Diana Krall Plays Bethlehem’s Wind Creek March 1 2024
Diana Krall is the only jazz singer to have eight albums debut at the top of the Billboard Jazz Albums chart. To date, her albums have garnered two Grammy® Awards, ten Juno® Awards and have also earned nine gold, three platinum and seven multi-platinum albums. Krall’s unique artistry transcends any single musical style and has made her one of the most recognizable artists of our time. As The New York Times recently noted Krall possesses, “A voice at once cool and sultry, wielded with a rhythmic sophistication”
Born in Nanaimo, British Columbia, which is outside of Vancouver, Krall grew up in the western part of Canada and began studying the piano when she was four years old. By the time she was 15, she was performing jazz locally and with the encouragement of her father, a stride pianist with a vast knowledge of such Twenties and Thirties keyboard masters as Fats Waller, James P. Johnson, and Earl Hines, she devoted herself to music. “I think Dad had every recording Fats Waller ever made,” she says, “and I tried to learn as many as I could.”
Krall was still a teenager when she was awarded a scholarship to the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. After two years in Boston, she moved to Los Angeles, where she met her first jazz heavyweights, including bassist John Clayton, drummer Jeff Hamilton, pianist/singer Jimmy Rowles, and Ray Brown, the legendary bassist who served as her musical mentor. In 1993, the Montreal-based Justin Time Records released her debut album, Stepping Out. The following year she signed with GRP Records and recorded Only Trust Your Heart, which featured Ray Brown on bass and Stanley Turrentine on tenor saxophone. Only Trust Your Heart also marked the beginning of her association with Tommy LiPuma, a collaboration that would continue until LiPuma’s untimely passing in 2017.
Krall’s success continued with her subsequent releases All for You, and Love Scenes but her watershed moment came in 1999 with the release of When I Look in Your Eyes, her first release for the historic Verve record label. The recording spent an unprecedented 52 weeks in the #1 position on Billboard’s Jazz chart, won two Grammy Awards and went platinum in the U.S. and Canada. Krall’s next album, The Look of Love, continued her international success and became a top ten seller on Billboard’s Top 200 Album charts. Since then she has released a string of recordings that have created an impressive body of work, including her critically acclaimed Turn Up The Quiet, which won two Juno Awards including “Producer of the Year.” Love Is Here To Stay found Diana collaborating with her long-time friend and colleague Tony Bennett. It was recorded with the Grammy award winning Bill Charlap Trio and the stunning result is a subtle, sophisticated and beautifully rendered love letter to The Gershwins’ music and their status as one of the premiere songwriters of the American popular standard. It is a masterclass in vocal delivery and phrasing and the command that Bennett and Krall display of the material in both their duets and solo tracks makes it appear effortless, belying the honed skills of the vocalists. The duet tracks include “Love Is Here to Stay,” “S’Wonderful,” “They Can’t Take That Away from Me” and “Fascinating Rhythm,” among them.
Her most recent release, This Dream Of You, has garnered critical acclaim from fans and press alike. This album is a loving conclusion of Diana’s 25-year working relationship with Tommy LiPuma. Shortly before LiPuma’s passing, the producer and artist discussed the abundance of great music recorded at their last sessions together. LiPuma was adamant that this music should be completed and issued. Krall and engineer, Al Schmitt therefore mixed and sequenced the album for the 2020 release and as such, honored their great and much-missed friend. From this release came the worldwide premiere of “Autumn In New York,” a cinematic ode to the city, directed by Diana’s long-time collaborator and friend Mark Seliger, offering a visual compliment to Krall’s loving and hopeful performance of the song.
Diana Krall’s recordings have been included in several film soundtracks and she has expanded upon her role as a performer to include songwriting, producing and arranging and has brought her talents to collaborate with many other artists including Paul McCartney, Barbra Streisand and Tony Bennett. She tours extensively around the globe to sold out audiences, appearing at premiere jazz festivals and concert halls throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.
