September 2009 News & Notes
Distillery Doings
Lately we've been experimenting with some new stuff, and working with some friends on special projects. One example - we made a special absinthe for Delilah's to commemorate their 16th anniversary (try the "Sweet 16 Absinthe"!). More details next month on what else we're working on...
Plus, we've been planning lots of fun events for your fall and working on new cocktail ideas. Read on for some updates on both these areas.
Distiller's Gin No. 6 Going to Ontario
Very soon, No. 6 will be available throughout Ontario at LCBO stores and select bars and restaurants in the Toronto area. Tell your Canadian friends to give it a try!
Latest Press and Articles
Our new friends at K&L Wines in California wrote this great piece about us, and pick up the Fall 2009 issue of Dining Out Chicago for an article about us as well.
Fun Events of Many Flavors
In addition to our weekly tastings, check these out:
Fall Flavor Festival at Sage Grille - Highwood, IL
Thurs, September 17th at 6.30 pm
Seasonal cocktails and snacks - just $25 per person, call for reservations (847.433.7005)
Whiskey & Fine Spirits Expo in Indianapolis, IN
Thurs, Sept 24th - 6 to 10 pm
Join us, and other great spirits producers, at this first-ever grand tasting in Indy! Tickets & details here.
Drink Local at The Noodle Bar in Lake Bluff, IL
Thurs, Oct 1st - 7 to 10 pm
Try our spirits & great cocktails. More info soon.
Spirits/Cocktails Class at Wine & Spirit Warehouse
Weds, Oct 7th at 6.30 pm - in Libertyville, IL
We'll talk spirits & classic cocktails, in a casual setting. $35 per person, includes a gift. Call to register.
Cocktail Pairing Dinner at Otom in Chicago
Thurs, Oct 8th at 7.00 pm, call for tix (312.491.5804)
3-course menu of cuisine & cocktails - $50 per person.
Martini Madness at The Store in Chicago
Fri, Oct 9th - 6.30 to 9.30 pm
We are once again sponsoring this great event to benefit Cabrini Connections. Tickets & details here
Late Summer Flavors
We've been working on recipes for football games and late season parties. Here are some ideas:
Pomegranate Punch
1½ oz North Shore Vodka
½ oz Brandy
2½ oz Pomegranate Juice
½ oz Fresh Orange Juice
½ oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice
½ oz Ginger or Plain Simple Syrup
1 oz Club Soda
Combine first six ingredients over ice, stir well. Top with soda and garnish with fresh orange slice. Can also be made in batches and served at parties, just change the oz to cups.
PRG Sparkler
¾ oz Distiller's Gin No. 6
1½ oz Pear Puree
Off-Dry Sparkling Wine
Fresh Rosemary
Shake gin and puree with one sprig of rosemary and ice, strain into cocktail glass. Top with sparkling wine, and garnish with fresh sprig of rosemary.
News from the Land of Drinks
Homemade Cocktail Cherries
They taste far better, and really aren't that hard to make. Sonja just wrote about it on her blog here.
Drink Whiskey to Ward Off Swine Flu?
That's what they told people in Moscow who were traveling to Wales for the World Cup qualifying rounds.
Alabama Bans Widely-Circulated Wine
Because the label has a "nude" nymph on it copied from an 1895 poster. Seriously.
Want to know more about Genever?
Check out Sonja's recent post on examiner.com, where she is the new Chicago Cocktail Examiner.
Gin is the new Spiced Vodka
Gin is in, or at least the liquor industry magazines say so. Yet a huge stigma toward gin lingers. What if we call it Spiced Vodka? Gin IS the first flavored vodka, infused with herbs. What do you think?
Trivia Question
First person to email me a correct answer to this gets a North Shore Distillery hat: What month and year did we sell our first two spirits, and what were they?