Sazerac Cocktail Class

Sunday, August 15th, 2010 | 6pm

If you think that’s all there is to the story, you haven’t heard Teardrop’s Ricky Gomez speak on the subject. That’s right: a two-hour tour through the rich and often murky history of the world’s most glorious cocktail. Starting with the raging debate over the very origins of the word “cocktail,” followed by a close study of the life and times of Antoine Amédée Peychaud, then charting a course through the impact of the absinthe ban and subsequent rise of Herbsaint, you’re guaranteed to leave a veritable scholar. We’ll taste through a series of ryes and cognacs, sampling the drink in several incarnations, all accompanied by a light sampling of New Orleans fare from the kitchen.
The class begins at 6pm.  $50 per person. Email daniel@teardroplounge.com to reserve your spot.

Also, our next Cocktail Pairing Dinner is set for Sunday, August 22nd.
Daniel is hard at work brainstorming with chef Chris Degenhardt to craft a six-course paired feast for the summertime. We will be sending out a menu of the evening’s specially designed selection at the end of July, so keep your eyes peeled.  In the meantime, save your seat by emailing daniel@teardroplounge.com.
$100 per person.
Hope to see you there,
Daniel

Teardrop Cocktail Lounge
1015 NW Everett  |  Portland, Oregon 97209
503-445-8109  | info@teardroplounge.com |  www.teardroplounge.com

Happy Hour
5-7pm Sun-Thu
10pm-Close Daily

Greetings! The Secret Society is officially two years old, and July 23-24 we are throwing a weekend-long bash to celebrate.

We have lined up some fabulous and free entertainment for you in the ballroom, we’ll be running food and drink specials all weekend, and we’d love for you to come shake it like we know you can!

Friday, July 23rd - FREE SHOWS in The Secret Society Ballroom
6pm Rollie Tussing (Jug Band Jazz, Stomp and Holler, Hillbilly Blues)
9pm The Midnight Serenaders (1920s-30s Popular Music, Hot Jazz, Hawaiian Instrumentals and Blues)

Saturday, July 24th – FREE SHOW in The Secret Society Ballroom
9pm Pepe and the Bottle Blondes (Latin ‘Copacabana style’ ensemble of saxophones, congas and percussion, trumpets, and three-part harmonies )

These shows are a kickoff to many more musical adventures at The Secret Society. Very soon we’ll be sending you details about upcoming shows, but suffice it to say we can all look forward to a lot of live music at The Secret Society in the not so distant future. Hooray!

In the meantime please join us Friday, July 23rd and Saturday, July 24th to celebrate The Secret Society turning 2-years old.

Cheers!

Matt Johnson
Proprietor, The Secret Society

So run out and grab that perfect hat or flapper dress, and email daniel@teardroplounge.com to get the password for the night. 5pm-midnight. Thanks for all your support!

See you there,

Daniel

Teardrop Cocktail Lounge
1015 NW Everett  |  Portland, Oregon 97209
503-445-8109  | info@teardroplounge.com |  www.teardroplounge.com

Saturday July 17 3-7pm
The Hop and Vine

1914 North Killingsworth Street

Portland, Oregon 97217

503.954.3322

For too long craft beer and spirits have remained separate entities only crossing in the occasional shot with a beer back. With Portland’s well established craft beer culture and the rise of craft distilleries it is only right that these two should meet again with more tasty results.

While writers like Stephen Beaumont have been pioneering the blending of spirits and beer for awhile most lovers of either drinks are not familiar with what you can do when marrying them.

The New School, a newish beer blog/webmag has teamed up with experienced bartender/mixologist/writer and Bols Genever Brand Ambassador Jacob Grier to put on an event for Oregon Craft Beer Month aimed at turning beer drinkers on to the world of blending and spirits and vice versa.

On the menu for the party Saturday July 17 3-7pm is a unique line up of cocktails but I want to highlight one in particular the:

1. Cascadian Revolution
is a drink inspired by the recent rise of a new style of craft beer, the Cascadian Dark Ale or Black IPA. The beer style attempts to marry the qualities of NW IPA’s in their citrusy and piney hop character and the dark roasted malt character of a Porter or Stout. The overall goal being for the beer to appear dark brown or black but taste deceivingly lighter and carry a dank, citrus fruit, pine hop notes.

