor. Keep in touch every day! 04 |

Ohio Liquor OHLQ.com

facebook.com/OhioLiquor @OhioLiquor Find your bottles on OHLQ.com

THAT’S THE SPIRIT:

BY ALEXIA KEMERLING

06 |

Ohio Liquor OHLQ.com

XXXX: PHOTOGRAPHER

CURAÇAO

rom electric blue to deep orange to vibrant green, describing the prismatic hues of curaçao feels akin to describing the panes of a stained-glass window. Though, while beautiful, many people make the mistake of underestimating this colorful cordial. A closer look — and a small pour — will reveal curaçao’s rich history and plethora of flavorful opportunities. Curaçao draws its name and its original flavoring agent, laraha orange peels, from the Caribbean Island of the same name. Despite its many colors, curaçao always maintains its signature orange taste. However, different brands of the orange liqueur can vary in sweetness and tasting notes. The Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao mirrors the flavor of aged cognac, with orange aromas and notes of toasted wood, whereas the Bols Blue Curaçao has more texture and sweet, tangy flavors. Like most cordials and liqueurs, curaçao starts with liquor base, either brandy, a sugarcane-based alcohol, or a neutral grain spirit. Next, orange peels are added to the stills and left to steep, then the mixture is distilled again. Often, food coloring is added, creating signature blue curaçao, which some say is meant to represent the spirit’s tropical origin — think clear blue skies and a sparkling sea. Others will tell you the unique color was added simply to distinguish the spirit on liquor shelves. Tim Harnett, the tiki ambassador (or more plainly, the beverage program manager) at Tiki Underground in Hudson, swears by curaçao’s rich orange flavor. Curaçao’s color can also add an enticing, creative element to cocktails, though other ingredients can overwrite or impact the color, too.

JUST HOW DO YOU PRONOUNCE

CURAÇAO?

The cedilla (ç) makes an ‘s’ sound. Say it with us: cure-ah-souw, curaçao!

Harnett keeps several varieties of curaçao on his shelf at home and at work — different drinks call for different elements of the liqueur. The TU Mai Tai calls for orange curaçao, relying on the deep amber hue. The Blue Eyed Sailor uses blue curaçao for added sweetness and color. And finally, El Presidente, a Spanish cocktail dating back to 1915, uses dry curaçao for a rich orange flavor. Harnett wasn’t always a tiki fan, for years he had little desire to experiment beyond craft beer and whiskey. So, how did Harnett go from loving hops to mixing Mai Tais? “While in Las Vegas with my wife, we wandered into Frankie’s Tiki Room,” Harnett said. “I came out transfixed. The drinks were so balanced and enjoyable. The whole experience was captivating.” What Harnett tasted in those first sips was a long tradition, influenced by multiple cultures, of crafting perfect cocktails by balancing sweetness, acidity, and flavor. Cordials like curaçao are an essential part of this equation, and using the sweet spirit thoughtfully is key. So, if you’re looking to brighten your palate this fall, pick up a few varieties of curaçao and play around with traditional or modern cocktails. Harnett recommends thinking of curaçao not as a sweetener, but as a flavoring agent, and advises that a little goes a long way.

LIQUOR VS.

LIQUEUR The spellings may be similar, but these categories are quite different. Find out how well you know your alcohol terminology by answering the true or false questions below. Liqueurs always have a lower proof than liquors. True

False

Answer: False! While it is true that some liqueurs do have a lower proof, it’s not a defining characteristic of the category. All cordials are liqueurs. True

False

Answer: True! Both terms refer to spirits that have added flavors and sugars. The category includes a wide range of spirits. Liqueurs start with a liquor base. True

False

Answer: True! Most liqueurs start with a base of brandy, whiskey, or rum. Flavors and sugars are then added by using a variety of processes like distillation, infusion, compounding, percolation, fermenting, extraction, and steeping. The base ingredients used are what sets liquor apart from beer and wine. True

False

Answer: False! It’s the process that matters most. The liquor label refers to alcoholic beverages that are fermented and then distilled. The process of distillation helps concentrate the liquid, leading to a higher alcohol content than beverages that are only fermented (like beer and wine).

Ohio Department of Commerce

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Cherry ON TOP BY NICHOLAS DEKKER

This holiday season, whip up your favorite festive drinks using cherry liquors. The rich cherry flavors enhance any beverage, whether you’re using brandy or cherry whiskey or cordials. Search the shelves at your favorite OHLQ store to stock your cabinet.

GINGER CHERRY SMASH 2 1/2 oz. cherry whiskey 1 oz. ginger liqueur 1 oz. lemon-lime soda

1 orange wedge 1 cherry Ice

Add ice to a rocks glass, then add alcohol and stir briskly. Top with lemon-lime soda and garnish with orange wedge and cherry. From Bird Dog Whiskey

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Ohio Liquor OHLQ.com

CLASSIC MANHATTAN

BRANDY CRUSTA

Cherry-flavored whiskey is the perfect addition to the signature cocktail.

The sweet and sour Brandy Crusta combines flavors popular in New York and New Orleans.

