42+ Magazine Spring 2022 by greatlakespublishing

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H I G H P R O O F O N E V E R Y P A G E // A N O H I O L I Q U O R P U B L I C A T I O N

Spring FORWARD

Think spring by sipping on fruity and floral drinks that are simple to create.

VOLUME 4

NEW LOOK

LIVE TO

SAME AUTHENTIC TASTE

Cheers JIM CANEPA: STUDIO 301; KATIE AND KENNY KUHN: KEVIN KOPANSKI

TO SPRING

I love spring. I find so much joy being outside with my family, particularly in my garden. It is a welcome retreat after the long, cold winter. While I focus on growing vegetables, many people enjoy planting herbs for a variety of reasons. Herbs can bring an element of flavor to cocktails or mocktails. In this issue, be sure to check out the article on how to plant your own herb garden. Did you know Gahanna is the herb capital of Ohio? You can read about that, too, and how the city’s plant library hosts a plant swap. Thinking about a spring getaway? You can take in Ohio’s natural beauty at one of its state parks by day and indulge in delicious cocktails at various distilleries located across the state in the evenings. We have six great trips planned for you from the Lake Erie shoreline to the hills of Southeast Ohio. We also introduce you to the House

of Spirits in Marysville, which specializes in craft cocktails and mocktails and offers an extensive bourbon collection; share some great insight on Avion, a 100 percent agave tequila that employs old-fashioned methods; and feature delicious spring drink recipes that you won’t want to miss. We also highlight the State of Ohio’s Beat the Stigma Campaign, which aims to change perceptions of addiction and mental health. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for bottle lottery news, OHLQ Exclusives, recipes, and more. We have some exciting things planned. If you haven’t signed up yet for our emails, be sure to visit OHLQ.com today. And don’t forget to look for that golden barrel. — Jim Canepa, Superintendent Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Liquor

Q A with an influencer Challenges often spark creative solutions. Thus was the case for KATIE AND KENNY KUHN, owners of the popular Ghost Pepper Taqueria & Tequila in Berea. When the pandemic halted rentals of their former party room next to their Suds Maguire’s Bar & Grill, they turned the space into a way to showcase their passion for tequila. The couple combined Katie’s skill with handcrafted cocktails with their mutual love of Mexican dishes to create Ghost Pepper Taqueria & Tequila, a relaxed eating and drinking space with a speakeasy vibe. The cocktail lounge, which opened in August 2021, reflects the couple’s travels over the years and has become a hot spot in Cleveland’s west suburbs. We asked Katie to tell us more about Ghost Pepper.

Ghost Pepper has 67 tequila labels behind the bar. We’re used to seeing big collections of bourbon, but wide tequila selections aren’t common. What do you like so much about tequila? Before joining my husband in our restaurants, I sold wine for over 15 years. I learned how to find the unique nuances and flavors of each wine, and tequila is very similar. Each tequila has a story, an aroma, and a taste unique to its own. Are more customers sipping tequila? Or do margaritas still rule the day? This is a tough one to answer. Margaritas are still No. 1, but it makes me so happy to walk through the restaurant and see guests with flights of tequila in front of them. Many of our guests are very knowledgeable with tequila and those who aren’t as familiar are happy to sip and learn. Tequila and Mexican food always seem so fun together. What inspired your menu? Our love of Mexican food, unique tacos, and travel. We always make it a point to find the best taco joints in the city. With my wine background, I spent years helping to put together food and wine pairings, and the process for tequila and our menu was just the same. In the Winter issue, we listed an incorrect cocktail recommendation from Barry Chandler, the host and founder of Stories & Sips Whiskey Club. His first recommendation is, and always will be, Irish whiskey. Ohio Department of Commerce

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TAKE A PEEK the spring issue FREE

HIGH PROOF ON EVERY P A G E // A N O HIO LIQUOR P U B L I C AT I O

Spring

2022

FORWARD

Think spring by sipping on fruity and floral drinks that are simple to create.

EVERY TIME TALK TO US 04

Our followers share their favorite places to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. 2

VOLUME 4

ON THE COVER: Celebrate spring with floral drinks.

THAT’S THE SPIRIT 06

Breathe new life into cocktail hour by exploring the versatility of cachaça.

SPRING FORWARD 09

Think spring with fruity and floral drinks that are simple to create.

WHAT’S NEW 14

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

09 Rum Hibiscus Daiquiri

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

18 31 THIS TIME BEAT THE STIGMA 12

New campaign aims to change perceptions of addiction and mental health.

HOUSE OF SPIRITS: KEVIN KOPANSKI; NORTHSIDE DISTILLERY: CASEY SANTI; AVIÓN TEQUILA: AVIÓN TEQUILA

BEHIND THE BAR 16

House of Spirits has been bringing life into Marysville since 1884 — literally.

MEET THE DISTILLER 23 Avión makes tequila that’s love at first sip.

HIKE, BIKE, SIP, & STAY 26 Get away this spring to explore Ohio’s great outdoors and its abundance of craft distilleries.

GROW YOUR OWN COCKTAIL HERB GARDEN 32 Bring nature’s flavors to your cocktails.

DID YOU FIND THE GOLDEN BARREL? 32

Copyright 2022 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.

23 Ohio Department of Commerce

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S U O T K L TA Make your plans now for Cinco de Mayo. Our fans share their favorite places to celebrate in Ohio.

“WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE OHIO SPOT TO CELEBRATE CINCO DE MAYO? ”

Nuevo Modern Mexican and Tequila Bar in Cleveland — Nichole C. The Royce in Columbus — Karen M. El Macho Taco in Painesville — Lindsey S.

Bakersfield’s locations in Columbus and Cincinnati — Haley P.

Agave & Rye in Troy — Matt S.

La Carreta Mexican Restaurant in London — Ryan G.

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 |

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

CACHAÇA THAT’S THE SPIRIT:

BY ALEXIA KEMERLING

hen the frost softens and birdsong fills the air, a spirit of rejuvenation always seems to float in on a warm breeze. Spring is the perfect time to pour energy into learning about new spirits. Refresh your palate and breathe new life into your cocktail hour by exploring the versatility of an often overlooked spirit — cachaça.

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Ohio Liquor OHLQ.com

CAIPIRINHAS: BATUQUI; BRAZILIAN COCONUT BATIDINHA: BATUQUI

Until 2013, cachaça was often mislabeled in the United States as “Brazilian rum.” While rum and cachaça are both made from distilled sugarcane, that’s about where the similarities end. Cachaça must be made from fresh sugarcane juice and must be produced in Brazil, whereas rum can be made around the world and commonly uses molasses. After a single distillation, cachaça can either be stored in stainless steel casks until bottling or undergo an aging process. Unaged cachaça (often labeled branca, prata, or clássica) tastes bright, grassy, and floral. However, the aging process can transform the tastes and aromas. This is true for many spirits, but what makes cachaça unique is that it is often aged in barrels made from native Brazilian woods. To name a few — amburana barrels impart a cinnamon and vanilla aroma; peanut barrels lower the spirit’s acidity and give the liquid a soft yellow color and aroma of white flowers; and balsam wood enhances the herbaceous flavors of cachaça. Cachaça is considered aged, and labeled amarela or ouro if at least 50 percent of the bottle contains cachaça that was aged for at least one year. Premium cachaça must be completely aged for at least a year and extra premium at least three years. Caipirinha — a cocktail made with cachaça, muddled limes, and sugar — is the national drink of Brazil, and the most common way cachaça is served. Without a doubt, this refreshing beverage is a great place to start. However, don’t stop there. The range of aging methods that can be used to produce cachaça result in a plethora of flavors and endless opportunities for mixology. The cocktail menu at Batuqui, a Brazilian restaurant with locations in Cleveland and Chagrin Falls, offers perfect examples of cachaça’s versatility. In the Rio-Tini, premium cachaça is mixed with Chambord, passion fruit, and muddled basil. Meanwhile, fresh coconut milk and condensed milk accompany the spirit in a Brazilian Coconut Batidinha. Though cachaça makes a great base for creative cocktails, the spirit can also stand alone, neat, or on the rocks. In fact, we recommend starting there. Pour a taste and allow yourself time to notice the aromas, flavors, and mouthfeel, as each bottle or brand may offer a new experience. Then, let the spirit’s natural taste inspire and inform your mixology or simple sipping.

SAY IT WITH US

Cachaça is pronounced “Kah-SHAH-sah.”

CULTURE COUNTS to their region are a point of pride and a staple in the culture. Can you match these spirits to their country of origin?

a. Tequila

1. Brazil

b. Scotch

2. The Netherlands

c. Bourbon

3. Scotland

d. Gin

4. United States

e. Cachaça

5. Mexico

Answer key: a-5, b-3, c-4, d-2, e-1

For many countries, the spirits native

Ohio Department of Commerce

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Spring FORWARD

Think spring by sipping on fruity and floral drinks that are simple to create at home. Find these recipes and more on OHLQ.com.

RUM HIBISCUS DAIQUIRI 2 c. water 3 hibiscus tea bags 2 c. sugar 2 oz. light rum 1 oz. lime juice, freshly squeezed, if possible 1 oz. hibiscus simple syrup 1 hibiscus flower 1 lime wheel Add light rum, lime juice, and hibiscus simple syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice. (If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, a lidded jar works well.) Shake until well chilled. Strain into a tall, chilled glass. Garnish with a fresh hibiscus flower and/or lime wheel. Hibiscus Simple Syrup Boil two cups of water. Once boiling, remove from heat and add three hibiscus tea bags. Let steep for five minutes and remove tea bags. While still warm, add two cups of sugar and stir until sugar dissolves; allow to cool. (Your hibiscus simple syrup will last one week refrigerated.)

CHARLESTON FIZZ 2 oz. gin 3 sprigs of fresh tarragon plus some extra leaves for garnishing, if desired 3 oz. ruby red grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed, if possible

/2 oz. elderflower liqueur or syrup 1 oz. simple syrup 2 oz. club soda, to top 1 grapefruit slice 1 tarragon sprig 1

Gently muddle the tarragon in a cocktail shaker. (If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, a lidded jar works well.) Fill the shaker with ice. Add gin, grapefruit juice, elderflower liqueur or syrup, and simple syrup. Shake until well chilled. Strain into a tall Collins glass filled with fresh ice. Top with club soda, and garnish with a grapefruit slice and a sprig of tarragon.

SUNSET IN NEW ORLEANS

IT’S A

Mocktail!

