Fermented Adventure The Podcast

This episode features Laura Fields of The Delaware Valley Fields Foundation. Nothing ever stops in farming.  In 2015 they started out with five ounces of Keystone Rosen Rye grain.  Today there are over 400 acres that have been planted.  This project was created for distillers to purchase direct from farmers.  Currently, there are nine farming partners growing the Rosen Rye.  October 28, 2022, Dick Still would have celebrated his 89th birthday.  Dick was a featured guest of the podcast in Episode 14.  Check out that episode for more insight into this Master Distillers experiences.  Laura and I delve into the history of whiskey.  Especially as it relates to rye and Pennsylvanias imprint on this wonderful grain.    Highlights From our Conversation: American Whiskey History Seed Spark Project Michters Dick Stoll Stoll And Wolfe Distillery Penn State Agriculture Dancing Star Farms American Whiskey Convention Moonshiners Liberty Pole Spirits  Dave Pickerel

This episode features Stephen, Karen and Steve Zolnay of Invertase Brewing Company. When Stephen was 14 he bought his dad a homebrew kit for Father's Day.  Their first collaboration as father and son was a terrible pale ale that they made on the kitchen stove.  That beginning experience got them hooked on making beer together.  They graduated into making their own recipes, reading the books and talking shop with fellow homebrewers.  They even grew their own hops in the backyard.  It wasn't long before the idea of starting their own brewery was conceived.  This is a gem of a brewery that makes exceptional beer.  It most certainly needs to be on your brewery bucket list.  Just don't ask Stephen what's coming up next.  The beer will tell him when it is ready.   51 N Broad St, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865 - (908) 954-2022 - www.InvertaseBrewing.com - Facebook Highlights from our discussion: Weyerbacher Brewing Company Tree House Brewing Company Samuel Adams Cicerone Man

This episode features Philip Search and Don Benedetto of Canary Cocktails and Spirits. Philip has been in the beverage industry for a long time.  He's been involved with the coffee industry, managing bars and restaurants and helping to set up bar programs.  When Covid hit and impacted the bars in the area he was more then ready to roll up his sleeves and dive right in to help.  Don's background as an attorney has helped to navigate the in's and out's of getting the business up and running.  Not to mention his skill at putting labels onto cans.  Canary Cocktails is producing first rate amazing ready to drink cocktails.  Their experience has helped to create a true high end cocktail in a can.  They source the finest spirits and ingredients.  You'll be hooked on the first sip.  From there you'll be a raving fan of the brand and their craft cocktails.   214 N Aberdeen Ave, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087 - (610) 392-3203 - www.CanarySpirits.com - Instagram Highlights fr

This episode features Chris Demars, Randy Litwin and Jenn Litwin of Spring House Spirits. Sixty years ago Chris's grandmother taught him how to distill spirits, make wine and brew beer.  Chris worked as a nuclear engineer which is kind of like being a distiller.  He longed to come back to the family farm and get back to his distilling roots.  He pays homage to his grandmothers background by bringing several grains together in the mash bill.  This bespoke farm distillery is creating amazing spirits that are full of character and flavor.  Each bottle highlights the quality of the process, the local grains, and the connection to the history of the surrounding Chester County community.     25 Martin Rd, Coatesville, PA 19320 - (610)593-7348 - www.SpringHouseSpirits.com - Facebook Highlights from our discussion: St. Malachi Church M & D Staves Zook Molasses Company Grey Goose Vodka Deer Creek Malthouse

This episode features Matt Serra of Kenwood Original. Matt was working for Victory Brewing when the seed for a light beer option was planted.  Looking at the craft beer landscape he believed there was void for a light beer.  The idea for a Philly brand was born.  His experience in sales and marketing is helping to launch a light beer that is packed with flavor.  Kenwood Original is named for the street that Matt lived on for the first 15 years of his life.  From the first iteration of the brand they knew they had something special.   www.KenwoodBeer.com - Instagram Highlights from our discussion: Pints in the Square Victory Brewing Company Wrong Crowed Beer Drexel Hill, PA Sara Blakely Doylestown Brewing Company Mainstay Brewing Slyfox Beer Paulie Gees