For tix and more info Diana Krall Plays Bethlehem’s Wind Creek
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
Bob Dylan’s Bourbon Feud: Heaven’s Door Kentucky vs Tennessee
Bob Dylan’s Bourbon Feud: Heaven’s Door Kentucky vs Tennessee
Heaven’s Door Spirits, Bob Dylan’s highly awarded collection of super-premium American whiskeys, is turning up the heat on the age-old debate of which state, Tennessee or Kentucky, makes the best bourbon.
For as long as corn’s been cracked and stills have bubbled, Kentucky and Tennessee have been turning pristine limestone water and grains into a coveted amber elixir.
Heaven’s Door’s Great State Bourbon Debate rekindles the friendly feud
Heaven’s Door’s Great State Bourbon Debate rekindles the friendly feud between these two bourbon powerhouses, inviting whiskey lovers everywhere to put their palates to the test and voice their opinion.
Heaven’s Door sets itself apart as the first brand to offer both a Kentucky and Tennessee bourbon, giving fans a unique chance to compare.
The brand’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Ascension, and Tennessee Straight Bourbon, Revival, are made from high rye mash bills with grains largely sourced local to the distillery, and barreled at the same proof, yet yield vastly different taste profiles. Heaven’s Door invites you to level set, savor and decide which bourbon pleases your palate and wins your heart.
A Tale of Two Bourbons
Many folks mistakenly believe that bourbon can only be made in Kentucky, but the truth is, bourbon can be crafted anywhere in the U.S.
What makes an American whiskey a true bourbon is a special set of rules: it has to be made with at least 51% corn, distilled at a certain proof, and aged in new oak barrels.
Kentucky and Tennessee both have storied histories of producing excellent bourbon, with differences in water and climate producing distinct flavors.
Kentucky’s limestone water and Tennessee’s pure spring water are both famous for helping yeast thrive during fermentation.v
Differences in flavor profile come from the type and provenance of the grains used, the type of yeast used, water quality, the proof at distillation and the particular wood used to make oak barrel.
Even the location of the barrel warehouse, the circulation of air between the barrels being stored and where the barrels are within the warehouse (high up or near the bottom) all conspire to give impart flavor differences.
Heaven’s Door Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Ascension
Heaven’s Door Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Ascension, is a unique blend of two premium Kentucky straight bourbons aged for over five years and non-chill filtered, boasts warm and slightly sweeter notes of vanilla and baking spices. The limestone-filtered water of Kentucky, renowned for its purity, plays a key role in developing these rich flavors.
Heaven’s Door Tennessee Straight Bourbon, Revival
Heaven’s Door Tennessee Straight Bourbon, Revival, also aged for over five years and non-chill filtered, offers a drier profile with complex and sharp flavors. Unlike many Tennessee bourbons, Revival skips the “Lincoln County Process” – a charcoal filtering step – allowing the natural flavors of the local non-GMO grains to shine through, resulting in a lingering finish with hints of caramel, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
“We wanted to fan the flames of this old debate
between Kentucky and Tennessee bourbon
and showcase
our outstanding expressions of both styles.
We’re excited to hear what consumers think and how they experience these two classic bourbons.”
Alex Moore
Master Blender and COO
Heaven’s Door Spirit
Heaven’s Door marries art and craft in every bottle, drawing inspiration from Bob Dylan’s restless spirit to continually innovate. By sourcing non-GMO grains and honoring each state’s natural elements, the distinct character of each bourbon is evident in every sip.
Lehigh Valley, are you Following your Heart and Need Media Attention? Reach to Publicity For Good, CEO Heather Holmes explains
Lehigh Valley, are you Following your Heart and Need Media Attention? Reach to Publicity For Good, CEO Heather Holmes explains
Publicity for Good is a millennial run communications firm that provides high-level disruptive, publicity and social media services for wide array of purpose driven clients in the food, beverage and beauty industry.
In 2016 by Heather Holmes former miss Ohio international celebrated publicist and Forbes 30 under 30 nominee publicity for good has built a reputation as the countries number one PR agency for CPG brands that have social causes built into their DNA.
![Publicity For Food CEO Heather Holmes](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HeatherHolmesPublicityForGood.jpeg)
Publicity For Food CEO Heather Holmes
Today’s conversation with Heather Homes from PublicityForGood.com has been edited for length and clarity. For the full, un-edited conversation, visit our YouTube channel here.
