The Discerning Brute: fashion, food & etiquette for the ethically handsome man » tuthilltown spirits

Ultramarathoning, Whiskey, Donuts and a Prom

joshuakatcher — Thu, 13 May 2010 23:45:40 +0000

• Ultramarathoner Scott Jurek, is changing the world of sports. The New York Times' article yesterday by Mark Bittman outlined Jurek's plans for Thursday and Friday: a "24-Hour Run world championship in Brive-la-Gaillarde, France, on Thursday and Friday. It is a grueling race to determine how many miles runners can complete on a 1.4-kilometer road loop (about nine-tenths of a mile) in a 24-hour period."

Scott Jurek is a vegan, and his diet certainly isn't slowing him down. He holds the fifth-, sixth- and eighth-fastest times in race history on the 153-mile course between Athens and Sparta. He is tall, strong and shows boundless energy - completing training-weeks of 140 miles or more. "He said he needs 5,000 to 8,000 calories a day, “and I get that all from plant sources. It’s not hard, either. I like to eat, and I don’t have to worry about weight management. All I need is a high-carbohydrate diet with enough protein and fat.” Read the rest of this inspiring article HERE. • How I wish Dunkin' Donuts were totally vegan. Too bad they use rotten eggs. Thank your lucky stars that Danielle Konya of Vegan Treats whisks icing with brass knuckles and turns dust into earth-shatteringly amazing donuts. Now through May 21st, you can vote for the next Vegan Treats donut flavor! Time to make the donuts... • Tuthilltown Spirits, my favorite distillery, is embarking on a three year program to exit the Grid by converting all its waste byproducts to fuel. They just won awards at American Distillers Institute Annual Conference. “It’s an exciting time for us. The distillery is really established and our products are well received,” founder Ralph Erenzo said. Economy of scale andrecycling of heat and materials are high on the list of improvements. Brian Lee, the engineering mind behind Tuthilltown Spirits, estimates the distillery could be independent of outside sources of fuel by making use of the waste stream. “We have unpotable alcohol at high proof that burns clean and hot. Our dry distillery grains, grain stalks and chaff can be burned in a furnace to make steam to fire the stills and cookers. “The CO2 created in the fermentation process is destined to be pumped into a greenhouse where we will experiment with starch bearing algae that can be fermented and distilled to be used as fuel. And then there’s cellulosic fermentation of stalks, cobs and other grain parts for distillation to ethanol. Don’t get me started.” Lee is enthusiastic about the prospect of a business without fuel bills. “It’s the way of the future for the agricultural distiller.” All this has a practical side. Virtual elimination of transportation costs for fuel delivery, thereby lowering carbon emissions. Near elimination of dependency on typical fuel sources. No matter what happens out there in the world, says Erenzo, “We’re still making whiskey.” • Go to the Veggie Prom!

• Artwork for this flyer was created by the incredibly talented Michelle Cavigliano.
• Veggie Prom is 8 p.m. Friday, May 14, 2010. It will be at Littlefield in Park Slope: 622 Degraw Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217.
• Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. 21 and over. Buy tickets here. There is a cash bar, and VEGAN desserts are free! Music will be provided by veg*n DJs Lil Ray and iLan. A raffle will benefit Mercy for Animals. Creative prom attire is encouraged! Couple themes are welcome too! No date necessary to attend!

Film Fundraiser at The Peter Max Studio w/ Amazing Food & Celeb Guests!

TheDiscerningBrute — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 20:26:35 +0000

I am embarking upon the production of a feature documentary film called “Standardized Testing” in collaboration with Kelly Overton of PATH (People Protecting Animals & Their Habitats).

This pioneering, controversial and hilarious film follows PATH founder Kelly Overton, an overachieving activist who has degrees from Harvard, Tulane, Columbia and UMASS, as he attempts to return his diplomas and get his tuition refunded in an effort to bring attention to the dangerous and wasteful biomedical research being done at the universities.

In order to begin production on the film, the legendary artist Peter Max (http://www.petermax.com/) and activist Mary Max (http://www.kindgreenplanet.org/) have offered to host a production launch party - featuring food, drink, and special celebrity guests!

To purchase tickets, click here: http://www.ppath.org. .. . . Special guests include: Golden Girl - Rue McClanahan, Actress -Ally Sheedy, International Phenomenon- Princess Superstar, CNN Commentator -Jane Velez-Mitchell, Glamazon Lifestyle Guru- Chloé Jo Berman, Healthy Chef - Alexandra Jamieson, and yours truly, The Discerning Brute- Joshua Katcher. More special guests to be announced! Featuring food & drink from 4 Course Vegan, Candle Cafe, Vegan Treats Bakery, Tuthilltown Spirits and Blackwell’s Organic Gelato! Friday, June 19th 2009 6:30 to 8:30 pm The Max Studio 37 West 65th Street, 7th Floor New York City I would love for you to join me, and tickets start at just $100, and all proceeds go to PATH’s efforts to produce the film.

$100 per individual ticket
$350 for ticket and signed & dedicated Peter Max poster
$1,000 for ticket and signed & dedicated Peter Max poster and signed & dedicated The Art of Peter Max book*

To purchase tickets, click here: http://www.ppath.org Pass the word on Facebook!

Fresh Friday Finds

TheDiscerningBrute — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:03:53 +0000

1. Is My Whiskey Vegan? My favorite spirits are locally made here in New York State. They are Whiskey, Rum, and Vodka from Tuthilltown Spirits. Completely vegan, and although some are made from wheat, completely gluten-free. The Hudson Whiskey is the best whiskey I've ever had! Their rum is made from black strap molasses and aged in former whiskey barrels for a really distinct taste, and their vodka is made from New York State apples pressed into raw cider. Very discerning! You can find their spirits on this list of bars, restaurants, and shops! For more info on vegan spirits, see The Vegetarian Society's list on Vegan Spirits! 2. Girlie Girl Goes Live! Chloe Jo of the Girlie Girl Army has gone live! Her new website is gorgeously designed by vegan web design icon, Lord J Davis. Go check out her amazing blog and tell your sisters, moms, girlfriends, and any ethically fabulous lady in your life. They'll swoon over her fashion sense and her common sense! This week? The C02-output-of-your-diet-calculator! And dating tips for the tragically shy or unlucky! 3. Dr Cow Goes Nuts!Our favorite cheese has a brand new website where you can order gift box assortments of vegan nut cheese! I might live solely on this stuff. If I am what I'd be eating, I'd be totally nuts! (ha...) 4. Splendid Mills Organics Earn your organic stripes at Splendid Mills. If you don't know why the United Nations has referred to conventional cotton as one of the "most staggering disasters of the 20th century", WATCH THIS. 5. Is My Tattoo Vegan? In certain tattoo inks, bone-char (black) and glycerin (derived from animal fats) are typically used. Make sure to ask your artist to check ingredients or to use a company like Stable Color, who claims their inks are vegan-friendly. My tattoo artist, Seth Wood is a vegan, so it's also a good idea to get a vegan tattoo artist!