2 oz. cherry whiskey 1 oz. sweet vermouth 1 Maraschino cherry 1 orange peel Ice

2 oz. cherry brandy 1 /4 oz. triple sec 1 /2 oz. fresh squeezed lemon juice 1 /4 oz. simple syrup 2 dashes bitters 1 lemon wedge 1 lemon peel Sugar Ice

Stir whiskey and vermouth with ice for 10–15 seconds, then strain into coupe glass. Garnish with Maraschino cherry and orange peel. From Noble Cut Distillery

Run the lemon wedge around the rim of a flute, then dip into sugar. Add cherry brandy, triple sec, lemon juice, simple syrup, and bitters to a shaker with ice, then shake until well-chilled. Strain into the flute and garnish with lemon peel. From 451 Spirits

CHERRY COSMO

CHERRY MOCKTAIL

Cherry vodka gives this classic a tart twist!

This non-alcoholic cocktail still brings out all the fresh and tart flavors of cherries.

3 oz. cherry vodka 1 /2 oz. triple sec 1 oz. cranberry juice 1 lime wedge Splash of fresh lime juice Ice Mix all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with lime wedge. From Three Olives

COCOA AND FIVE SPICE SIMPLE SYRUP INGREDIENTS

IT’S A

Mocktail!

6 oz. cherries 1 /2 oz. fresh lime juice Fresh mint Sparkling water Dice up cherries and muddle completely in a bowl. Combine cherries and lime juice in a glass, then top with sparkling water or spritzer to taste. Garnish with mint.

BOURBON WORLD TRAVELER Cocoa and Five Spice create a flavor that takes you on a trip across the globe.

1 c. water 1 /2 c. demerara sugar 1 /2 c. coconut sugar 1 tbsp. Dutch-processed cocoa 1 tbsp. Five Spice powder

2 oz. cherry bourbon 1 oz. Cocoa and Five Spice Simple Syrup 5–8 frozen raspberries 8 oz. can of ginger beer or ginger ale Ice

Stir together all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil, then simmer until sugars are fully dissolved. Strain and cool; store in the fridge for up to one week.

Combine bourbon, simple syrup, and five raspberries in cocktail shaker, muddle lightly, then add ice and shake. Strain into a glass with ice, top with ginger beer, or ginger ale, and garnish with remaining raspberries. From Cleveland Underground Ohio Department of Commerce

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Talk IT OUT

Talking with kids about alcohol consumption is vital to preventing underage drinking and promoting responsible habits. BY ALEXIA KEMERLING

or many parents, discussing topics as serious as underage drinking with children can feel intimidating. It’s tempting to wait until your child is in middle school or even high school before sitting them down for a talk. However, Chris Swonger, President and CEO of Responsibility.org and the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, encourages a different approach. “Research suggests you should start talking to your kids at an early age. Younger children — fourth, fifth, and sixth graders — are more likely to listen to their parents, and information is more likely to resonate at that age,” Swonger said. “As a parent myself, I’m living proof that this approach works. My boys are 13 and 15, and talking with them now, I have confidence that what we talked about when they were nine made an impact.” The proof is in the numbers, too. According to surveys conducted by Responsibility.org, conversations between kids and their parents 10 |

Ohio Liquor OHLQ.com

have increased by 38% from 2003 to 2021, and in turn, annual consumption among teens has decreased by 30%. Swonger also recommends having frequent conversations about the effects of drinking, the dangers of driving impaired, and the risks and consequences of underage drinking. There’s no need to arrange a formal “sit down.” Many of Swonger’s conversations with his sons have taken place during everyday situations like driving to the grocery store. “It’s important to be open and honest about the risks and consequences of underage drinking,” Swonger added. While parents may be on the first line of defense when it comes to initiating conversations with young people about alcohol, they are in no way alone. OHLQ proudly partners with organizations like Responsibility.org to offer a variety of resources to parents, kids, teachers, and community members. You can read more about

IN THIS TOGETHER Preventing underage drinking is a community effort, and one in which OHLQ is proud to take part. Check out the following sites for support and resources: ohlq.com/ohlq-cares responsibility.org asklistenlearn.org samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you preventionactionalliance.org/ learn/about-alcohol

Know the

FACTS

According to data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, adults who started drinking before age 15 were more likely to develop an alcohol use disorder than those who waited until after age 21.

Alcohol negatively impacts brain development and significantly impairs learning and memory in teens.

OHLQ’s work in the community at ohlq.com/ohlqcares. Once you know what to say and how to say it, all that’s left is taking action. “Ask, Listen, Learn: Kids and Alcohol Don’t Mix” is a free digital underage drinking prevention program for kids ages nine–13. On the Responsibility.org website, you’ll find infographics, blogs, programs, and other tools geared toward parents, educators, tweens, teen drivers, and college students. Swonger notes that leading by example is another key component to teaching kids about responsible alcohol consumption. The Virtual Bar

app is a helpful tool to model good decision making. Simply input your weight, gender, height, age, what you’re drinking, and what you’ve eaten, and the app will help you estimate your blood alcohol content (BAC). The app also describes how you may be feeling, offers impairment information at different BAC levels, and calculates how long it will take for your BAC to return to zero. Preventing underage drinking is a community effort. From producers and providers of alcohol to parents, to educators, and beyond – all of us have a vested interest in promoting responsibility and keeping communities safe.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Start talking to your kids about alcohol early.

