Seir Hill in Print
We are excited to be featured in Sherry Monahan's book, Shaken in 2020, But Not Stirred: Cocktails, Connections, and Humor available on Amazon.com.
The book is described on Amazon as: Drinks, humor, and uplifting stories to get you through any calamity. The year 2020 seemed like an apocalyptic nightmare or something ripped out of tabloid magazines. But many managed to stay connected, find humor, and concoct cocktails and mocktails when a pandemic struck, murder hornets threatened, and a zombie tropical storm appeared. Shaken in 2020, But not Stirred, captures the American spirit of survival, cocktails, humor, and inspiration. The stories in this book show human fortitude, a sense of humor, and a lot of inventiveness. Not only did people from all walks of life share their survival stories, but most offered their unique cocktail creations. Over 90 recipes include: Antibody Martini, Lockdown Limeade, Key Lime Pie Non-Tini, Pink Pandemic, and Thou Shalt Not Covid Me.
Excerpt featuring Seir Hill's founder, Brian Miller:
Another man with a similar vision created Seir Hill in Connecticut. One could say that Covid-19 caused him to create his non-alcohol alternative beverages. Brian Miller was a web designer for some very high-end companies and did that for twenty-five years. After his company was bought out, he received a two-year contract that ended in February 2020. He also had to sign a non-compete clause so he chose to become a photographer, but when the pandemic hit, that idea stalled. He said, “It’s kind of hard to be a portrait photographer when there’s nobody to photograph.” So, with a lot of skills and nowhere to use them, he and his wife (also very talented), brainstormed.
Brian’s decision to give up alcohol in September 2019 also played a role. He noted, “Our quest for developing delicious alcohol-free spirits began when I made the decision to give up alcohol on my path to live a healthier lifestyle. While I gave up my taste for alcohol, I didn’t give up my taste for fine spirits.” He soon decided to create his own brand that had the same aroma, taste, and mouth-feel that real alcohol has. He told me that because the pandemic slowed everything down, he was able to take the time to really craft a wonderful product rather than rushing one to market. Their first foray into this world was a whiskey alternative called Mashville. The name itself has a funny story and came about during an online virtual call. He recalled, “We were discussing what to call it and one advisor said, ‘Mashbill,’ but the rest of us heard Mashville. We all agreed it was a good name. The person who suggested Mashbill was a little surprised with Mashville, but they loved it.” As of August 2020, they are developing a rum and tequila alternative. In the meantime, here’s a mocktail for their no alcohol whiskey product.