/2 – 3/4 oz. lemon juice, freshly squeezed, if possible 2 dashes creole bitters 1

4–5 oz. club soda 1 /2 oz. grenadine syrup 1 lemon wheel

Add lemon juice and bitters to a shaker with ice. (If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, a lidded jar works well.) Shake until well chilled. Strain into a tall glass over fresh ice. Top with club soda and give the mixture a gentle stir so that you don’t disrupt the bubbles. (A narrow implement such as a bar spoon is best for this, and a chopstick works well as a substitute.) Gently pour grenadine syrup into glass and let it sink to the bottom to achieve a layered “sunset” look. Garnish with a lemon wheel. Ohio Department of Commerce

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ORANGE SANGRIA HIBISCUS ARNOLD PALMER

IT’S A

Mocktail!

4 oz. hibiscus tea (ideally freshly brewed and then chilled) 4 oz. lemonade (still or sparkling) edible flower or lemon wheel

Add lemonade to a tall glass with ice. Gently and carefully pour the hibiscus tea over the lemonade to create a layered effect. Garnish with an edible flower or lemon wheel, plus a stirrer to combine the hibiscus tea and lemonade layers together before drinking.

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Ohio Liquor OHLQ.com

LIMONCELLO SPRITZ 1 /2 oz. limoncello 1 oz. prosecco or other sparkling wine 2 /3 oz. club soda or sparkling water 1 mint sprig 1 lemon peel or lemon slice 1

Gently pour the limoncello, prosecco, and club soda into an ice-filled glass. Stir gently to combine. (You don’t want to disrupt the bubbles, so a narrow implement such as a bar spoon is best for this, and a chopstick works well as a substitute.) Garnish with a mint sprig and lemon peel or lemon slice.

1 750 ml. bottle of white wine (such as a Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling) 1 /4 c. orange liqueur (semi-dry or dry) 2 oranges, peeled and sliced 1 grapefruit, peeled and sliced 1 lemon, peeled and sliced 1 lime, peeled and sliced 1 citrus slice (rind on) 1 mint sprig

PERFECT FOR A

Party!

Add the white wine, orange liqueur, and sliced oranges, grapefruit, lemon, and lime to a pitcher and gently stir. Cover and refrigerate for three hours or up to 24 to allow the fruits to release their flavors into the mixture. Stir again, then pour into wine glasses over ice. Garnish with a citrus slice of your choice and a sprig of mint.

STRAWBERRY BRANDY SMASH 2 oz. brandy 1 /4 oz. simple syrup 7 mint leaves 3 medium-sized strawberries Shaved ice to serve (optional) 1 strawberry 1 mint sprig Add strawberries, mint, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. (If you don’t have a shaker, a lidded jar works well.) Gently muddle the strawberries with the mint leaves, being careful not to shred the mint leaves or smash the strawberries too finely (this can make it harder to strain your drink). Add brandy and ice to the shaker, and shake until well chilled. Strain into a glass with fresh ice (shaved ice is traditional). Garnish with a strawberry and/or a sprig of mint.

POMEGRANATE PALOMA 2 oz. tequila 1 /2 oz. lime juice, freshly squeezed, if possible 1 /2 oz. pomegranate juice 1 /2 oz. grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed, if possible 1 /2 oz. agave syrup Soda water Pomegranate seeds 1 mint sprig Pour tequila, lime juice, pomegranate juice, grapefruit juice, and agave syrup into a shaker with ice. (If you don’t have a shaker, a lidded jar works well.) Shake until well-chilled. Strain mixture into a tall glass filled with fresh ice. Top with soda water for a fizzy finish. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and a mint sprig.

LEMON DROP MARTINI 2 oz. vodka (plain or citrus) 1 /2 oz. triple sec 1 oz. lemon juice, freshly squeezed, if possible 1 oz. simple syrup Sugar for rim 1 lemon peel twist Make a small pile of sugar on a plate. Lightly apply lemon juice to the outside of the rim of a cocktail glass and roll in sugar. So that it adheres well to the glass, allow sugar to dry while you prepare the cocktail. Add vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice. (If you don’t have a shaker, a lidded jar works well.) Shake until well-chilled. Carefully strain into the prepared glass, and garnish with a lemon peel twist. Ohio Department of Commerce

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Stigma BEAT THE New campaign aims to change perceptions of addiction and mental health. BY MATTHEW BIDDLE

hen most of us experience pain or worrisome symptoms, we talk to a family member, partner, or medical professional. Too often, the same cannot be said for mental illness or substance use. When individuals struggle with addiction or mental health issues, they may do so in silence because of the stigma that surrounds these complex illnesses. “Stigma can be devastating to those who live with these diseases, not only adding to the hardships of addiction and mental illness, but also preventing them from seeking the help they need to get well,” Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said last fall when he joined leaders from the Ohio Opioid Education Alliance and RecoveryOhio to announce a new public education campaign: “Beat the Stigma.” The campaign challenges Ohioans to reconsider how they think about addiction, understand their risk, and take care of their mental health. Educational ads have been airing on TV, radio, and streaming services, featuring three contestants on a fictional game show called “Beat the Stigma” — and anyone can get in the game themselves by visiting beatthestigma.org. There, you can test your knowledge on addiction and other mental health issues with a rapid-fire quiz. You will have one minute to answer 10 questions — and, most importantly, you will get instant feedback on your answers so you can be more informed and help end the stigma around these disorders. 12 |

Ohio Liquor OHLQ.com

STIGMA

stig • ma | noun

“People who are living with and recovering from mental illness and addiction face harmful stigmas. They and their families are often judged, misunderstood, and isolated,” said Lori Criss, Director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. “The reality is addiction is a disease, much like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.” One in 13 Ohioans is living with or recovering from a substance use disorder, according to the Ohio Opioid Education Alliance, which is led by the Nationwide Foundation and includes more than 100 companies and nonprofits across the state. “Beat the Stigma” is based on research and input from addiction and mental health experts, as well as the real stories and experiences of individuals and families who have struggled with

a set of negative and often unfair beliefs that a society or group of people have about something.

substance use and mental health disorders. Nationally, more than 40 million people had a substance use disorder in 2020, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The campaign underscores that addiction is not a moral failing or lack of willpower — it is a chronic disease that often results from genetics or trauma, making it critical to know your risk and to discuss those risks with loved ones. “If you knew your child had an elevated risk of any other serious disease, wouldn’t you talk about it with that child?” said Erika Clark Jones, CEO of the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board of Franklin County. “The same should apply to addiction and mental illness.” Help beat the stigma surrounding mental illness and addiction by visiting beatthestigma.org.