Keep the conversation going as your kids mature.

Lead by example.

Underage drinking is common. According to the Center for Disease Control’s 2019 “Youth Risk Behavior Study,” in the past 30 days, 29% of high school students drank alcohol, 14% binge drank, 5% of drivers drove after drinking alcohol, and 17% rode with a driver who had been drinking alcohol.

Ohio Department of Commerce

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What’s LTO = Limited Time Offer

in Ohio

VAP = Value Added Pack

AMERICAN WHISKEY BAKER BIRD | 750 mL

DEVILS RIVER BOURBON | 750 mL

MAKER’S MARK 46 CASK AND PRIVATE SELECT CO-PACK | 750 mL

FOUR ROSE SMALL BATCH VAP | 750 mL

MIAMI VALLEY RYE WHISKEY | 750 mL

FOUR ROSES BOURBON | 1 L FOUR ROSES SMALL BATCH 90 | 50 mL

NASHVILLE BARREL CO SMALL BATCH RYE LTO | 750 mL

FOUR ROSES SMALL BATCH SE | 50 mL

OLD FORESTER | 375 mL

FREEDOM CASK STRENGTH STRAIGHT BOURBON | 750 mL

OLD FORESTER SB RYE BARREL PROOF LTO | 750 mL

GENTLEMAN JACK WITH SOUR MIX VAP | 750 mL

OLD FORESTER SIGNATURE | 1.75 L

GEORGE DICKEL BOTTLED IN BOND 13 YEAR LTO | 750 mL

REBEL KSBW 100 | 50 mL

OLD SOUL BOURBON | 750 mL

GEORGE DICKEL BOURBON | 750 mL

REMUS REPEAL RESERVE BOURBON V | 750 mL

HAYNER BOURBON | 750 mL

ROCKY MARCIANO BOURBON | 750 mL

HAYNER RYE | 750 mL

RUSSELL’S RESERVE 13 YEAR BARREL PROOF LTO | 750 mL

HEAVENS DOOR REDBREAST LTO | 750 mL HEAVENS DOOR RYE | 750 mL

SAGAMORE RESERVE TEQUILA FINISH | 750 mL

BRANDY

DUSSE 1969 ANNIVERSAIRE LIMITED EDITION | 750 mL HINES RARE VSOP COGNAC LTO | 750 mL REMY MARTIN 1738 WITH JIGGER VAP | 750 mL

CANADIAN WHISKY

ET 51 PREMIUM WHISKEY LTO | 750 mL WINDSOR CANADIAN BLACK CHERRY | 1.75 L

CORDIALS

GIN

HORSE SOLDIER BARREL STRENGTH BOURBON | 750 mL

TEMPLETON RYE 10 YEAR | 750 mL THOMAS S MOORE | 750 mL

MALFY GIN ROSA | 750 mL

HORSE SOLDIER COMMANDER’S SELECT BOURBON | 750 mL

THOMAS S MOORE CABERNET CASK | 750 mL

MONKEY 47 GIN WITH TWO CUPS VAP | 375 mL

HORSE SOLDIER SMALL BATCH BOURBON | 750 mL

THOMAS S MOORE CHARDONNAY CASK | 750 mL

IRISH WHISKEY

HORSE SOLDIER STRAIGHT BOURBON | 750 mL

WATERSHED BOTTLED IN BOND BOURBON | 750 mL

BUSHMILLS 375 mL VARIETY PACK | 1.125 L

JACK DANIELS APPLE WITH GLASS VAP | 750 mL

WATERSHED DISTILLERY BOURBON | 750 mL

JAMESON 750 ML WITH TWO 50 mL VAP | 850 mL

JACK DANIELS FAMILY OF BRANDS | 200 mL

WATERSHED DISTILLERY BOURBON | 1 L

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Ohio Liquor OHLQ.com

MALFY GIN CON ARANCIA | 750 mL

RUM

BACARDI RESERVA OCHO SHERRY CASK FINISH | 750 mL

1800 SILVER VAP – TACO HOLDER VAP | 750 mL

PATRON SILVER HERITAGE TIN LTO | 750 mL

BOZAL BORREGO MEZCAL | 750 mL

SAN DIMAS MEZCAL | 750 mL

CLEMENT RHUM BLANC | 750 mL

BOZAL CASTILLA MEZCAL | 750 mL

VOLCAN REPOSADO | 750 mL

FARADAY WEST INDIES RUM | 750 mL

BOZAL CUISHE MEZCAL | 750 mL

FLOR DE CANA LIGHT | 750 mL

BOZAL TOBASICHE MEZCAL | 750 mL

KRAKEN ATTACKS OHIO LIMITED EDITION | 750 mL

CUERVO TRADICIONAL REPOSADO | 1 L CUERVO TRADICIONAL SILVER | 1 L

SCOTCH

DEL MAGUEY VIDA DE MUERTOS | 750 mL

TEQUILA

1800 375mL VARIETY PACK | 1.125 L

LOBOS 1707 JOVEN | 750 mL

1800 ANEJO | 375 mL

LOBOS 1707 REPOSADO | 750 mL

1800 COCONUT | 1.75 L

VODKA

1800 CRISTALINO | 1.75 L 1800 REPOSADO WITH TALAVERA BOWLS VAP | 750 mL

Ohio Department of Commerce

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Spirit SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