The name Cascadian Dark Ale was proposed by Portland based beer writer Abraham Goldman-Armstrong who realized that the brewers who created the style were all based in the Republic of Cascadia. More info on that here:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cascadia_(independence_movement)

In creating the Cascadian Revolution cocktail we attempted to keep the goals of the beer style intact while creating something that you could only get out of a cocktail. The Cascadian Revolution uses local Clear Creek Distilleries Douglas Fir Eau de Vie in honor of the official tree featured on the flag of the Republic of Cascadia the Douglas Fir, it is complemented by a splash of Grand Marnier to bring out more of the orange citrus fruit so often associated with NW hops, for beer we chose to use Deschutes Brewing from Bend, OR’s new Hop In The Dark Cascadian Dark Ale. These 3 ingredients are shaken and served in a martini glass and finally finished with the secret ingredient, a drop of pure Hop Oil.

Also on the menu is Stephen Beaumont’s…

2. Green Devil. This drink is a strong one and is sure to kick some’s ass in the middle of summer but it is too good not to share. Involving a glass rinse of Absinthe, 1oz of Gin and topped of with a bottle of crisp Belgian Golden ale Duvel.
Dry, fruity, spicy, sweet, boozy: all those words describe the resulting cocktail.

3: A drink based upon the current hot trend in the beer world Sour Beer. This cocktail will use one of the original makers of sours the Cantillon brewery and their Classic Organic Gueuze. The beer is made from a blend of 1, 2 and 3 year old oak barrel aged lambics. Mixed with Blackberry Liqueur, Gin, with 2 rocks and garnished with a fresh Blackberry.

4. An unnamed exclusive beer from local Upright Brewing’s vault makes up the final cocktail.
Upright Brewing is known for their experimental farmhouse ales and this one is no different. Using the ‘Four’ a farmhouse wheat beer that is open fermented they then aged the beer in Hungarian Oak barrels with fresh Yarrow flowers and Rose Petals.
The cocktail marries those unique ingredient with Bols Genever Gin and Farigoule (a Thyme liqueur) to really make a refreshing and dry botanical blend.

Tuesdays, July 6, July 13, and July 27: 6:30 sharp

Please join the “The Riesling Meister” Ewald Moseler for a trio of seminars about German Rieslings. Ewald will elucidate the different styles of Kabinetts, Spätleses and Ausleses by examining six to seven wines from different wine regions of Germany. A fun and informative evening is guaranteed.
Tasting fee for each seminar is $10. Reservations are not required.

Seminar #1, July 6: Kabinetts
Jos. Christoffel jr. 2000 Riesling Kabinett – Ürziger Würzgarten
Selbach-Oster 2007 Riesling Kabinett dry – Zeltinger Sonnenuhr
Karthäuserhof 2008 Riesling Kabinett feinherb – Eitelsbacher
Karthäuserhofberg
Juliusspital 2008 Muskateller Kabinett off-dry – Würzburger Abtsleiten
Von Hövel 2008 Riesling Kabinett – Scharzhofberger
Domdechant Werner 2007 Riesling Kabinett – Hochheimer Hölle
Freiherr Langwehrt von Simmern 2008 Riesling Kabinett – Erbacher Marcobrunn

2222 NW Quimby St. Portland, Oregon 97210

800-903-9463 — 503-241-9463 — email — fax 503-243-6706

Monday – Saturday, 10am – 6pm

4th of July Tasting Room Hours

July 3rd, 4th & 5th, 2010

Our Tasting Room and Store will be open this Saturday, July 3rd, from 12:30 to 5:00 PM.

We will also be open on the 4th of July for our normal Sunday hours, 1:00 to 4:00 PM.

On Monday, July 5th we will be open for our normal office hours from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM with limited staff. If you would like to come in for a tour or tasting on Monday, please call ahead, 503-234-2513.

As always, weekday walk-in guests may or may not be able to take tours and sample spirits depending on staff availability. As always, you can email or call the distillery to schedule group or private tours during the week.

