Fueled by the relaxation of Prohibition-era laws and rules severely restricting the distillation of alcohol, the production of craft spirits and the resulting new choices available to us is astounding. Here are a few for you to consider as the hot summer months call for refreshing cocktails.
Many are rediscovering cocktail recipes of the pre-prohibition era and with that we have seen the rejuvenation of many old-time formulas. Among them is Hayman’s Old Tom Gin ($25). This is a botanically intense and delicately sweetened style of gin. At the end of the 19th Century, this was considered the quintessential ‘English’ gin.
From Little Rock, Ark., we now have Brandon’s Vodka and Gin (both $30). Both are distilled from soft red ‘winter’ wheat grown in Arkansas. The gin won a double gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition early this year, while the vodka was awarded 93 points and ‘highly recommended’ at the 2011 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.
From Rockport, Maine, we now have a potato vodka, Cold River ($40). This is glutten-free and made from potatoes grown on a family owned, sustainably managed Maine farm. It too gained a double gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, but in 2008. Spirits taster and writer F. Paul Pacult dubbed it ‘the best American vodka’ in his book Kindred Spirits 2.
While the above spirits are not certified kosher, a new-to-the-market tequila, Casa Noble, is. Made from 100% blue agave, grown in a manner that has earned U.S. Department of Agriculture ‘organic’ certification, Casa Noble has earned accolades from The Beverage Tasting Institute in Chicago as ‘the best tequila,’ and double gold awards at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Reposado ($43) and Blanco ($33) are currently available.
DonQ rum is a recent addition to the rum section. With a long history in Puerto Rico, it is now available in the mainland United States. Its history began as sugar cane plantations alone. Some 145 years ago, a distillery was started and for most of its history was only distributed on the island. Available in both white, labeled as ‘Cristal,’ and amber, labeled as ‘Gold,’ both are about $18 for a 1.75 liter bottle and are certified kosher.