HOLIDAY

Holiday gift giving just got a lot easier. Just add a bow to make these bottles gift-ready.

Daviess County Bourbon

Made with a unique combination of two bourbon mashbills — a smooth wheated and a traditional ryed for a balanced sweetness and spice — Daviess County Bourbon honors the rich history and tradition started in 1874 by the Daviess County Distilling Company.

Gervasi Spirits: Sinner’s Blush

14 |

Ohio Liquor OHLQ.com

Old Scout Rye Port Cask Finish Old Scout is our family of sources whiskeys. Sometimes, we also get access to incredible casks that enjoyed a previous life aging in delicious liquid. What better way to play with our exceptional, curated whiskey than with exceptional, curated casks? $59.99 retail.

XXXX: PHOTOGRAPHER

This flirtatious rosé vodka represents the union of Gervasi Vineyard’s two arenas of alcoholic beverage production: wine and distilled spirits. Its attractive blush color, aroma, and flavor of strawberry light up the scorecard to your sensory trails. Sinner’s Blush is delightful on its own or mixed in a martini. Available only at Gervasi Vineyard.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Yellowstone Bourbon

Western Reserve Distillers: Organic Reposado

A straight bourbon from 7th-generation distillers at Limestone Branch Distillery, perfect for every palate. With each purchase of Yellowstone, a portion of proceeds goes back to the National Park Conservation Association to protect all our nation’s national parks. Faithfully Yours Since 1872.

Made from 100% Organic Blue Weber Agave grown in Jalisco, Mexico, our award-winning Organic Reposado is aged in fresh bourbon barrels for 6+ months. The combination of these flavors makes the perfect holiday gift for the tequila lover in your life!

Woodford Reserve Dazzle this holiday season with Woodford Reserve. With over 200 identifiable flavors, Woodford Reserve is a Spectacle for the Senses. Woodford Reserve gift set containing a 750 ml of Bourbon and a beautiful rocks glass is sure to be a cherished gift.

Jefferson’s Pritchard Hill Cabernet Finish To make our Jefferson’s Reserve Pritchard Hill Cabernet Finish, we start with our Jefferson’s Reserve Kentucky straight bourbon and extra-age it for 12 months in French Oak casks that once held Pritchard Hill® Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine barrels that matured the most sought-after wine in the Chappellet® portfolio lend a sweetness to the bourbon by adding notes of dark berry, espresso, and chocolate. $69.99 retail.

XXXX: PHOTOGRAPHER

Rabbit Hole Raceking Founder’s Collection An unbridled bourbon: Raceking is an homage to Kentucky’s storied tradition of horseracing. Crafting a fine bourbon has much in common with breeding a thoroughbred. This specially crafted Kentucky Straight Bourbon is all-out cask strength. Not only does that mean a higher proof, but also a deeper, richer color, stronger nose, and a bolder, more complex flavor profile. $299.99 retail.

Ohio Department of Commerce

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Bar

BEHIND THE

The Secret’s Out about Akron’s Northside Speakeasy. STORY BY RICH WARREN PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE PARK

16 |

Ohio Liquor OHLQ.com

Sip on wellcrafted cocktails at Northside Speakeasy.

Ohio Department of Commerce

| 17

uests gather around a semi-circular bar, engaging in easy banter with each other and with the two bartenders, who also engage in substantial showmanship preparing the cocktails. More than once they stand side by side shaking the drinks as if in some sort of bartending duel. Elsewhere in the intimate establishment, guests sit on the patio, lounge on couches and easy chairs, or sit in booths where curtains can be drawn for privacy, all while a soundtrack of soulful blues is playing. Welcome to the Northside Speakeasy inside the Courtyard by Marriott near downtown Akron, where the nods to the illicit gathering places of the Prohibition era include the two entrances — a bright red phone booth that gives access to the hotel lobby and a simulated “newsstand” facing the outside, where guests push on a wall of shelves to gain entry. The drinks served here are far from the bootleg whiskey or bathtub gin of yesteryear. One regular customer loudly proclaims: “This is the best place for craft cocktails in Akron!” Indeed, The Ginger Murphy — made with Jameson Irish Whiskey mixed with lemon and ginger shrubs, ginger simple syrup, and lemon bitters — could safely

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Ohio Liquor OHLQ.com

Enter through the phone booth.

