A Technicolor Halloween Choice - Catoctin Creek

In the United States Halloween is celebrated by children and many adults.I haven't attended a Halloween party in years, primarily because I've worked late that day. This year, a friend asked me if I were to choose choose a costume what  would I select and why I would select it.  I was torn between Miss Kitty of  the western television series "Gunsmoke" or  Mary Fields, the first Black woman to work for the U.S. Postal Service. She was also the lead of the Postal Service's security team and nicknamed "Stagecoach Mary".  Both of these women held their own, in my opinion. I think both of these woman would've gathered around Catoctin Creek distillery.

image of Miss Kitty (Amanda Blake) courtesy of  the internet

image of Mary Fields courtesy of the internet

 

Photo by TEP

Catoctin Creek is the first distillery in Loudoun County Virginia since before prohibition.  This family owned and operated  distillery produces certified organic and kosher premium spirits: rye whisky and gin from organic sources, brandy from Virginia wines, and seasonal brandy.

When I visited Catoctin Creek's distillery I went on group tour and sat for a tasting of the Catoctin Creek's products. I was pleased to discover that Catoctin Creek's master distiller is a woman, Mrs. Beky Harris. Mrs. Harris was motivated to become a distiller because she was not a gin drinker and wanted to create a gin for the person who generally doesn't like gin. The staff is enthusiastic about the products and Catoctin Creek's story.  One employee in particular, Nicole, is an encyclopedia of information about spirits. She was a gem to talk to and learn from.

photo by TEP

photo by TEP

photo by TEP

I enjoyed my visit and hope to return again and spend more time learning about Catoctin Creek's product line. The drive to Catoctin Creek is also very picturesque.



Here are more details about Catoctin Creek Distillery:

Catoctin Creek Distilling Company 120 West Main Street, Purcellville, VA 20132
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/catoctincreek?ref=br_tf

Twitter: @CatoctinCreek 

If you visit, please share in the comments below details about your visit. If you see me at the bar at Catoctin Creek, please say hello.

Be well,

Technicolor girl

image created by Ink+ LLC

A Challenge is Issued to YOU....Name that Cocktail and Win a Prize!

During a recent  visit to Ripple Restaurant, Fred, one of the restaurant's mixologists,  invited me to try a prototype of a cocktail he developed.  He was especially curious about my feedback because the cocktail featured gin- not one of my spirits of choice.

Moments later, Fred presented me with the cocktail shown below. I took a sip and savored the flavors. The gentleman seated to my right leaned in my direction and asked, "How does it taste?". It tasted good, so good that I asked if the drink had gin in it. I offered the gentleman to my right a sip of the cocktail prototype. He nodded approvingly. Three people to the gentleman looked at the cocktail as well. I momentarily forgot the kindergarten  mantra and didn't share my drink with one else in the vicinity.

Fred's prototype cocktail

 

People began to ask Fred questions about the cocktail. What's in it? Which gin did you use? What are the proportions of the ingredients? Fred shared a few bits of information: gin, lemon juice, lime juice, egg whites, angostura bitters. The rest is proprietary. When asked what was the name of the cocktail Fred looked at me and said, "ask your blog readers to readers to name the cocktail."

 

So the challenge has been issued!  Share in the comments area below or on the Technicolor dining Facebook page what you think the cocktail name should be. The last day to submit your suggestions is November 6, 2014. Fred will choose  the winning name and it will be announced on this blog page.

 

What's the prize? A $25 Ripple gift certificate from Technicolor Dining!

 

 

Be well,

 

Technicolor girl

image created by Ink+ LLC