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Ross Jones
SPIRITS FROM THE POSTMASTER EAT, DRINK AND BE FRIGHTENED words Jeanni Brosius IMAGEs courtesy Ross Jones
The Saturday night air was bitter cold following a midweek ice storm. The sparse crowd at Postmaster Spirits and Craft Distillery in Newport, Arkansas gained momentum as the night edged on. Locals made their way in for the distillery’s signature cocktails and the entrée of the week—Pho. Owner Ross Jones made sure those ordering knew the correct pronunciation of the Vietnamese soup. Ross learned how to make Pho from his Vietnamese mother-in-law, who also makes the most delicious egg rolls. Each weekend, the dinner menu is comprised of random dishes from around the world depending on who the guest chef is that week. One week, it could be Greek, the next it could be Cajun or Italian or Asian or Mexican, prepared authentically by experts in the particular culture. When you belly up to the bar at Postmaster Spirits, there will always be conversation. It can be about the weather, the building’s paranormal activity, the distillery’s production line, or it can be politically charged, but it may not always be politically correct. Ross always welcomes his customers, whether they are regulars or newcomers, with stories and a drink. The distillery is known for its Trump Tonic vodka, which is available in four flavors: the orange Trump Tonic, Mmm Peach, Border Berry and Salted Caramel. As a former newspaper man, Ross finds it second nature to come up with catchy slogans for his products, and he loves political satire, “with proof.”
DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
