{ DISHING WITH THE DIVAS } “Through the creation of quality spirits, to accompany the daily adventures, along with the responsible use of resources and continued stewardship over their local watershed, there is investment in the community to keep the local community, neighborhood, region and country strong!”
rather “The French Quarter” or a “Buffalo Negroni”. There’s something for everyone. In 1927, the original Barrel Factory experienced a fire. You can still see some of the damage caused as some charring still is visible. The Western NY Paranormal Society did a show on investigation of paranormal activities. Employees reported during the restoration they experienced some strange happenings. When the flooring was being done, employees experienced an energy with a brisk chill in the air and lights flickering. While on the second floor, an employee thought he heard a machine running and smelled the after effect of the machine running but he did not turn on the machine. A friend reported seeing a female ghost walking back and forth on the second floor. While investigating, the team found evidence of spirits. This was an interesting part of getting the Barrel Factory up and running for business! Lakeward prides themselves as helping contribute to revitalization of Buffalo’s Old First Ward. They also are proud they support using American-made products in their manufacturing plant. Their mission states, “Through the creation of quality spirits, to accompany the daily adventures, along with the responsible use of resources and continued stewardship over their local watershed, there is investment in the community to keep the local community, neighborhood, region and country strong!” (see website)
Until recently, the major bulk of malting was conducted in the Midwest and California. There are now 4 malters in WNY. These malters, help provide quality barley for use. Lakeward Spirits’ 5,000-gallon reservoir is in their floor, where the copper stills are cooled. This heat sink allows Lakeward to reuse water indefinitely. They further recycle and offer spent mash to local farmers for use as compost and feed. The business gives back to the locals.
THE SPIRITS
Wild Gin- This is a 16-botanical blend. The thought is “the sweet fresh aroma permeating from a path between a field and a forest”. The slogan is “sip slowly and escape to the wild valley’s edge”. Grain Canyon Vodka- This is a three-grain blend, earthy barley, silken wheat and rye for structure. Inland Sea Rum- This product contains the finest molasses. They use a unique yeast strain, which is combined with the use of the copper columns. This process creates a smooth feel when tested with a spicy aroma.
Evergreen Gin- This is a product which has a refreshing juniper forward botanical blend with a base of NYS grains.
SPOTLIGHT ON ALLIE RALBOVSKY
Allie started off attending school for graphic design and doing free lance work with Rusty Nickel Brewing (Prior to their actual establishment). She functioned as a “brewtender”. The company’s policy was to train the employees on the process of brewing, so they were able to pass the knowledge on to customers. Allie was also home brewing, so she was a sponge seeking knowledge! She was interested in the production process and took every opportunity to learn. Before she knew it, she was working more in the brewery and less as a bar tender. Down the line, she became their assistant brewer. A year and a half later, she met Adam Bystran (head distiller at Lakeward) and she started a new career in distilling! Allie is one of the few female distillers. RWO asked her about the glass ceiling etc. in male-dominated businesses. Allie shared with us saying, “Sadly, I feel like I am immune, or I choose to tune out the battles, comments or assumptions which are made about women in the industry or even women consumers because I’ve grown used to it. I do feel like Buffalo is getting better, especially with the boom of breweries and distilleries. As a consumer, I was constantly told by brewery owners that they didn’t think I would like that double ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018
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