Tomorrow, we’re headed to New Holland Brewing Company to participate in the TinMan Whiskey Lab. The program, named after that rusted woodsman who wished for a heart in the Wizard of Oz, is an homage to the author, L. Frank Baum, who had a love affair with the city of Holland during the early 1900’s. 
The team at New Holland Brewing Company doesn’t need to wish for heart, though – they have tons of it. From their hand-crafted beers to their award-winning artisan spirits, you can taste the love and care that goes into each drop. So when they offered us a chance to spend the whole day learning about the craft of distilling whiskey from Sean Stark, the man behind the curtain at New Holland. we jumped at it!
I’ve had my eye on this class since they were announced – I love New Holland whiskey, and I really want to learn more about distilling. So when we got the invitation to come check it out, I didn’t hesitate to take them up on it.
The TinMan Whiskey Lab is designed for groups, and depending on the size of yours, they can run anywhere from $750 to $1,100. It’s a lot of money, but you’re getting a ton of value. The price includes a full day (8 hours) of distilling and tasting, a $35 Pub store certificate, $25 food/drink voucher per person, and a limited-edition Tin Man t-shirt. You can’t find an experience like this, led by an expert like Sean (I think we should just call him the Wizard!) for this price anywhere else.
In addition to inviting us to participate in the TinMan experience, Sean and the rest of the team at New Holland were kind enough to answer our questions about Tin Man, the renaissance of craft spirits, and even share some fun springtime cocktail recipes.
Who should participate in a TinMan Whiskey Lab?
The TinMan Whiskey Lab experience is for anyone who has ever wanted to distill whiskey themselves or just loves whiskey and wants to know more about it but doesn’t want to pour money into a lot of equipment or break the law. – Sean Stark, Pub Distiller
What should someone expect to walk away with after experiencing a TinMan Lab?
It’s less of a “class” and more of an opportunity to experience a day as a craft distiller but it’s full of teaching as well. A person should walk away with some of the knowledge that goes into craft whiskey creation as well as how to identify notes and flavors while tasting. – Sean Stark, Pub Distiller
Can you tell us a little about what the TinMan Whiskey Lab includes?
This is a hands-on experience that will provide an overview of all aspects of craft distilling. In addition, participants will have full access to a New Holland distiller for the day.
Topics that we’ll cover include, grain selection, fermentation, distilling, aging, proofing, and even considerations for tasting whiskey.
During the day we’ll actually spend time doing a simple fermentation, distilling, learning how to make “cuts,” proofing, and barrel testing. – Sean Stark, Pub Distiller
Will they always be whiskey-centered? Or will you be offering classes for your other spirits (I’m looking at you, Knickerbocker!)
Right now we’re excited to get TinMan Whiskey Lab off the ground and having people enjoy it. But we’re people who love craft spirits and are always looking to expand our products. So, sure – it’s likely you’ll see more offerings in the future. – Emily Haines, Community Manager
Why did New Holland decide to start offering these classes?
It’s an obvious decision when you consider that craft spirits is just starting to blossom as an industry.
We’ve all seen the growth that its big brother, craft brewing has experienced, and we think that the time is right for craft spirits too. What better way to help people gain an appreciation for the craft than to offer them something like the TinMan?
What are your thoughts on the recent craft spirits/cocktail boom?
The renaissance of craft has taken root in all areas of food and drink. Craft spirits are a natural progression of this approach to thoughtful sourcing. With an amazing array of spirits available to today’s bartender, the level of cocktail has been raised significantly. We are proud to be a part of these changes. – Rich Blair, National Sales Manager – Spirits
Outside of New Holland’s offerings, what’s your favorite or most intriguing Michigan spirit?
I’m always intrigued by the spirits coming out of Grand Traverse, Journeyman, Valentine and a few other distilleries as well. The last bottle added to my home collection was Greyling Gin from Two Birds. – Rich Blair, National Sales Manager – Spirits
What are some of your favorite spring cocktails?
Mojado – Sean Stark, Pub Distiller
- Muddle one lime slice with two sprigs of cilantro
- 2 oz. Cilantro infused Hatter Royale
- 1 oz. Jalepeno simple syrup
- 1 oz. Clockwork Orange Liqueur
- 1 oz. Lime juice
This is a take on the classic Mojito and a perfect example of the growing world of new things cocktails and experiences people are coming to want.
Hemingway – Rich Blair, National Sales Manager – Spirits
- 1 ½ oz Freshwater Rum
- ¼ oz. maraschino liqueur
- ¾ oz. lime juice
- ¼ oz. grapefruit juice
Shake with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
I successfully drink Hemingway Daiquiris year-round, but they are tasting especially great with the weather warming up.
Fitzgerald – Emily Haines, Community Manager
- 1 ½ oz Knickerbocker Gin
- 1 oz. simple syrup
- ¾ oz. lemon juice
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Lemon twist
Shake all ingredients well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass, garnish with lemon twist
We’re pretty excited to get to New Holland and learn all about making whiskey! Stay tuned for a full recap of the TinMan Whiskey Lab, and all of our other adventures in Holland this weekend! If you want to learn more about TinMan, or anything else about New Holland, let us know!
