S2 Episode 3: Seaweed in my Glass

Cocktails With Friends

Exploring Maine's Unique Spirits with Andrew Stewart of Barrens Distillery

Bob Cutler sits down with Andrew Stewart, co-founder of Barrens Distillery in Camden, Maine, to dive into craft spirits on this episode of Cocktails with Friends. They cover the origins of Barrens Distillery and the creation of seaweed-infused vodka. Andrew shares his passion for distilling and his commitment to supporting Maine's local agriculture. This is a great episode where innovation and high spirits combine for some amazing creations.

Key Insights:

• Supporting Local Agriculture: Andrew Stewart's dedication to using locally sourced ingredients, like blueberries and kelp, highlights the importance of supporting Maine's agricultural community.

• Crafting Unique Spirits: Barrens Distillery's innovative approach to distilling, including the development of a seaweed-infused vodka, showcases the creativity and experimentation involved in crafting high-quality spirits.

• Versatility of Gin: The episode explores the versatility of gin, discussing how different botanicals can create distinct flavors that cater to a wide range of preferences.

Episode Index

• [00:00:00] Introduction: Bob Cutler welcomes Andrew Stewart and introduces Barrens Distillery.

• [00:01:00] Andrew’s Background: Discussion of Andrew's roots in Scotland and his early passion for whiskey.

• [00:02:40] Founding Barrens Distillery: The story behind the creation of Barrens Distillery and its mission to support Maine agriculture.

• [00:04:30] Seaweed-Infused Vodka: Andrew explains the inspiration and process behind their unique sugar kelp vodka.

• [00:06:00] The History of "Proof": A brief history lesson on the term "proof" in the spirits industry.

• [00:07:40] Barrens' Gin Varieties: Exploration of the diverse range of gins produced by Barrens, including their popular Harbor Gin and Pink Gin.

• [00:14:20] Gin Boom in Scotland: Discussion on the explosion of gin production in Scotland and Europe, and its influence on Barrens Distillery.

• [00:20:00] Sourcing Local Botanicals: How Barrens Distillery works with local farmers to source botanicals for their spirits.

• [00:22:30] Collaboration with Kushnog: Details of Barrens' whiskey collaboration with Kushnog Distillery.

• [00:23:30] Closing Remarks: Final thoughts on Barrens Distillery's impact on the local economy and future growth plans.

About the Guest:

Andrew Stewart is the co-founder of Barrens Distillery in Camden, Maine. With a deep passion for whiskey and a background rooted in Scotland, Andrew has brought his expertise to Maine, where he and his team craft a variety of spirits that reflect the local culture and environment. From gin to rum, and even a unique seaweed-infused vodka, Barrens Distillery is committed to producing exceptional products that support local farmers and the coastal economy.