community meet your maker
Burkleaux’s hands-on whiskey-making workshops are set to resume as well. These workshops include a bit of history — the agrarian economics of distilling’s past — and a little science, such as how flavor preferences have been influenced. There are traditional methods mixed with creative new ideas and barrel sampling, and New Deal is currently expanding to build a barrel room on its property for more event and class space. “Certain traditions become ensconced,” Burkleaux says. “Kentucky and Scotland are doing amazing things, but there are so many styles that we haven’t even experienced yet — experimenting with odd grains like spelt and oat. It’s interesting that some flavors are just what we want. I think history gives us some clues.” True to the Portland distilling community’s cooperative spirit, New Deal supports other makers by carrying other locally made cordials, such as CBD spirits and other barware in their tasting room. “The lesson of Portland is, ‘Well, why can’t we?’” Burkleaux says. “People had done everything else: wine, beer, chocolate. I have to really credit the fact that the idea only happened from being here in Portland. I think in a lot of other places, there wouldn’t have been the same community support. People here don’t scoff at your ideas; they say, “Let’s try it.” »
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