Appreciation and the Art of Reclaim

One of the best things about the craft movement is the degree of appreciation it contains. So little of our time is spent truly appreciating not only the infinite beauty of life but even the simple accouterments that surround it.  Not so in the world of craft.

Everything about craft demands appreciation, and micro-distillers are certainly one group who consistently strive to give it  the respect it is due. The simple act of distilling itself is predicated on appreciation; what goes in having a certain degree of value comes out having another. And I, for one, can appreciate that.

Visiting with a co-worker this morning, we discussed how little regard we as Americans often maintain for the physical history of our land. A familiar example of this for us in the West is the mountain lookout. Climb to the top of the highest round knob in an area and you are likely to find the remnants of what was once summer home to a forest guard or ranger. They are part of the heritage of the West, yet we are as likely to burn one to the ground as to restore it.

One facet of the micro-distilling scene that I find great satisfaction in is the seeming commitment on the part of the men and women who set out to establish distilleries to reclaim and restore old buildings and structures. As many in the construction trade can attest, saving a piece of history is often more costly, and certainly more difficult, than building new. Still, time and time again, we see micro-distilleries setting up shop in old waterfront warehouses, barns, and other historic testaments to a place in time.

I can cite many examples: Mississippi River Distilling Company, Montgomery Distillery, Journeyman, and the London Distillery Company, to name a few. But rather than catalog the list, follow the jump to this great story about Trailhead Spirits in Billings by local new station KTVQ ...



To learn more about preserving old forest fire lookouts, visit the Forest Fire Lookout Association