Joe Winger:
Heather Holmes from PublicityForGood.com. I’m a big fan because you’ve helped us facilitate a lot of previous conversations about food and drink and nutrition and all the things we like talking about.
What’s the most important thing that you want to share with the audience today?
Heather Holmes:
I really want to take away the unknown or worry about getting in the media. I want to make it more accessible to amazing brands and people.
So I definitely want to share tactical advice that if someone is reading this, they have a good story in business, they have the confidence that their story is good enough and they could absolutely make an impact and grow their business by getting in the media.
Joe Winger:
Starting with the basics, let’s pretend I have a company, I think I want public attention. I want to reach out to someone like you.
So what should I be thinking about? What do I present to you as a step one?
Heather Holmes:
Step one is really the intentionality of why you want to get in the media. What’s your goal? Are you wanting to reach more people? Are you wanting to get your story out there?
Are you wanting more sales and more people to buy your product?
You really need to know. Where you’re going first, and if you don’t know where you’re going, or you don’t have a vision, then it’s really hard to help you.
But if you have clarity there, then we can really pull back and help you identify your story, how you’re different, your why, and why your product and or company, would be really great to be in the media.
![The PublicityForGood Team](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-14-at-10.53.55 AM.png)
The PublicityForGood Team
Joe Winger:
Now, looking at the grand scheme of the campaign, what kind of a campaign should we be looking for: expectations, results?
Heather Holmes:
After we know our outcome that we’re wanting to get more sales, more backlinks, or name in the media, then what I like to do first is work with every entrepreneur, and even if you have a product, to really reflect in “why your story matters”
Why does your product matter?
If you’ve never been in the media before, I take people for an exercise where I have them draw on a piece of paper, them as a baby, to where they are now.
I have them write the key pivotal moments that have happened in their life that have made them start that company, because those little components are absolutely a part of your story.
I’ve been in the media 700 plus times: Inside Edition, Fox News, The New York Coast, incredible media, but it hasn’t always been about being a publicist, right?
Yes. I’m the founder of Publicity For Good, but a lot of that has been my story or building a seven figure company from an airstream.
Now I have almost two under two with a third on the way.
So you need to have your key pivotal moments because those are things you can talk about in the media.
Then we need to look at what’s going on in the news and how we bridge the gap between your product. Relevancy.
Joe Winger:
People may not know you are a former Miss Ohio International. Can you tell us a lesson you learned from being a former Miss Ohio International that you’re using in today’s work?
Heather Holmes:
It’s really all about your platform and reaching new audiences.
When I was building my company I decided I wanted to get into pageants. I wanted to meet a community of like minded people that wanted to make a difference in the world.
It was a way for me to have a platform because at the time I was talking about why you absolutely can build a profitable business. But also make a difference in your community and make a difference amongst your team. And really just build an incredible legacy.
So that was why I did the pageants.
I did a bunch of publicity and again, it made me relevant and timely because that was what got me in the media because I was Miss Ohio and I was only Miss Ohio International for a period of time.
So it gave me that relevancy. So you have to be relevant.
You have to bridge the gap between what’s happening in the news, or we often use Awareness Days, National Nutrition Month, National Social Media Day, and you have to position your product or yourself as the solution.
[For example], we were talking about an incredible juice brand, but most pitches I see are very promotional, right? It needs to be how you or your product simplifies people’s lives. How are you adding value? Or you don’t have a product you need to inspire people.
Joe Winger:
You’re growing a 7- figure business. What’s it like growing a huge business while you’re taking care of your kids and for a while you were living out of your Airstream
Heather Holmes:
We lived out of a 23 foot airstream for 3 1/2 years. I went from dating to engaged, to married to [my first child] Rose, who’s almost two, who lived in our airstream with us.
The year the pandemic [hit] was our first million dollar year.
I think a lot of the reason why it was that year is because when March hit, everyone was so scared that we lost about 40% of our business, number one.
Number two, we had to hustle and grit to make it. There was no choice of failing. All the distractions were gone.
When you’re in an Airstream, all you have is your laptop, but we had no external distractions, and then everything else was closed.