This episode features Mead Maker Allen Martin. About five years ago Allen went to a beer bottle share with his wife.  He met Carver Wilson who Allen considers to be "The Home Mead Making Extraordinaire".  Up until that time Allen had never tried mead.  After twenty minutes of enjoying the mead, Alan proclaimed, "that he was going to start making this stuff".  That began a rabbit hole journey into mead making.  Since then he has honed his craft and has been awarded the coveted title of Mead maker of the Year.   Facebook Highlights from our discussion: Golden Monkey Modern Mead Makers Mazer Cup Crockett Honey Company Meadcon 2022 American Mead Makers Association Obscurity Mead Hall and Cidery

This episode features Todd Collins and Alan Pfizenmayer of HMK Insurance. HMK Insurance is located in Bethlehem, PA.  The inception goes all of the way back to 1914.  In the mid 1990's they began to focus their attention on craft beverages.  Tim Kurtz brought on a few local breweries.  Today they have clients spread out across the United States.  As insurance agents they help their clients and potential clients to be well informed about insurance.   610-868-8507 - tcollins@hmk-ins.com - Apfizenmayer@hmk-ins.com - www.hmk.aleragroup.com - Facebook Highlights from our discussion: Meadcon2020 Brewers Association Black Viking Brewing Republic Restoratives Funk Brewing Company Hijinx Brewing Company Five Maidens Craft Cider Red Balloon The Ferm Meadery

This episode features Gabe DiSaverio of The Spicy Shark. Spicy Shark was born in 2018 by Gabe by combining his two favorite things in life... Hot Sauces and Sharks.  Five years ago he left behind the beer business and went pro.  After spending 17 years with the Boston beer company, he decided to follow his passion.  He grew up trying diverse ethnic food.  This included spicy food.  He turned his attention to consuming craft hot sauces.  This led him to develop recipes for his own sauces.  The line up has expanded now to include hot honey and hot maple syrup.  Everything in their shark tank is pure hot sauce deliciousness.  www.TheSpicyShark.com - Facebook Highlights from our discussion: Bowers Chili Pepper Festival The Boston Beer Company Curry in A Hurry Greenport Fire Louisiana Pepper Exchange Jaws JawsFest Peter Benchley Shark Savers Shark Week SharkCon Joe Romeiro Shark Stewards New England Hot Sauce Fest Blue Ocean Society Seacoast Science Center Smuttynose Br

This episode features Corey Fitzsimmons of Method Spirits. Corey was a bartender in New York City for over a decade.  He had the honor of being the head bartender at the new location for the Union Square Cafe.  He quickly discovered the he was not able to source local vermouth that would work for classic cocktails.  He began working on a vermouth using his own recipes and exploring opportunities.  This took him to going out on his own to develop Method Spirits.  He and his partners spent 2 years developing the recipe for their sweet vermouth.  We have to share that it is delicious and complex.  It gives wonderful depth and character to cocktails and it stands on its own neat or with a little club soda.  Keep an eye out for the dry vermouth that they have created.   www.MethodSpirits.com - Instagram Highlights from our discussion: Bar Convent Brooklyn Union Square Cafe Swedish Hill Vineyard & Winery Finger Lakes Distilling Danny Meyer

This episode features Luke Goucher and Carson Souza of Obscurity Mead Hall & Cidery. Obscurity started with friends getting together and having a passion for beer.  Carson had already been in the brewing industry for 10 years as a commercial brewer at a vegan brewery.  Luke and Carson decided to get a little wild and play with mead as well.  A adventure was born in the cornfields of the far west suburbs of Chicago.  Mead was a challenge for Carson so he jumped right in.  Luke and Carson flew around the country to check out some of the best mead makers and learn from their successes.  This episode is a master class on brewing, fermenting and business.  Obscurity is creating many tremendous expressions.  Enjoy as we sample through their story.   21 S Main St, Elburn, IL 60119 - 630-320-2255 - www.drinkobscurity.com - Facebook Highlights from our discussion: Meadcon 2022 Braggot Viking Braggot Company Rabbits Foot Meadery B. Nektar Meadery National Honey Board Cha

