Lifelong Learning
I was at my favorite purveyor of fine libations, Beverage Warehouse, in the Marina, picking up a birthday bottle of akvavit for my good friends birthday when I ran across some interesting spirits on nearby shelves which often happens.
One of the best things about giving the gift of akvavit it sharing it. The lingering hint of carroway is practically on my lips as I recall the evening.
Akvavit or aquavit (English pronunciation: /ˈɑːkwəviːt/, /ˈɑːkvəviːt/; also akevitt in Norwegian) is a flavoured spirit that is produced in Scandinavia and typically contains 40% alcohol by volume. Its name comes from aqua vitae, the Latin for "water of life".
Exploring the shelves
After finding the akvavit, it was time to meander among row after row of wonderful and exotic beers, wine, and all nature of stronger liquor.
Oh look, good ol' fashioned American made home brew. Well almost home brew. It made me think of a book that I picked up at the Great Smoky Mountains gift shop, "Moonshine!" by Matthew B. Rowley.
a note from the not so small distillery, Heaven Hill:
"The forerunner and kissing cousin to Bourbon, American Straight Corn Whiskey is defined by the US Government as having a recipe or mashbill with a minimum of 81% corn, the rest being malted barley and rye. Today, Heaven Hill is the sole remaining national producer of this uniquely American Whiskey style, bottling such classic names as Georgia Moon, Mellow Corn, Dixie Dew and J.W. Corn. As world-renowned whiskey writer Jim Murray wrote, "If you are a true student of whiskey, your education is a long way from being complete until you have mastered this particularly charming form."
It went down easier than I imagined, quite tasty actually.
"Smoother Than Vodka, Better Than Whiskey, Best Shine Ever"
How could I pass up such a statement without giving it a go? It was as smooth as a lot of vodkas and better than many whiskeys I've had. Best shine? Well, I've barely begun that journey.
And then there was the Junior's.... story
In the beginning .....
I likey the Root
The Story of Root
"In the 1700’s, it was called “Root Tea.” An herbal remedy made with sassafras, sarsaparilla, birch bark and other wild roots and herbs. Native Americans taught the recipe to colonial settlers. As it was passed it down from generation to generation, it grew in potency and complexity. Particularly in the Pennsylvania hinterlands, where the ingredients naturally grow in abundance.At the close of the 19th century, as the Temperance movement conspired to take the fun out of everything, a Philadelphia pharmacist removed the alcohol from Root Tea and rechristened it (ironically) “Root Beer”. He did this so that hard drinking Pennsylvania coal miners and steelworkers could enjoy it in place of true alcoholic refreshment. He introduced his “Root Beer” in a big way at the still legendary 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. The rest, as you know, is flaccid history
Here at Art in the Age, we thought it would be interesting and fun to turn back the clock and recreate a true pre-temperance alcoholic Root Tea. We’ve even made it certified organic, since back then, everything was organic. This is the opposite of corporate culture. It’s a genuine experience rooted in history and our own landscape. It is a truly interesting and contemplative quaff. Certainly like nothing else we have ever tasted before. It is NOT Root Beer flavored vodka or a sickly sweet liqueur."
Too good to be true. I suggest you give it a try. I did and I'm a convert.
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