Friday, September 6, 2024
On the afternoon of Saturday, July 13, Sledge Distillery hosted an exclusive copper still mixology class. This unique event allowed participants to craft cocktails in the heart of Sledge’s production facility, surrounded by copper stills and whiskey barrels. The sellout class showcased the rich history and craftsmanship behind the Sledge Distillery brand.
Four Sledge employees provided an intimate and hands-on learning experience for 13 guest students from various locations, including Fort Worth and California, as well as residents of Hood County. Lead bartender/instructor Lydia Sledge guided participants through making an Old Fashioned. The second cocktail was a Lemon Drop martini, which bartender Barb Vickers taught. Tasting expert Thomas Becker and seasoned bartender and event and retail manager DeAnna Berry were on hand to provide additional expertise.
Each guest in the class had access to a comprehensive set of tools, including alcohol, bitters, fruit, sweeteners, rocks and martini glasses with domes, muddlers, jiggers, blow torches, various flavored wood chips, mixers and garnishes. This ensured everyone could fully immerse themselves in the art of mixology.
Before class participants created their version of the drink, Sledge conducted a ‘dry run,’ explaining the recipe, ingredients and techniques used to make the cocktail. The Old Fashioned lesson, crafted with Sledge’s Rocky Branch Bourbon, included a tutorial with a kitchen blow torch to smoke flavored wood chips. This technique added a hint of smokiness to the drink, enhancing its flavor profile.
The second elixir, the Lemon Drop Martini cocktail made with Sledge’s signature Sir Cooper’s Southern Gin, presented by Vickers, was also a hit with the class.
The story of Sledge Distillery is steeped in history and family tradition. Mark and Susan Sledge, the current owners, have turned a cherished family recipe into a successful distilling venture. In her City Lifestyle article, Gabby Cullen explains the origin of Sledge’s craft. It can be traced back to World War II, when Mark Sledge’s father, Dub Sledge, concocted a moonshine recipe while serving in the military. Upon returning home, Dub Sledge abandoned his moonshine endeavors to marry his love, Kathryn, who disapproved of drinking, dancing and smoking. However, years after Dub Sledge’s passing, Mark Sledge discovered his recipe in an old cedar chest filled with war memorabilia. Inspired by his findings, Mark Sledge and his friend Gary began experimenting with the recipe on his back porch, eventually leading to the establishment of Sledge Distillery.
Located on a family ranch 10 miles southwest of Granbury, Sledge Distillery is committed to traditional, handcrafted methods. The Sledge team grinds the grain on the front porch, cooks the mash, and distills the spirits using one 80-gallon copper still and two 50-gallon stills. They are involved in every step of the process, ensuring each batch meets their high standards. This dedication to quality over quantity sets Sledge Distillery apart in craft spirits.
Berry highlighted the distillery’s commitment to creating engaging and interactive experiences for their patrons. “We are always coming up with fun and interactive concepts for classes and events. Our motto is ‘Come as friends and leave as family,’” she explained. This philosophy was evident throughout the mixology class, as participants bonded over their shared interest in craft spirits and cocktail making.
The success of several copper still mixology classes has set the stage for future events. Sledge Distillery’s next class, with a capacity of 15 people, is expected to sell out quickly, reflecting the growing interest in this unique culinary and educational experience. For more information and to secure a spot in the next class, interested individuals are encouraged to visit Tickets for The Copper Still Mixology Class in TOLAR from TicketLeap.
