Creative cocktails, small-batch liquors strike a chord at Lake Zurich's Copper Fiddle
Back in 2013, architect Jose Hernandez called his neighbor Fred Robinson, interrupting him while he was mowing with a riding lawn mower, to ask if he would be interested in sharing the expense of a small copper still. After some trial and error, they hit on a delicious bourbon recipe. And their hobby soon turned into Copper Fiddle Distillery on Route 22 in Lake Zurich, where a growing interest in locally sourced, small-batch liquor production has paid off for both entrepreneurs.
Motif: The main entrance opens onto the tasting area. Edison lights in Ball jars descend from the exposed ceiling over a wood-and-marble topped bar, and a large TV faces the room on a diagonal from the corner. Four whiskey barrels each support a round table top with seating for four on comfortable, leather stools. A long table in the middle seats an additional four to six patrons. Copper kettles and rustic signage complement the upscale retail space, which includes shelving for merchandise ranging from monogrammed flasks and copper mugs to T-shirts, hats and product samples.
A picture window and door to the production/entertainment area in back provides a view of the 145-gallon, solid copper still and black mash tanks. With a smattering of mismatched barrels and tables, vintage stools and a 10-foot refurbished church pew, this room offers a relaxed, casual space for live entertainment and provides the backdrop for scheduled tours showcasing the distilling process.
Food: Like many microbreweries and distilleries in the area, food can be ordered in. The bar provides an extensive book of menus from area restaurants. Fresh popcorn is free, plentiful and addictive.
Liquid consumption: The main attractions are the bourbon and gin produced in small batches on-site with locally sourced, non-GMO grains from the Midwest. The Fiddle Gin received a Silver Medal from the American Distilling Institute Craft Spirits Competition in Louisville, Kentucky, this March. Last month, The Fifty Best awarded a Gold Medal to the Tom Gin in a blind taste test.
For gin and bourbon lovers, the product is served in generous pours in pre-iced glasses or in small samplers. Don't worry if your palate prefers other flavors. Their experienced mixologist, Travis Livengood, listened to us describe our favorite drinks and then whipped up specialties for two of us using the liquor produced on-site as a base. Robinson says that, by law, they can only serve the alcohol they make.
The mysterious Red, White and Blue was served in a tall tumbler with each colored layer offering a different flavor ranging from tangy tropical to refreshing citrus. Stirring the concoction brought out yet more flavors common in rum, tequila and vodka-based cocktails. The drinks were as pretty to look at as they were delicious to try and figure out.
Watching Livengood slice and caramelize fresh ginger for his special Montana Mule — before lighting the whole thing on fire and pouring it perfectly into a copper mug — was better than any episode on the Food Network. He entertains with stories as he's dazzling you with the cocktail shaker.
The cocktails were a bargain at $8 each and almost double the size you'd expect to receive when ordering on the rocks. We purchased some hand-bottled bourbon for a gift.
Crowd: Most everyone was casually dressed for the warm summer evening wearing shorts, sandals, etc. You'll often see people more dressed up as they host business events and the after-dinner set. The crowd ranged from young 20s to late 50s.
Music: Live music is offered every Friday and Saturday night and ranges from country bands to duos and rock 'n' roll.
The third Thursday of every month is open mic night. The Petries, a popular husband and wife duo, host the event and, according to Robinson, many of Copper Fiddle's regular bookings come from acts that first performed on open mic night.
Service: The customer service was a highlight of the evening. We asked a lot of questions and felt the overall atmosphere to be welcoming, inclusive and comfortable. Livengood lavished his considerable bartending and conversational skills on everyone present. Co-owner Hernandez made an appearance and spoke with several patrons as well.
Parking: There are plenty of free spots around the corner behind the building and across the street.
Overall: The Copper Fiddle offers a unique setting for drinks before or after dinner, and a fun, easy spot to enjoy quality live music without battling the 2 a.m. bar crowd.
Copper Fiddle Distillery
532 W. Route 22, Lake Zurich, (847) 847-7609, <a href="http://copperfiddledistillery.com">copperfiddledistillery.com</a>
<b>Hours:</b> Noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday, 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday, 4 to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, closed Monday and Tuesday