The Very First Batch Of Ryan and Wood’s Rye Whiskey Gets Their Labels Today and I Got Bottle #2

Three part video series coming this week with Bob Hastings, Bobby Ryan, Jay Albert whose photo of the Man at The Wheel was used for the label and Kate Glass, Gloucester Times photographer who for the record did not take a sip while on assignment.

There is only 4 barrels of this batch of whiskey so it is very special.  Only 1200 bottles will be produced from this first run and they are the only ones that will come from the larger 50 gallon barrels as opposed to the others that have been put away for a future date in 35 gallon barrels.  So go get yourself three bottles- one to drink now, one to put away for a special occasion like when a child turns 21 and the third for Fiesta (Bob’s idea).DSC04264

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                                                  PROFILE SHEET            April, 19, 2000
Ryan & Wood Straight Rye Whiskey

Barrel # 11

43% ABV (86 proof) , packed 6 x 750 ml  / case
Federal Standard of Identity:  Straight Rye Whiskey

Whisky produced at not exceeding 80% alcohol by volume (160 proof), from a fermented mash of not less than 51 percent rye and stored at not more than
62.5% alcohol by volume (125 proof) in charred new oak containers, for not less than 2
years in new barrels

Rye Whiskey was what we first distilled knowing that it would years before we would learn what the aging process here in Gloucester would deliver. We processed only 4 barrels at that time, last July, 2008. Barrel # 11 exemplifies what we want to be for our Rye whiskey. We will follow with #’s 1, 2 & 10 as they are ready. We have since barreled, on average, one smaller 30 gallon barrel a month.
Rye Whiskey: Whiskey of Colonial America.
Barrels: Purchased from Bluegrass Cooperage, Kentucky, 53 gallon Whiskey Barrels, Medium toast, #3 Char
Grains:             Rye, Wheat, Malted Barley
Barrel date:      Barrel # 11  , July 12, 2008
Bottle date:      April 19, 2011 ,  true “Patriots Day”
Bottles:            336 bottles  or  56 x 6 bottle cases
Label credit :    MGT design, Maureen Terrill.
Labe Image:     courtesy of Jay Albert
Label thought:  Gloucester’s Fisherman’s Memorial Cenotaph, aka “The Man at the Wheel” statue, is the icon of Gloucester.  While stopped in traffic waiting for the “cut” bridge to be lowered, we all have studied the statue from this view. Our thoughts will drift out towards the Breakwater and beyond to the horizon. The romance of chasing dreams and what could be takes shape. We honor that vista with our label.

Ryan & Wood Distillery, “The Spirit of Cape Ann” is a family run craft distillery located in Gloucester, Mass.  Other Spirits produced include “Beauport Vodka”, “Knockabout Gin” and “Folly Cove Rum”.
Visit  www.ryanandwood.com for more info.


GMG Q&A- Kate Glass Gloucester Times Photog

Photo of Kate Glass By David Cox
Photo of Kate Glass By David Cox

We were honored to have a media slideshow from Kate Glass as one of the participants in the Downtown Gloucester Block Party media presentations last Saturday night.  Recently Kate won an award from the Associated Press News Executive Association for a photo of Anne-Margaret Ferrante and her mom moments after she won the election for 5th Essex District state representative.

Congrats Kate!

Here’s Kate’s GMG Q&A-

How long have you lived in Gloucester?
Sadly, I don’t live in Gloucester, but I’m trying to convince my husband that we should move here! I’ve worked in Gloucester for a little over a year though.

What is your favorite season In Gloucester?
Fall. The weather is still beautiful and easier to enjoy without all the summer traffic.

Do you have any secret outdoor spots in Gloucester where you go to “get away”?

I don’t think these spots are much of a secret, but I do like Rafe’s Chasm in Magnolia. I also love Folly Cove.

What is your favorite pizza joint in Gloucester?

Andiamos had the best pizza. I was very upset when I found out they closed.

What is your favorite sub shop in Gloucester?
I don’t eat too many subs, but for sandwiches and salads I’d have to say Willow Rest. Gotta be careful there though, because everything looks good!

What place would you go for a romantic dinner in Gloucester?

I liked the food and look of the Franklin when I shot it for the Cape Ann Magazine.

What is your favorite bar in Gloucester?

I like the margaritas at Jalapenos. I am also a fan of the beer at Cape Ann Brewing.

What is your favorite breakfast joint in Gloucester?
Jim’s Bagels, though I am dying to try Sugar Magnolias.

What is your favorite local event in Gloucester?
The Farmers Market and music. The block parties are good too. I never really get to enjoy Fiesta because I’m too busy running around looking for photos!

In the summer do you prefer the beach or to be on a boat?

Definitely the beach. (I get seasick)

Who is your favorite local artist?

That’s a tough one. There’s too many good ones. Jon Conant and the work he’s bringing into the Hive in Rockport is a nice addition to the area.

Which is your favorite local beach?
Good Harbor

Who has the best chowder in town?
Halibut Point

Do you prefer haddock chowder or clam chowder?
Clam.

What were your thoughts on The Downtown Block Parties last year?
Love the outdoor dining. Gloucester needs more of that!

What is your favorite local band?

While I have seen some of the local bands, I can’t say I’ve seen enough to answer this one. I do love how all the musicians here show up and play at each other’s gigs.

Kate Glass
Photographer
Gloucester Daily Times

Photo Of Kate Glass By David Cox
Photo Of Kate Glass By David Cox

Braves Pitcher BJ Mohan screams after striking out the last Athletics batter during their 2-1 win in the Gloucester Little League Majors B World Series game.

Gloucester: Braves pitcher BJ Mohan screams after striking out the last Athletics batter during their 2-1 win in the Gloucester Little League Majors B World Series game. Photo by Kate Glass/Gloucester Daily Times Thursday, July 23, 2009

Gloucester: Sal Costanzo reaches for the ball as Sam Kirk steals second base during the Gloucester Little League Majors B World Series game between the Athletics and Braves. The Braves won 2-1. Photo by Kate Glass/Gloucester Daily Times Thursday, July 23, 2009.

Steven Tetoni steals second base as Sal Costanzo, left, and Eric Chalmers, right, get the ball late during the Gloucester Little League Majors B World Series game between the Athletics and Braves. The Braves won 2-1. Photo by Kate Glass/Gloucester Daily Times Thursday, July 23, 2009.