THE
ROCHESTER COCKTAIL REVIVAL
A C E L E B R AT I O N O F L I B AT I O N S I N T H E BEVERAGE MECCA OF T H E N O RT H E A S T WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY G E O R G E B . C ATA L L O
T
he Jewel of the Genesee, Rochester, New York, is a boozy Mecca for beverage enthusiasts from all reaches. The essence of craft courses through the city’s veins, be it for small and independent homegrown products or for expertly crafted cocktails by passionate mixologists. With more than 20 craft breweries and a handful of distilleries that have risen from the ashes of Prohibition, a sea of red pins on the map when you Google “cocktail bar,” and numerous wineries located within driving distance, there is no going thirsty here.
FLO(WE/U)R POWER Rochester has a long history with booze. It’s known not only as the Flower City for its lilacs and roses, but also as the Flour City. Before Prohibition, Rochester was a big mill town. With one of the few north-flowing rivers in the world and numerous waterfalls, Rochester was perfect for it. The best flour first went to the numerous breweries and distilleries in the area, second pick went to bakeries, and the leftovers went to nearby farms for feed. Prohibition absolutely decimated the beverage industry in Rochester, however, two of the most notable prohibitionists actually lived there, Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony. But they get a pass. Prohibition was temporary and their positive impact on the world continues to echo forth. While Rochester has not fully recovered from Prohibition, it’s well on its way. To celebrate this resurgence in the love of libations there is a week-long festival called the Rochester Cocktail Revival. This year marks its sixth anniversary. WWW.ARTISANSPIRITMAG.COM
GO SPEED RCR, GO! The festival is a week-long celebration of “craft cocktail culture” according to organizers. Events include pairing dinners, parties, seminars, hands-on classes, galas, a grand tasting, and even a cocktail competition. Attendance has more than quadrupled from 2,000 in 2014 to 8,500 in 2018. Such large attendance draws some sizable sponsors including local companies like Genesee Brewing (owned by FIFCO), Black Button Distilling, Iron Smoke, and Rochester-headquartered beverage powerhouse Constellation Brands, to properties of Diageo, Beam Suntory, Kirin Brewing, and beyond. The greatest thing to come from all this money being thrown around by sponsors and attendees is that there is an associated charity. In 2018, more than $20,000 was raised for Gilda's Club of Rochester, which does great work helping people and their families living with cancer.
PEAT SMOKED BRISKET FROM THE PAIRING DINNER IN 2018
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