KNOW THE

FACTS

Ending the stigma starts by educating ourselves and others on addiction and mental health. • Mental illness is a risk factor for addiction, and the two diseases often overlap. In fact, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 17 million American adults experienced both mental illness and a substance use disorder in 2020. • As much as 50% of your risk of developing drug or alcohol addiction depends on your genes, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. • COVID-19 has exacerbated the nation’s substance use and mental health crisis. During 2020, the American Medical Association reported that more than 40 states saw an increase in opioid-related deaths amid the pandemic.

TALK ABOUT IT A simple way to change perceptions of addiction and mental health is to change how we talk about these issues. Even the images we post on social media can inadvertently contribute to the stigma surrounding these issues. Avoid images that sensationalize drug or alcohol use, and communicate with “person-first” language to demonstrate compassion and empathy and avoid placing blame.

• Rather than “addict” or “junkie,” say “person with a substance use disorder” • Rather than “abuse,” say “use” (for illicit drugs) or “misuse” (for prescription drugs)

• Rather than “alcoholic” or “drunk,” say “person with an alcohol use disorder” • Rather than “drug habit” or “drug problem,” say “substance use disorder” • Rather than “former addict,” say “person in recovery”

• Men are less likely than women to seek treatment for mental health concerns, according to the National Institute on Mental Health. • Teens face a higher risk of mental health issues, underscoring the importance of open communication among family members. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1 in 3 high school students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2019 — a 40% increase over the last decade.

Ohio Department of Commerce

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What’s LTO = Limited Time Offer

in Ohio

VAP = Value Added Pack

AMERICAN WHISKEY

CORDIALS

BARDSTOWN BOURBON FERRAND COLLABORATION | 750 mL

ARAK BRUN 5 YEAR SPECIAL RESERVE | 750 mL

BUFFALO TRACE WHITE DOG MASH #1 | 375 mL

ST GEORGE BRUTO AMERICANO | 750 mL

BUFFALO TRACE WHITE DOG STRAIGHT RYE WH 125 PROOF | 375 mL

VI AQUAVIT | 750 mL

ST GEORGE NOLA COFFEE LIQUEUR | 750 mL

GIN HENDRICKS | 375 mL HENDRICKS GIN MARTINI | 375 mL TANQUERAY RANGPUR | 1 L UNCLE VALS RESTORATIVE GIN | 750 mL

IRISH WHISKEY JAMESON ORANGE | 50 mL MIDLETON DAIR GHAELACH KYLEBEG WOOD | 750 mL THE WHISTLER DOUBLE OAKED | 750 mL

JIM BEAM PEACH PET | 1.75 L

SELVAREY COCONUT RUM INFUSED WITH NATURAL COCONUT | 750 mL

KNOB CREEK RYE WITH JIGGER VAP | 750 mL

SELVAREY WHITE RUM | 750 mL

TRES GENERACIONES CRISTALINO | 750 mL

SCOTCH

VODKA

THE WISEMAN RYE | 750 mL

TEQUILA

BRANDY

AVION CRISTALINO | 750 mL

ANSAC BLACK KNIGHT COGNAC | 750 mL

CANADIAN ALBERTA PREMIUM RYE WHISKY | 750 mL

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Ohio Liquor OHLQ.com

REYKA RHUBARB COSMOPOLITAN | 375 mL SMIRNOFF PEACH LEMONADE | 50 mL SMIRNOFF PEACH LEMONADE | 750 mL

EVERY BOTTLE

PLANTS A TREE 5 0 0,0 0 0 TR EES P L ANT ED AND CO U NT I NG IN PARTNERS HIP with ONE TREE PLANTED

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NOBLEOAK.COM

@NOBLEOAKSPIRITS

@NOBLEOAK

Behind the Bar

HOUSE OF SPIRITS House of Spirits has been bringing life into Marysville since 1884 — literally. STORY BY NICHOLAS DEKKER PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN KOPANSKI

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Ohio Liquor OHLQ.com

Visit with your friends in the intimate rooms at House of Spirits. Ohio Department of Commerce

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Behind the Bar

Order a Classic Old Fashioned.

The cocktail menu features something for every taste — from Manhattans to mocktails.

