Building upon the success of last year’s inaugural Brandy Old Fashioned Hall of Fame induction, Milwaukee’s Central Standard Craft Distillery is set to begin the second round of nominations for this esteemed recognition of Wisconsin’s beloved cocktail.
The celebration coincides with Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned month, as well as the advent of autumn on September 23rd.
Co-founder of Central Standard, Pat McQuillan, emphasizes the aim to promote local consumption and support Wisconsin distilleries: “We want to encourage people to drink locally, support hard-working Wisconsin families and taste brandy from local distillers… Next time you order an Old Fashioned, give a brandy from a local distillery a try.”
In the first year of the Hall of Fame, six individuals were inducted. The nomination window for the next inductees will be open from Friday until September 30th. Nominations can be submitted via thecentralstandard.com/brandy-old-fashioned-hall-of-fame, accompanied by a 50-word or less explanation of the nominee’s worthiness.
A panel of judges will subsequently select the honorees from these nominations, with the announcement set for October, followed by a formal ceremony in February.
Evan Hughes, another co-founder of Central Standard, underlines the Hall of Fame’s essence: “That is what the Brandy Old Fashioned Hall of Fame is about: Honoring everyday folks who love and embody our state’s favorite cocktail.”
Inductees into the Hall of Fame will receive a year’s supply of North Wisconsin brandy, a personalized bottle with their image on the label, lifetime VIP status at Central Standard Crafthouse & Kitchen, and recognition in the Brandy Old Fashioned Hall of Fame in the Founders’ Room.
The festivities of Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned month will encompass weekly happy hours featuring $5 brandy Old Fashioneds every Wednesday, exclusive brunch offers, innovative brandy-infused menu items, and private Brandy Old Fashioned cocktail classes.
Evan Hughes underscores the significance of the spirits industry in Wisconsin: “Here in Wisconsin, the spirits industry supports more than 39,000 jobs from family farmers and truck drivers to glass-bottle makers and those in the hospitality industries. In all, Wisconsin distilleries impact billions of dollars in economic activity each and every year in our state.”
