The Drinks & Entertainment Business
By Alexandra Zendrian
John Pawluk, previously a Wall Street accountant, opened Twisted Cow Distillery in East Northport about a year and a half ago.
Since then, it’s been a giant learning experience for him, and he’s been fortunate enough to have learned from some of the best in the industry.
About six months after opening, Pawluk realized that in addition to crafting unique liquor, he needed to create an experience that captures people and makes them want to spend time (and money) with you. This doesn’t just require local musicians, although that is a part of the puzzle. It can also be events like his recent sip and paint one.
When it comes to crafting his liquor, Pawluk takes everything in a measured approach (pun intended) and utilizes mill grain that is treated in a certain way to create his authentic blend. It’s also all in how you agitate, Pawluk says.
His stills aren’t made with copper, which not only makes them safer and stronger but then the liquor is also not reactive. The distills are also square and the agitators are conical in shape.
This was all reverse-engineered so Twisted Cow could be flexible in what it makes. After all, you can’t craft a whiskey and an apple brandy using the same equipment while doing each of those products justice.
Pawluk’s favorite part of the process is bottling and barreling.
“You get a little banter going,” Pawluk said describing the bottling process. “Friends will come down for bottling.”
He believes in supporting the people who have helped him along his journey, including nearby Sand City Brewing Co. and the Foster family. He also gets his barrels from the Adirondack. Twisted Cow self distributes and utilizes 100 percent of its grain from Long Island. Pawluk’s New York pride extends to utilizing only New York State wood in his Hewitt Square location.
You might be asking yourself how an accountant came to know so much about distilling? Part of Pawluk’s decision came from no longer appreciating his long train commute from East Northport. Pawluk describes himself as “not a cocktail guy.” He likes the vodka he makes but overall isn’t a fan of the alcoholic beverage.
He enjoys the Rye Dog that Twisted Cow creates; he has crafted his liquors to be consumed neat to show off their grain. Although they can also be combined with juices and other items to make a mixed drink, like at his East Northport location.
After getting an “awesome reception” from the Town of Huntington and local people, Pawluk wants to grow efficiency and barrel inventory in the coming years. He also would like wholesale to be a more significant part of his business. And Pawluk is also always on the hunt for places that appreciate locally made products, so you may see him at nearby farmer’s markets.