So the only focus we could do was our business and we had to scale out of necessity because we didn’t want to lose what we had put so much time in.
Fast forward, we now have 22 acres where we live and we have two under two, we have one on the way, we’re a full time team of 40, and it’s not easy.
I say transparently, it’s a hot mess. There are so many miracles that happen every day, but life is one, right? I can’t turn off my founder hat and publicist hat and then “Oh, I’m a mom”. It’s all one.
So yes, I might have Rose [my daughter] on a call with me from time to time, but I’ve learned that the more you step in and embrace your life, who you are and the realness, sometimes people opt out and that’s okay.
And this is my legacy.
I like these missions that we’re doing good work to us is way more than a business. We want to grow your brand and mission and we take it so seriously.
So it’s not perfect. It’s not perfectly scheduled. I’m a full time mom, all the time on the weekends when the kids are sleeping, we’re working.
We know where we want to go, and these clients and ambitions that we’re aligned with and supporting are helping people with their health.
Joe Winger:
What an incredible story to share.
Heather Holmes: I have so much to share. Like I was adopted when I was a week old to having two under two and another one on the way and building a business and building a homestead.
It’s so crazy. Austin, who’s my husband, the first week we were dating, we’re all about intentionality. I have the journal and we mapped everything out.
This year, we were going to get engaged then married. Austin and I,l we will have been together almost five years.
We’ve had a kid every year. Rose will be two in June.
We want to build a business. We want to impact our clients, brands, and scale their business. We want our team to get better and flourish in their personal lives too.
This is our mission and I’ve seen so many miracles happen from getting in the media on a personal level.
I was talking to [a business owner client] and her business grew by 40% from getting in the media.
One of my favorite cookie brands, a mom had an incredible heart story. She went on our local news and she brought in $12,000 worth of sales, just the local people wanting to support her.
On the flip side, when people Google my name, it’s like my social currency, there’s all these articles. So I have so much peace in that. Our kids will see the good work we’re doing.
Joe Winger:
You’re talking to an audience of foodies. What is your favorite meal?
Heather Holmes:
We just had Indian food last night that my husband made and it was so good.
We used to live in San Diego and I think San Diego has the best food. It’s all fresh. We’ve traveled a lot. We’ve been to Bali, their food is pretty incredible too. Where we live [now] we’re right outside of Asheville and Charlotte. So they have some good restaurants, but like I’m not in the phase right now where I’m the foodie like I used to be.
[At our house] we have chickens and we have fresh eggs. So I’m obsessed with fresh eggs every morning. You’re living a good life when you can go get your eggs and have them at home with some goat cheese.
And honestly, I love Livermuth. Crazy. So I’d say some Livermuth fried in a cast iron with some eggs and goat cheese. It’s the simple things that I really do love.
Joe Winger:
Heather Holmes with Publicity for Good. As we wrap up, whether it’s a potential client, a potential vendor, someone wanting your help with publicity, what are the best ways to find, follow you, websites, social media, etc?
Heather Holmes:
You can go to PublicityForGood.com You can find me on social media as well.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherdesantis
https://www.instagram.com/heatherdesantis
https://www.instagram.com/publicity.for.good
https://www.facebook.com/heatherdesantis
Lehigh Valley is in the “FORVR Mood” with Jackie Aina for Limited-Edition Crown Royal Blackberry Flavored Whisky
Lehigh Valley is in the “FORVR Mood” with Jackie Aina for Limited-Edition Crown Royal Blackberry Flavored Whisky
Crown Royal and FORVR Mood Co-Founder, Jackie Aina, Partner to Release Limited-Edition Candle Inspired by Popular New Flavor Crown Royal Blackberry Flavored Whisky
Jackie Aina, from FORVR Mood, Partners with Crown Royal Blackberry Flavored Whisky
With bottles flying off the shelves nationwide, Crown Royal Blackberry Flavored Whisky has proven to be one of the brand’s most popular flavor offerings.
This is an innovative whisky blend deserving of a partner just as creative to kick off the summer. Jackie Aina, a well-respected creator and entrepreneur, whose brand, FORVR Mood, garnered a wait list of over 45,000 customers prior to its launch in 2020, was a natural choice for the brand.