18 |

Ohio Liquor OHLQ.com

ouse of Spirits cocktail bar took over the gorgeous Victorian structure in the summer of 2019. “A long, long time ago, if you were born in Marysville, you were born in this house with the aid of a man named Dr. Henderson,” said Marie Gilman, House of Spirits marketing coordinator. Births don’t take place there anymore, but the doctor has been remembered over the years. The building went through many iterations since the 1880s before becoming Doc Henderson’s restaurant. When the owner was retiring, he turned to Bruce Daniels and Rick Crago, who renovated the bistro before updating it further to open House of Spirits. “They decided to bring the house back to its original history,” Gilman said. “We stripped back all the woodwork to its original coloring; we brought in old furniture, vintage lighting. We wanted to honor the Prohibition speakeasy feel.” “You’ll see no TVs, there are no clocks,” added Greg Gantz, bar manager and event coordinator. “Players come in and play the piano. It’s that vibe where you don’t have to look at your phone. You can sit down and relax.” Each drink is crafted with care, like the Bee’s Peas mocktail and Madam’s Margarita.

Behind the Bar

Pair drinks with flatbread and empanadas.

Lavender honey and lavender bitters star in the Ice Queen Gin Sour.

With cocktails changing frequently, there are plenty of reasons for return visits. House of Spirits rotates its cocktail list monthly, along with weekly specials. Gantz and the bar team excel at the classics, but they create many of their own libations. Because of the bar’s heavy lean towards bourbon, it features four or five bourbon cocktails using barrel-select spirits especially made for them by Knob Creek, Makers Mark, Old Forester, and other

distilleries. Their Manhattan, for instance, is built around Knob Creek House of Spirits rye. They also offer monthly themes, like tequila month and tiki month. The constant rotation keeps fans coming back, Gilman said. The emphasis is on quality all around. Gantz and the bar staff feature a wide variety of spirits; they craft their own juices, simple syrups, and even infuse spirits and cocktails with smoke. For guests skipping the alcohol, the

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY. | RESPONSIBILITY.ORG TEQUILA HERRADURA, 40% ALC. BY VOL., IMPORTED BY BROWN-FORMAN, LOUISVILLE, KY. HERRADURA IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK. ©2022 BROWN-FORMAN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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Ohio Liquor OHLQ.com

Relax in the elegant setting.

team also invents exciting mocktails. A recent feature called the Bee’s Peas used Seedlip Garden 108 non-alcoholic spirit, verjus, apple juice, white honey syrup, and honeycomb. House of Spirits distinguishes itself as a bourbon bar. Gilman said the bar features a little over 200 bourbons, although she estimates they probably have about 350 total including those in storage. Guests can order rotating flights of four featured

bourbons. Often the flights are themed, such as all ryes, all from one distillery, or all featured in a region. Pro-tip: time your visit for Wednesdays when it’s five-dollar bourbon night. To complement the libations, they offer pub bites and flatbreads. In early 2022, they added a weekend brunch menu accompanied by cocktails like the Spiced Almond Old Fashioned that gives a nutty twist to the classic drink.

With its decorative façade, the House of Spirits is easy to find in Marysville.

COME TO COVINGTON

FIND IT IN FRANKFORT Thoughtfully crafted itineraries incorporate three cities for a perfect bourbon excursion—distinctive distilleries, mouth-watering culinary offerings, and bourbon-centric attractions & lodging.

ComeFindBourbon.com

BOURBON COMES FROM BARDSTOWN

Come Find Bourbon is a partnership between meetNKY, Visit Frankfort, and Visit Bardstown.

Ohio Department of Commerce

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MEET THE DISTILLER

Avión AVIÓN MAKES TEQUILA THAT’S LOVE AT FIRST SIP BY MICHAEL PRAMIK PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESTY OF AVIÓN TEQUILA

The freshest of ingredients go into Avión.

hen many Americans drink tequila, they typically reach for the saltshaker and start slicing lemons. The makers of Avión tequila suggest an alternative approach — pour the spirit in a glass and sip. Produced in the highland state of Jalisco, Mexico, Avión is a 100 percent agave tequila that employs old-fashioned methods to bring out the essential qualities of the ingredients. Its five lines range from super-premium to ultra-premium, making them ideal for sipping as well using in a margarita, Paloma, or other cocktail. Avión burst onto the scene in 2010, when the popular HBO series Entourage featured it in a story line. Founded by U.S. entrepreneur Ken Austin in 2007, Avión has always been positioned as an upscale tequila. The publicity it garnered from Entourage led Austin to approach spirits powerhouse Pernod-Ricard about adding the brand to its portfolio. The answer, eventually, was yes. Pernod-Ricard purchased a majority stake in Avión in 2014 and acquired the rest four years later. The TV boost has worn away, but Avión’s reputation for quality remains. Appreciating its subtleties often requires sipping it neat. “Americans, like Mexicans, are in love with tequila,” said Carlos Ramirez, head of Ohio Department of Commerce

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global advocacy with Pernod-Ricard. “It’s a huge trend, but there’s a lot of education from our side to be done. We need to start changing this mindset of tequila being a cheap spirit.” Their agave is grown at the highest elevation in Jalisco, so the resulting spirit has a soft, herbal and citrus character. That contrasts with tequilas that use agave grown in Mexico’s valleys, which come off smokier and more earthy. “If you have good agave and the correct production process, you unveil a lot of flavors in that complex spirit,” said Ramirez. Avión slowly roasts the agave for three days in traditional brick ovens, then distills it (twice, as is common with highquality tequila) in copper pot stills, using only the best part of the distillate to put up in bottles. The result is surprisingly rich, sweet tequila that offers a fresh agave blast. “This is a trend in the tequila category — more-delicate flavors,” Ramirez said. New to the market in 2022, Avión Cristalino is a sense-defying, rich tequila that’s crystal clear because it’s been filtered over charcoal to remove color and some of the oaky notes from the barrel.