In the Tasting Room & Store sample our newest spirit, Gin No. 3. Along with New Deal’s line of spirits, LOFT Organic Liqueurs and J.Witty Organic Chamomile Liqueur are also available to sample and purchase.

Gin No. 3 Mixology

Summer 2010

With the debut of our newest craft-distilled spirit, Gin No. 3, there has been a lot of cocktail recipe development going on at the still. One of our favorite recipes is The Garden Party:

• 1 ½ oz New Deal Gin No. 3

• ½ oz JWitty Chamomile Liqueur

1. Shake ingredients together with ice.

2. Serve in a chilled martini glass.

3. Garnish with an orange wedge.

“Up in the Air” Summer Affair: Official Launch of PDXNEATSHEET.COM

July 9th, 2010

The Neat Sheet and CRAVE Portland will present “Up in the Air” Summer Affair: The Neat Sheet Launch Party + Local Boutique Showcase to benefit Willamette Riverkeeper, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, July 9.

Take to the sky this July to party on the rooftop of Hotel deLuxe in downtown Portland, when The Neat Sheet celebrates its official launch as Portland’s only daily fashion + style news source. Together with the powerful marketing mavens of CRAVE Portland and 10 of Portland’s best boutiques, Alexis Del Cid of KOIN TV will emcee the event, which includes a summer fashion show of styles from local boutiques including Popina Swimwear, Mabel and Zora, Parallel, Physical Element, Idom, Moulé, Lizard Lounge, Solestruck, and Oh Baby, DJ and music, appetizers, cocktails from New Deal Vodka and Deco Distilling (with mixers provided by Vibe), beer from Kona Brewing and more neat stuff.

Attendees will also be able to buy raffle tickets to benefit Willamette Riverkeeper, and browse select local indie designer booths while shopping on site for local art, jewelry, body care and more. Get your tickets here before they sell out!

1st Annual Northwest

Spirits & Mixology Show

July 26th, 2010

The Northwest Spirits and Mixology Show is Oregon’s first Annual liquor and beverage specific trade show! The show gives Oregon’s beverage industry a marketplace for new and traditional products and services to be showcased. The NW Spirits and Mixology Show will be held in Portland’s culinary and bar mecca of lower Burnside and at the Jupiter hotel.

The NW Spirits and Mixology Show will feature the best area mixologists in the Northwest and suppliers in Oregon’s beverage industry. Our suppliers will showcase their newest products, services, ideas and trends. There will be plenty of sampling and new items to try, from commonly recognized brands to what’s hot in our industry now. From new products to extensive related item vendors, to liquor control solutions, the opportunity to network with other industry professionals at this event is unparalleled.

Pre-register for the event and show proof of your affiliation to the beverage and or hospitality industry and get in the show for FREE!

SAVE THE DATE: July Events

Comedy is OK!

July 7th, 2010

Come find out why the Portland Mercury thinks Comedy is OK is one of the best stand-up shows in town. Join New Deal and the Clinton Street Theater for this monthly stand-up comedy show. General admission is only $5.00! New Deal cocktail specials for the 21+ crowd.

The Art Dept. Open House

July 8th, 2010

Our next-door neighbors at The Art Dept. have got a cool thing going on and to showcase their new space they’re opening their doors to artists, artisans, and the local small business community for an open house event from 5-8pm on Thursday, July 8.

The Art Dept.’s mission is to develop a space as dynamic and diverse as Portland’s creative scene itself. Different than traditional galleries, The Art Dept. focuses on onetime events and exhibitions by artisans and creatives who are defining the local aesthetic. The Art Dept. location includes a gallery, and an attached warehouse and rooftop–all available for incredibly affordable rates. If you’re an artist, artisan, craftsman, performer, designer, brewer, distiller, chef, author, or creator, The Art Dept. wants to work with you!

Sweet treats from Miss Zumstein, drinks from New Deal Distillery & Kir wine bar, live music, and more – including art and handmade crafts!