Explore new cocktails from the inventive menu.

be described as a flavor explosion. A large, perfectly rounded ball of ice floats on top. A guest declares her cocktail — the End to End, made with Booker’s bourbon, Domaine de Canton liqueur, orange juice, Luxardo cherries, bitters, and ginger simple syrup — is a “bona fide masterpiece.” Most of these inventive cocktails are the brainchild of mixologist Bryan Burns, who’s been putting his own spin on classic cocktails for more than two decades. Burns loves preparing drinks with imaginative twists, like a Manhattan made with almond syrup or his version of a Bee’s Knees that adds Turbinado sugar to a mixture of Hendrick’s Gin, honey, and lemon juice. Burns’ Gin Rickey calls for simple syrup mixed with Watershed Bourbon Barrel Gin, lime, and soda, and his tribute to the classic cocktail Nuts and Berries adds butterscotch to a blend of Baileys, Chambord, Frangelico, and cream. Imaginative preparations supplement the creative cocktails at the Northside Speakeasy. Drinks containing absinthe have the spirit spritzed instead of poured inside the glass. Elaborate designs, many using chocolate syrup, are “drawn” atop several cocktails. And most dramatic of all, a cylinder of butane fuel is carefully used to torch orange and grapefruit peels to add

CELEBRATE WITH GERVASI SPIRITS SMALL BATCH & FLAVOR-INFUSED BOURBON, GIN, VODKA & LIQUEUR

Festive

Available on site at

canton, ohio gervasivineyard.com Ohio Department of Commerce

| 19

The cocktails are photo worthy.

Join your friends for cocktails before exploring the sights in downtown Akron.

a charred flavor to cocktails. It’s all part of the show that the guests enjoy as they watch their cocktails being prepared. Of course, classics like Old Fashioned, Sazerac, Whiskey Sour, and Tom Collins can be ordered, and rest assured that all ingredients are fresh — all syrups, shrubs, and infusions are made in-house, and all fruit is squeezed on the spot. Get creative. Bartenders are prepared to custom make cocktails to your specifications.

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Ohio Liquor OHLQ.com

A guest who wanted a “dessert-y” type of drink had one prepared that contained Kahlua and cream as well as hazelnut and raspberry liqueurs. Alas, master mixologist Bryan Burns left Akron to return to his native California at the end of July, but his legacy will live on in the form of dozens of recipes, all safely tucked away in a little box chock full of index cards. And Tevin Edwards, who’s worked side by side with Burns since 2016,

acknowledges that he has learned the art of cocktail preparation from an artisan at the top of his craft. Look for Edwards to continue preparing those in-demand drinks currently in rotation but to add a few twists of his own. “I’m ready to spread my wings and take our cocktail list in some new directions,” he acknowledged. No doubt they’ll be the showstoppers that patrons at the Northside Speakeasy have come to expect.

secret

not-so-

cocktails

Make these Northside Speakeasy drinks at home.

ALMONDHATTAN

2 oz. rye whiskey 1 oz. sweet vermouth 1 /2 oz. soda water 1 /4 oz. Luxardo cherry juice 1 /4 oz. Orgeat almond liqueur 3 dashes Angostura bitters 2 Luxardo cherries Pour rye whiskey, vermouth, cherry juice, and almond liqueur into mixing glass. Splash soda water and stir. Pour over ice in an Old Fashioned glass. Garnish with Luxardo cherries.

YE OLDE PEPPER MILL

2 oz. rye whiskey /4 oz. Luxardo cherry juice 1 1/2 oz. blackberry liqueur 12 cranks of a pepper mill 1 orange 2 Luxardo cherries

Pour blackberry liqueur, rye whiskey, and cherry juice into a mixing glass. Add pepper and fresh squeezed orange juice. Pour over ice in an Old Fashioned glass. Garnish with burnt orange peel and Luxardo cherries.

Ohio Department of Commerce

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Slow

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Ohio Liquor OHLQ.com

Minglewood Distilling Co. in Wooster knows time is a valuable ingredient. STORY BY MICHAEL PRAMIK PHOTOGRAPHY BY WENDY PRAMIK

Gin

Andrew Morrison with Minglewood’s aging rye and bourbon.

hey’re trying not to rush things at The Minglewood Distilling Co. in Wooster. While coowners Mark and Andrew Morrison, a father-son duo, are eager to share their bourbon, rye, gin, and vodka, sourcing local ingredients and honoring the spirit making process are their first priorities. “We want growth to be organic – as people hear about it, we move into that region of the state by word of mouth,” says Andrew Morrison. “Our bourbon and rye are so young; we don’t want to push it. We figured we’ll wait and build a reputation for quality spirits. Then we can push out to the rest of Ohio.” For now, you can find their spirits at the distillery, which is open two days a week, and at a handful of stores, mostly Northeast Ohio supermarkets. Minglewood’s marketing strategy may seem casual, but it reflects a company that trusts its product. Confidence comes easy when you get to see your spirit develop from seed to grain to distilled alcohol. The Morrisons are dedicated to keeping their business local. Minglewood gets its corn from Frycrest Farm, just over five minutes from the distillery. Wheat is grown in Medina and Wayne counties and is sourced from a co-op in Seville, Ohio, about 13 miles to the north. Rye comes from Woodlyn Acres Farm near Dalton, Ohio, about 15 miles to the east. Though sourcing local ingredients can mean working in smaller batches, which can slow things down, try one sip of Minglewood’s spirits and you’ll be able to taste why it’s worth it. Using locally grown wheat makes a distinct difference in the flavor. Minglewood Vodka is distilled from Ohio-grown, soft red winter wheat.