Avión combines its extra- and ultraaged spirits, then twice filters them over charcoal. The resulting spirit offers soft aromas of fruit and cocoa and rich flavors of vanilla and caramel. Other options are also great for sipping. Avión Reserva 44 is an extra anejo, or ultra-aged tequila. Its relatively dark color comes from more than three years in former Tennessee bourbon barrels. It’s a soft, luxurious sip that bourbon lovers will appreciate. The agave is more difficult to detect, but there are aromas of chocolate, dried fruits, almonds, and caramel. In contrast, Avión Silver is bottled directly after distillation, with only water added to control the alcohol content. Typical of a highland tequila, it’s soft and herbal, offering the fresh scent of green agave. With no additives, it “shows you the land where it came from,” Ramirez said. Avión Reposado is aged for about six months. The pale-yellow spirit still maintains the agave note on the nose, but there’s a hint of oak, and the taste evokes sweet citrus flavors as well as warm spices. It’s ideal in a tequila Old Fashioned with a bit of agave nectar and a splash of spicy bitters.

IRISH WHISKEY AMPLIFIED Triple casked for more flavour.

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

Carlos Ramirez stands behind the flavor of Avión’s tequila.

SPICED TEQUILA OLD FASHIONED

The agave before it’s roasted.

2 1/4 oz. Avión Reposado Tequila 1 teaspoon agave nectar Several dashes Bittercube Chipotle Cacao bitters (or other chocolate/ spicy bitters) Grapefruit twist Combine agave nectar, bitters, and 1 oz. tequila in a mixing glass. Stir to combine. Add ice and remainder of tequila. Stir for 20 seconds. Strain into an Old-Fashioned glass with fresh ice, ideally one large cube. Garnish with a grapefruit twist.

The tequila is distilled twice in cooper pot stills.

CELEBRATE WITH GERVASI SPIRITS SMALL BATCH & FLAVOR-INFUSED BOURBON, GIN, RUM, VODKA & LIQUEUR Available on site at

canton, ohio gervasivineyard.com

Fresh Ohio Department of Commerce

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MAUMEE BAY STATE PARK: ASHLEY HIMBURG

Ohio Liquor OHLQ.com

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HIKE, BIKE, SIP, STAY STORY BY RICH WARREN

Get away this spring to explore Ohio’s great outdoors and its abundance of craft distilleries. Take in Ohio’s natural beauty at its 75 state parks by day and indulge in delicious cocktails at various distilleries located across the state in the evenings. Here are six getaway ideas – each located close to craft distilleries. Looking for more parks to explore? Get trip ideas for all of Ohio’s 75 state parks by downloading the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ free DETOUR app.

LAKESIDE RETREAT

Take in gorgeous lake views at Maumee Bay State Park.

Watch sailboats glide past a sandy beach at Maumee Bay State Park right on the shores of Lake Erie. The comfortable park lodge sits right on the water with recreational activities in the park including boat and bike rentals, multipurpose trails, and a Scottish-style golf course. Take one of the frequent naturalist programs, including birdwatching, in one of the country’s best places to witness the spring migration. In the evening, slip over to Toledo Spirits in Lowertown, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, where the handcrafted spirits using regional ingredients include a hop-flavored whiskey and a strawberry vodka. Enjoy seasonally changing cocktails in Bellwether, the distillery’s cocktail lounge, where the beams and posts of its former life as a hat factory are part of the atmosphere. Purchase to-go spirits in the adjacent bottle shop as well as other items like cool tiki mugs. Light fare includes flatbreads and sliders, but your GPS may well route you past the worldfamous Tony Packo’s Cafe, where you also could stop in for a Hungarian hot dog, complete with the works. Ohio Department of Commerce

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A SHORE SUCCESS

On the other end of Ohio’s Lake Erie shoreline, Geneva State Park also offers a lodge right on the water. A marina and fishing pier are adjacent to a sandy swimming beach, while nearby hiking, biking, and snowmobile trails snake through forests and freshwater marshes. A stone’s throw from the park is the frozen-in-time resort of Geneva-on-theLake, attracting summer vacationers for decades with arcades and fun places to eat like the popular old-fashioned diner Eddie’s Grille and Madsen Donuts. For more Lake Erie vistas, keep driving eastward along State Route 531 passing through Ashtabula with its historic harbor and finally arriving at Conneaut Township Park, where you can actually drive your vehicle right onto the beach. Then, head inland to the Grand River Valley where, in addition to many wellknown wineries, you’ll find Red Eagle Distillery, housed in a bright red barn dating from the 1880s with a remarkably preserved rustic interior. The five spirits produced here include bourbon and rye using locally sourced grains, a vodka distilled from grapes, brandy made from local wines, and a unique Red Maple spirit using distilled local maple syrup.

Take a photo by the historic red barn at Red Eagle Distillery.

URBAN ESCAPES

With its system of 20 Metro Parks, the great outdoors is close by anywhere in Columbus. Make a stop at the newest Columbus and Franklin County Metro Park, Quarry Trails, that opened in 2021. Situated inside what was once the largest contiguous quarry in the country, the park offers pet-friendly walking trails, a mountain bike trail, a lake for fishing, and a scenic waterfall. Those who want to sleep under the stars can do just that nearby in

DOS PRIMOS IS A SMOOTH SIPPIN’ TEQUILA MADE FOR ALL OF LIFE’S ADVENTURES.

