Dean Alfange was a unique politician; his place in history was cemented by authoring the American Creed. The creed states:
"I do not choose to be a common man. It is my right to be uncommon. I seek to develop whatever talents God gave me—not security. I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled, and dulled by having the state look after me. I want to take the calculated risk; to dream and to build, to fail, and to succeed. I refuse to barter incentive for a dole. I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence; the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of utopia. I will not trade freedom for beneficence nor my dignity for a handout. I will never cower before any earthly master nor bend to any threat. It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid; to think and act myself, enjoy the benefit of my creations and to face the world boldly and say – 'This, with God's help, I have done.' All this is what it means to be an American."
We currently live in a nation where many share a pessimistic view of our country, culture, and heritage. I have a different point of view. I believe the United States of America is truly the last beacon of freedom across the world. We are a nation that rightly tore itself apart over the wretched practice of slavery, demonstrating to the world that it was unacceptable and unfathomable in a civilized culture. We are a nation that has lifted millions out of poverty because individuals choose to seek whatever talents God gave them to create, produce, and prosper. We are a nation that stormed the beaches of Omaha, Normandy, and promoted freedom across the globe. Despite our faults, we are a nation with a history and a heritage we can celebrate.
I find myself attracted to the lore of history. The idea that George Washington was once the nation's largest distiller and stated that he lost his election to the Virginia House of Burgesses because he failed to provide enough bumbo to voters. I find myself attracted to American whiskey, bourbon, and other spirit producers that radiate the idea that they prefer to take the calculated risk; to dream; to build, fail, and succeed. They prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence of the state.
Moving forward, Lotus Cove Whiskey Review will work to diligently highlight those entrepreneurs who have risked it all to produce an American spirit. Mega-corporations distill the majority of American spirits, and they have a rightful place in the conversation. They distill and age excellent products at fair prices, and they contribute mightily to the idea of American exceptionalism. We will continue to write about them, but it is the little guy with everything on the line that attracts me the most.
Over 2,000 distilleries dot the landscape of the United States. From Hawaii to Maine, men and women are producing bourbons, whiskeys, rums, and other spirits so that we, the consumer, can enjoy them. They don't have huge budgets or Madison Avenue marketing teams to craft their message. They fight arcane prohibition-era liquor laws that make it challenging to get their products to consumers. But in the end, they have the persistence, commitment, rugged individualism, and a never say die work ethic that will carry them through. They all have a fundamental belief that their product is worthy of our hard-earned income despite the roadblocks that lie ahead.
"Bourbon Whiskey" is a distinct product of the United States. It has a rightful place in American history, but it is not the whole story. For hundreds of producers who believe "It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid; to think and act myself, enjoy the benefit of my creations and to face the world boldly and say – 'This, with God's help, I have done.' All this is what it means to be an American."
If you are a distillery, Lotus Cove Whiskey Review wants to help tell your story. We will be launching a podcast in early 2021, and we will continue to write reviews. If you are interested in being featured, we would love to hear from you. You can email me: Wes@LotusCoveWhiskeyReview.com.