Aina’s love for the new flavor inspired her curation of the limited-edition Crown Royal Blackberry x FORVR Mood candle.
Appropriately titled, Berry On Top, this delicious scent is crafted with notes of blackberry, complemented with whisky accord and vanilla.
Limited quantities of the candle will be available online at Forvrmood.com *while supplies last
This exclusive new scent will be unveiled at the Crown Royal Blackberry Stand!
The Crown Royal Blackberry Stand is an adult twist on your traditional lemonade stand , where creativity meets cocktails and spotlights business owners, via the collaboration with Jackie Aina and FORVR Mood.
With the entrepreneurial spirit of a traditional lemonade stand at its core, the Crown Royal Blackberry Stand will provide a platform for rising founders via the brand’s partnership with 501(c)(3) organization, Black Girl Ventures Foundation.
Attendees that visit the stand are invited to sip signature cocktails and shop the exclusive Berry on Top candle as they learn more about Crown Royal charity partner Black Girl Ventures Foundation.
Black Girl Ventures Foundation is an IRS § 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing underrepresented founders with access to community, capital, and capacity building to meet business milestones that lead to economic advancement through entrepreneurship.
Crown Royal’s partnership with FORVR Mood and Jackie Aina is rooted in the support of Black Girl Ventures Foundation.
To further their efforts, Crown Royal will be donating $50,000 to Black Girl Ventures Foundation from the Crown Royal Generosity Fund*, where half of the donation will support the BGV Pitch Program.
More information on the organization’s mission, programming, and ways to support the Black Girl Ventures community will be found at The Crown Royal Blackberry Stand.
“Our new Blackberry Flavored Whisky is one of our most flavorful yet!”
Hadley Schafer
VP of Crown Royal
“…It was important that we found the perfect partner to not only celebrate this exciting new release but also one whose passion for creativity and entrepreneurship aligned with our vision for The Crown Royal Blackberry Stand,” said Hadley Schafer, VP of Crown Royal. “This collaboration with Jackie Aina and FORVR Mood not only highlights this flavor profile in such a fun and unexpected way but also makes a meaningful impact by supporting the next generation of 21+ business owners.”
For more information about The Crown Royal Blackberry Stand featuring Crown Blackberry x FORVR Mood By Jackie Aina in Los Angeles on June 14th and 15th, and more juicy Crown Royal news visit @crownroyal on Instagram to sign up for the Crown Royal newsletter.
“Finding new ways to flex my creativity to craft something that I know my supporters will love is exciting for me,”
Jackie Aina
“So, when I was approached by Crown Royal for this partnership it was a no-brainer for me, especially after seeing all the hype for their new Blackberry Flavored Whisky and learning they’re supporting a cause close to my heart with Black Girl Ventures. I’m excited to partner with a brand that shares my values!”
Crown Royal Blackberry Whisky has an ABV of 35% and is available nationwide for a limited time at a suggested retail price of $26.99 for a 750mL bottle.
*Crown Royal Generosity Fund is a donor-advised fund, administered by Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, a nonprofit entity organized under IRC §501c3.
You Might also like
-
The Disco Biscuits Bring ‘trancefusion’ Dance Party to Penn’s Peak January 20 – 21 2023
The Disco Biscuits Bring their ‘trancefusion’ dance party to Penn’s Peak January 20 – 21 2023
The Disco Biscuits are an entirely different band today than they were when they first broke out of Philadelphia in the mid-90s.
That’s not to say that they’ve abandoned their foundation, switched gears or set sail for distant shores.
The Disco Biscuits are still very much the pioneers of “trancefusion,” bridging the gap between electronic music and jam bands.
They still remain rock pioneers whose soul belongs as much to marathon dance parties as it does to live improvisational journeys. They still employ emerging technologies to help them create music that is 100 percent human although, perhaps, not entirely of this earth.
Tickets on sale Friday, November 18th at 12:00PM at all Ticketmaster outlets, the Penn’s Peak Box Office and Roadies Restaurant and Bar. Penn’s Peak Box Office and Roadies Restaurant ticket sales are walk-up only, no phone orders.
