It’s A Bloody Adventure – October ’21
Wisconsin Dells
On a bright and sunny Thursday, WiscoMaryMJ and WiscoMaryChristin hopped in the car and headed to the Wisconsin Dells area.
The drive was beautiful, the leaves were displaying their colorful glory, and the WiscoMaryLadies were on a mission!
They pulled into Lake Delton and decided that having breakfast along with the first Bloody Mary of the day was the best plan.
The Wintergreen Grille & Bar (100 N. Gasser Rd.) beckoned to them, just as the sunny day turned cloudy and rainy.
A small, locally-owned restaurant attached to a hotel, The Wintergreen Grille was welcoming, and the service was friendly and prompt. Both of the WiscoMaryLadies opted for eggs, but WiscoMaryChristin had the side of their rightfully-famous buttermilk pancakes, while WiscoMaryMJ opted for hearty marble rye toast with orange marmalade.
The Bloodies that they ordered were substantial, made with A-1 Steak Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce, pickle juice, Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, and Nikolai Vodka. Both WiscoMaryLadies thought they were rich and full-flavored.
As they were leaving, they discovered their next stop, The Beef Jerky Experience (75 Gasser Rd. Suite F), was right across the street, so they headed over to check it out.
The store is stocked with hot sauces and (of course) beef jerky in a wide variety of flavors, including a Bloody Mary flavor!
William, the Manager, was happy to give them samples of the Bloody Mary, Cajun Crawfish, Sweet Bourbon, and more. The WiscoMaryLadies stocked up on a variety of jerky, and then headed back out into the rainy day.
From Lake Delton, the WiscoMaryLadies headed to Baraboo, and the Driftless Glen Distillery (300 Water St.) to meet with Bethany, the Marketing Manager.
The Distillery broke ground in 2012 and started distilling in 2014. They currently distribute their products in 20 states. Driftless Glen makes 16 products, including bourbon, rye, brandy, a “Wisconsin” gin, and only available in-store moonshine. And, of course, VODKA for Bloody Marys! The two vodka flavors available are cucumber and lemon.
Bethany was very gracious and personable and took WiscoMaryMJ on a tour of the Distillery. WiscoMaryMJ was excited to view the tapping of a barrel of their exclusive Port Finished Bourbon, which is their bourbon finished in Ruby Port barrels from Portugal.
The WiscoMaryLadies then enjoyed a really excellent Bloody Mary at the bar. Made with Jimmy Luv’s mix, the Bloody sported a pickle, 2 green olives, a slice of cucumber, a lime wedge, and a slice of Nueske’s bacon. It was finished with a housemade citrus salt rim, which was extremely tasty and worked well with all the flavors of the Bloody. They were also treated to small tastes of the bourbons, rye, and Wiscongin.
The WiscoMaryLadies were very impressed with the exclusive bottle design of the bourbon. Made in France, each side of the bottle sports an imprint of the fingerprints of the two owners – Brian & Renee’ Bemis. Both of the WiscoMaryLadies bought a bottle to take home, as well as a couple bottles of Wiscongin and S’mores Moonshine.
The rain let up at last, WiscoMaryMJ and WiscoMaryChristin left Driftless Glen and took a drive past the Wisconsin historical site of the Baraboo Circus World (550 Water St.) grounds. A Bloody Mary-less detour, but fun and interesting, nonetheless!
Heading towards the Devil’s Lake area, the WiscoMaryLadies made their way to their final stop of the day, Tumbled Rock Brewery & Kitchen (S5718 State Rd. 136 & DL).
The parking lot is flanked by a building housing the brewery and another with the bar/kitchen, and in between a spacious patio.
The WiscoMaryLadies went into the kitchen side and took a seat at the bar. Our bartender, Jamie, was very peppy and friendly. WiscoMaryChristin ordered their version of a Bloody Mary, called The Devil, made with ZingZang mix, Doundrins Pepper Vodka, Cholula Hot Sauce, a spicy pickle, and two green olives. WiscoMaryMJ ordered a Michelada, made with ZingZang and their own beer, Jimmy D’s Mexican Lager.
The food menu looked amazing, and the pair could not help ordering food to snack on, as well as to-go. WiscoMaryMJ ordered the Clam Chowder with Smoked Salmon, the Brussels Sprouts Chips, and the Charred Portobello Mushrooms. WiscoMaryChristin could not resist the pizza made with olive oil, Gorgonzola Cheese, pears, prosciutto, and topped off with Mike’s Hot Honey.
Thus fortified, the pair headed for home, and another Bloody Adventure was in the books!
Cheers!
WiscoMaryMJ and WiscoMaryChristin