Episode 19 - Heritage
Welcome to the Still Magic podcast, your one-click audio stop for all things gin. Be it gin making, gin producing, gin distilling, gin manufacturing, gin commercialising, gin tasting, gin drinking, gin steeping, and everything else in between.
My guest today is Tom Anderson, co-founder of Pinckney Bend Distillery, located in New Haven Missouri, the home of premium spirits by passionate people.
In this two-part series we’ll learn how Tom pivoted away from the family printing business, to become one of the first craft distilling licence holders in the United States. His unbridled passion for history and heritage provide the keys to expressing those interest in his craft. In many ways, this makes Tom a modern-day version of the original Missouri pioneers.
We’ll learn how the state of Missouri provides and nurtures the finest white oak – the quercus alba – to produce the best staves, ends and barrels on the planet, for ageing distilled spirits.
· How did alcohol end up in barrels ?
· Why did people burn the interior of the barrels?
The answers to these questions are enmeshed in a strong sense frugality, practicality and a modern-day concept that we would call recycling.
Little did producers know 200+ years ago, that these very same principles would kick-start an industry that now produces some of the most popular and finest distilled beverages we see today.
In this episode, you’ll learn about
· the importance of water to distilled spirits
· Bob, and how Bob holds the key for Tom’s favourite cocktail;
·There’s some tech-talk too as both Tom and I channel Dr Gary Spedding and the notion of the “catalytic engine” that creates wonderful flavours inside every charred or toasted barrel.
So, grab a glass of your favourite tipple, sit back and enjoy this episode of The Distillers’ Voice.
Be bold. Enjoy yourself. Let’s create a new gin narrative.
Still Magic paperback, digital and audio copies available from your favourite online stores
Host: Marcel Thompson @stillmagicway
Guest contributor: Tom Anderson https://pinckneybend.com
Voiceovers: @antipodeanharpie
Editor: @alexiepigot, [email protected]
Distilled spirits expert: Dr Gary Spedding https://bdastesting.com/,
Distillery construction expert: Jamie Baxter: http://www.craftdistillingservices.com/
Still Magic
Hosted by award winning gin distiller and educator Marcel Thompson, the Still Magic podcast provides insights concerning gin making, gin producing, gin distilling, gin manufacturing, gin commercialising, gin tasting, gin drinking gin steeping and everything else in between.
Each podcast episode brings gin's centuries-long history to life in a contemporary setting, season by season. This includes assessing an array of different gins in efforts to determine what makes a great gin.
Local and international distillers share their insights as well. You'll receive a rare glimpse into the energy, passion, and desire that manifests itself as wonderful products people enjoy worldwide.
Collective experiences from episode guests will show that the following principles are as applicable to a gin making journey as any other new, exciting, or challenging endeavour
- Simplicity is best;
- Less is more;
- Inexperience is no barrier to success.
Be bold. Enjoy yourselves. Let's create the next gin narrative...