CS&D Podcast Episode 6: Andy Garrison of Stone Barn Brandyworks Takes a Value-Added Approach to Distilling Fruits and Vegetables

The self-styled maker of “irrational fever dreams” and “peasant indulgences” shares his principled yet technical approach to making spirits from unusual ingredients such as carrots, ramen noodles, and more.

Molly Troupe May 21, 2024 - 4 min read

CS&D Podcast Episode 6: Andy Garrison of Stone Barn Brandyworks Takes a Value-Added Approach to Distilling Fruits and Vegetables Primary Image

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In Andy Garrison’s mind, fruit brandies have historically been necessary by-products of excess—fruit trees produce more food than their owners can consume, so what better way to preserve their bounty than distilling the juice from the leftover fruit? Today, in the age of wide-scale commercial farming, that approach to adding or preserving value from one’s harvest is not an animating factor, and pressing and distilling juice from fruits is one of the most expensive ways to produce a spirit. But do they have to be?

Whether through his work for Stone Barn Brandyworks, or for his own label Tuff Talk Distilling, Garrison seeks more compelling answers to these questions, through creative and technical exploration. He’s tackled some tough projects, solved some difficult technical challenges along the way, and shares his insight with host Molly Troupe in this episode. Over the course of the conversation, he touches on:

  • Historical connections between agriculture and distilling
  • Finding ways to use distilling to add value to the modern food landscape
  • Making spirits from challenging, low-sugar ingredients such as carrots
  • Differentiating spirits such as potato eau de vie from more pedestrian spirits such as contemporary vodka
  • Turning ramen noodles into a unique spirit
  • Building flavorful grappa with modern flavor additions such as espresso and biscotti

And more.


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With a Bachelor degree in Chemistry (with an emphasis in forensics) and a Master degree in Brewing and Distilling from the legendary Heriot Watt University, Molly Troupe uses her education and experience to create products focused on localized ingredients and masterful flavor combinations. As Master Distiller and Partner at Freeland Spirits in Portland, Oregon, she has released six different products ranging from gin to whiskey to canned cocktails.

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