Frogs, "flex" bourbon, and the future

Hi Friends,

As the sun went down in Accord this evening I heard one of New York’s most beautiful sounds - spring peepers. Have you heard them this week?

I thought the future is here. This is a woo-woo Ram Dass sort of thing to say to oneself, but in my defense I was really high on post-yoga endorphins.

I’ve been imagining spring. Daffodils, returning birds, dodging frogs (and deer, the bastards) on the road home at night. Almost everyone I’ve spoken to this week has said something about Fool’s Spring and not getting their hopes up, but in the next breath wondering when restaurants will put their tables out.

It’s a rough time to think about the future and yeah, that’s certainly nothing new. Most Americans think we’re headed in the wrong direction. In other words, the future does not look good. But still, we’re planning our gardens.

We can’t stop ourselves from imagining that good things are coming. Take a look at this week’s events and make some plans for the future.

MATCHBOOK DISTILLING’S METAMODERNITY BOURBON

Founder and master distiller of Matchbook Distilling in Greenport, Long Island, Leslie Merinoff Kwasnieski’s approach could be described as “be so good they can’t ignore you.”

Leslie has done what no one else has: Produced nearly every category of spirit, created a few new ones, and made them all exceptionally well. Since co-founding Matchbook in 2016, she's released spirits that had never existed before — an aperitif from fermented local peaches, a single malt smoked with North Fork seaweed, a pechuga-style corn whiskey finished in mezcal casks. She does it all by hand, sourcing highly specific ingredients from local farmers, driven by a philosophy of championing local agriculture and biodiversity one bottle at a time.

Metamodernity was featured in VinePair’s list of “Flex Spirit Bottles for 2026,” which is exactly the clickbait I would skip but I recognized this bottle in the hero image. I can’t hate because this bourbon is one of the few that genuinely stopped me in my tracks: Despite being 100% New York grains it is unlike any New York whiskey I know. It has a distinctly rich, savory flavor that hints at roasted apples, sesame and cocoa nib on the finish. It’s also one of few bottles where the eye-catching packaging is paid off.

You can often find Metamodernity at Kingston Wine Co or purchase directly through Matchbook’s website.

Boutique Wines & Spirits in Fishkill has a free tasting of Keeper’s Heart whiskey, including the new American Pot Still, plus corned beef and cabbage (going to be a lot of that this week).

Left Bank Ciders in Catskill is doing its regular Community Soup Night. Get a hot meal and maybe make some new friends.

Dear Mili is a new vintage pop up in Kingston running now through May 15.

Friday

Citiot in Catskill is presenting a benefit for the Bridge Street Theater with an evening of Stories, Poems and Songs about the Familiar and the Strange.

Saturday

The Ellis in Newburgh has a “house music love affair” open to all and curated by the Hudson Valley’s best-named DJ, Flared Bass.

Sunday

The Ashokan Center in Olivebridge is doing Maplefest! The sap is flowing and the sugar shacks are smoking. Guaranteed to be the best smelling event this week.

The Ellis in Newburgh says “Inspired by immersive spaces like House of Yes and the hypnotic rhythms of Tulum, HAÜS is not just a party. It’s a cultural shift.” Only elder millennials can hear this dogwhistle.

Rose Hill Farm in Red Hook is doing a super cool clothing swap for clothes, shoes and accessories.

Tuesday

Phonecia Diner Canteen inside Blue Duck Brewing Co in Kingston is reviving some of their brunchy classics plus corned beef with collards and free mini donuts!

Cheers,
Amy