Chapter Four Boutique’s

3rd Annual Mississippi

Street Fair Celebration

July 10th, 2010

Every year at about this time the shops, bars, restaurants, breweries and venues on Mississippi Avenue throw a big Street Fair.

To celebrate, Mita–the owner of Chapter Four boutique–throws a big party and sale. Enjoy free music, appetizers, and New Deal cocktails while you peruse Mita’s selection of urban chic clothing, jewelry and accessories for women and men.

SAVE THE DATE: Fall Events

Indulge @ the Jupiter

September 23, 2010

Portland is a destination for wonderful dining and incredible micro-distilled spirits. We are lucky to have the Jupiter Hotel and the best restaurant and craft distilleries in our inner Southeast neighborhood. Join us for Indulge @ the Jupiter, where you can mingle with foodies, brewers, vinters, distillers and chefs while sampling offerings from the Jupiter’s highly regarded neighbors.

Great American Distillers Festival

October 23 & 24, 2010

At the Great American Distillers Festival a week of events celebrates small craft distilleries from across the country and the spirit of entrepreneurship. Just like the microbrew movement of the 1980′s, the microspirits revolution is taking off and craft products are increasingly preferred by consumers, bartenders, and connoisseurs of high-end spirits.

Tuesday July 6 and Thursday Jul 8 7:00pm Cha Taqueria, 305 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR.

“Fortaleza Tequila is a legend in the industry, and craft distiller Guillermo Sauza is a living piece of tequila history. Experience Tequila invites you to a rare opportunity to get know both at a tequila parings dinner July 6 or July 8.

Produced in small batches totaling only 4,000 cases a year, Fortaleza is a highly prized tequila for spirits aficionados. It is the most traditionally-made tequila money can buy, and generally unavailable outside of Jalisco, Mexico. It has a flavor so deliciously distinct you will remember and recognize it months and years later.

Owner and distiller Guillermo Erickson Sauza will join us on his first official visit to the Northwest for a presentation and tasting of the entire Fortaleza line (blanco, reposado, añejo), paired with Cha Taqueria’s delightful Northwest-inspired Mexican cuisine. Guillermo is a direct fifth-generation descendent of the pioneering Sauza family who decided to produce a tequila as it was made by his great-great grandfather in 1860. Guillermo is charming, entertaining and a bit larger than life. Not only can he talk about any and all details of the production of his tequila, his life story is tequila history itself and you’re not likely to hear someone else speak in the first person about the Sauza and Cuervo families (relatives, neighbors and rivals)!

These private events will sell out, and pre-payment is required: register now at www.experiencetequila.com/events.htm

Experience Tequila is a Portland-based company specializing in the promotion of tequila culture, tequila education and unique small-group trips to Mexico’s Tequila region.

Please contact Experience Tequila (503-841-1739) with any questions.”

Portland, OR – (June 24, 2010) – The Heathman’s Marble Bar will host Ketel One Vodka on June 29^th from 4-7 p.m. with a variety of happy hour libations and food.  Come try the newest addition to the Ketel One family, Ketel One “Oranje” with the natural essence of Mandarins from Italy and Valencia’s from Florida and Brazil. There will also be cocktails mixed with Ketel’s own Crown Royal “Black.” Featured cocktails are $5 and food is $3 from 4-7 p.m.

KETEL ONE COCKTAIL & FOOD MENU

4-7 pm ~ featured drinks $5

THE DUTCHMAN

Ketel One Oranje and Bulleit Bourbon

Lemon, Sugar, Angostura and Orange Bitters

served up or on the rocks

ORANJE FIZZ

Ketel One Oranje, Lemon, Orange, Sugar

Cream, Orange Flower Water, Egg Whites, Soda

served on the rocks

BLACK-FASHIONED

Crown Royal Black, Angostura Bitters

Sugar, Water

served on the rocks

DIXIE JULEP

Crown Royal Black, Mint

Sugar, Soda

served on the rocks

4-7 pm ~ featured food $3

ORANJE OYSTERS

half-shell oysters, Ketel One Oranje and cucumber granite

CHILLED PRAWNS

preserved meyer lemon cooked prawns, Ketel One Oranje aioli

BLACK BRAISED RIBS

ribs, slow braised with Crown Royal Black, local cherry compote

About Ketel One Vodka

Inspired by 300 years of tradition, Ketel One® Vodka is crafted from small batches in the Dutch tradition by the 10th generation of the Nolet family. The Ketel One name is derived from Distilleerketel #1, the original coal-fired copper pot still which remains in operation today. This time-honored process results in a fine quality vodka, ideal for enjoying on the rocks. To create Ketel One Citroen™, Ketel One Vodka is infused with the finest natural citrus essence, using lemons from Sicily, West Africa and Spain and limes from the Caribbean.

