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...continued from p.5 the project and I considered doing it myself – that’s why I was at the conference. But once I learned a bit more about the process and met Ian, it became clear pretty quickly that he was the right guy with the right concept. I’m thrilled he’s our neighbor and believe that Cutler’s Artisan Spirits is a truly terrific addition.” This is something I really dig about this particular project in the Funk Zone. Everybody involved seems really excited about everybody else involved and the potential for synergy and, well, fun. It’s contagious. Ian himself echoed the general enthusiastic sentiment as we talked about his piece of the pie: “This whole project is really exciting. I mean, Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company is putting out great beers, Riverbench and Avelina and Santa Ynez Winery are terrific additions on the wine side, The Lark and The Lucky Penny are exciting concepts for what I imagine will be a mind-blowing food piece. And I hear there’s a cool music shop and stage and wine merchant too. I’m just happy to be a part of it.” Yes, Ian, you’re right. Guitar Bar and Caveau Wine Bar & Merchant will undoubtedly be great. (Sorry, hang on a second… there. I just had to wipe my chin. I’m actually drooling over this project again, just like I was a month ago. Hurry up and open your doors people, I’m hungry and thirsty and I can’t wait to mangle songs like “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” and “No Woman, No Cry” at Guitar Bar. Awesome.)
Cutler’s Artisan Spirits “My passion is American style whiskey, you know, bourbons, ryes.” (I know, it’s unclear who said that. It could easily have been Ian or me; we really share the same passion. But, for clarity, in this case it was Ian speaking in the context of discussing what he will focus on in the distillery.) “But I will make a vodka and a gin too,” he’s on a roll now, visibly excited for the future. “And I’m always looking for interesting ingredients and concepts for other liquors as well. That’s another exciting thing for me – Cutler’s Artisan’s Spirits will take chances and create unique products. I’m locally sourcing as many ingredients as possible and have even talked with a few folks about growing specialty grains on a small scale in the area so I can work with them. That’s really the ‘artisan craft’ part of the whole thing and it’s just… exciting. My focus is on creating something that is hyper-local whenever possible, and sharing another reflection of Santa Barbara with everybody who comes into the shop.” Wow, man. I don’t have much to add to that. From moonshine bootlegger to genuine artisan craft distiller-chemist right here in Santa Barbara, the only one of his kind for miles around. Very cool.
There’s so much Ian could do with this... oh, I don’t know, maybe I’m getting carried away here – Ian certainly didn’t ask for my opinion – but why not try to recreate some of that old Oakdale moonshine whiskey Duke bootlegged? I’ll put a couple jugs of it on the back of a stolen horse and ride by night down to LA to deliver it for you. That’d make a fun column. And what the hell, I always wanted to be a bootlegger.
Stuff I Like I like Ian Cutler and I like Cutler’s Artisan Spirits and I can’t wait for the day its doors open. In the meantime, if you have questions for Ian or want to learn more about his operation, check out his Facebook page, website (www. cutlersartisan.com) or send him an email (ian@cutlersartisan.com). And if you have a bar or a restaurant, consider tasting Cutler’s when it’s ready and even picking it up for your clientele. Support craft distilling in Santa Barbara. Drink local. Drink Cutlers. (Hey Ian, I think I just wrote your first PR piece.) It’s not just booze I like, I like wine too. And Caveau Wine Bar & Merchant is hosting some of Santa Barbara County’s hottest wineries for an exclusive tasting that will not only give participants the first crack at sampling the 2012 vintage but also provide an opportunity to purchase wines at a 20% discount to retail. The Santa Barbara County Wine Futures Tasting is going down on May 18, 2013, from 11am to 5pm, and will showcase 50 local wineries including many favorites (think Au Bon Climat, Brewer-Clifton, The Ojai Vineyard and others) as well as recent standout projects (think Sandhi and Tyler Winery etcetera). This is going to be fun, folks, so get your tickets now at www.caveausb.com. $70 gets you in the door, and you might just make it back if you buy enough wine at the discount. I will definitely see you there. Finally, as I’ve said previously, I like people doing things that benefit area schools, and I understand that Cold Spring School Foundation’s Spring Event went down last week, raising thousands of dollars for art, library, music, physical education and technology programs. Thanks to all who participated
and big congrats to Event Co-Chairs Allison Marcillac and Kim Curtis. I believe the children are our future. (Wait, didn’t somebody else say that?) Support local public education. One last thing. I like baby animals. (Is that weird?) Dane – a Masai giraffe calf – was recently born at the Santa Barbara Zoo (another thing I like) and appears healthy and robust. Mom Audrey is proud and letting Dane nurse, so all is well. Way to go, Audrey! Keep the little guy safe and sound, Lily and Kate (my kids, not giraffes) can’t wait to meet him. Peace everybody. Go on, don’t be shy.
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Spread yourself a little love around this week. That’s right, go ahead. Spread.
HIGH 5
Attaboy Dane, keep it real.
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Cold Spring School Foundation’s Spring Event CoChairs Allison Marcillac (right) and Kim Curtis looking lovely. Quite lovely indeed. (Hey, are they flappers?)
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