Page 13 - Indulge February/March 2017

Steve Kershner, owner, chef at twisted olive what’s on tap

Age: Old enough to wonder when “old enough to know better”
kicks in.
Hometown: Emmaus
Spouse: Sherri Kershner
Children: Yes, two actually. They’re furry with four legs.
Hobbies: Hunting, golfing, fishing, camping, motorcycle riding,
gardening and then we bought a restaurant …
What inspired you to start infusing? I think the inspiration came out
of frustration and seeing that the majority of infusers around were
focusing on pineapple and raspberry vodka. We wanted to expand
further and include fresh fruits, vegetables and spices, because that’s part
of what we do in the kitchen as well.
How long does a typical infusion process take? Infusing can take anywhere from three days to several weeks.
What infusions will you have to offer in February/March? We are working on our barrel-aged red apple bourbon. We also have a
great black cherry bourbon brewing that should be ready in the next couple of weeks.
Do you have a favorite infused spirit? Currently, I’ve been enjoying the fig and fennel bourbon. It makes a fantastic Manhattan.
What’s the best thing about your job? For so many years, creative control was not in my hands. I now have full control of
creativity in both the kitchen and behind the bar. I get to work with my staff to create the best dishes and drinks that our
customers will love.
What are a few of your favorite things about the Lehigh Valley? The Lehigh Valley is full of community activities and good, friendly
people. My wife and I love being a part of volunteering in and supporting different local events, musicians, artists and
festivals. We also enjoy the Lehigh Valley being so close to major cities. Sherri and I are blessed to get to live in a rural
area where we can have our garden and bring fresh ingredients into the restaurant, while still being able to enjoy the city
life every once in a while.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about spirits or infusing? Honestly, I wish they all knew what they were missing. By
infusing your own product, the flavor profile is so much more wholesome, unique and delicious … much better than the
products you will find in stores.
Is there an infusion style or flavor you’d like to experiment with? We’re very interested in combining the smoking process into our
cocktails. As of now we have several smoked meats on our menu, and would like to continue that momentum onto our
cocktail list.

Weyerbacher Brewery The Lehigh Valley region has a fantastic selection of local breweries
and distilleries. What’s On Tap keeps you up-to-date on some of their
905 Line St., Easton latest releases. If you’re out and about and looking for a drink, check out
our What’s on Tap channel on the Go Guide app.

610-559-5561 Lost Tavern Brewing
weyerbacher.com

It’s February, which means spring is just a tiny 782 Main St., Hellertown

bit closer. Give praise, then, with a pint or two of 484-851-3980

Weyerbacher’s Sunday Morning Stout. This American losttavernbrewing.com

Imperial Stout gets aged in bourbon barrels and, with Have you heard about the first tavern in Hellertown?

a nose of roasted coffee and bourbon, will wake up Probably not — its location has been lost to history.

your senses. Hints of chocolate, roasted malt, vanilla The spirit lives on, however, in its namesake: Lost

and caramel will have your mouth singing “Halleluiah!” Tavern Brewing, which opened over the summer.

— and at 12.7 percent ABV, it’s definitely a spiritual Offerings include Silent Partner, a 7.8 percent ABV

experience. brew that the brewers describe as a “hearty chocolate

If decadence is more your style — and you’re still stout … brewed with a healthy malt bill and then

working on shaking off winter’s chill — you’ll love the rested on organic Ecuadorian cocoa”; The Seeker, a February/March 2017 • indulge | 13

13.3 percent ABV Cinnsanity. It’s Weyerbacher’s Insanity, 6.5 percent golden American IPA with floral, citrus, and
aged in bourbon barrels with a touch of cinnamon to tropical fruit notes; Grace, an American wheat beer
complement the already present notes of bourbon, with a 4.7 percent ABV and “light-bodied flavors of
cherry and vanilla. The bread and wheat [that] mingle alongside the mild citrus
brewers describe this hop flavors and zest from orange and lemon peel”;
special March release as and Edgewick Ale, a 5 percent ABV English pale ale
smooth and balanced with with “malt flavors of toasted breads, nuts, and caramel,
a subtle sweetness and, blending with herbal and floral hop flavors, and a

thanks to the cinnamon, a — continued on page 14 —
hint of warming spiciness.