This episode features Dave Schmier of Proof and Wood Ventures. Dave co-founded Redemption Rye in 2010.  In 2015 he sold the company and within a short time he started Proof and Wood.  Presently he doesn't distill, however, he does source some incredible whiskey and barrel aged spirits.  A huge part of what they do is blending of whiskey.  The have recently added rum to the mix.  Dave's been developing boutique craft brands for over 20 years.  The Proof and Wood library includes international whisky too.   Dave's experience in the beverage industry and working in bars shines through on the expressions that he has created.    www.ProofandWood.com - Instagram Highlights from our discussion: Redemption Rye Whiskey MGP Seagram's Distillery Bar Convent Brooklyn Widow Jane Sidney Frank Leopold Bros Distillery Dad's Hat Rye American Craft Spirits Association Indie Spirits Expo

This episode features Lauren Patz of Redwood Empire Whiskey. The story begins not with whiskey but, with wine.  Derek Benham started a wine company over 20 years ago.  He built the brand and sold it in 2013.  He then set his sights on starting a distillery.  White spirits flowed from the still and they began laying down barrels in 2015.  Redwood Empire is located in the heart of Sonoma, California.  Lauren grew up in a wine making family.  Her journey into distilling started with the study of history (Not the history of spirits)  and she learned how to make candy while in Japan.  It was when she was pairing chocolate and spirits that it opened her world to spirits.  Learn more about the amazing whiskeys that Redwood is producing and we are certain that you're sure to become a huge fan too.  It will be love at first sip.   www.RedwoodEmpireWhiskey.com - Facebook Highlights from our discussion: Trees For The Future Adams Grain Admiral Maltings Spirit W

In this episode we speak with Michael Juergens of Ovo Vodka. Michael grew up in Southern California.  He was a punk rock skateboard kid.  His origins were not in wine.  His dad came home from a business trip to Italy with a bottle of wine.  He suggested that they drink the wine and smoke cigars.  At his mothers insistence, off to the garage they went.  The first sip flipped a switch.  This led him to being interested and curious about wine.  That was 30 years ago.  Our discussion of wine and Michael's experiences was fascinating and entertaining.  You will learn about the "worlds leading wine influencer".  Discover how The Bhutan Wind Company, SoCal Rum Company and Drinking & Knowing Things, got their start.  Plus, so much more. www.BhutanWine.com - Instagram Highlights From our Discussion: Silver Oak Somm Drinking & Knowing Things JCB Wines SoCal Rum Company San Francisco World Spirits Competition Sip Awards The Real Housewives of Beverly Hi

In this episode we speak with Anthony Packwood of Ovo Vodka. Anthony and John Dunnington are from Liverpool.  Their studies in grad school were around the alcohol industry.  They focused on the branding and marketing.  The more that they saw others creating, they began to get curious on making their own product.  It was important for them to have a cause conscious mission from the start.  Why Vodka?  They like it!  In 2019 they partnered with Clear Blue Sea to help clean the oceans.  Listen and learn about the fascinating story of this wonderful vodka.  www.ovo.vodka - Facebook Highlights From our Discussion: Misunderstood Whiskey Tito's Bar Convent Brooklyn Liberty State Park Micha McFarlane

In this episode we speak with Jackie Williams of RX Global about Bar Convent Brooklyn 2022.   In 2018 BCB was launched.  In 2022 BCB celebrated it's new Brooklyn home at Industry City.   Bar Convent Brooklyn took place on June 14th and 15th.  Over 3,700 attended the event over a 2 day span.  The event provided an amazing opportunity for the bartending and spirits industry to come together and network, see new products, and discover the latest trends.  136 booths offered something for everyone.  Featuring... spirits, liquors, aperitifs, ready to drink cocktails, barware and mixers.  The education offerings highlighted over 3 dozen classes that provided a wide variety of information.   Jackie and I recap the event and discuss what you can look forward to at 2023's 5th anniversary extravaganza.  www.barconventbrooklyn.com - Facebook Highlights From our Discussion: Industry City Barr Hill Gin Chilled 100 Spirits Awards Bar Convent Berlin

