The Alembic

I love this portrait of our home. Vanessa Johnston created it. She is an amazing artist and a spitfire to boot. Vanessa is also a valuable member of the Ridge Family. I once referred to our house as “rustic” and a friend responded “We call it the house that love built”. It was a beautiful sunny day spent feasting and drinking wine on the Hop Deck. To old friends and new, Cheers!

I can confirm that Ridge absinthe blanche 58° will survive several days/nights in sub-zero temps without harm. It was an accidental but beneficial experiment.

Winter has returned to the Ridge.  A time to “rest” and reflect.  That means gather your gear and pray for snow!  Life has fallen into a comfortable rhythm for which I am beyond grateful.  Cook, play, bottle, play, cook, play, bottle, play…  It is a rhythm that I could get used to.

The twins are settled and working out quite well.  A few tweaks, an upgrade here and there and the shop is in tip-top shape.  Next on the hit parade?  Dedicated bottling machines.  May everyone be as blessed and fortunate as the residents of the Ridge.  Happy 2012!

Here are a few pics to remind you of home.  At least of our home.  Cheers!

Bitter Baby is one of my favorite pictures and moments in time. It was taken on my birthday during the height of wormwood harvest. We were in the midst of a heat wave. A mere 98° in the shade. Joe and I had a birthday morning date wildcrafting amazingly beautiful A.a. We loaded it in his Explorer and took it home. On the way I declared we were getting a pickup before the next harvest. It was a good day.

Oporto, Portugal -> Chicago OHare, IL, United States -> Seattle, WA, United States -> Spokane, WA United States -> Evergreen, MT, United States

Out for Delivery

Three beautiful words.  The Twin is on her way.  Cradled in the loving arms of MTS Freight.  Waiting for a call.  Waiting…

It is a balmy 5 degrees on the Ridge this morning and winter driving conditions are in effect.  4×4 or front wheel drive with studded tires are recommended when visiting.  Otherwise expect to chain up or park and hike.  Don’t forget to watch for deer, wild turkey and sledders on the 2nd Big Hill.  Cheers!

Autumn is here and so is the snow. Time to change gears. Now that the garden is asleep we’ll have plenty of time to work, rest and play. Happy Autumn!

The calm before the storm.

Our first official winter storm of the season!

These are the hands that…

till the soil

sow the seeds

divide the roots

pick the weeds

harvest the herbs

load the alembic

gauge the spirits

fill the bottles

seat the bar tops

apply the labels

seal the capsules

fill the cases

Joe and I have a hand in the production of every drop of spirits that go out of Ridge Distillery.  B’Lou has spent countless hours in the gardens and drying shed to provide the highest quality Artemisia absinthium, Artemisia pontica , Artemisa génépi and Tanacetum balsamita (costmary).  KJ is always there to help with bottling and packing.

It is our goal to create the best spirits possible at an affordable price to the consumer.  This starts with the herbs.  We grow the herbs that thrive in our alpine region.  This allows us to guarantee quality and keep consumer cost down. A simple goal for a simple life.   From our hands to yours.  Cheers~

Hi, I’m Jules. Or Julie. I answer to both names. I’m the new voice of The Alembic and this is going to be a fun adventure. It has been so far.  Life on the Ridge has been abundant and I am very grateful. Here’s a little taste of our Saturday.

Cheers!

Yes, it’s true. I fell in love with New York (what fleeting glimpse I saw). Actually, I fell in love (again) with a friend of 30+ years and his charming wife. I fell in love with Maison Premiere, the quintessential Williamsburg Absinthe and Oyster bar. After hating it for almost 40 years, I fell in love with New Jersey (Thank you for not arresting me in 1978). I’m stoked that Ridge is available at Drink Up New York. Actually, I’m really happy about a lot of things but mostly, I’m happy about dear family and friends that forgive me my many excesses.

Jules takes the reigns of Ridge Distillery and The Alembic. I get to become a college teacher first (again) and a distiller second. I get to focus on making theatre and really good booze. This is a wonderful thing.

This is my most favorite photo from New York with Dave, Jules, Kathy and me. Nothing is better than really great friends, right? Absolutely nothing…
Santé
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