“The Big Dog” Vodka for the Dog Days of Summer

Augus14, 2023 –  Hood River Distillers, founded right after Prohibition ended in 1934, got its start crafting fruit brandies with the excess apples and pears from local orchards.  It has prospered to become the Northwest’s largest and oldest importer, distiller, producer and marketer of distilled spirits.  In 2021 they released Timberline Vodka, which has amassed an impressive collection of prestigious awards.

The crisp, smooth vodka (which really is made from apples) has just been released in 1.75 L format and is available nationwide for $47.95 SRP.  Its nickname is “The Big Dog” paying homage to the decades-old tradition of resident St. Bernards at the iconic Timberline Lodge, which shares the vodka’s name.

Around the same time that Hood River Distillers started, people in the area who had been affected by the Great Depression found work through the Works Progress Administration and Civilian Conservation Corps building the iconic Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood – the crown jewel of the Pacific Northwest, which opened in 1937.  Since Timberline Lodge opened, the tradition of having lovable St. Bernards in residence has been a guest favorite that lives on today with Heidi and Bruno.

Heidi, pictured above, has approved a few Timberline Vodka cocktail suggestions to enjoy as the Dog Days wind down and Labor Day presages the end of summer lolling around.  FYI, we made the Garden Cocktail and it is delicious!

Garden Cocktail

• 2 oz Timberline Vodka 
• ½ oz balsamic vinegar
• ½ cup diced fresh tomato
• ¼ oz diced fresh cucumber 
• 2-3 basil leaves 
• Pinch of sea salt 

Method:  In a shaker, muddle the cucumber, tomato, salt, and basil. Add the Timberline Vodka and balsamic vinegar, then fill with ice. Shake well for at least 10 seconds, strain into a rocks glass over a big ice cube. Garnish with basil and cucumber. 

Tradewinds 

• 1 ½ oz Timberline Vodka 
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice 
• 1 oz local honey syrup 
• 1 tsp apple butter 
• Garnish with a lemon wheel  

Method:  Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a stemless glass. Garnish and enjoy! 

Sunshine Daydream

• 2 oz Timberline Vodka 
• ½ ox DeGroff New World Amaro 
• ½ oz fresh orange juice 
• ½ oz fresh lemon juice 
• Dehydrated orange wheel for garnish

Method:  Combine all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into chilled glass. Garnish and enjoy! 

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