General Admission
Advance: $35.00
Day of Show: $40.00
About Penn’s Peak
Penn’s Peak, a beautiful mountaintop entertainment venue located in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, can comfortably host 1,800 concertgoers. Enjoy a spacious dance floor, lofty ceilings, concert bar/concession area and a full service restaurant and bar aptly named Roadie’s. Complete with a broad open-air deck for summertime revelry, Penn’s Peak patrons enjoy a breathtaking overlook of nearby Beltzville Lake, plus a commanding, picturesque 50-mile panoramic view of northeastern Pennsylvania’s Appalachian Mountains. Choose Penn’s Peak for your next wedding, banquet or special event and treat your guests to an event truly “Above the Rest”.
Geographically convenient to residents of major population zones in Hazleton, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Stroudsburg, the Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia and New York City, Penn’s Peak is an ideal location for any event. It is located only four miles from Exit 74 of the northeast extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
For more information on Penn’s Peak, go to www.pennspeak.com or call 866-605-7325.
Post Views: 526 -
Greta Van Fleet: Dreams in Gold Tour at the PPL Center on Oct 1
Greta Van Fleet: Dreams in Gold Tour at the PPL Center on Oct 1
Following this year’s sold-out headline events and a #1 Billboard Rock Album, Grammy-winning rock band
Greta Van Fleet launch their Dreams in Gold tour
which kicks off March 10th in Michigan for a string of arena shows followed by Midwest dates and international shows in Mexico, Europe and the UK.
Grammy-nominated group Rival Sons and critically acclaimed rising artist The Velveteers will support the Live Nation & Frank Productions produced North American shows.
Tickets are on sale Friday, November 12th at 10am local time at LiveNation.com. There will be a fan presale on November 10th, and a local venue presale on November 11th.
Strange Horizons, the band’s specialty events in 2021, saw sold-out shows in Nashville, Bridgeport, Chicago and Los Angeles.
The group’s critically acclaimed album The Battle at Garden’s Gate was released earlier this year to extensive chart success and fanfare, debuting at #1 Billboard Rock Album, #1 Billboard Hard Rock Album, #1 Billboard Vinyl Album, #2 Billboard Top Album Sales and in the Top 10 on the Billboard 200.
DREAMS IN GOLD 2022 EU/UK TOUR DATES
March 10—Wings Event Center—Kalamazoo, MI
March 12—The DeltaPlex Arena—Grand Rapids, MI
March 13—Dow Event Center—Saginaw, MI
March 16—Dort Financial Center—Flint, MI
March 17—EMU Convocation Center—Ypsilanti, MI
March 19— Mountain Health Arena—Huntington, WV
March 22—Kohl Center—Madison, WI
March 23—Resch Center—Green Bay, WI
March 25—CHI Health Center Omaha—Omaha, NE
March 26— Peoria Civic Center—Peoria, IL
March 29—Heritage Bank Center—Cincinnati, OH
March 30— GIANT Center — Hershey, PA
April 1—Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena—Atlantic City, NJ
April 2—Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena—Atlantic City, NJ
May 3 —Qualistage — Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
May 16—Pepsi Center—Mexico City, MexicoJune 5—Grona Lund—Stockholm, Sweden
June 11—Theatre Antique de Vienne—Vienne, France
June 14—Tanzbrunnen—Cologne, Germany
June 15—Jarhunderthalle—Frankfurt, Germany
June 23—Fairview—Dublin, Ireland
June 25—Alexandra Palace, London, UK
June 28—O2 Apollo—Manchester, UK
June 29—O2 Apollo—Manchester, UKPost Views: 155 -
Acclaimed Allentown Xplorer Spirits Pours at Taste of Kutztown June 11
Acclaimed Allentown Xplorer Spirits Set to Pour at Taste of Kutztown June 11
Cocktail lovers, get ready to explore amazing sips from Xplorer Spirits at Taste of Kutztown taking place June 11 at Kutztown Park
Advertisement
Spirits Begin by Exploring
Kishor Chokshi is a world-class engineer who was working in Glycerin distillation at a factory in Tanzania, Africa. Like so many others, he wanted more out of life for his family and himself; and risked it all to pursue that goal.
