Georgia Magazine
Written by Lindsey Cotton Friday, 01 October 2010 19:52
Making it Pay in Georgia: In Good SpiritsWritten by: Jane Garvey
contemporary Southern taste
When, in 2007, four friends—Alton Darby, Kent Cost, Dr. Gil Klemann and Winford Hines—from Americus, began to talk about distilling spirits, they had in mind a homemade vodka for family and friends. Little could they have suspected their casual conversation andinitial friends-and-family vodka would have led to founding a distillery. Made in small batches, the handcrafted spirits of Thirteenth Colony take advantage of the distillery’s location atop one of the South’s oldest and deepest aquifers. Thus, the water is of a singular purity, perfect for making fine-quality distilled spirits. Locally grown corn, barley and rye are also used in the process, which is carried outin a custom-designed, 250-gallon still. Albany-based wildlife artist David Lanier’s artwork adorns the packaging.
The first product, launched in 2009, was Plantation Vodka, one of two vodkas produced. Aromatic and supremely silky in texture, it is the vodka of choice for savoring chilled and neat, in the Russian manner, perhaps with caviar, such as Walter’s Caviar from Darien, for a total Georgia products treat. The company’s Southern Vodka is more assertively flavored, therefore perhaps better suited to mixing with tonic or soda water. Thirteenth Colony describes it as a “contemporary Southern taste,” and certainly Plantation Vodka is a more traditional style by comparison. Thirteenth Colony’s Southern Gin, aromatic with the slightly piney scent of juniper berries, is excellent with tonic water and lime on the rocks. And new out of the shoot is Southern Corn Whiskey, packaged in a short, decanter-style bottle, says Marketing Specialist Lindsey Cotton. Each bottle is hand-labeled, -signed and-numbered. “It’s a limited-release whiskey,” says Cotton, with just 400 cases produced.
Plantation Vodka, Southern Vodka and Southern Gin are distributed through Empire Distributors, which also will distribute the Southern Corn Whiskey. A bourbon now is in the barrel for future release.
(229) 924-3310; www.13colony.net.
Thirteenth Colony, Southern Corn Whiskey, 2010 Limited Release
95 Proof
Approx. $30 Retail
Thirstysouth.com
Written by Lindsey Cotton Friday, 01 October 2010 19:52
Small Batch Goodness: 13th Colony, Georgia craft distillery
We here at Thirsty South are firm supporters of the “drink local” movement – be it beer, wine, spirits, or coffee (or tap water and cola for that matter!). The South obviously has a tremendously successful history with bourbon in Kentucky and whiskey in Tennessee, but recent years have seen the rise of the craft distillery movement in the South as well as some unique Southern takes on vodka and other spirits. Corsair Artisan comes to mind on the craft side, as does Firefly vodka on a more commercial scale. And for the past year or so, another craft producer has been building a following in Georgia with their Southern Vodka and Southern Gin: Thirteenth Colony Distillery out of Americus, Georgia.
Thirteenth Colony is a small batch producer, and has recently released a limited edition (only 400 cases made) 100% corn whiskey that is turning heads. The Thirteenth Colony Southern Corn Whiskey was aged in old oak barrels, and comes in at a healthy 95 proof. This combination of 100% corn, oak aging (though still relatively young), and the robust strength makes for a unique product that should help Thirteenth Colony further establish its credentials as a craft distillery worth keeping an eye on. Not that they are an unknown quantity – their Southern Gin picked up a Gold Medal at the most recent Spirits International Prestige (SIP) Awards competition in San Diego, and the Southern Vodka claimed a bronze.
Listening to the folks behind Thirteenth Colony, one gets a very clear image of their mission: high quality, small batch spirits “made by friends for friends.” There is a unique camaraderie that infuses their brand, and they definitely wear their Southern sense-of-place on their sleeve, from the “Southern” branding on their gin, vodka and corn whiskey, to the mention on each label of being “Georgia’s only craft distillery.” And the “Thirteenth Colony” name, of course, refers to Georgia’s heritage from colonial times.
