Croatian wine, New York rye, and smut

Have you noticed the profusion of party-oriented book clubs and reading retreats lately? It’s wild! Lit Club, Read Room, Page Break, etc etc etc. I have my theories about why that is: people are stressed, they need a break from the onslaught of short form clickbait, they want human connection and intellectual engagement…or maybe they just like the aesthetic on Instagram. I will be doing some research and shall report back.

But where are the wine and whiskey clubs? Folks want to gather, chill, share, learn, discuss…don’t beverages fit the bill just as well? Sure, drinking is overall down but that’s largely attributed to consumption shifting from volume to quality. Arguably, that’s an even better case for making the drink the center of the discussion.

My hypothesis is that book clubs are doing a better job on the barrier to entry. A lot of them are, and I say this as a great compliment, peddling smut.

Wine, whiskey and literature have equally snooty reputations but the people leading book clubs, who are largely queer and/or femme, are building with the premise that it’s OK to just like what you like. Even better if you don’t know what you like and you want to learn! (True for many sexy activities.) Showing up with questions and curiosity is preferable to showing up thinking you have the answers.

I mean, you’ve met the people who show up to whiskey events thinking they know everything. Makers & Lovers exists to avoid those assholes.

To anyone thinking about joining us at Wheels & Whiskey next weekend, know that you don’t need to be a “car guy” or a “whiskey expert.” Show up with curiosity and we’ll do the rest.

The real ones know that when I’m asked about my favorite whiskey, I always say it’s New York rye. And my favorite New York rye is Speakeasy rye.

Mostly because I love how it tastes. Rye whiskey is known for its black pepper spiciness, rich grain presence on the palate, and fruit notes that generally lean into black cherry territory - all of which I personally prefer over syrupy sweetness or acrid smokiness. Speakeasy bottles their rye at a lower proof, cutting some of the burn to let these nuances come through. It’s a straight sipper as good as anything twice the price. But at its current price point, Speakeasy rye can also be your go-to base for a cozy Old Fashioned or a summery Gold Rush. It is in my house.

The other reason is that Speakeasy’s story is at the core of New York whiskey, which I like talking about almost as much as drinking it.

From the colonial era through the 1800’s, New York produced more than half of America’s rye grain. Prohibition put an end to that! But while Maryland, Kentucky and Indiana were chugging along with increasingly homogenized wheat and corn, we got a hard reset. In 2005, Ralph Erenzo started Tuthilltown Distilling, the first whiskey distillery in New York since Prohibition, and led the development of the New York Farm Distillery Act in 2007. Thanks to serious incentives for using New York-grown ingredients, farmers and distillers were motivated to focus on heirloom grains and craft product. Hence: Many unique, small bottlings of New York rye.

Speakeasy cofounders Mark and Evan worked with Ralph Erenzo’s son Gable, himself a Tuthilltown cofounder, to distill brandy together as Liquid Mercantile. Speakeasy Motors whiskey spun off afterwards to produce rye, a maple finish, and a wheated Double Toast bourbon. As a result, Speakeasy Motors rye is a direct descendant of the first, and arguably best, New York whiskey in 100 years.

Meet the guys and pick up a bottle for yourself at Wheels & Whiskey next weekend.

THURSDAY

Harana Market returns!! They’re popping up at Salt Box in Kingston for their weekly CUNThursday.

Friday

Clothing Swap and soft opening of Oona Studio in Castkill with wine and a block printing station to spruce up your new finds!

Reading and book club at Common Good in Ellenville for The Fountain by Casey Scieszka, also known as the co-owner of Spruceton Inn. Book clubs! They’re everywhere!

Sira Ulo is popping up at the Catskill Cocktail Club in Kerhonkson. Stuffed bunzzzz and lumpia plus a ube mango cheesecake float that I will be ordering as soon as I arrive.

Saturday

Pondside Vinyl at Twin Star Orchards is spinning funk, soul, disco and house by Laura Rose.

Annual Croatian Night at Oda Wine Garden with wines from some of the oldest Škrlet wines in existence. Pregame at their wine shop across the street, Sun and Soil.

Fair Play Hospitality is popping up at Ten Mile Table with Spring Bites.

Bicycle Day and Side by Side Record Fair in Kingston. The back room of Tubby’s will be filled with $1 records, DJs, Bjorn Qorn and Hole in the Wall Donuts. Next door Freakout Spot will be chockablock with global records and fun free swag.

A screening of Rushmore at the Community Theater in Catskill with a warm up from Matt Pond PA performing tunes from the soundtrack.

Sunday

Good Game at C Cassis is a game day for single folks with cards, dice, Scrabble, backgammon and other sexy things to do while sipping their many fruity bevs! Get the tomato ‘tini if they have it.

Enoki in Saugerties is hosting a Community Day with mahjong, food and drinks and some sick raffle prizes. Proceeds will benefit Saugerties Community Fridge, Ulster Immigrant Defense, and keeping these guys open.

Monday

Stories, Uplifted at the adorable Rot & Fallow in Kingston is an open mic for any medium as long as it has a beginning, middle and end. Good advice whenever opening your mouth in public. BYO.

Tuesday

Romanaccio is bringing a Roman bacchanalia to Chleo. Togas optional. Walk in only!

Wednesday

Earth Day Art Supply Swap at Senate Garage in collaboration with Connect HV, Rewind Kingston, Cowork Kingston, Holding Space and Nourish. Clean out your closet, pick up a hobby!

Bitch n Stitch at Reason and Ruckus in Poughkeepsie invites you to grab wings from Mama La’s and work on that craft project you’ve got laying around.

Cheers,
Amy