A handful of boutique distilleries are up and running in Chicago…. none serving Apple Brandy. Enter Rhine Hall, a hard-working father daughter team, passionate about the old school distilling process. Why apple brandy? It’s a great family story, well documented in the most recent Redeye and Chicagogrid. Randy and I are particularly happy the original apple crushing equipment has been upgraded from the 1970’s Schwinn exercise bike belted to a pulley, attached to a grinder operated in the family garage!! Randy (see below) was personally fueled (bribed!) by one of Charlie’s famous German beers. We are wishing Jenny and Charlie the best as the grand opening is only days away. As neighbors and friends we hope to also be frequent patrons. Jenny has given me the recipe for a brandy drink that will be featured in the Rhine Hall tasting room. It’s a perfect seasonal cocktail that will pair well with this chicken chili.
Double Time
1.5 oz Rhine Hall apple brandy
1 oz homemade Rhine Hall cider
3 splashes of Angostura bitters