The Heathman Restaurant and Bar

The Heathman Restaurant exemplifies the best of the Pacific Northwest using seasonal ingredients inspired by the flavors and cuisine of France. Recipient of the James Beard Best Chef: Pacific NW award in 2001, Philippe Boulot partners with the region’s select growers, producers and vintners to find the highest quality ingredients. Boulot was honored by the Academie Culinaire de France as the Academie’s Chef of the Year. The Heathman Restaurant and Bar was chosen as one of the “Best Bars” in Portland in the February 2007 issue of Portland Monthly. For more information, please call 503-790-7752 or visit www.heathmanrestaurantandbar.com. The Heathman Restaurant is located in the historic Heathman Hotel at 1001 SW Broadway in downtown Portland’s cultural district.

We will be officially launching or bar-ware, books, bitters and mixers on Saturday, June 19th, from 11am-6pm. Along with our normal tasting and tours we will be showcasing some of the new items in complimentary mini-cocktails, nibbles of charcuterie from Olympic Provisions, cigars for sale from Joyas de Panama, booze filled chocolates from Alma Chocolates, the Koi Fusion kids and some other great masculine surprises. It’s almost like a Fathers Day Booze Bazaar! Here is the info, a short list of products and some links to the products we’ll be carrying in the store:

Father’s Day Weekend Booze & Bar Event
Saturday, June 19th from 11am-6pm
House Spirits Distillery’s Apothecary Store
2025 SE 7th Ave,
Portland, OR

Fever Tree
San Pelligrino Chinotto
Scrappy’s Bitters
Fentiman’s Sodas
Trader Tiki’s Syrups (locally produced!)
Small Hand Foods
Re-printed classic cocktail books from Mud Puddle Books
Plus a bunch of other mixers, bitters and books…

We will also have a ton of bar-ware, both on the affordable side and some high-end Japanese and European equipment. Another big chance with the Apothecary Store is that starting Fathers Day weekend we will be open on Sundays, so 7 days a week! Our new hours will be 11am-6pm, so plenty of time to shop after work. With all these changes we are turning the Apothecary tasting room into a full fledged store stocked with goodies for the home bar, the professional bartender and the novice cocktailer. Please let me know if you have any questions and have a great rest of your week.

Tiki Night is here again!

Well, it’s about time the sun came out to play. What better way to embrace the beginning of our glorious Portland summer than to sidle up to the bar for an island drink. Once again, Blair Reynolds (www.tradertiki.com) brings you the finest sampling of classic and contemporary cocktails in the tropical vein. Blenders running and garnishes galore, his wealth of homemade syrups and liqueurs fashion the very best drinks the Tiki world has to offer. This month, we run the gamut from long-running favorites, like Nui Nui and Mai Tai, to modern classics, such as the Corn n’ Oil, and the funky stylings of the Donga Punch. Check out the menu below!

The kitchen joins in the fray, with chef Chris Degenhardt cooking up some crispy wontons, coconut rice with chicken, and a delectable shredded papaya salad.  The evening is open to everyone, so please come and join us for the fun on Sunday, June 20th, 4pm-close.

Also….Save the Date:  Teardrop Turns Three!
Join us Sunday, July 18th, to celebrate our anniversary. As always, we’ll have all sorts of goodies, a special punch to greet you at the door, and discounts for anyone getting into the spirit of the night – i.e., dressed in speakeasy garb. We’ll announce the menu and treats soon, but start looking for that special hat or flapper dress now.

