Hittin’ The Town: Learn to craft custom cocktails with spirits made in the 419

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) - A lot of you go out of your way to shop local. And there’s a growing list of alcohols that are being made right here in our area.

Toledo Spirits makes everything from moonshine and rum to whiskey and gin. You can do everything from sampling it, to learning how to make drinks.

The Bellwether Cocktail Bar at Toledo Spirits is a great place to not only enjoy a drink, but to also perfect the craft of making drinks.

Brooks Black is a bartender at Bellwether. “When you get down to the nitty gritty of things, making drinks can be an art form, and a very exact science for sure.”

There are experiences offered that showcase all the spirits made here. You can perfect your palette too.

Eric Strayer is the Marketing Coordinator. “We offer tastings and tours which are an opportunity to go through the facility to see the process and hear some of the history of how we came up with products. You are then able to taste all of them. That is one of our most popular experiences.”

You can also learn the science of mixing a good drink. “Not only do they learn recipes and techniques, but they also get to make their own drink with an experienced bartender. I think it gives people a sense of ownership. It’s more than just having a drink plunked down in front of you. Anything you makes tastes better!”

Brooks says learning how to craft cocktails isn’t tough. “A lot of the best cocktails are pretty simple, it’s just about how you pour them.”

And Brooks enjoys sharing his knowledge with others. “Now they can go home and enjoy their favorite drinks, and they can make them. It’s awesome for people, they light up.”

A lot of what’s used to create cocktails here is made in the 419. From Maumee Moonshine to East Side Gin, and Heart of Gold Vodka to King & Dane Farmhouse Rum, they are all products of Toledo Spirits. “We like to have people try something they don’t think they like and try our version and enjoy it. That’s one of the best things we do here.”

Eric adds that it’s not just the alcohol that’s locally crafted. “We support local farmers, glassmakers we try to as much local as we can. That means a lot to me and the people who work here.”

So when it comes to a favorite for Eric? “Truth be told, I have everything in our catalogue in my home bar. They are all my favorites, but East Side Gin is a step above the other ones.” Being a step above when it comes to mixing and enjoying drinks is what the staff hopes you take away from your time at Bellwether. “In the last couple years you’ve seen a proliferation of better cocktails and elevated experiences. There are more people who know how to enjoy that, and that’s great.”

To learn more about all the options and offerings at Toledo Spirits, click here.

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