Just add a Splash of Bourbon
This August has been bourbon infused, for sure!
I had the chance to visit Augusta Kentucky on the banks of the Ohio River. Lunch at the Beehive Tavern (where a Nick and Nina Clooney encounter is not uncommon) was followed by a tour of Augusta Distillery. Then I popped into the Old Pogue Experience before heading to the Old Pogue Distillery where I had a chance to soak in the sweeping views of the Ohio River and the Simon Kenton Memorial Bridge from the porch of the ancestral home of the Pogue family. If you haven’t made your way to that part of Kentucky, hop in the car and go. You’ve heard the phrase “it’s not the destination, it’s the journey” - what a beautiful journey it is. As I was driving I actually said out loud to myself, “Wow, Kentucky, you’re beautiful” And she is.
John Pogue told me a fascinating story about the road I came in on, which is part of the original “Buffalo Trace”, an ancient route that was originally a migration path for American bison. The route has been used by many people throughout history, including Indigenous Americans, early American settlers, and famous figures like Lewis and Clark, George Rogers Clark, Abraham Lincoln, and Benjamin Harrison. Today, parts of the Buffalo Trace are followed by modern roads. John Pogue tells the story much better than what I have plucked from the internet, but it’s one that will stick with me.
Speaking of beautiful scenery, and experiences, my family and I did a little walk in the woods with Pam Cho. More specifically, she introduced us to Shinrin-Yoku, or forest bathing. Let’s get this out of the way first, no we didn’t take a bath in the forest! We did, however, disconnect and let all of our senses have the time and space to engage with the natural world around us. It was heavenly. Pam offers this service to corporate groups. Check it out. Your team will thank you. (Play your cards right and you might just get a cookie made with acorn flour!)
In August I also boarded the River Queen, a BB Riverboat and spent a beautiful afternoon with writers from the UK and Germany, showcasing our region. Whenever I hear about my community through the lens of tourism, I realize just what a wonderful place it is! I loved listening to Nancy Willhoite, Director of Sales at BB Riverboats, share fascinating and funny stories about the history of the American Riverboats. Ask her about the pirate flag! (Oh, and I got to take a spin at the wheel!)
While we’re chatting about boats, check out @Boat_Rater on Instagram. I love his posts and seeing all the boat traffic on the mighty Ohio! I’m telling you I may even buy a t-shirt!
September is Bourbon Heritage month and food and bourbon go hand in hand. Here’s an inside scoop: Augusta Distilling and Purple Poulet are teaming up to offer a cannot miss bourbon dinner in celebration on September 26th. Go for the bourbon. Go for the food. Go! You’ll love them both!
In August I also presented a workshop at the annual Bourbon Women Sip-osium in Louisville on behalf of the B-LIne called “Add a Splash of Bourbon: High Spirited Infusions for the Holidays”.
This is a subject near and dear to my heart. Handmade holiday gifts, especially those from the kitchen are something that I love to create. I did a class called “Gifts from the Kitchen” every year for nearly a decade at The Party Source. But just like great bourbon, making holiday spirits bright takes time! I walked attendees through creating three holiday infusions featuring B-Line bourbons from Northern Kentucky’s B-Line that I hope it will have everyone on their gift list raising a toast!
Cherry Bounce transforms fresh summer cherries and bourbon into a rich and nuanced cherry liqueur perfect for holiday gifting. From cocktails to cake fillings and dessert sauces, jewel toned cherry bounce is an annual holiday tradition for me. Many thanks to Pensive Distilling Co. for supplying their bourbon for the infusion! (BTW- if you’re hunting for a great burger and onion rings- go to Pensive!)
Kentucky Limoncello was an experiment- and it worked! It’s my take on the classic Italian liqueur. Lemons meld with bourbon "new make" until they impart their bright yellow color and sweet tart flavor, resulting in a popular lemon liqueur. I’ve always made this with vodka but in honor of Bourbon Women decided to give it a whirl with un-aged bourbon. Yum! Thanks to New Riff for supplying thier New Make.
The third infusion is another tradition for me. Homemade Vanilla Extract is a welcome gift for the baker on your list. And it’s so easy you may never buy store-bought again. (It's also an ingredient in Vanilla Simple Syrup, which is great in cocktails, especially the Cherry Vanilla Old-Fashioned, created by my daughter, Katie. And a big shout out to the guys at Second Sight Spirits for supplying their Oak Eye Bourbon.
Here’s all the equipment needed to make your own spirited infusions.
Believe it or not, I did a little bit more than drink in August! I ate, too! I loved lunch at Truva, dinner at The Davidson, burgers at Delwood and Pensive and pizza at Forno. I think the dining I loved most of all this month were the dinners at “Amy’s Table” feeding my family and friends! And even my soul was well-fed doing my weekly rescue runs for La Soupe with my neighbor, Kit.
Summer may be winding down, but in my kitchen I’m raising a toast to the holidays!
Cheers!
