Repeal Day: A Spirited Celebration

In 1919, the Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibited the production, transportation, and sale of alcohol. Known as Prohibition, this period addressed widespread overindulgence (and its associated health and social risks) while simultaneously fueling illicit activity and organized crime growth. America’s “Noble Experiment” of Prohibition ultimately failed, leaving behind a crippled alcohol industry and an American population thirsty for sweetened beverages and sodas. In effect for 13 years, it was repealed on December 5, 1933 by the Twenty-First Amendment which once again legalized alcohol production, distribution, and sales in the US. 

Holiday season is upon us with cause to celebrate at every corner. What’s one more reason to raise a glass? Well, for us, it’s a pretty important one! Repeal Day marks the seed which ultimately grew into the US wine market, which budded into the tour de force of US craft beer, which is now flowering into an eager and emerging US craft spirits industry. It’s pretty awesome!

While illegal speakeasies were a thing of the roaring 20s, now they are fun, retro-styled establishments typically featuring hand-crafted gastropub fare and a delightful mix of classic and contemporary cocktails. Speaking of classic, prohibition era cocktails… Here are a couple favorites!

 

Boulevardier

1.5 oz SILO Bourbon or SILO Whiskey

1 oz Sweet Vermouth

1 oz Campari

Orange Peel Garnish

Stir with ice, strain, pour over a large ice cube.

The Last Word

1 oz SILO Gin

1 oz Green Chartreuse

1 oz Maraschino Liqueur

1 oz Lime Juice

Shake with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Substitute cherry kirsch for maraschino liqueur if necessary.

In the spirit of celebration, SILO Distillery is going to be attending the Woodstock, VT Wassail Weekend on Saturday, December 9 from 11:00am onward. The Woodstock Inn will be serving a SILO Bourbon Punch and we will have spirits for tasting and purchase!

Wassail Weekend in Woodstock, VT. Photo courtesy of Billings Farm

Wassail is a timeless tradition hailing from an old Anglo-Saxon greeting and is traditionally accompanied by a beverage of the same name. I’ve been Wassailing for years, and there’s no better holiday beverage in my mind! Hope to see you all at Wassail Weekend. 

Cheers, 

Chris Maggiolo, Head Distiller