FREE TASTINGS EVERY WEEKBEER TASTINGS THURSDAYS 5-7PM/ WINE TASTINGS SATURDAYS 4-6PM

SPEAK EASY

EPISODE 5: ARRACK and THE ART OF THE ENSEMBLE with TESSA TAYLOR AND ANDRES MORAN from the CWSO

Arrack is an Indonesian spirit made from sugar cane and fermented red rice. It preceeds rum in terms of its popularity and global trade. The Dutch East India Company began trading it in the 17th Century and it found a lot of fame in punch bowls throughout Europe. The many components of punch reminded us of the many elements that make up a symphony. Fortunately for us we have the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra right here in Stevens Point! We were able to sit down with Conductor Andres Moran and Executive Director Tessa Taylor for a conversation about the music being made in Europe during the heyday of punch, as well as the many elements that make a Symphony Orchestra successful.

FEATURING

Tessa Taylor (Executive Director) and Andres Moran (Music Director) of the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra.  The CWSO has been enlivening, entertaining, and educating Central Wisconsin for 74 years!  These two not only taught us more about their organization, but also gave some historical context to the importance of a community orchestra.  Check out their schedule and get yourself to a live concert by visiting the CWSO website: cwso.org!

~SUNSET CHAMPAGNE PUNCH RECIPE~

This inspired play on a classic punch recipe was created by Marc Farrell of Epernay Champagne Bar, in Manchester, England. It is a cocktail with fizz, flavour, sophistication and imagination, and a fabulous addition to the entertaining arsenal.

Top Image: Band with Janitor, Mark Symczak, 1991
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EPISODE 4: Nocino and Sensuality with Desiray Rockweit

We thought Dez Rockweit of Boudiour by Dez might be the best person to talk to about the color of an Italian liqueur called Nocino. Made from macerated green walnut husks, then pressed and aged, Nocino stands out on the shelf because of its pitch black color. How did black become such a symbol of sexuality? 
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EPISODE 3: Advocaat and The Shining with Gabrielle Martin

 On one hand we have a best seller book turned into a classic Kubrick horror film, and on the other we have an an egg liqueur of the Netherlands based on an avocado drink invented in Brazil. What is gained and what is lost in adaptations? 
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EPISODE 2: Cognac and Midwifery with Jane Crawford Peterson

We get to sit down with Jane Peterson and discuss what it's like to witness the beginning of someone's life in the world. We do this while tasting some aged Cognac, which is a brandy from France that's been aged in oak barrels. Between these two complex spirits (Jane the midwife and V.S.O.P. Cognac) we hope to gather insight into the nuance of aging.
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EPISODE 1: Chartreuse and Vertical Hydroponics with Forrest Fleishauer

We've taken a trip into the greenhouses at Produce Point, Forrest's vertical hydroponic production of chemical free herbs & greens, to discuss sustainability and Chartreuse.  Talk about sustainable: in the Chartreuse Mountains of France, an order of monks have produced this liqueur for over 400 years and the recipe is still a closely guarded secret!
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