That ambition led him across the world to land in Allentown, PA where he decided to leverage his world-class science skills from Glycerin distillation to spirit distillation and created Kilimanjaro Distillery.
The Chokshi family founded Xplorer Spirits and Kilimanjaro Distillery.
Related: Taste of Kutztown is set to deliver a delicious day for a good cause on June 11
In conversations with Kishor and his co-founder and daughter Niky, we quickly learn how much these two names (Xplorer and Kilimanjaro) really influence the Chokshis, because whether it’s in life or your taste buds, they want to explore the world and they want to inspire you to explore with them.
Also, just like Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro, they aspire to compete with the very best in the world and win! Based on their awards and how quickly their company is growing, they’re on their way to victory.
Let’s Get Tasting
Xplorer offers 10 different spirits and in the last few years, they’ve won several awards including Platinum for Wheat Vodka from The Sip Awards, Triple Gold for Apple Pie Moonshine from Micro Liquor Spirit Awards and Gold for Bourbon Whiskey from Great American International Spirits Competition and Double Gold for their American Gin in 2021 at the World Spirit Trophy Competition in Germany.
Xplorer Wheat Vodka
Wheat from America’s mid-west, fermented and distilled to a smooth, neutral profile.
Subtle on the nose. Clean with gentle vanilla and cream.
As you take a sip, notes of vanilla, cream, and lemon peel fill your mouth. It lingers into a long finish of whipped cream and citrus. So clean, soft and delicate. An extraordinary taste.
Xplorer Potato Vodka (Gluten Free)
Continuing to celebrate Pennsylvania’s local farmland, their potatoes are sourced near the Lehigh Valley to use in the fermentation and distillation. This is an advantage as the area’s potatoes are known for a crisp profile and a hint of natural sweetness.
The aroma hits your nose immediately. Lemon peel, light spice, rye bread.
Your mouth gets notes of custard, vanilla and spice. Finishing with vanilla pudding, anise and the subtlest smooth spicy note that lasts extra long and begs you to take another sip.
Xplorer American Gin
Made with 14 different botanicals sourced from across the globe including: Europe, Madagascar and Tanzania.
Juniper, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, cubeb berries, grains of paradise, orange, lemon and a blend of 5 proprietary herbs that are vapor infused for an exceptionally clean and dry finish.
The nose flirts with you, gushing citrus and gin’s trademark touch of juniper.
The mouth continues its romance with a full-bodied experience. So many of the international ingredients balanced well: dry juniper, coriander, citrus, lemon, refreshing, crisp, smooth. The finish is fresh, fruity, light, bright, refreshing.
Xplorer Rooibis Flavored American Gin
Rooibos is from a plant that grows in South Africa. The leaves are used to make a herbal tea infused with the health benefits of anti-oxidants and polyphenols from the Rooibos herb. And today we get to enjoy it in this bottle.
Once again starting with the juniper nose you’d expect from a quality gin. The mouth is more herbal, nutty, with slight pepper. The finish is smooth with spices. These are all traits that come with Rooibos. It adds a texture and dimension that’s subtle, unique and adds meaty, earthy pairing options like roasted lamb.
Xplorer Bourbon (High Rye)
Sourced exclusively from North American corn, rye & malt.
The nose is a delicious balance of caramel, vanilla and the slightest hint of sweet corn. The mouth is luscious! A big kiss of maple, caramel and vanilla with the rye and spice that you want from a rye bourbon. A finish that hugs you tightly with light oak and spices; and gently, slowly relaxes its romantic embrace.
I’m personally a fan of rye bourbon and this is one of the best tastes I’ve had in recent years, including attending several grand tastings. For me, this bottle is a winner.
Xplorer Chocolate Bourbon
Made using Xplorer’s own Bourbon Whiskey, with cacao from Uganda, Dominican Republic & Ecuador.
The nose hits you from a mile away. Strong, deep, several layers of varied cocoa flavor. If you’re a chocolate lover, get ready!
The mouth is creamy and indulgent, but not heavy. Smooth, complicated, balanced. Ending with rich & creamy notes of dark chocolate, maple, and caramel.
Xplorer Honey Bourbon
A local favorite!
