Have Another Sip

*Disclaimer: This content is not paid or sponsored in any way. It is written as an informational guide for readers to explore and experience the business mentioned in the post.

          My first visit to 8 Shires Coloniale Distillery was such a good experience that I had to visit again to have another sip!  Being in WIlliamsburg again was a good time, so I wanted to take an opportunity to revisit the distillery.  I was interested to not only see if it had changed any, but also to try something new.  I am glad to say that most things were still the same, like the ambience of the tasting room.  You feel as if you are somewhere different, in a history museum perhaps, with some exciting libations.  The things that have changed are some of the newer innovations and directions.  For instance, the menu.  There are newer spirits, some only available at the distillery, as well as interesting cocktails.  Read on, I will talk a bit more about those later in this post. 

          One of the best things that happened there was meeting the people.  There was a lovely, young lady sitting alone, just soaking in the atmosphere.  Her calm presence and willingness to engage was as comforting as a sip of whiskey on a cold night.  In addition, the staff at the bar that night was phenomenal.  As soon as Kara and I laid eyes on each other, there was a familiar smile and recognition.  We remembered each other from the last time and Kara was just as polite and engaging as before.  It was very nice to have such a sweet person to serve us again, one who is so knowledgeable and courteous as well.  I also met Tucker this time around, who actually finished up my tour of the production room (which is free by the way, be sure to ask about it!).  He told me some interesting things about the history and future of 8 Shires Distillery as well as discussing some of the interesting artifacts.  It is always nice to connect with people who are passionate about the work they do.  

          So to finish up this post, the libations, that’s what you really wanna hear about eh?  Well, there was no disappointment there.  I only had expectations based on my last visit, even though it had been a year.  And yes, I remembered how good the spirits were.  My friend and I actually remembered the 8 Shire’s Coffee the most.  What did she order this time….the 8 Shire’s Coffee, of course.  What was interesting this time, other than it was exactly as delicious as before, was that we asked to have a second one made without the alcohol.  Now I know you might be saying, “What is the point of going to a distillery and ordering things without alcohol?”.  HGG believes that health equals happiness.  Alcohol and medication are things I do not condone mixing.  That was a moment of forgetfulness for us, so just a couple sips in the realization took place.  That’s when we asked for another coffee without the spirit.  We were obliged without reproach and let me tell you…if you do not partake in alcohol, the 8 Shire’s Coffee will definitely rival some of your big name coffee brands, at home or commercial!  Brown sugar simple syrup and fresh hand-whipped cream make this delight a whole moment.  Something we found out this time is that most of their cocktails can be made virgin.  I mention it because a lot of places (mostly fast-paced bar types) simply will not make their drinks virgin, or they have a set list of virgin options.  This is one of those innovative ideas that sets 8 Shires apart for me.  I did drink some of the first one down because I don’t like to waste food.  But I did not finish it because I ordered something special for myself and there was nothing in it to cut the alcohol.  Playing it safe. 

          Before I get to my drink order, I’d like to mention a newer spirit that they had and, to my knowledge, isn’t made anywhere else.  I opted to try a splash of a spirit, they offer one free splash tasting of any spirit.  I opted for one called Usquebaugh.  What an experience that was!  Kara and Tucker told us that everyone seems to taste something different but the most tasted and most pronounced flavor was the anise/ licorice flavor.  My mind was already racing with that information, but the idea of combining it with the spices such as turmeric and the fruits such as dates and figs that it is flavored with, I was in thought overload.  My palate was eager as well.  I took a sip, about half the splash, my mouth stayed perched and I’m sure I didn’t blink for a full minute.  It was nothing bad.  It was an explosion of flavors that my mouth and mind could not separate.  The ending result for me is that it was definitely something that would be a mixer for me.  No straight shots or on the rocks with this one.  The Usquebaugh is a whiskey whose name comes from the Scottish and means “water of life” and I will tell you, this water could definitely give life.  Dare I say, it could raise the dead!  It is not super strong at the onset, but it is floral, fruity and potent.   For me, I could think of holiday fruit cake, probably doused right out of the oven with scotch.  The flavor that was most pronounced to me though, pine.  What interesting taste buds I was blessed with.  Another experience for the books.

          Ok, now for my special drink order…. Ta Dah!