Ryan & Wood and Cape Ann Images.....How Cool!

A few months back Bob Ryan of Ryan & Wood Distillery approached me with an idea. Bob thought the Cape Ann Images logo above would make a fine label for their new product "Straight Rye Whiskey". After some digging into my database I sent Bob a high resolution image minus the seagull overlay.

According to Bob:
The label on the bottle is an image of Gloucester’s Fisherman’s Memorial taken by Jay Albert. It is a strange connection, says Bob, to use an image taken by Jay. It was at his Dad’s package store, Mooter’s, where I tried to make my first alcohol purchase. I say “tried” because, due to some doubt of my age, Mr. Albert and Mr. Eddie Silva threw me out on my can. I thank them now for that.

Federal Standard of Identity: Straight Rye Whiskey
Whisky produced at not exceeding 80% alcohol by volume (160 proof), from a fermented mash of not less than 51 percent rye and stored at not more than
62.5% alcohol by volume (125 proof) in charred new oak containers, for not less than 2
years in new barrels

Rye Whiskey was what we first distilled knowing that it would years before we would learn what the aging process here in Gloucester would deliver. We processed only 4 barrels at that time, last July, 2008. Barrel # 11 exemplifies what we want to be for our Rye whiskey. We will follow with #’s 1, 2 & 10 as they are ready. We have since barreled, on average, one smaller 30 gallon barrel a month.
Rye Whiskey: Whiskey of Colonial America.
Barrels: Purchased from Bluegrass Cooperage, Kentucky, 53 gallon Whiskey Barrels, Medium toast, #3 Char
Grains: Rye, Wheat, Malted Barley
Barrel date: Barrel # 11 , July 12, 2008
Bottle date: April 19, 2011 , true “Patriots Day”
Bottles: 336 bottles or 56 x 6 bottle cases
Label credit : MGT design, Maureen Terrill.
Label Image: courtesy of Jay Albert
Label thought: Gloucester’s Fisherman’s Memorial Cenotaph, aka “The Man at the Wheel” statue, is the icon of Gloucester. While stopped in traffic waiting for the “cut” bridge to be lowered, we all have studied the statue from this view. Our thoughts will drift out towards the Breakwater and beyond to the horizon. The romance of chasing dreams and what could be takes shape. We honor that vista with our label.

Ryan & Wood Distillery, “The Spirit of Cape Ann” is a family run craft distillery located in Gloucester, Mass. Other Spirits produced include “Beauport Vodka”, “Knockabout Gin” and “Folly Cove Rum”.

Label designed by Maureen Terrill of MGT design.

German made 600 liter alembic copper pot still. (Note my fingers glowing pink fron covering my hand over the flash to diffuse the light.)

30 gallon barrels.

Bob Ryan and Bob Hastings Executive Director of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce.

Bob Hastings checks out the aroma.

Bottles waiting for labeling.

Mr. Hastings applying the first label.

Slowly turning the bottle.

First bottle!

First three bottles.

Bob Ryan signs the first bottles.