Teardrop Cocktail Lounge
1015 NW Everett  |  Portland, Oregon 97209
503-445-8109  | info@teardroplounge.com |  www.teardroplounge.com

Summer 2010

We would like to announce the debut of New Deal Distillery’s newest craft-distilled spirit: Gin No. 3.

Coming soon to liquor stores throughout Portland and at our Tasting Room and Store, Gin No. 3 contains the delicate essence of juniper which is extracted by distilling the spirit through copper botanical trays. Stop by our Tasting Room for a sample!

First Thursday
Pearl District Bar Crawl
June 3rd, 2010

Join the Oregon Distillers Guild and Oregon Bartender Guild in a First Thursday Bar Crawl through the Pearl District enjoying specialty cocktails at popular Pearl District bars and restaurants designed by the Oregon Bartender Guild made with spirits produced in Oregon’s many craft distilleries.

PDX Pedicab Distillery Row Package on Groupon
June 2010

Groupon and Pdx Pedicab have partnered to bring you an extra special deal on Pdx Pedicab’s popular Distillery Row Tour where you and a friend or two can venture into the heart of Distillery Row in your very own Pdx Pedicab. Spend a summer afternoon visiting craft distilleries in Portland’s Southeast Industrial District: witness Portland’s craft distilling revolution first hand as you tour the distilleries, meet with Master Distillers, and sample and purchase their spirits.

This special Groupon offer will only be available through the Groupon website for one day in mid-June. Stay tuned to our Twitter feed for updates as we get them.

Summer Tasting Room Hours

Stop by for a tour and find out how our distillers have been spending their rainy days.

Our Tasting Room and Store will be open every Saturday from 12:30 to 5:00 PM and every Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.

We will be open on the 4th of July for our normal Sunday hours, 1:00 to 4:00 PM. We may even have some June Bug Juice for you to sample.

Weekday walk-in guests may or may not be able to take tours and sample spirits depending on staff availability. As always, you can email or call the distillery at 503-234-2513 to schedule group or private tours during the week.

In the Tasting Room & Store sample our newest spirit, Gin No. 3. Along with New Deal’s line of spirits, LOFT Organic Liqueurs and J.Witty Organic Chamomile Liqueur are also available to sample and purchase.

June Events

BTA’s 15th Annual Alice Awards & Auction
June 5th, 2010

At the annual Alice Awards & Auction, the Bicycle Transportation alliance honors individuals, businesses, and organizations in Oregon whose work has promoted the use of bicycles and increased the livability of our communities. All of the funds raised at the auction go to support the BTA’s continuing advocacy work on behalf of bicyclists.

New for 2010: Instead of a silent auction, when guests arrive they will have a chance to wander through Alice’s Bazaar. Imagine a marketplace filled with booths selling exotic wares, like raffle tickets and fun gifts and Alice souvenirs. This way, even if you’re not interested in bidding on vacation homes and catered dinner parties at the live auction, you can still support the BTA and come home with neat stuff.

PUFF: Portland Underground Film Festival
June 10th-13th, 2010

Catch some of Portland’s best underground film makers as they debut their films at Clinton Street Theater during the 6th Annual Portland Underground Film Festival, which runs from June 10th through the 13th.

Check the link above for tickets prices and showtimes.

Our United Villages & The ReBuilding Center Present: Open the DOOR to Sustainability
June 19th, 2010

The ReBuilding Center, a project of Our United Villages, is a vibrant resource working to strengthen the environmental, economic, and social fabric of local communities. The ReBuilding Center provides resources that make home repairs affordable to everyone, with the goal of promoting sustainable practices.

Open the DOOR to Sustainability will be an event of recognition, networking and continued joint efforts to bring sustainable living to the forefront of mainstream society. On auction are 100 works of original art created by local artists, made from salvaged doors – an homage to LeRoy, the “father of woodworking.” In addition to a live and silent auction, guests will enjoy local, organic food; locally produced beers, wines and liquor; and many raffle prizes to go around.

YWCA of Greater Portland’s
2nd Annual Offkey Karaoke Bash
June 26th, 2010

On June 26, 2010, the YWCA of Greater Portland will welcome our next generation of leaders to a night of karaoke, cocktails and conversation at Portland’s Wieden + Kennedy for the second annual Offkey event.

