RESPOSADO CON GUSANO

FIRST COURSE
Inside the 2012 Indie Spirits Expo

The craft beer revolution has been making major waves in the bar and restaurant world for over a decade but what about the small, craft distilleries that create fine, handcrafted spirits? We’re talking about the small batch bourbons, vodkas, mezcal and other liqueurs being made by dedicated craftsmen and craftwomen. These operations aren’t bootleggers using bathtubs or a makeshift still deep in the woods but rather expert artisans creating unique spirits…legally.

The Indie Spirits Expo, a part of the Manhattan Cocktail Classic, is dedicated completely to these small batch operations. You won’t find Bacardi at this event and it’ll make you reconsider your drink choice the next time you order a cocktail. Joonbug attended the expo, held at Crimson nightclub, on Tuesday. We learned a ton about the process, ingredients, history, and some very interesting people while at the event. Below you’ll find some of our favorite spirits we sampled along with some of their cocktail recipes for your drinking pleasure.