NC Social TOPO Organic Distillery Tour

I was excited to have an opportunity to tour the TOPO Organic Distillery in Chapel Hill, NC. I’m not much of a wine drinker and get invited to wine tastings and vineyards frequently but, I NEVER accept because I don’t consume wine. So, when the #NCSocial Group coordinated a tour of a local organic distillery that makes Gin, Whiskey and Vodka I knew I’d be in attendance. I never really identified the process that went into making liquor and was intrigued. Being able to tour the facility and learn was a treat.

First things first… The Top of The Hill Brewery & Restaurant is located separate from the TOPO Distillery. I made the mistake of going to the restaurant first before I connected the dots that the distillery was just a few minutes down the street. We were hosted on a Wednesday evening but, tours can be scheduled on most Friday’s and Saturday’s. The guided tour and organic spirits tasting will take about 90 minutes. You can email them to coordinate a large group tour of up to 100. Our group had about ten people in it.

We started by learning about the history of how TOPO Distillery was born. It was the first and only fully local and USDA certified organic distillery in the deep South. TOPO is the only Green+ Certified distillery in the country, meaning they take great measures to ensure their building, equipment and products are environmentally sustainable. They’ve reduced their water usage by 70% through the use of a closed loop system, wherein their heat exchanger and cooling tanks reuse the water during the cooking process.

Each of their bottles are washed, filled and labeled by hand and their bottles are shipped in 100% recycled packaging. Once we toured the facility we were able to get a snap shot of the process and see (CARL) the copper and stainless steel distillery equipment that makes it all happen. I thought the barrels for aging the spirits were very cool looking. I also really liked the option of the age your own Whiskey kit even though I’m not a huge Whiskey fan. Out of the Gin, Vodka and Whiskey… Vodka was my favorite!

After we spent some time taste testing and comparing the different spirits against one another and making our favorite choices, it was time to complete our evening by visiting the Top of The Hill Restaurant and Brewery. I ordered the Moonshine Mule as my dinner cocktail. We ordered a variety of delicious appetizers to share and individual entrees. I ordered the Filet Mignon Royale. It was so yummy! Be sure to visit soon.

So, when are you going to schedule your TOPO Organic Distillery Tour?

Thank you to #NCSocial for coordinating such a FUN event and TOPO Organic Distillery for hosting and treating us to cocktails and appetizers. Cheers! Visit the website for more information.

DIY Pineapple Moscow Mule Cocktail

My drink of choice when I go out lately has been a few variations of the Moscow Mule. I love Ginger Beer and the lime juice gives it such an enjoyable taste. It’s not uncommon for me to fall in love with a specific cocktail and then learn out how to make my own version at home. I’ve had some yummy Moscow Mules from different venues like the Aloft WXYZ Bar, Yard House, Farenheit and the Cheesecake Factory. I also like to play hostess occasionally and serve as the event resident mixologist!

Here is how I create my Pineapple Moscow Mule… **Sometimes I sub the Vodka with Rum**

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of ice
  • 2 ounces of vodka or rum
  • 2 ounces of pineapple juice
  • 1 ounce of fresh lime juice
  • ½ cup of Jamaican Ginger Beer
  • 1 slice of pineapple for garnish
  • 1 lime wedge for garnish

Instructions

Fill your glass or (Moscow mule mug) with ice. Add vodka or rum, pineapple juice and lime juice. Pour Jamaican Ginger Beer and give it a quick swirl to lightly mix it. Garnish with pineapple wedge and/or lime wedge. This recipe serves 1 cocktail. Adjust recipe to make additional cocktails. Drink and enjoy!

The Moscow Mule is by far one of my favorite cocktails in addition to the Pina Colada, Bahama Mama and Mai Tai. Can you tell I have a love for tropical fruity drinks. I usually have them on the rocks but I’m not opposed to blended frozen daiquiris either. I’ve also invested in some drink recipe books so that I don’t run out of drink recipes when I’m entertaining. Once upon a time I wanted to be a bartender. I’ll just keep using my skills when I host events. I’m really passionate about it!

I’ve mastered the Moscow Mule. What’s your favorite cocktail to make at home?

error: Ask And You Shall Receive!!