"Bond, Cowee Bond at your service." Yes, in another life, I'd be suave, sexy, smart, and have a kickin' foreign accent, but I'm dealt the cards I was dealt. I can pretend though, and Black Heron helps out.
I've never tried making a Vesper (a famous Ian Fleming/Bond concoction), and was feeling adventurous. So, on a Friday after work, I took a small side trip to the far side of West Richland and went to Black Heron Spirits. It was just before 5, so I made a call while barreling down the street in my Aston Martin (actually, it was a Mini in need of a car wash). The person on the other end of the phone said they'll be open. It was on.
So this small production distillery and tasting room is new (it's only been open since last fall-ish). It's a nice building and is situated in the sage away from all things West Richland-ish (a good thing).
The Tasting Room is new, clean, and interesting. There are various things for sale: various gifts, cocktail-making equipment, & a nice selection of Walter PPK's if your'e in a fix. (THE LATTER IS A BOND JOKE!)
I was greeted by a nice gentleman, and I talked to him about how I heard of their establishment and how I'm a novice when it comes to their offerings (when I was there they had gin, corn whiskey, huckleberry cordial, and brandy). So, we had an impromptu tasting.
Have you ever had good ole fashion moonshine?? Well, that's what you're in for when you try out their corn whiskey (aka Desert Lightning). This caused my eye to twitch and my right leg to straighten out embarassingly....but I played it off---I'm Cowee Bond damnit!
Next up was the chilled gin (aka Rayn Anjel---don't ask me about the spelling). This was nice. Nice and strong.
The huckleberry cordial was next, and you know how I like to be your huckleberry. This was tasty and tempting.
Finally was the brandy (aka Black Heron). It was nice and a first for me.
After all was said and done, I went with the gin: I had to stay on mission---there was a Vesper to create.
Such a cool place. I've never been to this type of distillery. I've been to several whisky distilleries in the Spey region of Scotland (yeah, I'm name dropping, fuggedaboutit!) and they were fun experience. I'm glad we have something wholly local and cool in the area for whenever we're in one of "those" moods.
So they have other creations here, and I must admit really looking forward to one of their upcoming options: Brushfire pepper vodka. Oooo, that sounds spicy!
Ok, this is my gin story.
[Cue a handsome Cowee Bond and cool "gun barrel effect" with 007 musical accompaniment]
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P.S. Jens, this was for you.
P.P.S. And seriously, I was totally joking about the Walter PPKs!! They don't sell guns here! :)
P.P.P.S. I did end up making some Vespers, by the way. MAN! Those are some potent & complex drinks. But I'm a well known lightweight. Please don't tell M, or she'll throw away my Double-O application. read more