Ohio Department of Commerce

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Be sure to sample the apple whiskey.

The Wooster distillery welcomes spirits lovers.

Locally grown grains are used in the rye whiskey.

It yields a creamy mouthfeel and has a sweet, vanilla aftertaste, similar to leading wheat vodkas. Minglewood Gin uses a mixture of grains then gets its boost from a vapor infusion of seven botanicals. It’s an American-style gin that offers a fresh, citrus boost from lemon and orange peel, lemongrass, and lemon verbena. “You still get the juniper, but it eases up when you add the citrus,” Andrew Morrison said. “It’s a very approachable gin. It’s not too dry.” The company’s rye whiskey comes out somewhat young, with two or three years of aging, so it has a solid grain flavor and a nice burst of spice. It’s an 80 percent rye, 20 percent corn recipe. Andrew Morrison said Minglewood doesn’t use malted grains in its whiskeys since no one grows barley in Wayne County. The biggest sellers are flavored whiskey, and there are three types: cinnamon, apple, and peach. Peach is the most popular. All spirits are 88 proof, except for flavored whiskeys, which are 70 proof. The distillery’s current bottled bourbon is just under four years old. It offers a richer, caramel flavor when compared to rye. It’s also sweeter, thanks to the mash bill of 70 percent corn, 25 percent rye, and five percent wheat.

IRISH WHISKEY AMPLIFIED Triple casked for more flavour.

CRAFTED CAREFULLY. DRINK RESPONSIBLY. BLAZE A TRAIL. SIP RESPONSIBLY.

Slane Irish Whiskey, a blend of three casks: virgin, seasoned and sherry. Slane Irish Whiskey, a blend, 40% alc. by vol. Imported by Brown-Forman Beverages, Louisville KY. SLANE and SLANE CASTLE are trademarks of Slane Castle. ©2021 Slane Castle Irish Whiskey Limited. All rights reserved.

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Ohio Liquor OHLQ.com

DRAWING THE COMMUNITY IN Despite the Morrisons’ dedication to being hyper-local and giving each bottle their attention, slow processes can be challenging for new businesses. “It’s a juggling act of which barrels you hold back to keep aging and which barrels do you sell now,” Andrew Morrison said. Minglewood has combated this problem by inviting the public to be a part of the aging through their line of “birthday bourbons,” which they started in 2018. Each February members of the public are invited to the distillery to sign the first barrel of the year. The goal is to age them for five to seven years, and those who signed the barrels are invited back to do a tasting every year. The tastings take place in the distillery itself, which is located in an old brick building dating back to the 1880s. The historic site, which used to house the Minglewood Coal & Ice Co., creates a charming backdrop for sipping spirits. In the future, the Morrisons plan to move production and barrel storage into an

adjoining flatiron building that sits next to the railroad tracks. The distillery also offers tours on Fridays and Saturdays. Patrons can check out the building and head to the fermentation/barrel storage room to hear first-hand how Mark

and Andrew Morrison make each batch of distillate using local ingredients. During the tour, enjoy samples of all Minglewood’s spirits — bourbon, rye, gin, and vodka — and return to the bar area, where you can purchase bottles of your favorites.

Learn about the distilling process on a guided tour.

Ohio Department of Commerce

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PLATFORM FOR THE

future

THE NEW FACE OF OHLQ: A POWERFUL PLATFORM FOR OHIOANS TO EXPLORE THE WORLD OF SPIRITS

Whether they’re looking for a new hobby or a way to entertain friends from the comfort of home, many Ohioans are increasingly turning to the art of cocktail making. To provide consumers with a go-to resource for all things spirits, OHLQ recently revealed major upgrades to its website, creating a future-proof platform with enhanced digital capabilities and more robust resources, from product information and store details to recipes and information on mindful consumption. “We’re pleased to present a more intuitive, user-friendly, content-focused web experience for Ohio consumers,” said Jim Canepa, Division of Liquor Control Superintendent. “Through OHLQ’s close collaboration with our suppliers and liquor store owners and a healthy dose of customer feedback, OHLQ.com creates a powerful platform through enhanced digital capabilities, more robust product data, and information on high-proof liquor inventory throughout the state. The site also offers exclusive opportunities such as bottle releases and product selections that are only available in Ohio.”

BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN ONLINE AND IN-STORE

Focused on bridging the gap between the online and instore experiences with the ability for users to create and share shopping lists among many features, the upgraded functionality positions OHLQ to meet the needs of e-commerce and home delivery in the future. In addition to the shopping list, the updated site comes with a number of new features that users will notice immediately: • A more intuitive user interface and easier navigation to find new products and new recipes. Using insights from browsing history, the site will also recommend other products for consumers to discover. • Near real-time inventory data that shows product availability at OHLQ locations within a 15-minute window (a feature that will be rolled out across all stores by the end of 2021). 26 |

Ohio Liquor OHLQ.com

With more robust product, inventory, and location features, OHLQ.com is positioned to help meet the needs of Ohio spirits consumers, both now and in the future.

• A prominent focus on responsible consumption and social responsibility throughout the site, along with articles as well as resources dedicated to education and substance abuse prevention. • The go-to place for bottle lotteries that give Ohio residents of legal drinking age an equitable chance to purchase a bottle of a limited-supply product. Users can also easily view “OHLQ Exclusives” and “Last Call” products available across the state. • Finally, the site opens the opportunity for suppliers to list more robust information on their products, with the ability to add tasting notes, imagery, and brand information to expand the product pages and give consumers the best information available. “OHLQ.com is an incredible resource for consumers to engage with the spirits industry. It allows a new layer of engagement for the consumer to explore categories, recipes, and local events and activity,” said Jaclyn Poltorak, Diageo’s Ohio Sales Director.

“ Ohio has managed to create a website that

“

allows consumers to educate themselves and create their shopping list before entering a store. - Jaclyn Poltorak Diageo’s Ohio Sales Director

Poltorak also said the new website allows transparent access to product availability, which she said is very important as consumer convenience dominates shopping behavior.

EDUCATION AND RESPONSIBILITY In addition to improved functionality and product information, OHLQ.com will now host educational and inspirational features that highlight Ohio’s spirits businesses and individuals who make this industry hum, from cocktail and mocktail recipes to features on local distilleries and behind-thescenes looks at OHLQ. As part of its core values, OHLQ is committed to reinforcing the importance of responsible consumption. OHLQ.com will continually feature new mocktail recipes, responsible consumption tips and content, along with the resources and content dedicated to education and prevention. “From offering mocktail alternatives, mindful consumption information, and addiction recovery resources, we are steadfast in our obligation to balance our purpose — the sale of liquor — while caring for and supporting Ohioans who choose to enjoy our products responsibly,” said Lorraine Terry, Managing Director of JobsOhio Beverage System. “OHLQ is here to serve all Ohioans of legal drinking age, whether they decide to drink, abstain, moderate, or just find a healthier balance. We are proud to infuse every aspect of OHLQ.com to be a reflection of this mission.” There’s been a renewed interest in spirits ... well, everywhere. And we all like to share a good story when we sit around the fire and enjoy a nice bourbon or whiskey. The updated OHLQ.com contains a wealth of knowledge that can be digested and remembered to share with your friends and family over a spirit. Ohio Department of Commerce

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Business TURNING AN ART INTO A

Speyside Bourbon Cooperage: A boon to Ohio distilleries.

STORY BY MICHAEL PRAMIK PHOTOGRAPHY BY WENDY PRAMIK

oopering — the art of barrel making — is a craft traditionally performed by skilled artisans and, by some accounts, dates to the Celts in 350 B.C. In Jackson, Ohio, the Speyside Bourbon Cooperage carries on the tradition with a modern twist. Thanks to state-of-the-art technology and a finely honed production process, Speyside can crank out 1,500 finely made, new white oak barrels each day to serve an evergrowing thirst for spirits production. They do so in a 260,000-square-foot building that used to be a Merillat cabinet factory, combining automation with art to build a better barrel. “For some things, we still need a human eye and a human to make decisions. But here at Speyside, we took the craft of making barrels and turned it into a manufacturing process,” said operations manager Alberto Ramirez. And it’s an operation on the way up. Since completing its first barrel on May 19, 2016, Speyside has expanded production to about 400,000 barrels each year. The company’s barrels are highly sought after by producers of bourbon and other spirits, from megadistilleries to small craft distillers. It’s been a renewing experience for Jackson County as well, employing about 170 and giving new life to the shuttered building just off State Route 93. Speyside, established in 1947, is based in Scotland and originally refurbished used barrels, Ramirez said. It took on a much larger footprint in 2008 with its acquisition by Tonnellerie Francois Freres Group, based in France, which owns stave mills and cooperages around the world.

A CLOSER LOOK

Wooden staves form the barrel.

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Ohio Liquor OHLQ.com

Inside the Speyside factory, 130 production workers use their various talents to make the barrels. It starts with sourcing white oak logs, many from Ohio. Speyside owns five sawmills, including two nearby in Waverly, Ohio. There, they debark the logs, then quartersaw them into planks, also known as staves. The staves go through several months of

Metal rings secure the barrel.

