On a sunny New York day, I took a trip upstate to the famous Woodstock ’69 grounds of Bethel Woods, NY in care of Ammunition Whiskey. The scenic chartered ride out of the concrete jungle to the lush greenery of New York state was accompanied by Ammunition Whiskey’s latest Cask Strength expression finished for 6 months in French Bordeaux wine barrels which previously held Ammunition Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon. We were there to sample some amazing juice, hear music from Hozier, and experience a piece of American history.
Greeted by Ammunition Whiskey founder Andy Wahl, we all took an entertaining and informative museum tour down rock music history of how Woodstock 1969 came to be and why it was such a staple in American history. We toured the historic grounds that Hendrix, Joplin, and many more walked. It was a special feeling. Hearing the stories about the creation, pitfalls, triumphs, challenges, and a little bit of magic, and understanding the special part in history, this place has made why Ammunition partners with them crystal clear–it’s authentic, passionate, and open to everyone.
We dined at The Old Foundation, made from a converted residence, a family oriented restaurant with large wood tables, glassware from your grandmother’s cupboard, and tons of locals breaking bread. The cozy dinner with cocktail pairings per course and plenty of Ammunition Cabernet Sauvignon and Ammunition Pinot Noir. The highlight of the dinner was the conversation with Peter Tambini, Ammunition Partner, and Andy recalling why and how Ammunition came into being. They utilized their wine barrels and finished whiskey in them to create a truly unique flavor.
Lastly, we sat in the Membership Lounge off to the left of the stage, sipping Ammunition Straight Rye whiskey, learning what’s next for Ammunition and recounting my unique experience of the day before Hozier took the stage. Playing to a crowd of 17,000+, him and his five piece band was electrifying. He sang all his hits including what we were there for, “TOO SWEET,” and the signature line “I like my whiskey neat.”
A big thanks to Ammunition Whiskey and Factory PR for once in a lifetime experience.