This episode features Barb McDonald and Crystal Barrios of Laws Whiskey House. Laws is a local distillery in Denver, Colorado.  They began distilling in 2011 and sold their first drop of whiskey in 2014.  Their focus from the beginning was to make, age and sell their own juice.  For Al and Mary Ann Laws, whiskey is the passion and whiskey is the goal.  Since day one... Whiskey Above All!  Today, everything that goes into the bottle represents Colorado terroir.  Barb and Crystal take us through the fascinating world of Laws Whiskey House.  We learn about how the grain makes it to the glass.  We have the pleasure of tasting and discussing 2 of their amazing expressions.  Enjoy the episode and try this whiskey for yourself.  It will quickly become a favorite pour.  Laws is craft at its finest and it is destined to only get better.    1420 S Acoma St, Denver, CO 80223 - (720) 570-1420 - www.LawsWhiskeyHouse.com - Facebook Highlights from our discuss

This episode features Brenden Raulerson  of Glen Moray. Glen Moray Distillery has been in operation, off and on, since 1897.  The distillery originated out of the Elgin West Brewery in the heart of Speyside. In the early 1900's they were "mellowing" whisky in Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc barrels.  The philosophy of experimenting with cask finishes still exists today.  120 plus years of experience resonates in the amazing whisky that is being produced.  This Speyside style whisky provides a depth of flavor and character.  Brenden shares the rich history of Glen Moray.  He takes us on a tasting journey and shares his insight and knowledge of the expressions that we had the pleasure to enjoy.   www.GlenMoray.com - Facebook Highlights from our discussion: Porto Cruz The Presbyterian Bar Convent Brooklyn

This episode features Absinthia Vermut of Absinthia. It all began in 1996 when Absinthia attended a San Francisco Cacophony Society party.  There was a crystal bowl on the table with a green liquid.  At that very moment absinthe was still illegal.  She tried absinthe for the very first time.  To her it was delicious.  She was drawn to it so much that she decided to produce it.  The first night that she served her neon green absinthe her friends started calling her Absinthia.  Of course the name stuck.  Our conversation is fascinating and full of absinthe education.  You most certainly want to pick up her absinthe and special cocktail mixers.    4200 Park Blvd #513 Oakland, CA 94610 - info@absinthia.com - www.absinthia.com - Facebook Highlights from our discussion: Bar Convent Brooklyn Holy Ghost Distillery Burning Man Womens Cocktail Collective Absinthe Murders Industry City Bar Convent Berlin Kentucky Peerless Distilling Tails of the Cocktail Jared Hirsc

This episode features a brief history about the Whiskey Rebellion.  On July 8th we took part in the Whiskey Walk festivities.  Spirit producers were set up throughout the town of Washington, PA.  We got to sample and speak with them as they introduced their products to the masses.  On July 9th we got to witness the amazing retelling of the rebellion.  The actors that portrayed the key principles were sensational.  There were food trucks, activities for the kids and craft vendors.  This was an opportunity to taste what it was like for settlers back in the late 1700's.   The parade in the morning sets the tone for the rest of the day.  The tarring and feathering is always a crowed favorite.  The entire festival is is a chance to be immersed in a major historic event that most of us have never heard of.  Oh yeah, and you get to enjoy some wonderful spirits and tasty food.  Put this event on the calendar for 2023.   Producers That we met: The W

This episode features John Sepcoski and Janice Sepcoski of Holy Ghost Distillery. Janice and John enjoyed visiting distilleries, breweries and wineries.  After visiting a distillery 7 years ago John said, "I can do better then this".  This led them to looking for land and a building to host their vision.  What they've set out to create is a total experience.  Not just buy a bottle or purchase a cocktail, but the experience to make new friends over a cocktail.   They have left their full time careers to live out a dream.  As Janice puts it, "Now I do Bourbon".  We had a wonderful time experiencing their chocolate and bourbon pairing.  The final part of our podcast journey was the absinthe extravaganza.  It was all a fitting tribute to celebrate our 100th episode. 990 State Route 940, White Haven, PA 18661 - (570) 990-2673 - wwwholyghostdistillery.com - Facebook Highlights from our discussion: Stave and Thief Society The Bard Distillery Harvest Hosts Mitch Abate