DOS PRIMOS IS MADE FOR SHARING. EXPLORE AND ENJOY. @DOSPRIMOSTEQUILA PLEASE ENJOY RESPONSIBLY. Imported from Mexico exclusively by Dos Primos® Tequila Co., St. Louis, MO. 40% ALC/VOL (80 Proof).

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Ohio Liquor OHLQ.com

Grove City at Scioto Grove Metro Park at a backpacking campground right beside the Scioto River. Built up a thirst? Fans of craft distilleries will be thrilled to learn of the abundance of them in Columbus. The oldest, Middle West Spirits, uses Ohio soft winter wheat in its vodka, whiskey, and its dry gin that’s made with 18 botanicals. Watershed Distillery makes vodka, a trio of awardwinning gins, and both a four-year bourbon and a bottled Old Fashioned. High Bank

RED EAGLE DISTILLERY: CHRIS CASELLA; QUARRY TRAILS: LARRY HAMILL/ COLUMBUS AND FRANKLIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

F O U N D E D B Y C O U S I N S J E F F W O R N A N D T H O M A S R H E T T,

Go hiking at the new Columbus Metro Park, Quarry Trails.

Try a sample of one of the flavored options at Hocking Hills Moonshine.

cherry, salty caramel, or maple flavors. Be sure to get an online passport for the brand-new Columbus Distillery Trail and then collect points as you taste, tour, and sample.

HEAD TO THE HILLS

The hills of Southeast Ohio have long been a magnet for lovers of the outdoors. The Hocking Hills region draws more than four million visitors each year, while the Wayne National Forest, comprising

HOCKING HILLS MOONSHINE: LAURA WATILO BLAKE

Distillery received a high honor when its Whiskey War Barrel Proof blend was named the Best Blended Whiskey in America at the San Francisco Spirits Competition in 2021. 451 Spirits puts an emphasis on creativity — its rum mixes in mint and lime to create the flavors of a mojito, while its whiskey is distilled with smoked apples. They even make a pizzaflavored vodka! Noble Cut Distillery makes flavored whiskeys starting with a base of bourbon and adding apple, black

nearly a quarter million acres of heavily wooded land across several counties, offers hiking, camping, fishing, horseback riding, and all-terrain vehicle trails. Stay in the charming college town of Athens as a home-base for exploring the region. Stay overnight at the new boutique Athens Central Hotel that’s less than a minute’s walk to downtown where you’ll find restaurants and independently owned boutiques. Each of the hotel’s luxurious rooms has floor to ceiling windows. Try spirits made with local ingredients at Athens’ West End Distillery and the West End Ciderhouse, located about a block from each other in a hilly residential neighborhood. The distillery stays true to its Appalachian roots by using locally grown grapes to distill its unique vodka and spicebush gin, as well as sorghum grown in neighboring Meigs County to produce rum. Also available is a brand-new Elder Gin using Eastern red cedar, elder flower, and ginseng. Find these spirits mixed into imaginative cocktails at the nearby Ciderhouse. Head north to the Hocking Hills area to sample locally made moonshine in a wide array of flavors at Hocking Hills Moonshine in Logan and Black Diamond Distillery in New Straitsville.

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Take a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad within the national park.

VALLEY VISTAS

In the Cuyahoga Valley National Park between Cleveland and Akron, there’s all the scenic beauty you’d expect in a national park with hidden waterfalls, dramatic rock outcroppings, and of course the winding Cuyahoga River itself, all allowing for hiking, fishing, paddling the river, golfing, and horseback riding. The Towpath Trail following the course of the old Ohio and Erie Canal is especially

Try a wide variety of spirits made at The Still House at Gervasi Vineyard.

popular with hikers and bikers, and kids will love taking a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. For a unique place to both taste local spirits and spend the night, head for Gervasi Vineyard in Canton, a 55-acre estate well-known for its distillery, winery, and three distinctive restaurants. Stop in The Still House to sip spirits like bourbons aged in wine barrels, a rosé vodka, blood orange gin, blueberry liqueur, and spiced

rum. From The Still House, walk to stay overnight in Gervasi’s Villas, luxurious suites with fireplaces, heated floors, and Tuscan-inspired decor, or The Casa, an upscale boutique hotel.

ART WALK

Just north of Cincinnati, Hamilton is known as The City of Sculpture, since about three dozen playful outdoor installations are sprinkled through the

WOODFORD RESERVE KENTUCK Y STR AIGHT WHISKE Y, 4 3.2%- 4 5.2% ALC. BY VOL ., THE WOODFORD RESERVE DISTILLERY, VERSAILLES, K Y. WOODFORD RESERVE IS A REGISTERED TR ADEMARK. ©202 2 BROWN - FORMAN.

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CUYAHOGA VALLEY SCENIC RAILROAD: ANTHONY BOARMAN; THE STILL HOUSE: GERVASI VINEYARD

CR AFTED CAREFULLY. DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

Explore the grounds of Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park.

Distillery uses traditional pre-Prohibition mash bills and recipes for its malted whisky and bourbons. Stop in the family-friendly taproom in the city’s Over-the-Rhine district to try them. Close by is the Knox Joseph Distillery stillhouse where you can try cocktails made with their awardwinning gin and whiskey. Not far away in downtown you’ll find Northside Distilling Co., serving its bourbon, gin, vodka, agave, and seasonal rum.

On Cincinnati’s north side, March First Brewing and Distilling crafts beer, cider, and spirits like Cooper Island Rum, Redsky Gin, and Rebellion Agave. On the city’s east side, stop at Karrikin Spirits Company to try the unique Shifu Chinese liquor made with Sake yeast. Also east of Cincinnati is the Woodburn Brewery Taproom where you can sip on rye and whiskey made by Cincinnati Distilling.

