Mondays and Tuesdays at Stovehouse in Suncadia starts the week off right!
Craft Mixologist Harry Crutcher at the Stovehouse in Suncadia hosts a "Bartender's Favorite Tasting of the Day" with mixers on Mondays and traditional cocktails on Tuesdays. This is Suncadia's complimentary cocktail experience that includes a free appetizer tasting as well.
From 4:00 - 5:00 pm on Mondays and Tuesdays, the Stovehouse is the place to be, as Upper Kittitas County's best kept secret of food and beverage tasting will provide you not just with a fun time, but an education as well. On the Monday night I went, Harry was mixing up Moscow Mules as well as the Mezcal Mule, a smoky variant on the original. Other participants got to try a Kentucky Mule, which is made with bourbon rather than vodka, in addition to the original Moscow Mule.
Tracing this cocktail drink back to ca. 1941, this early evening tasting included a discussion of the historical background of this beverage and included all the original ingredients: lime, Tito's Vodka (Smirnoff being the original vodka used), and Cock and Bull's Ginger Beer. The Mezcal Mule was mixed with lime, El Jimador agave blanco tequila and Dolce Vita Mezcal. Although I'm not a huge Moscow Mule fan, this one was very drinkable. I really loved the Mezcal Mule - it had just the right subtle smokey notes. I've had mezcal mixed drinks that are very heavy handed almost to the point of being unpalatable, but this one was the perfect balance of smokiness. I'd definitely order it in the future.
The Food & Cocktail Pairings
The complimentary appetizer served was a very generous and tasty Pimiento cheese and cracker plate with grapes, house made pickles, onions and a delicious pepper jam. We were also fortunate to sample some house made berry roll-ups, used as straws in the bar, that are imbued with a peach liqueur. Very delicious! I plan on making some myself this summer during berry season.
All in all, during this complimentary cocktail hour, you will get to try two full sized cocktails and a filling appetizer. If you haven't been in to the Stovehouse yet, this is a great introduction. For those of us who are already fans, make this a weekly event. I initially thought the twice weekly Bartender's Tasting of the Day was only going to be held in January but, fortunately, they are planning on doing these through spring! So, you have plenty of opportunities to experience the mixological magic happening at Stovehouse.
With Harry's clear enthusiasm and love of the history of cocktails, his expert mixology and his tongue-in-cheek showmanship, you will walk away from the experience both enlightened and entertained.
Contact
The Stovehouse
3320 Suncadia Trail, Cle Elum, WA 98922