The second of our Portland Piano Virtual Extravaganza events kicks off with our new cover of “The Cascades” from Fleet Foxes, one of the 21st century’s premier indie rock bands. The band was formed in the Pacific Northwest and its culture, environment, and sensibilities play an integral role in the band’s earthy, folk-inflected sound.
“The Cascades” captivated us from our first listen. The celestial interplay of the melody gave us the feeling of soaring above the trees with the wind rushing upon our faces, and the subtle harmonic changes evoked the image of light and shadow dancing upon distant mountaintops. We hiked the Cascades in 2015, experiencing for ourselves the wild beauty we aim to capture in our two-piano arrangement and simple, hearty, Old Fashioned-inspired cocktail.
Portland’s Freeland Spirits makes their rich, velvety bourbon uniquely Pacific Northwestern by giving it a final rest in Oregon’s Elk Cove Pinot Noir barrels. The wine barrels impart a smoky berry layer to the Bourbon that pairs perfectly with Oregon’s famous marionberries (blackberries are a suitable substitute for those of you elsewhere). Marionberries have a complex, earthy flavor that is both sweet and tart, nicely accenting the caramel and vanilla inherent in Freeland’s exceptional bourbon. Orange bitters and zest add bright citrus notes and draw out a hint of marmalade hidden in the bourbon’s spicy aroma. We invite you to experiment with more/less sugar or soda water to find the perfect Cascadian cocktail for you.
The Cascades
(A Marionberry Old Fashioned)
Yield: 1 cocktail
Ingredients:
1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
1-2 dashes Angostura bitters
1-2 dashed orange bitters
5 fresh marionberries (or substitute with blackberries)
Ice cubes
Orange peel strip
Club soda (optional)
Instructions:
Combine the sugar, bitters, and three marionberries in a cocktail shaker. Muddle the mixture until sugar is dissolved, then add the bourbon and ice cubes. Stir well and strain into an Old-Fashioned glass. Top with soda (if so inclined), add a large ice cube, and garnish with an orange peel and two berries on a skewer… a cocktail umbrella will do in a pinch pandemic.
Cheers!
Everyone is welcome to participate with an alcohol-free, Cascadian creation.
Marionberry Lemonade
Yeild: 1 drink
Ingredients:
1/2 cup simple syrup*
4 marionberries
Juice of one lemon
1 cup water or soda
3/4 cup ice
Instructions:
*Simple syrup is even parts sugar and water heated in a saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. 2 cups sugar and 2 cups water make about a quart of syrup which can be stored in the fridge and used for several lemonades.
Muddle three marionberries in a cocktail shaker, then add the lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice cubes. Stir well and strain into an appropriate glass. Top with water or soda, add a large ice cube, and garnish with an orange peel and a berry on a skewer.