Thirsty Thursday #1

We are starting a series of blog posts dedicated to showcasing some of the cocktails using Bully Boy. For our first review, we sent our trusty intern Betsy to Umami, a hidden gem on 1704 Brookline Street in Washington Square. Take it away Bets.

“Umami” is a Japanese word meaning “savory” - what some would call the mouth’s 5th taste. Whatever you want to call it, the food was delicious, and the cocktails were both tasty and inventive.

Noon Inthasauwan, the beverage director and resident mixologist is more scientist than barkeep. She calls herself “the bitter woman of Brookline.” Why? Noon’s specialties are herb and spice infusions, like her famous hibiscus bitters, or rose bud essence.

When I asked Noon about her ‘ending talent she replied, “I love to play around with all types of herbs and spices, so I’m always coming up with new cocktails for my customers.”

Well bravo, Noon! You have opened my eyes to a whole new side of Bully Boy. Two of the drinks that I got to try:

"Everything I Love About Boston"

2oz Bully Boy White Whiskey
1.5oz Westport River Rose
3 dashes Burlesque bitters
Squeeze a fresh lemon
garnish: a mint sprig and a lemon wedge

"Rosebud Mojito"

2oz Bully Boy White Rum
3 dashes rosebud essence
10 mint leaves (muddled)
2 lime wedges (muddled)
garnish: rosebuds and a mint sprig

If you're intrigued by these recipes, pair them with any light seafood or chicken fare - you won’t be disappointed. Noon suggested that I try the tiger shrimp appetizer - made with garlic butter, smoked cayenne, and lemon thyme - where the dishes herbs and spices would compliment the drinks above. Fabulous.

That's it for me, have a great weekend. Peace, love and Bully boy. ~ Betsy

It's all in the family

Dave and I feel like we can make great booze. But running a distillery requires a lot more than wielding a mash paddle. During the course of the day we typically change into, and out of, multiple sets of clothes as we go back and forth between sales calls, mashing wheat, driving forklifts, cleaning equipment, etc. (I’m a little self conscious our neighbors think we’re making adult films in our warehouse as I’m often caught changing in the front seat of my car). Whatever. We’re busy.


This kind of chaos necessitates a lot of support, and because we can’t afford to pay anyone, we beg for help from our family. Luckily they rule. So as we gear up for the even crazier fall season (fact: 30% of all liquor sales occur in November and December, fact: Bully Boy contains 15% of your daily recommended intake of Riboflavin, ok not true, but Riboflavin is quite good for you) we wanted to give a massive, and long over due thanks to one guy who has come in huge for us, my father in law, John (not kissing ass here, she already married me.)


Those of you who have been good enough to come down to visit us at the distillery know that we’re not exactly on the Freedom Trail, and that in the interest of putting our capital towards the best ingredients and distilling equipment we could find, we lack for the more luxurious comforts such as climate control, or a place to sit. What we do have, we owe to John. Namely the most ridiculous tasting bar this side of Napa, shelving strong enough to store sleeping business owners, and a mailbox which receives our checks that people like to wait too long to send.


Over the course of several weeks John travelled from Connecticut to Boston on a much too frequent basis with a coffee in his cup holder and a tablensaw in the back of his car to help us build out the finer pieces of the distillery. These trips meant long days with little or no food (okay, there was food. We fed him a few roast beef sandwiches) and on some occasions a sleepover in the twin 'guest' bed in his grandson's bedroom. Despite less than desirable working conditions and meager accommodations, John always wore a smile on his face.


There are a lot of other people to thank for helping us get off to such a great start, but reflecting on the first three months during this momentary peace of Labor Day, we wanted to thank one of the original Bully Boy’s - Big Johnny.