After tasting and experiencing Organic Nation Vodka in drinks made by several different great bartenders we were delighted to meet the people in charge. As a result of our conversation, we inquired about their mixologist, Melodie Buell. After we give you her award winning Oregon “Goose’s Pear’d Up” we’ll share her background in her own words. It needs no enhancement or spin from The Tandem Tasters.

Goose’s Pear’d Up

1/4 ounce Southern Oregon home grown organic Black Peppercorn simple syrup

2 ounces Organic Nation Vodka distilled in Ashland, Oregon

8 gooseberries from Wit little field farm in Phoenix Oregon

1/8 Comice Pear from Eden Vale Orchards in Medford, Oregon

Float of LongSword Vineyard “Accolade” Semi-sparkling Chardonnay from the Applegate Valley

Directions:

Chop the pear into 7-8 cubes.

Put the gooseberries and pear into a pint glass.

Muddle lightly (make sure you break the skins of the gooseberries)

Add Organic Nation Vodka, Black Peppercorn Simple Syrup, Ice and shake.

Strain and serve in a 9 ounce Martini glass.

Float of Long Sword Sparkling wine.

There should be at least a few little specks of black peppercorn in the bottom from the syrup.

Garnish with 5 gooseberries, 1 generous slice of Comice pear on the side of the Martini Glass.

Now on to our mixologist’s bio.

“At the age of three, I was caught in the kitchen naked wearing nothing more than my sunglasses and pink gun holsters slung around my hips. I had loaded my guns with the only real ingredients I could think of, and was pretending to shoot them at people. I was on the way to my passion, and NO it wasn’t guns.”

“Getting caught in the kitchen became a regular occurrence for me. Whether making a mess, concocting wild creations, or experimenting with one’s senses, I constantly honed an emerging talent. At an undisclosed age I was inevitably a part of my mothers catering business, I was hands-on, in the kitchen and helped my mother craft and refine her recipes for the business.

From my humble beginnings built on simple infusions, to the incorporation of unexpected tastes and flavors that have won awards, my progression into the world of Mixology seemed predictable. My story now continues to include a career position with an incredible Oregon Distillery, Organic Nation Spirits, where I continue to lend my sensory interpretations and random moments of inspiration to create menus and viable marketing strategies.”

“While the path still winds, I will never forget where I came from and how my creative passion was nurtured by my mom and family. They are the ones who allowed me wear my holsters and finish my mission of stuffing my guns with, what in my mind was the most appropriate ammunition, dough and a little love.”

“Cheers! Lots of Love Mom! Thanks for letting me peruse your lovely garden and use up your spices in my moments of inspiration.” –Melodie Buell, Mixologist, Oregon

We hope you enjoy. We’ll feature some easier cocktails from Melodie soon.