Incomplete barrels ready to be finished and shipped.

drying to reduce moisture content, including predrying in a temperature-controlled warehouse space, before they enter the kiln. Using four computerized jointers, Speyside workers profile the staves to exacting specifications so barrel raisers can begin to shape them into the traditional form. The barrels go through several more steps, including a steam bath, fitting the heads (lids), and having hoops applied, before the final testing stages. There, workers drill bung holes into the barrels and add water and air to check for leaks before the barrels are given a final once-over. Finished barrels don’t hang around long. They’re packed immediately onto trucks for their customers, and all wood waste and byproduct goes through a grinder and is used to generate the steam for the barrel making process. The “acorn to cask” operation makes the Speyside Bourbon Cooperage a one-of-a-kind Ohio business.

KEEPING IT LOCAL

Ramirez noted that, “Ohio has been great for Speyside.” And according to Ohio distillers Speyside is great for Ohio, too. Columbus-based distiller Middle West Spirits

has been purchasing barrels since the Jackson plant’s opening. Middle West jumped at the chance to keep its business within Ohio. “The proximity was an immediate attention grabber,” owner and head distiller Ryan Lang said. “We could go visit them, be trained by them on better practice of barrel management, and have a lot of flexibility on the customization of barrel processing. “The team there is amazing, and we have had a pretty great relationship with them.” Speyside works with Middle West to test char and toasting levels for its various distillations. Lang said Speyside’s worldwide network provides for better availability of barrels used for aged spirits, such as the Middle West Whiskey Double Cask Collection. Barrel sourcing is no small choice for a distiller the size of Middle West, which produces 18,000 barrels of spirits a year and distributes to 32 states. “We wanted to keep any sourcing we could in the fair state of Ohio,” Lang said. “We get all of our grains here, and glass from Anchor Hocking (in Lancaster), but one of the chief spends for a whiskey distiller is the barrels. To have that in our own state is tremendous.” Ohio Department of Commerce

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Desserts JUST

Top off your homemade Thanksgiving dinner with a rich and boozy dessert. BY NICHOLAS DEKKER

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Ohio Liquor OHLQ.com

BOURBON APPLE PIE

It’s hard to beat the Thanksgiving classic, especially when it’s spiked with a little bourbon. 1 pie crust (can be frozen or homemade) 3–4 apples (sour or tart are best) /2 c. milk

2 tbsp. bourbon

/3 c. brown sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon 1 egg 1 scoop vanilla ice cream

Peel and slice apples into thin wedges. Combine bourbon, milk, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a separate bowl, then pour over apples and toss to coat. Pour combination into pie crust and cover with additional crust, cutting slices in the top. Whisk up egg and brush top of pie crust with egg wash, then bake for one hour at 375 degrees. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

After winning 2 Double Gold, 6 Gold, 7 Silver and 4 Bronze medals from the worlds most demanding spirit competitions in the past 18 months, most people would say it’s time to take a rest and enjoy the moment. We are not most people. We say we’re just getting started! World Class Award Winning Organic Spirits bottled right here in Ohio. Make the smart choice and support local by picking up a bottle of our handcrafted spirits at your local OHLQ retailer today. Help us prove to the world that the best things do come from Ohio!

westernreservedistillers.com • 14221 Madison Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107 • Please Drink Responsibly

Taste makes the difference Ohio Department of Commerce

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DID YOU FIND THE

Three people won the Golden Barrel Contest for the Summer issue, finding the barrel on the yellow table in our feature story about the Lake Erie islands. Stay tuned for the Winter issue to hear about their barrel tasting experience.

Search out this issue’s hidden Golden Barrel so you can take part in the next barrel selection. Once you find the hidden barrel, log onto OHLQ.com and click on the Golden Barrel link. See page 2 in this issue for more details. Good luck!

SO, WHERE WAS IT?

At the other end of the harbor with the Memorial towering ove it is The Keys, which offers a Key West and Caribbean vor, including the The Tiki Shak and Tortuga’s Rum epublic. Distinctive drinks offered at each venue inside The eys include Mermaid Water, with both spiced and lime rums, ach schnapps, and pineapple juice, all topped with coconut ater and Blue Curaçao, or the Tiki Lemonade with Absolut dka, Triple Sec, sour mix, and Sprite. Catawba Avenue, running from the harbor towards the and’s interior, also offers an array of beverage options. he Fishbowl, attached to Mossback’s Island Bar and Grill, known for its — what else? — Original Island Fishbowl, ntaining Absolut Vodka, Absolut Raspberri, Island Blue cker, and Watermelon Pucker liqueurs, and berry lemonade, rved in plastic fishbowls. Order it with or without little plastic arks “swimming” inside. Down the street, the open-air Mojito Bay is a true Tiki 42+ Summer 2021 perience, complete with a thatched roof, sand “floors,” and 32 | Ohio wings instead of Liquor barOHLQ.com stools. An astonishing array of 30 kinds of

Mojito Bay

42+ Magazine Fall 2021

Articles inside

DID YOU FIND THE GOLDEN BARREL?

TURNING AN ART INTO A BUSINESS

JUST DESSERTS

SLOW GIN

PLATFORM FOR THE FUTURE

BEHIND THE BAR

TALK IT OUT

TALK TO US

CHERRY ON TOP