Whiskey is in

By Fred Wisen; Owner, Lake Erie Distillery

We’ve spent the summer immersing ourselves in the community and supporting charities and local businesses in Lake County. It’s also been our pleasure to see folks making our tasting lounge their eatery of choice. We’ve risen to the occasion and expanded our menu to include flatbreads, sandwiches and our signature dish, an elevated take on chicken and waffles, with smoked cheddar and chipotle aioli.

Adding a generous selection of craft beer and wines and hosting eclectic food trucks (don’t miss Cousins Maine Lobster on Friday, August 23, and Friday, September 27) has also pleased our regulars.

When it comes to spirits, whiskey-based cocktails like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan are currently trending, but at Lake Erie Distillery, we’ve been big fans for years.

One of our most popular ones heading into fall is Burning River Cinnamon Whiskey. We infuse our two-year barrel-aged American Whiskey with all-natural cinnamon sticks. Customers tell us they love the spicy zing, with warm afterglow flavor that’s not syrupy or sweet.

Whether as a specialty drink at a dinner party or everyday wind-down beverage, try this recipe for Cinnamon Whiskey Sour: 1 shot Cinnamon Whiskey Sour, 1 ounce fresh lemon juice, one half-ounce maple syrup. Combine in a cocktail shaker, strain into an Old Fashioned glass, garnish with a lemon twist and enjoy.

Lake Erie Distillery is at 4277 Hamann Industrial Parkway in Willoughby. The lounge is open for tastings, cocktails and appetizers Friday and Saturday, noon-7 p.m. Tours are on Saturday at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Schedule online at LakeErieDistillery.com/event and visit LakeErieDistillery.com.