As we enter a time of economic and social change, the YWCA’s mission to provide safety, opportunity and independence to women and their families is more important than ever. Join the YWCA Leadership Board at the 2010 Offkey Karaoke Bash and be prepared to rock out for a great cause!

SAVE THE DATE: Fall Events

Indulge @ the Jupiter
September 23, 2010

Portland is a destination for wonderful dining and incredible micro-distilled spirits. We are lucky to have the Jupiter Hotel and the best restaurant and craft distilleries in our inner Southeast neighborhood. Join us for Indulge @ the Jupiter, where you can mingle with foodies, brewers, vinters, distillers and chefs while sampling offerings from the Jupiter’s highly regarded neighbors.

Great American Distillers Festival
October 23 & 24, 2010

At the Great American Distillers Festival a week of events celebrates small craft distilleries from across the country and the spirit of entrepreneurship. Just like the microbrew movement of the 1980′s, the microspirits revolution is taking off and craft products are increasingly preferred by consumers, bartenders, and connoisseurs of high-end spirits.

Reposado (“rested”) tequila is the most popular style in both Mexico and the United States. Aged between 2 and 12 months, the best examples strike a perfect flavor balance between roast agave and oak.

With one foot rooted in the agave fields and another planted in in the aging cellar, reposado is the ideal tequila style for our schizophrenic Northwest spring weather of dueling rainstorms and sun bursts.

The tasting will be led by Experience Tequila owner Clayton Szczech, recently back from 2 months in Mexico’s tequila country. Clayton will explain where each tequila is from, unique features of its production and be available to answer any questions you have about reposados, or tequila in general.

Like most Experience Tequila events, this will feature some lesser-known and hard-to-find tequilas, and seating is limited. The cost is $40/person and advance payment is required. Light snacks will be provided by Cha Taquería.

Experience Tequila is a small,  Portland-based company specializing in the promotion of tequila culture, tequila education and unique small-group trips to Mexico’s Tequila region.

For more information: 503-841-1739 – info@experiencetequila.com

We love breakfast and booze. a lot. We are happy to be sharing this wonderful weekend of paired cocktails with the delicious food of Din Din and couple guest bartenders: Neil Kopplin (Clyde Common) and Bradley Dawson (Bluehour/House Spirits RPM). We handed over some of new favorite HSD spirits to them to come up with some good morning cocktails. This is an amazing deal for a Memorial Day weekend “getaway”!

Saturday, May 29th & Sunday, May 30th both starting at 11am
Din Din and House Spirits Distillery Brunch & Cocktail Event
@ Milepost 5
900 NE 81st Ave
Portland, OR
$35 Per Person includes brunch and paired cocktails!
Please call Courtney @ (971) 544-1350 for reservations

Brunch & Cocktail Menu for both days

Roquefort toast with soft-boiled egg
Cocktail by Neil K.: The May Pole (w/ 100% Malted Barley White Dog)

crespiau: a cake of paper-thin omelettes layered with herbed black olive tapenade and fennel tomato sauce
Cocktail by Bradley D.: Portland 75 (w/ Malted Barley/Rye White Dog)

tuna with chartreuse lettuce sauce and potato salad
Cocktail: Corpse Reviver #9 (w/ Krogstad Aquavit)

marmalade and orange flower water shortbread tart
Cocktail: Surprise Surprise!

Come join us on Saturday, May 29th, between 9am and 5pm for our distillery open house in NW Portland.  Although Clear Creek does not regularly offer tours for the public, we have set side a few days during the year where we roll up the bay doors and walk visitors through the production area. During the tour, we explain the process of turning beautiful Oregon fruit into water-clear, bone-dry, eau de vie.  A tasting of available products is included. This includes our newly released Kosher certified Blue Plum Brandy (Slivovitz). There is no charge and no appointment necessary. We will be closed to celebrate the holiday on Sunday and Monday. Our tasting and sales room will re-open Tuesday, June 1st, at 9am.  We hope to see you at the distillery!

