Growing up in Kentucky, I always looked forward to the end of summer. Why, you might ask? Because end of summer meant carnival. From as far back as I can remember until leaving for basic after my senior year, this was a highlight for me. The cherry atop a well spent summer, like an encore. Bravo! Bravo! The good times aren’t over just yet, one more weekend to play. I am not sure what I enjoyed the most. The rides, the food, the freedom to mingle for the night without adult supervision? (In high school we may have snuck in a little bourbon to liven things up.) All I know is that I miss that feeling I had at my local carnival. I miss the fun to be had and the new things to see and do. Thankfully MicroShiner knew this was something I needed back in my life, so they sent me and a fellow 'Shiner to attend the Craft Spirits Carnival in San Francisco. Mind blown!
With the slogan, “Come Thirsty, Leave Happy” I knew this would be a special night. Celebrating the craft spirit world is what MicroShiner is all about, and with over 100 premium spirits from around the globe, this event was a must. The venue wasn’t too shabby either. Hosted at the City View space inside the Metreon, SOMA District attendees could play inside and out. Inside were over 70 booths and a stroll out onto the large open terrace added to the carnival like atmosphere with amazing 4th floor views of the City.
After getting my credentials and tasting glass I walked in and immediately felt that sweet childhood sensation of joy. There was so much to see and do and, most importantly, taste. First stop was the amazing Craft Potato Vodka from Zodiac Spirits. Natalie, Zodiac’s sales rep, I feel knew I was a bit bewildered by all the attractions and called me over just like an old game barker challenging me to give it a go. Challenge accepted, and I believe I came out the winner. This is an amazingly smooth, single filtered vodka that, I must add, is Gluten free. I arrived with a thirst, and was already happy.
I reminded myself that this was a four hour event and pacing myself was critical. It was a carnival after all, and one could easily get caught up in the excitement. Making my way around the inside of the event I was elated to meet so many people passionate about the world of craft. Sure there were people from the industry, but more importantly so many microshiners looking to experience something new. Numerous saloons offered full blown cocktails. One of my favorites was from the Venus Spirits crew who specialize in spirits made from local organic ingredients. They had two cocktails on hand. I had the “Garden of Eden”. It is made with fresh cucumber, basil, lime juice and their simplistically named, yet award winning, Venus Gin Blend NO. 01 . This Gin is amazing and can stand alone, but played nicely in this cocktail variation of it. Santa Cruz is only a short drive from San Francisco, right? A road trip to this distillery is definitely in my future.
After debating on getting a haircut at the Jack Daniels booth (more on barber shops and booze later), I opted to stick to the spirits. Humboldt Distillery had a line waiting for a taste of Humboldt's Finest. This is a Cannabis Sativa infused Vodka, I mean what else would you expect from a distillery in Humboldt? Well, it's time to think craft spirits. Humboldt's Finest is a very aromatic specialty spirit that reminded me of a really unique gin. Abe Stevens has been doing amazing work since 2012. Myles, on hand from Humboldt, encouraged us to try the rum and I could picture this expression in a host of cocktails. I actually picked up a bottle the very next day. Want more reason to visit the Distillery? Their Pear and Apple Brandy can only be purchased on site.
Next was a distillery that is basically around the corner from me. I live in in Sonoma County and in Sonoma, we are known for our wine. Drive through Sonoma county and it’s literally grapes everywhere. Over 400 wineries. Don’t get me wrong, I could name off multiple distilleries and breweries throughout Sonoma County doing some amazing work, but it’s really the vine that dominates things. Hanson is a little different though. This is a family run operation taking those same grapes to make some incredible vodkas. They are using the family name for their labeling, which is similar to winemakers, but not so prevalent in the vodka world. Alanna served me up a few samples, challenging me to try the Habanero infused Vodka and then cooling me down with a Moscow Mule. Absolutely delicious! My favorite was the cucumber flavored vodka. I was excited to learn the new tasting room is opening soon and was blown away by their passion for the product.
I had really lived it up. I mean, a bourbon connoisseur (or so I like to think) at a craft spirit festival and I hadn't even tried any? Who was I becoming at this carnival? It was just like those summer nights of my youth, exploring strange surroundings, testing my limits, learning who I am. At this event, I had really stepped out of my box. I tried a Cannabis Spirit, that was entirely new territory. I was loving on these flavored vodkas, which I have to admit, I hadn’t enjoyed in years. I also realized that for about 3 hours I had been on a quest to try every gin there. This was so out of character for me. I decided that for the finale I had to go back to what I know best. So many great ones to choose from, but my favorite had to be the Bourbon Nighthawk Whiskey from Do Good Distillery. Low heat, 91 proof, absolutely delicious. Sonoma County Distilling always comes strong with their West of Kentucky Bourbon and delicious Rye. Such a fun team and they let me sample a hidden gem, Black Truffle Rye. Last stop was Cutler's Artisan Spirits out of Santa Barbara. Owner Ian introduced me to 33 straight bourbon whiskey. Slight oak, slight smoke, a little honey, the perfect nightcap.
With that, I knew I should go. You never want it to end, but like that last great ride at the carnival or that last game ticket to win a prize, I wanted to leave on that high note of a wonderful aged bourbon. While the type of carnival I attended this year is much different than those of my childhood , I definitely left with the same smile on my face and joy in my heart. What a wonderful introduction to this family of craft distillers and their many incredible products. This event is a must for any dedicated microshiner and I’m already looking forward to closing out my summer with it again next year.
Aaron Hitt is a born and bred Kentucky Colonel and requisite bourbon fanatic. After dangling from helicopters with the 101st Airborne, he wandered the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys before coming to his senses somewhere near the Russian River in Northern California. He shares space with a girl and three dogs while grooming two future superstars and spurring craft growth at MicroShiner.