Tag: Behind the bar

Behind the bar @ Tamworth Distilling

 

A little blurb about you:

My name is Judi and I work in sales here at Tamworth Distilling. I grew up mostly in central Maine, climbing trees and running around barefoot.  Always on the move and ready for the next adventure; honestly… Not much has changed.  I picked up bartending in my mid 20’s as a way to fund my travels and a trade I knew could help me find work no matter where I landed. I have worn many hats in the workforce including for a brief summer wrapping hot dog rolls in a factory and a few years as a mountaineering guide which led me to relocating here in the White Mountains! I thoroughly enjoy cocktail history and creation, the outdoors and working with my hands creating jewelry- I find myself always trying to cross over my passions where I can!

What do you think is the most underused bar tool:

The peeler.  Whether it’s the channel knife or a Y peeler.. I think it adds a sophisticated touch on a cocktail and more of the natural oils that boost the experience.

Favorite cocktail:

Honestly it depends on the season.. or even the day really- and anything herbacious.  One that is highly regarded in my house is:

Campari Basil Smash

1.5 oz Campari

1 oz Scotch (or whiskey of choice)

1 oz lemon

4 basil leaves

.5 oz simple

Shake and pour over ice in rocks glass and top with tonic.

 

Favorite thing to do when not behind the bar:

You can usually find me in the mountains! Biking, hiking, climbing or wrangling my two sweet rescue pitties outdoors.  I also have my own business as a metalsmith where I craft nature inspired jewelry out of sterling silver and gemstones.

How many years have you been bartending:

About 12 years or so now.  My first job was working at a tiny Mexican restaurant in Brunswick Maine.

Favorite place in NH to visit:

Oof, what a question.  It is really hard to narrow it down to one location.  I moved to this state because of the mountains.. So really the White Mountains are my favorite thing about New Hampshire, I keep finding more places to enjoy even after being here for 7 years.  If you ever get the chance to go to Sawyer Pond… I highly recommend it.

Favorite Tamworth Distilling Spirit:

Chocorua Rye Whiskey-  I have always preferred rye over bourbon and our rye really sets the stage.  We use a particular rye (AC Hazlet) from a farm in northern Maine and is malted at a family run business in Mass.  The finished product has a limited spice note and a lot of flavor.  I always have a bottle in the cabinet.

Signature Tamworth cocktail recipe:

Black Manhattan

2 oz Chocorua Rye Whiskey

1 oz Chocorua Amaro

.5 oz Tamworth Garden Sierra Fig Cordial

Stir in ice with 2-3 dashes ango- Serve up with fresh orange peel

 

When she isn’t on the road you can find Judi crafting up cocktails behind the bar in the retail store. Make sure to stop in and try one of her creations Thursday – Sunday from 12-5pm.

Follow us @tamworth_distilling for cocktail suggestions, behind the scenes footage and more!

Behind the Bar @ Rek-Lis Brewing Company

 

A little blurb about you:

My name is Madison, but most people call me Maddie. I did most of my growing up in Bethlehem NH. I graduated high school at Profile High School and then extended my education at Rhode Island College playing softball. I have worked at Reklis Brewing Co since we have opened the doors. April 1st will be our 7 year anniversary. I started as a dishwasher when I was still in high school. I would come to work after any sports practice and work until close. Then once I turned 18 I started serving, then bartending, and then I became the Pint House Manager and started to help manage the floor sometimes. Now here I am almost 7 years later as the Bar Manager. I have spent most of my growing up inside this business and I will always be thankful for it. Working in a restaurant gives you many life lessons and can alter your life for the better. I would not be the person I am today without my team at Reklis. I adore Ian and Marlaina, and everyone else in our Reklis world.

What do you think is the most underused bar tool? 

I would say the most underused bar tool would be the jigger. This helps keep everything consistent between bartenders. Consistency is key to people enjoying cocktails, and having full faith in coming back and getting the same delicious product from someone else. Happiness and confidence in cocktails is what makes people want to come back. 

Favorite cocktail?

Personally, I am someone who loves all things beer, but if I were to have a cocktail, it would always have tequila in it. I would say my favorite cocktail would be an espresso martini- but to spice it up I prefer my base liquor to be silver tequila. I know it sounds weird at first but I promise you, it is magnificent. 

Favorite thing to do when not behind the bar?

My favorite thing to do when I am not behind the bar is to be anywhere in the sun, golfing, swimming, cornhole, or hanging with friends or family. The summer time is my favorite time of the year. In the winter I love to do anything with my friends to hangout and laugh. 

How many years have you been bartending?

I have been bartending for almost 5 years now. I started in 2020 at the peak of Covid. It feels weird. It has already been 5 years. They say time flies when you’re having fun and that is the best example of my time bartending so far. Meeting so many great people, making so many connections, and having fun along the way while extending my knowledge in my career. 

Favorite place in NH to visit?

There are so many spots that hold so many great memories for me in New Hampshire. I could say Bethlehem because it has Reklis but that seems like a very easy answer. I think if I had to choose, I would say Derry NH. It is the home to a good portion of my family, we gather there for all holidays, any birthday celebrations, or just simple get-togethers. It is a place that feels like a home away from home.  

Favorite Tamworth Distilling Spirit:

I would say my favorite Tamworth spirit would be the Damson Plum Gin. I love the flavor it brings to any cocktail you create with it.  

Signature Tamworth Cocktail recipe:

Golden Bee

2 oz Tamworth Garden Damson Plum Gin

.5 oz Dom De Canton Ginger Liqueur 

¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice 

.5 oz Honey Simple Syrup

Shaken and strained into a martini glass with a dehydrated lemon garnish.

 

Nestled in the charming town of Bethlehem, NH, Rek-Lis Brewing Company is renowned for its impressive lineup of homemade brews. But this local gem offers more than just exceptional beer – it also boasts an on-site kitchen where the entire menu, spanning from classic pub fare with a twist to tempting tacos and vegan delights, is crafted from scratch. When visiting, be sure to check out the Pint House, which comes alive with live music, trivia nights, and even Friday karaoke.

Visit Rek’· lis Brewing Company to learn more!