Matt’s segments for “Connoisseur’s Corner” usually air on WBZ (1030 AM) Saturdays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25, and 11:55 AM and Sundays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25 AM.

Recent samples can be found at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1002-Connoisseurs-Corner-28654273/.

If you have ideas for future segments, please send them to Matt@Matts-Meals.com.

Also, please follow me on Twitter @MattsMeals73.

Thanks for listening and thanks for supporting our friends and neighbors in the food-service industry!

I recently sang the praises of New Leaf Tree Syrups, which uses interesting alternatives to and combinations with maple syrup to protect the well-tapped (but potentially endangered) trees and to bring new flavors to the maple-loving masses.

I recently came upon another independent company that is taking what many may consider simple products and bringing them to new heights and dimensions.

At first glance, Cooper’s Daughter Spirits at Olde York Farm in Hudson, NY, is a distillery that makes its own New York-sourced white oak barrels for perfectly-controlled alcohol aging. While this may be interesting enough, a closer look reveals even more delicious distinctions. 

In addition to offering a wide range of imbibements, the woman-owned and family-run business has its own bed and breakfast, as well as an event space and a cozy cocktail garden that comes complete with music, food trucks and fire pits for year-round enjoyment. 

While all of these offerings set Cooper’s Daughter apart, what really makes them stand out is their vast variety of products.

Among Cooper’s creative creations (all of which are made with locally-sourced ingredients) are a clean wheat vodka, a lilac liquer that is made with real flowers, as well as a rhubarb and honey vodka, a mulled peach whiskey, a smoked maple bourbon (naturally!), and a cacao maple vodka that features 100% Peruvian cacao (which may be the only imported ingredient in the bottle).

While a trip to the Farm is a lot of fun, most of the Daughter’s descendants are sold at farmer’s markets and other venues throughout the area, and are always available at https://oldeyorkfarm.com. The website also has recipe recommendations that can encourage every enjoyer to take the forward-thinking flavors even further.

No matter which you pick, you are sure to be over the moon about being over these barrels!