ROCKLAND — For a state that spearheaded Prohibition, Maine has come a long way. Much like the craft brew movement in the state, the craft distilling (hard liquor) movement is gaining tremendous popularity thanks to a surge in retro cocktails and interest in handcrafted spirits. On Wednesday Dec. 11, 3CROW Restaurant & Bar will be hosting its first talk and tasting with Ned Wight and Tim Fisher from New England Distilling, up from Portland.

The talk led by Wight and Fisher will highlight distilling's place in Maine's overall craft movement and introduce a tasting of all three of their spirits— Gunpowder rye whiskey, Ingenium gin and Eight Bells rum. Small snack-type offerings will be included.

”While I do feel that trying new things is always a good thing, I don't want to give the impression that someone attending the event will suddenly love gin, for example,” said bar manager Justin Mineo. “Rather, I think the purpose of this event is to cater toward an audience semi-familiar with spirits and their own palate and to tell the incredible story of New England Distilling. This is not some brainstormed idea from a couple of 20-somethings...e.g.’dude, we should make rum!’...rather, the Wights have been distilling for six generations and Ned values the classic aspects of the process, most evident by the hand-made copper pot still used for all his distillations. New England Distilling is highly respected for what they produce and 'craft distilling' is as topical as ever.”

Space is very limited for the event, to be held in their downstairs event room, and starts at 6:30 p.m. It is a seated event and is expected to last about 90 minutes. Tickets are $20 (includes tax and gratuity).

To see a related story about the craft cocktail movement in the Midcoast, see our past article: What does it mean to be a bartender? Depends whom you ask.

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com