PYRAMID HILL SCULPTURE PARK: LAURA WATILO BLAKE; NORTHSIDE DISTILLING CO.: CASEY SANTI

downtown area. Even more sculpted artworks await nearby at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park, where nearly 80 outdoor sculptures sit on a breathtaking 300-acre tract of rolling forested hills, meadows, lakes, and gardens. Hop on an art cart to get up-close to the sculptures. Take a good long overnight rest at the recently completed Warehouse Hotel. Seven distilleries can be found around Cincinnati. Northern Row Brewery &

Chill out with friends at Northside Distilling Co. in Cincinnati.

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DID YOU FIND THE

GROW YOUR OWN

Cocktail

Herb Garden Bring nature’s flavors to your cocktails. STORY BY NICHOLAS DEKKER

You’ll find everything from recipes and tips to the history behind spirits and beloved traditions, to spirit spotlights and Meet the Distiller features.

One lucky winner found the Golden Barrel in the Winter issue, spying the barrel in the story on places to wake up for brunch cocktails in Ohio. We’ll feature the winner’s barrel tasting experience in a future issue of 42+ magazine. Search for this issue’s hidden Golden Barrel so you can take part in a future barrel selection with OHLQ. 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? Wake up

Brunch with

BY NICHOLAS DEKKER

n my nearly 15 years of writing about breakfast and brunch, I’ve been amazed at how the morning meal constantly grows and changes. I’ll think I’ve seen it all — eggs Benedicts, Bloody Marys, corned beef hash — but then restaurants across Ohio will surprise me with creative renditions of classic dishes. It’s what keeps me exploring on my blog, BreakfastWithNick.com. Nothing beats cozying up to a filling brunch and a breakfast cocktail during the winter months, and here are a few favorites across the Buckeye State. The Pearl is an upscale gastropub with locations in Dublin and Columbus’ Short North Arts District. The accommodations are both cozy and modern, the perfect backdrop for brunch. We got started with oysters on the half shell, plus the deviled eggs and the Devils on Horseback, aka baconwrapped dates. Don’t miss jalapeño corn spoon bread, the Tavern 26 |

Ohio Liquor OHLQ.com

Benny with buttermilk biscuits, and decadent shrimp and grits. To accompany it all, we had to order the Bourbon. Bacon. Beautiful. cocktail, a salty and sweet concoction blending fat-washed Larceny Bourbon, grapefruit shrub, maple syrup, and candied bacon. Located close to Cleveland’s West Side Market, Soho Chicken + Whiskey features two of my favorite things in their name. The Sunday brunch infuses new ideas into Southern favorites like beignets with chocolate and raspberry jam, cornmeal hush puppies with sausage gravy, fried chicken with rosemary waffles, and eggs Benedict with fried green tomatoes. The brunch cocktails lean heavily into whiskey and tequila, with hits like the Tee Time with bourbon, Pimm’s and peach shrub, or the De La Soul with tequila, blood orange, grapefruit, agave, and lime. I gravitated towards java-based cocktails like the hot Kitchen

THE PEARL: CAMERON MITCHELL RESTAURANTS; SOHO CHICKEN + WHISKEY SOHO CHICKEN + WHISKEY

PICTURED: Bourbon Bacon cocktail at The Pearl. RIGHT, TOP TO BOTTOM: Hush Pups and Grain Mustard Cream and Fried Chicken Breakfast Sandwich at Soho Chicken + Whiskey.

THE PEARL: CAMERON MITCHELL RESTAURANTS

ore and more people are learning to craft their own cocktails and mocktails at home, and one of the best tools at their disposal is in their very own backyards! Spring is the perfect time to plant an herb garden so you can supply your homemade creations with fresh clippings. Learn how mint is a fast grower, best planted in its own pot. Trim its leaves and muddle them in a julep or a mojito. Or discover how lavender makes a pungent and fruity garnish perfect as a syrup for a French 75 or a gin fizz. Check out the News and Lifestyle section on OHLQ.com for helpful descriptions of herbs, how to grow and use them, tasting notes, and suggested cocktails.

Golden Barrel?

The Pearl is known for its fresh oysters.

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Follow Gahanna’s Herbal Cocktail Trail Celebrate Gahanna as the Herb Capital of Ohio with the Herbal Cocktail Trail! The trail promotes visiting Gahanna several times to try the seven restaurants or distilleries serving cocktails showcasing herbs. The featured cocktails change every three months. Among the most popular were Barrel & Boar’s Bourbon Spiced Cider made with Old Forester and

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Ohio Liquor OHLQ.com

topped with homemade harvest spice, and Crafted Culture’s offering made with Noble Cut spirits and cardamom. Want to build out your own herb collection? Join the Gahanna Plant Library, a volunteer-run program that lets you swap plants, pots, and coffee grounds. For more details, visit facebook.com/ groups/theplantlibrary.

42+ Winter 2022

WHEN

HEATHER HONEY MEETS

SPICED DRIED FRUIT MEETS

PEAT SMOKE A WILD HARMONY IS MADE

PLEASE ENJOY RESPONSIBLY

The Black Door Tavern

42+ Magazine Spring 2022

Articles inside

HIKE, BIKE, SIP, & STAY

THAT’S THE SPIRIT

WHAT’S NEW

SPRING FORWARD

MEET THE DISTILLER

BEHIND THE BAR