Savor the sip of authentic bourbon

By Fred Wisen; Owner, Lake Erie Distillery

Realizing that bourbon can be made in any state, and not limited to Kentucky as some believe, we were tired of hearing people say you had to go to Kentucky for good bourbon. We rolled up our sleeves and researched the traditional process to transplant it to Lake County.

The first step in re-creating the conditions is to make our own limestone water, which increases water’s hardness and encourages yeast production. We use mash of corn and malted barley that’s all-natural, organic and locally sourced. Our recipe is aged for a minimum of four years in a Char #4 American Oak Barrel. The final product is everything you’d expect from a fine bourbon whiskey.

One of the most popular whiskey drinks is the old-fashioned. Dating back to the late 1800s, the name refers to people rebelling against bartenders who were adding “embellishments” to whiskey cocktails. They yearned for their favorite “old-fashioned” concoction. Here’s our recipe: Rim a glass with an orange slice then drop it into the glass; add 1 cherry and 2 tablespoons simple syrup, muddle, combine 2 ounces Lake Erie bourbon, 2 dashes orange bitters, stir for 30 seconds; add ice and stir again until chilled. Cheers!

Lake Erie Distillery is located at 4277 Hamann Parkway in Willoughby. The newly opened lounge is open for tastings, cocktails and appetizers Friday and Saturday, noon-7 p.m. Tours are available on Saturday at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Schedule online at LakeErieDistillery.com/event and visit LakeErieDistillery.com for more information.