Rainbow Quarantine Elixirs
On a cloudy Quarantine Sunday, I was lucky to spend some time with the Tasting Room Manager of West Fork Whiskey Company, Jacob Cantu. Sitting north of downtown off of 16th and college, this upcoming distillery is making a name for itself. As an experienced bartender of 9 years and a 'forever student' in the art of mixology, Cantu has all the skills necessary to produce elegantly delicious cocktails and during this quarantine he does not disappoint.
West Fork Whiskey Company is an Indiana based whiskey distillery, that has been thriving amidst the corona virus crisis, by way of innovation and the ability to adapt. Wielding his biology degree like a bible, Cantu experiments, measures and calculates in order to turn cocktail into a religious experience.
While Cantu uses me as a guinea pig to try one of his newest creations, he shares with me his thoughts regarding new recipes and juices he's been working on, the freedom he has to be creative at West Fork, and their newest merchandise and elixirs they've been creating during Quarantine. Cantu carefully crafted each cocktail with a West Fork Whiskey in mind for its base. After sipping up a few fingers of the whiskey selections neat, I am excited to see what ingredients Cantu will pair with each of the whiskeys; knowing their distinct profiles and notes. This hereby leads into the introduction of the Fab5 and I am ready to learn more about these elixirs!
The Fab5 is a colorful set of 5 assorted elixirs, developed by Mr. Cantu Himself, with the idea giving recognition to the Heritage of Spring and as celebration of Pride. His scientific approach to these elixirs is at a mad scientist level. These elixirs produce bartender quality cocktails that can stand the test of time as well as maintain their flavorful vigor. Through the the clever use of citric acid, acid lime solutions, house made cordials and syrups, this collection of elixirs maintain their flavor, instead of degrading over time as fresh juice tend to and I stan!
Let's get into these 5 elixirs and talk flavor profiles. They are available for sale, individually for $10 or by set for $50. That's how math works. Keep in mind one bottle produces 4-6 cocktails. But into the good stuff! Let's talk about them.
The Black Pom Pom is a pomegranate flavored elixir, made from organic pomegranate and black cherry syrup, acid lime solution, angostura bitters, lemon oil and at its heart the ‘B- Street Blues Bourbon’ from West Fork Whiskey Co. Yum. To activate this cocktail, add whiskey of choice and shake.
This drink is inspired by a bartender, you guessed it, with blue hair! The ingredients in this elixir include fresh blueberry purée simple syrup, lemon citric acid solution, fresh ginger juice and Whiskey Fork's own ‘All or Nothing Corn Whiskey’. Needless to say, this elixir may turn your tongue blue. Shake it up to activate.
Vaccinium is beautiful passion in a bottle, made with the organic tart from cranberry juice, Demerara simple syrup, critic acid, lemon oil and bitters. It creates a rich red cocktail, that makes the back of your mouth water. To activate this cocktail: add Whiskey Fork's ‘Rye-ter's Block Rye Whiskey’ and shake.
Release the Bees is a crowd favorite, so says Cantu, and I can see why after reading the ingredients. This cocktail’s base is the ‘Colonel Bourbon’ with fresh blackberry simple syrup, organic clove honey, citric acid solution and lemon bitters. If you're feeling a tickle in the throat this would be the drink to soothe both throat and mind. Shake to activate.
Why Not a Marg may sound like something you've tasted already, but man is this a refined recipe. It's ingredients boast a house made citric acid cordial, acid lime solution, organic agave nectar, Japanese chili bitters and the ‘2 HR Delay Corn Whiskey’ from West Fork Whiskey. Shake it like a salt shaker to activate this delectable cocktail.
You can see the passion Jacob has for each cocktail he creates, putting its longevity and flavor on equal footing when developing new libations. When asked what's next for West Fork Whiskey, Cantu simply expressed that he will continue to innovate and create cocktails that challenge your palette and perhaps just maybe He can introduce you to a new favorite.
I hope these Rainbow Quarantine Elixirs Get You Through these tough times and shine a little bit of joyous color into your lives. Hang in there and until next time.
-Alicia
The Edible Culture
Special thanks to Jacob Cantu For his time and insightful conversation. You're the best!
#WestForkELIXIR
While Cantu uses me as a guinea pig to try one of his newest creations, he shares with me his thoughts regarding new recipes and juices he's been working on, the freedom he has to be creative at West Fork, and their newest merchandise and elixirs they've been creating during Quarantine. Cantu carefully crafted each cocktail with a West Fork Whiskey in mind for its base. After sipping up a few fingers of the whiskey selections neat, I am excited to see what ingredients Cantu will pair with each of the whiskeys; knowing their distinct profiles and notes. This hereby leads into the introduction of the Fab5 and I am ready to learn more about these elixirs!
Black Pom Pom
The Blue Haired Girl
Vaccinium
Release The Bees
Why Not a Marg?
You can see the passion Jacob has for each cocktail he creates, putting its longevity and flavor on equal footing when developing new libations. When asked what's next for West Fork Whiskey, Cantu simply expressed that he will continue to innovate and create cocktails that challenge your palette and perhaps just maybe He can introduce you to a new favorite.
I hope these Rainbow Quarantine Elixirs Get You Through these tough times and shine a little bit of joyous color into your lives. Hang in there and until next time.
-Alicia
The Edible Culture
Special thanks to Jacob Cantu For his time and insightful conversation. You're the best!
#WestForkELIXIR
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