If you have any questions feel free to call us with questions 503-248-9470.

For directions visit our website www.clearcreekdistillery.com

Friday May 28^th 5-6pm

The Hop and Vine

1914 N. Killingsworth

Portland, OR

Meet-and-Greet Ransom Spirits Head Distiller Tad Seestedt and try his newest spirit Whipper Snapper Whiskey aged 3 months. Try 3 original cocktails from Hop and Vine owner and mixologist Yetta Vorobik.

The Hop and Vine is North Portland’s home for spirits, wine and craft beer combined with a bottle shop and beautiful backyard garden.

For Event/Venue questions contact Yetta Vorobik: 503-954-3322

The whippersnapper manifesto

THERE ARE MANY DEFINITIONS OF WHAT A “WHIPPERSNAPPER” IS.  WE PREFER THE INTERPRETATION THAT A WHIPPERSNAPPER IS A YOUNG, IMPERTINENT PERSON, GENERALLY LACKING IN RESPECT FOR THE ELDERS, BUT WHO ALSO HAS AN EXCESS OF AMBITION TO GO ALONG WITH THE IMPERTINENCE.

THIS YOUNG WHISKEY IS NO SULLEN LAYABOUT. HE’S GOT SOME REAL GUMPTION. ENOUGH TO MAKE THOSE OLD WHISKEY GEEZERS THAT HAVE SPENT THE BETTER PART OF THEIR LIFE JUST LAYING AROUND IN THEIR CHARRED BARRELS… NERVOUS AS A LONG TAILED CAT IN ROOM FULL OF ROCKING CHAIRS!

Whippersnapper is a pot distilled, handcrafted whiskey made by dedicated artisans for those who appreciate  quality, flavorful whiskey. It is intended for sipping, mixing in cocktails, or just plain drinking.

The Whippersnapper represents an endeavor to utilize and combine the best of production methods, and technical approaches to making bourbon, scotch, irish whiskey, and dutch corenwyn.

We believe the whippersnapper cannot be placed in one category of whiskey. It is clearly different from any one single style, with the best of the parts from several distinct styles. Although the mash bill is most similar to bourbon, it is quite heavy on malted barley, and aromatically is more similar to a non-peated scotch or irish whiskey.

The first part is made from barley that is malted in the pacific northwest, and unmalted barley grown in the Willamette valley of Oregon. This barley is ground, mashed, fermented and distilled on location at the distillery in Sheridan, Oregon. The second part is made by using a base of Kentucky corn whitedog, which we obsessively re-distill in an alembic pot still. Extremely selective cuts are made at the condenser, and only the “heart of the hearts” is kept for aging and bottling. The remainder is discarded.

Aging takes place in a variety of barrels, including used French coopered pinot noir barrels, new American coopered whiskey barrels, and used American whiskey barrels. The whippersnapper is aged for between six months and two years, with an average time of about one year. For each bottling, eight barrels are specifically selected to make the best possible blend.  Whippersnapper is then hand bottled, hand labeled, and hand waxed. Meticulous attention is paid to achieving perfection both in the bottle and out.

Enjoy!

Tad seestedt   -  distiller

Greetings, Spirit Lovers!

As we have oft said behind the bar (and as you’ve seen evidenced by our many menus), cachaça’s not just for caipirinhas anymore! Sagatiba cachaça is coming into our fair state over the next couple of weeks to help increase our still-small representation of this superb category. Sagatiba’s international Brand Ambassador, John Gakuru, will be behind the bar at Teardrop Lounge this Thursday, May 13th, from 5-10pm to show us what amazing things this spirit can do.

John Gakuru has been on the leading edge of London’s dynamic and fast-changing bar and club scene for over ten years. Following a successful career at out-of-town venues including Southampton’s Orange Rooms and aboard Princess Cruises, John was appointed General Manager at the renowned London Academy of Bartenders (LAB) in 2001. After advising Sagatiba on a series of acclaimed launch parties throughout the capital, John was quickly offered the role of Brand Ambassador.

We’re thrilled to have him joining us for the night. So take a look at his mouth-watering menu and choose wisely…

See you there,
Daniel