BARTENDER'S BEST

Bartender’s Best By Charlie Wohlrab

“All the leaves are brown, and the sky is grey,” sang the Mamas and Papas in the sixties. That is a good description of November. To get in the spirit of November it is time to enjoy some Brown Spirits. One such spirit is Old Camp Whiskey. If you have never tried it, it is definitely worth looking for. This is a peach pecan flavored whiskey developed by the duo Florida Georgia Line. The blending and mellowing produce an exceptionally smooth liquor which can be enjoyed directly over ice. Just pour 1 and ½ - 2 ounces over ice in a rocks glass, sit back and enjoy. You can add a cherry to imitate a cocktail and perhaps a splash of soda to make the drink last a bit longer. This is a wonderful “cocktail” for these November afternoons that are getting darker sooner.

A local product that also deserves mention is Stoll and Wolfe Whiskey. This is a blend of bourbon and rye, a “cocktail” straight from the bottle as you may. The sweetness of the bourbon mellows and compliments the spiciness of the rye perfectly. Pour 1 and ½ to 2 ounces over ice in a rocks glass and you have an instant cocktail. Again, add a cherry or two for appearance or a splash of soda to make it last longer.

Stoll and Wolfe is a local distillery, located in Lititz, Pennsylvania. It is always good to patronize local businesses, and even better when they do produce a quality product. That is the case with Stoll and Wolfe. However, at this time, Stoll and Wolfe Whiskey is only available in Pennsylvania. The distillery is open for curbside pickups or tastings, but I suggest you call the distillery for an update on COVID-19 precautions before you go. For the record, Stoll and Wolfe currently produces a Rye, a Bourbon, and the Whiskey, a RyeBourbon mix.

Another local product is Maggie’s Farm Spiced Rum. When you hear Spiced Rum you probably think of a sweet rum with tropical notes. However, this is a dry rum with hints of mulling spices which makes it perfect for these short dark Pennsylvania days. It is delicious over ice or sipped neat. According to the website Maggie’s Farm Pittsburgh Distillery is available for takeout and curbside pickup, and they can ship to a Pennsylvania address. Check the Maggie’s Farm website for particulars. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, tastings have been suspended which is a shame as they produce a variety of rums. The Spiced Rum is so smooth and mellow it begs you to try the others. Plan of taking a field trip to Maggie’s Farm when the pandemic runs its course.

Could rum become the new vodka? Available in a variety of flavors? Perhaps, but Maggie’s Spiced Rum is definitely an adult taste, unlike the “bubblegum” flavors of the vodkas or the other spiced rums available.

Be safe. Stay home. Enjoy a glass of Whiskey!

Charlie Wohlrab is a mixologist whose motto, “Drinking. . .more than a hobby” has been topmost in his mind since he first started tending bar while getting his Pharmacy degree. Now retired, when he’s not restoring his older home in New Jersey, he’s made it his goal to elevate the experience of having a daily cocktail from something mundane to something more exciting. He is now Harrisburg Magazine’s official bartender in residence.

My recipes are like my opinions,” says Wohlrab. “They continue to be refined as I try new products and work with old standbys.” Currently working on a book about cocktails, Wolhrab welcomes comments from his readers. He can be contacted at jgoodwin@harrisburgmagazine.com. 7