Today we were invited down to Fairmont Pacific Rim’s Tachen Lounge. This is an annex space adjacent to the hotel’s Botinist restaurant, serving as an intimate, event space.
This was an informal affair, where we would learn about regenerative farming and sustainable initiatives, supported by Maker’s Mark, in order to create a brighter future.
For those unfamiliar, Maker’s Mark is a Kentucky bourbon known for its long neck bottle that is sealed with a red wax drip. This is an eye-catching distinction that found itself as their logo, adorning glass tumblers this evening.
Here, we would meet with the Maker’s Mark team, and learn of the name and faces behind the internationally selling brand. A casual reception as we sipped on one of two Maker’s Mark specialty cocktails, crafted to order; served alongside passed canopies from Fairmont Pacific Rim’s kitchen.
The sweeter of the two cocktails featured honey, making it a smooth sipper that coated the throat, making it the crowd favourite. Gold Rush with Maker’s Mark Kentucky Bourbon, Honey Syrup, and Lemon Juice.
For those looking for something a lot stronger, the classic Manhattan was the one within reach. Full-bodied and bold, this is the cocktail for those who want to taste your whisky and feel it going down. Maker’s Mark Kentucky Bourbon, Sweet Vermouth, and Aromatic Bitters.
The above mentioned, canapés included meat on sticks, tempura, and one bite baked tarts. All of which provided easy to graze nibbles while standing, but weren’t necessarily chosen for their complementary pairing to the bourbon-whisky of the hour.
The Artichoke bruschetta was light and lean with fresh diced tomato, red onion, and green onion.
The Beef skewers did go well with the Manhattan thanks to its richer, salted, soy flavours and tougher meat.
The Caramelized onion tart was my favourite with its flaky buttery crust, and I found the sweetness in this did align with the Gold Rush cocktail.
By the time the Deep fried shrimp came around it was cold, and therefore not the most enticing bite.
At the back table there was a help yourself charcuterie with meat, cheeses, spreads, crostini, and olives.
Stationed alongside a fresh vegetable platter with dip as a healthy option.
But I digress, the main reason why we were gathered here tonight was for a premium cinematic experience and private screening of the award-winning documentary, “Common Ground”. It speaks to stainable farming and agricultural practices. This didn’t directly speak to Maker’s Mark the brand, nor was it mentioned anywhere in the docuseries. However, this did speak to Maker’s Mark’s commitment to such practices, and their goal in sourcing only sustainable grains to prepare their products. To do their part to ensure farmland and crops for the foreseeable future.
When time, all guests were invited to Fairmount Pacific Rim’s, in-house theatre, a private theatre, that I did not know they had. Which in hindsight makes them the perfect venue for this evening.
This is what I imagine every in-home theatre to look like, with staggered seating, and descending rows. Seats were coupled up and you sit on what is essentially a love seat with comfortable cushions that has you melting into your seat. Soft supple leather
awaited us, along with a Maker’s Mark branded wool blanket to make things cozy. This was later a gift for us to keep. How thoughtful.
The movie was not long, but we were welcomed to grab plates of charcuterie, to nibble on as it played. I came in with a cocktail in each hand to enjoy with the programming.
After opening remarks, we would all raise a glass of Maker’s Mark 45 year old blend, pre-poured and preset at each seat. A celebratory cheers before a more sober conclusion to the evening.
The 46 whisky is French oak cooked. It comes from a flavour vision of wanting more body and smooth smoke with a thicker viscosity. This was the outcome, with baked honey notes.
Without getting into too much detail, the documentary, enlisted A-list celebrities to narrate and speak to their own experiences on the topic. We heard from Jason Momoa, Woody Harrelson, Ian Somerhalder, Donald Glover aka Childish Gambino; and Rosario Dawson, out of her on screen retirement to take on this project.
The documentary looked at past farming practices, and the need to save our soil for future seasons, and future generations. It showcased lessons learned from history, specifically the Dust Bowl that blew away loose dirt from over tilled fields. This not only lost time spent, but also the crop yield for that season and any more years after.
We also learned about pesticides and the government’s role in regulating it, whilst turning a profiit. Government policies, practices, and bills to be passed. We saw a bleak look at what could be, concluding with what should happen. How there ought to be better farming practices and concessions to aid the farmers practicing them, instead of rewarding those who take shortcuts to make and save money.
Such better farming practices includes the indigenous regenerative practice of applying fire to fields to help the soil hold nutrients. Avoiding over tilling and planting cover crops so that the soil it not exposed. Not using pesticides. Encouraging the planting of a diversity of crops and not one mono-crop. Focusing on nitrogen rich crops that. And creating habitats to attract herds of animals that naturally eats weeds and provides fertilizer.
The movie’s sentiment encapsulated Maker’s Mark’s commitment, recognizing the need to change their processes. Acknowledging that their distillery is located in Loretto Kentucky, close to natural resources and water; with a strong farming community and the need to maintain their future and legacy here. As leaders in their field and community, they are hoping others take note and conduct themselves similarly as well.
Maker’s Mark has taken the “100 acre pledge”, where 100% of their grains will be harvested from regenerative sources that is not only great for the planet, but lends itself to a delicious whisky as well. This pledge was taken in November 2023, and they look forward to seeing the commitment seal on their bottles.
For those interested, in learning more about the need to save our soil, and more on the techniques that need to be employed to ensure that we have future crops for future generations, I suggest watching “Common Ground” for yourself. The movie actually came out late October 2023, and there is a follow up in the works produced by Netflix, called “Kiss the Ground”.
It is an eye-opening and heart swelling watch, and something that I didn’t realize would and could affect me as profoundly as it did.