So, the big question is, how are their products? Will they make Georgia proud? The short answer is, “yes.” The Southern Corn Whiskey is noteworthy for its unique character. The Southern Gin is a serious pleaser, with a nice coriander presence. The Southern Vodka is an all-around solid vodka that will make any bar happy, though the least interesting of these three bottlings. We were fortunate to receive some samples for tasting, and here are our full notes:
T
Thirteenth Colony, Southern Corn Whiskey, 2010 Limited Release
95 Proof
Approx. $30 Retail
Tasting Date: November 4, 2010
Nice balance of mellow oak and light caramel on the nose. The mouthfeel is soft and full. The corn is noticeable in a good way, slight summery sweetness, and sets this apart from most other whiskeys. Interestingly, the oak fades to the back on the palate (vs. being prominent on the nose), so the oak aging was enough to impart some pleasant top notes without overtaking the flavor profile. It is fairly robust at 95 proof, but not unbalanced at all, with a nice touch of heat on an overall smooth finish. The color is a typical, light golden amber. Good Stuff* and definitely worth seeking out to experience a 100% corn whiskey with oak aging.
From the distillery: “Each bottle of Southern Corn Whiskey is numbered and signed. Our Limited Release Corn Whiskey will be a small quantity, released once per year in the fall, and when it is gone, it is gone for the year. Our goal is to pursue unique, high quality spirits and have several in various stages of development and planning.”
Thirteenth Colony, Southern Gin
82.4 Proof
Approx. $17 Retail
Tasting Date: November 4, 2010
Prominent coriander on the nose, alongside refreshing lavender/floral and light juniper herbal notes. Mouthfeel manages to be both crisp and full, with nice viscosity. The coriander carries over to the palate, which veers towards invigorating “green” herbs, celery even, a touch of lime. A well rounded juniper gin, not too sharp, not too mellow. Citrus notes linger enticingly on the finish. Good Stuff* and highly recommended for gin fans looking for a Southern player to knock out the Brits.
Thirteenth Colony, Southern Vodka
80 Proof
Approx. $17 Retail
Tasting Date: November 4, 2010
A touch of cucumber and alcohol on the nose. Clean on the palate with hints of sharp citrus and peppery spice which mellow out on a finish that stays smooth while packing some heat. Minimal texture, straight and to the point. Good Stuff* – a solid vodka to displace the Absoluts of this world in any Southerner’s bar, but not as compelling as Thirteenth Colony’s other offerings.
Hope Ball
Written by Lindsey Cotton Friday, 01 October 2010 19:52
ALBANY, Ga. — While coordinators of the annual HOPE Ball did not reach the goal they had set, they still feel good about the success the event had.
The 2011 ball, which was held Feb. 5 at the Hilton Garden Inn, attracted 250 attendees and raised $41,000.
“The event was fantastic,” said Kathy Furney, community manager with the American Cancer Society. “The community really came out and supported the event.
“We had a great time.”
The honorees were Ward Wright, an Albany child who was recently declared cancer-free, and his family. Maranda Wright, Ward’s mother, made an address to the crowd during the event.
“There wasn’t a dry eye in the house,” Furney recalled.
The money raised will go to benefit programs and services — which includes research and education. Officials had hoped to raise $50,000 at the event.
“We didn’t reach our goal, but it’s still an overall success whenever we make money for the American Cancer Society,” Furney said.
Some of the sponsors for the HOPE Ball included Phoebe
Community Visions, 13th Colony, Pellicano Construction, Berg Eye Center, Honey Baked Ham and Cumulus Radio. Several students of Deerfield-Windsor School were also in attendance to show attendees to their seats.
Furney added that it is not too late to make a donation to the HOPE Ball fund. Those that want to make a donation can make checks payable to the American Cancer Society, include “HOPE Ball” on the check memo and send it to P.O. Box 1222, Albany, Ga. 31702.
Area cancer patients who want to utilize ACS services are encouraged to call 1-800-227-2345.
Saveur Magazine March Issue
Written by Lindsey Cotton Friday, 01 October 2010 19:52
http://www.saveur.com/article/Kitchen/Clear-Choice
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