Bartenders deserve credit for creating autumn cocktails

As much as I liked the local newspaper writing about the creative seasonal cocktail menu at a popular Charleston, WV, restaurant, I still feel the need to correct one important oversight.

In the article published in last Sunday’s Gazette Mail, the writers say Bridge Road Bistro owner Sherri Wong is proud of the fact that she’s managed to keep the same people to run her lounge for pretty much as long as the Bistro has been open. And rightfully so. Unfortunately, the newspaper fails to mention the names of the talented bartending crew that is, as much or more than any other factor, responsible for the lounge’s success.

Bartenders make it happen

In my observation, Hutch Hutchison, Derek Palmer, and Josiah Mounts are the Bistro mixologists most responsible for creating the special seasonal drinks and the special atmosphere that makes the lounge popular. Sure management has an important role, and give them credit, but it’s usually the foot soldiers behind the bar that make it happen.

Hutch and Derek have been at Bridge Road Bistro for years and have earned quite a deserved loyal following. Josiah is the newest member of the team, and, as he has gained experience, has added his considerable talents to the mix. As as group, they are undoubtedly Charleston’s finest bartending team.

Featuring local distilled spirits

It’s also great to see the Bistro featuring made-in-WV products on their specialty menus. I’ll concur with GazetteMail writers Bill Lynch and Dawn Nolan, the Black Walnut Manhattan is a winner. For me it’s made even better by the use of Smooth Ambler’s Old Scout Bourbon and Bloomery’s Black Walnut SweetShine.

I hope more restaurants and bartenders in the state follow the Bistro’s lead and feature more West Virginia-made liquors at their bars. To taste it for yourself, stop in the Bistro lounge this holiday season and sample some of the cocktail expertise of Hutch, Derek, and Josiah.

Bloomery Plantation promotes fall cocktails

Speaking of West Virginia liquor, Bloomery Plantation Distillery, in Charles Town, has issued an excellent autumn drink  recipe sheet that is worth a closer look.

Find more SweetShine ideas at the Bloomery website.

Find more information on Old Scout Bourbon at the Smooth Ambler website.