All-natural Pennsylvania dark honey blended with Xplorer’s own Bourbon Whiskey creates a very special bottle. Whiskey connoisseurs need to give it a taste. The specially-sourced dark honey creates a magic outcome.
On the nose you’ll find sweet caramel, honey and vanilla. The mouth is very special! Very complex honey with maple, caramel and cream. A smooth, rich finish that goes on and on.
Xplorer Peach Bourbon
Made with ripe peaches famous from South Carolina and Georgia
The nose is a full waft of sweet ripe peaches. The mouth continues smooth peaches and adds cream and vanilla for the end. A delicate, consistent balance.
Xplorer Peanut Butter Whiskey
The newest treat from Xplorer.
The nose offers fresh-roasted peanuts, caramel and toasted nut butter. The mouth is smooth caramel peanut butter with a hint of vanilla. Ending with creamy roasted peanuts and vanilla.
Xplorer Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Pie
A local favorite for a reason! A special blend; and no matter how good you’re expecting it to be, it still manages to surprise you with how good it is.
Whiskey, vodka, local Pennsylvanian apples, Tanzanian cinnamon and spices make for a bold and spicey adventure.
On the nose you’ll find cinnamon, vanilla, all-spice and apple.
On the mouth is a burst of apple. Like a carnival candy apple with cinnamon and hazelnut. The layers and details dance on your tongue with a finish that brings in whipped cream and cinnamon.
It’s a fun tasting experience!
As you can imagine, the diverse selection attracts a wide range of customers.
Some are attracted to the award-winning acclaim, some traditionalists are attracted to their high-level vodka, gin and high rye. The bar crowd and younger drinkers are loving their flavored whiskeys.
Kishor Chokshi at Kilimanjaro Distillery
You can find many of the bottles at your local bar or liquor store. If you’re in Pennsylvania, look for the “local” section, but Xplorer Spirits has grown outside the East Coast, traveling to shelves nationwide.
Here’s a pro tip, try the peanut butter together with the apple pie. Incredible!
One of the key reasons for the incredible aromas and flavors is Kishor’s use of quality ingredients. See the video below as he shows us how the honey actually drifts on the honey bourbon bottle.
Xplorer Spirits are Quality Ingredients and a World-Class Process
Xplorer strives to celebrate Pennsylvania’s rich agricultural heritage in each bottle, sourcing local ingredients whenever possible and using Kishor’s decades of science expertise to carefully craft the finest small-batch spirits.
From every step of the process: from mash to ferment, to distill, and finishing up with in-house bottling, the experience is truly artisan.
At their Kiliminjaro Distillery headquarters, the 12x distillation removes impurities and leaves the bottle with cleaner taste and aroma. Compare that to others, even the most high-end competitors are only distilled 6-7 times.
The difference is obvious and the results are truly outstanding.
Xplorer Spirits Perfect Pairing
We discussed the quality ingredients in the bottle. But we need to discuss the quality ingredients outside the bottle, the father-daughter combination that makes up the brand.
If dad Kishor is the science, then daughter Niky is the vibrant spirit. Her voice, her energy; she’s a star.
Whether’s she’s leading a boardroom of executives through her next marketing strategy, or guiding a bar full of patrons through a tasting, her infectious energy compels you to take a sip and love what you taste.
The only thing better than Niky’s passion for their drinks is seeing Kishor beam as he proudly watches his daughter work.
Giving Back To the Lehigh Valley
Xplorer Spirits and Kilimanjaro Distillery are proud local businesses in Allentown.
During Covid-19, they were quick to pause their work and use their machinery to make much-needed hand sanitizer for the Lehigh Valley community
They continue to give back and proudly support the community that has given them so much over the years.
Related: Wine Lovers Cameron Diaz, Katherine Power introduce Avaline White & Rosé Cans
On June 11, they’ll be pouring as a part of Taste of Kutztown. In an event full of tasty options, they’ll stand out, not just for their outstanding and award-winning flavor, but also for their pride in the community.
Taste of Kutztown takes place June 11 at Kutztown Park. 439 E Main St Kutztown, PA
For more information: https://www.unation.com/event/7684877
Post Views: 363