The Library Journal – February 2021 | Vol. 06, Ed. 02
GREETINGS AND SALUTATIONS
Hello, February! It’s true – you’re chilly and rainy and always threatening snow, but the sun is still up at 5:30, and the snowdrops are shooting up in the parks reminding us that good things are on the way. So, we are going to kick off the celebrations anyway!
February is Black History Month, and we are taking this opportunity to highlight the work of a few of our favorite Black-owned brands and partners as well as to raise funds for the inspiring folks at Equitable Giving Circle. Keep reading for information about this impactful organization and its mission to create a more equitable community here in Portland.
Also in this issue, we are happy to welcome E.H. Taylor MWL Single Barrel Select to our private barrel collection. We’ve set aside a handful of bottles just for MWL members. Read on for directions on how to reserve and purchase a bottle for your home collection.
As always, thank you for your readership, your loyalty, and your patience. Stay safe, and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Sincerely,
Your Friends at the Library
MWL SINGLE BARREL PROJECT
WELCOME HOME E.H. TAYLOR – MWL BARREL
We’re excited to welcome the newest private barrel to our collection – E.H. Taylor MWL Single Barrel Select. This very special bottle of 100 proof straight Kentucky bourbon will light up your winter evenings with warm caramel, leather and vanilla on the nose, and a well-developed palate of baking spices, mace and ripe cherry.
How do I get a bottle? A limited number of bottles are available for purchase by MWL members for $65 until March 31st. To reserve your bottle, please RSVP here. Once you receive a confirmation, you’ll receive directions on where to pick up your bottle in NE Portland.
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
This portrait commemorating Nearest Green hangs on our gallery wall of influential distillers, spirits makers, movers, and shakers who have helped shape the world of distilling. Added in 2019, this portrait was the first in a new series celebrating the contributions of women and BIPOC innovators whose achievements have too often been minimized or appropriated.
Nathan “Nearest” Green was the distiller who taught Jack Daniel everything he knew about making whiskey. Fawn Weaver, and the team at her all minority-led company, Uncle Nearest, keep the story of Nearest Green alive through their award-winning line of whiskies, education initiatives, activism and inspiring philanthropic work.
Chaunci King (pictured here) founded Royalty Spirits in 2014, in the heart of Portland Oregon becoming the first African American woman liquor brand owner in the Pacific Northwest. Royalty Spirits debuted with Miru 80 Proof Pear Vodka, followed by Miru classic vodka and Rex whiskey.
Try the Miru Pear Vodka in this month’s featured cocktail, the Bessie Coleman. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Equitable Giving Circle. You can also try Royalty Spirits Rex whiskey on your next trip to the Library.
FEATURED COCKTAIL
This riff on a classic Aviation cocktail was inspired by Bessie Coleman, who soared across the sky as the first African American woman and first Native American woman pilot. After being turned away from American flight schools, Bessie learned french in order to apply to European schools.
Her perseverance and courage were rewarded in 1921 when she was awarded an international pilots license from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale in LeCrotoy, France. Upon her return to the US, she toured the country giving flight lessons, performing in flight shows, and encouraging African Americans and women to become pilots.
To make:
1.5 oz Royalty Spirits Miru Pear Vodka
.75 oz lemon juice
.5 oz Combier Pamplemousse Liqueur
.25 oz Rothman & Winter Crème de Violette
Add all ingredients to cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake well. Double strain into a chilled coupe. Enjoy while dreaming of adventure in the wide-open skies (optional).
A VERY SPECIAL HAPPY HOUR
LET’S EAT & DRINK OUR WAY TO A KINDER WORLD
Take home a hearty treat complete with an MWL Old Fashioned and help support Equitable Giving Circle in their mission to create a future with accessible opportunities for equity-building throughout Portland’s BIPOC communities.
This special pairing is available for pick up on Wednesday, February 10th and Thursday, February 11th and can be ordered on the MWL shop page. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Equitable Giving Circle.
Each MWL & EGC Lunchable kit contains:4oz Manchego Cheese
2oz Italian Salami
2oz Ham
2oz Marcona Almonds
2oz Passionfruit and Lemon Jam
Crackers
4 oz MWL House Old Fashioned
Want to learn more about how to promote equity in your community? EGC is hosting a series of industry-specific round tables & virtual happy hours. The first in the series is co-hosted by Victor Bull Insurance and is open to real estate, sales, insurance, and other similar professionals. Mix yourself a drink, or pick up the lunchable kit, and join the conversation on Thursday, February 11th at 4:00 pm by reserving your space here.
