Episode # 81 – A Chemist’s Passion - Dirty Water Distillery




Craft Beer Storm show

Summary: Michael interviews Brenton Mackechnie, Head Distiller at Dirty Water Distillery in Plymouth, MA about the fine art of distilling and infusing local ingredients to create a unique experience.<br><br>Dirty Water is a micro-distillery located in the heart of Plymouth, MA. We're a group of creative people that are not afraid of trying new things. The owner has a Ph.D. in physics and the head-distiller has a degree in chemistry, but this doesn't make them stuffy! Everyone here embraces a philosophy of exploration and adventure, and we encourage everyone to give new things a try whether it's exploring new flavors or taking up welding.<br><br>OUR STORY<br>After studying the process for a year (and lots of experimentation within the grey areas of the law), we decided to make the leap and start a distillery. We found a great space in the heart of Plymouth, and set out to get all of our permits, licenses, and equipment. Another year later, and we were up and running.<br><br>We have two primary stills, both handmade by our friend Jesse Lupo up in St. Albans, Maine (Trident Welding). The larger (production) still is a 200 gallon version with a custom made copper bell. The smaller still is a 10 gallon scaled version of the larger, which allows us to do pre-production experimental batches at smaller volumes which can more easily be scaled to the larger still. Naturally these stills are named "Dr. Evil" and "Mini Me"... We also have several smaller glass stills that are used in both experimentation and proofing of our products.<br><br>We make artisanal liquor. Not your grandfather's liquor (except for one), rather new and exciting liquors that offer a modern taste enabling outstanding cocktails.<br><br>We intentionally set out to make new things. Rather than recreate liquors that everyone is already familiar with, our goal is to explore and discover new flavors so we can share them with you. Our recent experiments have led us to a family of flavored vodkas, as well as our two gins sourced with local ingredients (one with cranberries, one with local juniper berries). Ongoing experiments take us in a unique directions, making whiskeys with the help of some of our close friends as well as exploring suggestions from friends and customers.<br><br>Check them out at <a href="http://www.dirtywaterdistillery.com/" rel="noopener">http://www.dirtywaterdistillery.com/</a><br><br>Craft Beer Storm Website: <a href="http://www.craftbeerstorm.com" rel="noopener">www.craftbeerstorm.com</a><br><br> <br>If your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to <a href="mailto:Michael@craftbeerstorm.com">Michael@craftbeerstorm.com</a> <br><br>Linked In: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/" rel="noopener">https://www.linkedin.com/in/craft-beer-storm-podcast-30776075/</a><br><br><br>Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: <br><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2" rel="noopener">https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2</a><br><br>*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***<br><br>Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH<br><br>*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:<br><br><a href="https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faeb" rel="noopener">https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faeb</a><br><br><br>Michael Potorti<br>Founder/Brewer<br>Host of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcast<br><a href="mailto:michael@craftbeerstorm.com">michael@craftbeerstorm.com</a><br><a href="mailto:michael@bearairishbrew.com">michael@bearairishbrew.com</a><br><br>*** Come visit our brewery for some...