Posts by Amanda Koehler
The Highball: Japan’s Influence on Whiskey Culture
Whiskey cocktails don’t get much simpler than the highball. Whiskey. Sparkling water. Ice. On paper, it almost seems too simple to deserve much attention. But in Japan, the highball became something more: a carefully prepared drink built around balance, temperature, carbonation, and the character of the whiskey itself. Today, the Japanese-style highball has influenced bars…
Read MoreFarming in a Heatwave: How Regenerative Agriculture Builds Climate Resilience
Summer has always brought its share of challenges for farmers, but in recent years, stretches of intense heat have become more common across much of the country. Days of high temperatures, limited rainfall, and dry soils can place tremendous stress on crops, reducing yields and affecting everything from grain quality to harvest timing. While no…
Read MoreWhy Grain Freshness Matters: How Time, Storage & Milling Shape Spirit Flavor
When most people think about what gives whiskey its flavor, they picture oak barrels, years of aging, or the distillation process itself. While those elements certainly matter, the journey begins much earlier—with the grain. Just as a chef starts with the freshest ingredients possible, great distillers know that exceptional spirits begin with exceptional grain. Freshness,…
Read MoreThe Mojito: From Cuban Farm Workers to Global Fame
There are few cocktails that taste more like summer than a Mojito. Crisp mint, fresh lime, a touch of sweetness, sparkling soda, and rum come together to create one of the world’s most refreshing drinks. But long before it became a staple at beach resorts and backyard barbecues, the Mojito had much humbler beginnings in…
Read MoreCompanion Planting for Grains: Can Diverse Plants Improve Whiskey?
When most people think about whiskey, they think about barrels, aging, and perhaps the grains that go into the mash bill. But long before a whiskey reaches the still, its story begins in the field. Increasingly, farmers are exploring whether growing grains alongside other plants—a practice known as companion planting—can improve soil health, crop resilience,…
Read MoreThe History of the Brown Derby: Hollywood’s Forgotten Whiskey Cocktail
Some cocktails become household names. The Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Whiskey Sour have enjoyed decades of popularity, appearing on cocktail menus around the world. Others, despite rich histories and excellent flavor, quietly fade into obscurity. The Brown Derby falls into the latter category. Named after one of Hollywood’s most famous restaurants, this simple yet sophisticated…
Read MoreSustainable Distilling: Water, Energy & Waste Innovations
When people think about sustainability in spirits production, they often focus on the ingredients—organic grains, local sourcing, or regenerative farming practices. While those elements are important, sustainability doesn’t stop when the grain reaches the distillery. In fact, some of the most exciting environmental innovations are happening inside the distillery itself. From reducing water consumption to…
Read MoreThe Aviation: Early 1900s Glamour in a Glass
Few cocktails capture the romance and elegance of the early 20th century quite like the Aviation. With its pale lavender hue, delicate floral notes, and unmistakably vintage name, the Aviation feels like a drink pulled straight from the golden age of grand hotels, jazz lounges, and the dawn of air travel. Long before modern craft…
Read MoreRye Roots That Run Deep: How Certain Crops Build Better Soil
Healthy soil doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built season after season through the crops we plant, the roots we leave behind, and the natural systems we support. While most people focus on what a crop produces above ground, some of the most important work is happening below the surface. Rye is one of those crops.…
Read MoreSummer Spirits: How Botanicals Shine in Warm Weather
As temperatures rise, drink preferences tend to shift with the season. Heavy, warming winter flavors often give way to lighter, brighter profiles centered on citrus, herbs, florals, and fresh garden ingredients. Behind many of those refreshing summer cocktails is one key element: botanicals. From gin infused with juniper and citrus peel to spirits layered with…
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