V
odka. It’s an old standard — the
Russians down it with breakfast,
the rich housewives of West
Chester, Pa., slop it in their martinis with
lunch, and the alco-jocks chase it down with
Red Bull and alco-pops on the weekends.
Out in Monroe, Ore., the fellas at Hard
Times Distillery, LLC have been concocting
some spirits that might just pull vodka back
from the brink of typecast.
Take for instance their unique blend
of vodka and wasabi, aptly named “Green
Geisha”; it’s an acquired taste for sure,
though not as spicy as one would think.
Personally, I’m not a fan — but knocking
something before you’ve tried it is for fools.
Pure wasabi root, neutral grain spirits and
Quail Ridge spring water go into the stuff,
and it can be thrown back straight, but it’s
recommended as a spike for martinis and
Bloody Marys.
Next comes Hard Times’ basic vodka —
though not so basic, as reality would have
it. “Sugar Momma” is naturally sweet vodka
designed to be hucked in a glass over rocks
and sipped delicately. She can be thrown
into any sweet vodka drink quite easily, too:
lemon drops, caipirinhas, vodka alexanders,
you name it.
Hard Times Distillery is attempting
to revamp the old school moonshining
aesthetic while creating unique, acquired
tastes within their product — they’ve
triumphed in both fi elds. ■
ACQUIRED
TASTES
Hard Times Distillery Vodka
Hard Times spirits hit shelves this month; for more information
on tastings and products visit www.hardtimesdistillery.com
By Andy Valentine
Granary Pizza Co.
AND
Tara Stonecipher
SATURDAY MARCH 17TH 10PM, $5
259 E. 5th Ave. Eugene, OR 541-343-8488 Open 7 Days a Week 5pm until close
www.eugeneweekly.com
March 15, 2012
SWIZZLE 11