Price supports rarely benefit small farmers.
Friends & Neighbors
One of my mentors in the wine business advised me to treat my suppliers like customers, and my customers like family. I took that advice to heart, and it served me well through many years of sales. And when I opened up my own store, I looked for producers and distributors with the same attitude. Great products-obviously-but also people who treated me as though my business was important to them, not just an afterthought.
Prime example: Mad River Distillers.
I was shown some Mad River Maple Rum (by their local distributor) soon after we opened. It was really good, so I bought it. Fairly quickly, I started carrying other Mad River products: bourbon, rye, their excellent Calvados-style apple brandy. And I started meeting the Mad River team, who were always happy to show up for events, pour spirits, mix cocktails, and explain their wonderful spirits to our customers. Over the years, I think we’ve had just about every Mad River employee in the store, from distillers to regional sales reps to the proprietors Maura, John, and Mimi. And once-memorably- John and Maura pressed one of their sons, who is not really in the business, into action.
Their spirits are superb, from the caramel-rich Bourbon to the chocolate-tinged Revolution Rye to a full slate of different rums, that apple brandy, and a yearly single malt collaboration called Hopscotch. And I love the small distillery, locally-sourced ingredients vibe, But for me, what puts Mad River over the top is that they treat Pour Richard’s like a partner. A neighbor. A friend.
I have actually lost track of how many barrel picks and other special projects we’ve done with Mad River. But here’s one more: Al’s Lovesick Moose Rye, arriving in approximately a month. The presell offer will go out soon, and I strongly suggest you grab a bottle or two. Then drink a toast to good neighbors and good friends.
Photo (label) credit: Kim Towers