October 2024 132
Is Your Favorite Lexington Beer Garden Still Open After Hurricane Helene’s Damage?
The stormy weather brought by Hurricane Helene on Friday left a significant impact on a beloved beer garden located behind a longtime florist in Lexington.
Michler’s Florist reported on social media that its largest Hackberry tree was uprooted on Friday morning, resulting in the destruction of the vine-covered structures of two of its oldest greenhouses. Among the affected greenhouses was the open-air Kentucky Native Cafe kitchen and serving area.
This secluded cafe is well-regarded for its craft beer and delicious food, offering visitors a tranquil retreat in Lexington. At night, it transforms into a charming urban woodland garden, illuminated by lights draped amid the trees.
On Monday, owner Robin Michler shared that cleanup operations commenced on Saturday.
“Our main goal right now is to clean up, sort through the debris, and recover whatever we can,” Michler mentioned in an email. “Decisions regarding what will be rebuilt and when will involve lengthy discussions, and we won’t be able to provide answers for a while.”
The flower shop and cafe continue to operate during their usual business hours. Michler noted that the cafe is utilizing its winter service window within the largest glass greenhouse. They still intend to feature authors Silas House and David Arnold in their Last Monday Reading Series.
A post on the florists’ website indicated that the main structure for the cafe was constructed in the 1920s and was the larger of the two greenhouses affected by the fallen tree. The second greenhouse dates back to 1907 and was most recently used to house native perennials.
“Please bear with us as we navigate these changes. We’ll be working to restore our history while missing the shade provided by the old Hackberry,” the online update stated.
Established in 1901, Michler’s is a family-run florist shop that has been passed down through five generations. In the spring of 2015, Kentucky Native Cafe made its debut and has recently received the green light to renovate a two-story office building on High Street to create a bakery that will cater to the restaurant’s needs.
Is There Such a Thing as Too Cold for Whiskey? Exploring the Science Behind Optimal Serving Temperatures
When discussing the intricacies of taste and fragrance, few spirits garner as much admiration as whiskey (or whisky, missing the “e”). This appreciation brings along the complexities of savoring those distinct notes. If you’re savoring whiskey through a mixed drink such as a highball cocktail, you can expect it to be crisp and refreshing. However, when enjoying your preferred dram either neat or over ice, the temperature plays a vital role in its taste. Whiskey consumed at excessively cold or slightly warm temperatures might not showcase the flavor profile intended by the distiller. While this may not necessarily be negative based on individual preferences, the ultimate approach to enjoying whiskey, or any spirit, is simply how you find it most pleasurable.
That said, it’s beneficial to understand how the spirit’s flavor evolves with varying serving temperatures. To fully appreciate the diverse range of flavors and aromas in your whiskey, you’ll want to avoid letting it get too cold, as this can mute those distinct flavors. We spoke with Anna Axster and Wendelin von Schroder, the co-founders of Lodestar Whiskey, to learn about their whiskey drinking habits and what one could miss by consuming brown spirits at too low a temperature.
Explore further: You’re Probably Making One Big Mistake When Using A Menu
Whiskey at room temperature (roughly 60 degrees Fahrenheit) showcases its intricate notes more effectively than when it’s chilled. While this is advantageous for exploring whiskey’s delicate flavors, it can also mean that more robust alcohol and oak characteristics may become overpowering. Therefore, slightly chilling your whiskey could enhance its taste and make it more enjoyable to sip.
“We’re all about whiskey neat or on the rocks — both bring out different sides of a whiskey,” Wendelin von Schroder explains. “When you sip it on the rocks (with ice), the alcohol’s intensity is softened, and the melting ice (water) helps release more aromas while altering the taste. On the other hand, chilling whiskey without ice doesn’t reduce the bite as effectively, but it does diminish the aromas.”
Colder drinks generally tend to emit fewer aromas, which can lessen their flavor; however, this can benefit those who are new to whiskey. Interestingly, lower temperatures may also be more suitable for younger or less-aged whiskeys. The barrel aging process introduces flavors of vanilla, caramel, and oak, which can be muted if the whiskey is too cold. Thus, a well-aged whiskey is best savored closer to room temperature, while a younger variety can be enjoyed chilled without significant loss of flavor. For a unique experience, why not try the unconventional yet science-backed blend of whiskey and pickle juice? This allows you to enjoy the spirit at room temperature, while alternating each sip with some chilled, tangy pickle juice.
For more insights, check out the original article on Foodie.