Booze School: D is for Distilling

Thank you to Matt E. and Dark Horse Distillery for such an educational and fun evening. I am completely ignorant about anything concerning alcohol and I really enjoyed learning about all the hard work that it takes to make whiskey.
Our tour guides were incredibly passionate about their product. You could tell by their smiles and gleam in their eye.
Throughout the tour, we were given shots of the drinks that they were talking about and we also were able to enjoy 2 expertly made cocktails. The first drink of the night was my favorite.
With a raffle and mingling time with the teachers after class, I must admit that this is probably the first time I’ve ever enjoyed school! Thank you to everyone involved in making this night a success.

Last year after Paris on the Plains…
Me: «Hey Matt, you should do some little alcohol education classes like these.»
Matt: «Hey Billie, great idea, I have something in the works that you will see coming soon.»
Me: «Hey Matt, you are the bombdiggity!»
Or something real similar to that was said. Sure enough, Matt was all over what many of us Unilocalers love… booze. This was (I believe they said) the sixth Booze School edition. I was really excited when I found out they were coming. Before the first one though, my eating and drinking habits had to change. This made me sad. I anxiously awaited a booze school that fit my palette and new restrictions. Dark Horse was it!
The tour was very informative. I almost feel like I can be Cliff Clavin at the bar explaining to people how their drinks are made, except with some truths behind it. The entire process was just fascinating to me. I think a road trip to some of the bigger makers in TN and KY might be in order now.
We sampled each of the products that dark Horse puts out. I was a fan of everyone of them, even the vodka and I don’t like vodka. We also had a custom made drink before the tour and a different one after. The first one, Barn Sour, I wasn’t a huge fan of. I am not sure if the simple syrup was missed, but it was too sour and bitter for me. The Elder Fashion was ahhhhmazing!
The smell of the room where the products are made was super yummy. I suggested they need a candle that had the same smell, and sure enough they did! I have been sniffing it on and off since I got it.
The attention to detail and quality including the products chosen (almost all KS and MO grains and GMO free), the process to cook, ferment, and distill, and the hand designed bottles, is fantastic. You know this family run business is all about quality and getting a superior product to their customers.
The event spaces look great. I would seriously consider them for an event if needed.
I recommend going on a tour of Dark Horse. Try to plan a nice temperature day, you will find out why. Attend a Booze School event. I am a huge fan of this now! And buy some Dark Horse, you will not be disappointed!
Thank you Matt, Dark Horse, such a wonderful family, and The Lab for such a great event!

What a great time! But, I mean, booze, right?
Dark Horse Distillery was really very gracious in letting a boozehound like me through the doors. They certainly should have cleared it with Matt E. to make sure that their supplies wouldn’t be in danger. I mean, literally, I was standing in their barrel room trying to get a contact high from the oak, ya know?
It was nice that they kept the group for this small, as it allowed for more mingling and question-​taking from the guides, all of which were the main folks who run the Distillery, itself. Being walked through the process, with little tastes of their wares along the way, it was a real treat.
My favorites, of course, are The Browns: Bourbon and Rye. Getting to taste those two fresh-​from-​the-​factory was a true delight. Seeing how the operation is truly a family-​run business that hand-​crafts their product in such a loving way was a really great insight into a real treasure of a product here in our own city.
So, thanks, Matt E. for making this a great event! It’s been a while since I’ve been able to attend an Elite Event, and this one was a great one to jump back into.

Excellent event!!! We were able to sample 2 wonderful cocktails and even came home with the recipes:)
We were given a very detailed tour of the facility, their process and some insight as to the passion behind their product. I really enjoyed seeing and hearing how involved the entire family is. It is every bit of a small family owned operation and the love for what they do really shone through.
We were able to sample all of their products during the tour and ask as many questions as we had.
The space they have for events is beautiful. They have several different areas depending on your needs and the bartender is very friendly and knowledgeable.

I really enjoyed this booze school event!
The proprietors are knowledgeable and friendly and have a serious passion for what they are doing.
I’m seriously impressed with how much of their product is locally sourced. After this experience, I’m sold and will not only support their growth personally but make sure I turn out of town guests on to their product. I can see Dark Horse going into many gift bags this year!