Takeout Spotlight: Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing

Matt Kleck

It's gonna be May — more specifically, it's gonna be May 2020 (5/20). 

That may not hold any particular numerological significance with you, but it most certainly does with Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing, aka "The Westfield Wonder." Throughout 5/20 Month (deploying the hashtag #Five20Month), the Mazza Chautauqua Cellars-run brewery and distillery will be hosting virtual celebrations and offering takeout specials, cocktail kits, and curbside promotions for an unprecedented kickoff to "Patio Season." 

Consider restoring some sunshine to your life (and/or life to your dormant car battery) with a scenic drive east along Route 5 (then south on Walker Road) or Route 20 to take advantage of some truly once-in-a-century deals – with complimentary (no purchase necessary) small bottles of hand sanitizer to everyone who does stop in.

For Beer Lovers

The $5 Menu

Although these offers may not quite justify a 40-minute drive for Erieites, they are a nice option for those dwelling a little closer to the Pa./N.Y. state line.

• A 32 oz. growler (i.e. glass jug) fill of any available Tier 1 beer (essentially anything not aged in a barrel) 
• Two 12 oz. logo beer glasses (souvenirs!)

The $20 Menu

The $20 menu options are more befitting of a bona fide beer run.

• One 12 pack + one 32 oz. growler fill 
• One 12 pack + one 6 pack brewer's choice
• One bottle of Afterburner Bierschnapps (101 proof unaged spirit distilled from finished barleywine)

The DIY Beer Tasting Kit ($29.95)

Sample a spectrum of beer styles in emulation of a tasting room experience. The kit includes:

• (4) 12 oz. bottles of Pale Ale (refreshingly hopped)
• (4) 12 oz. bottles of Grape Lakes American Wheat (summer sipper brewed with N.Y. concord grape juice)
• (4) 12 oz. bottles of Stout (roasty and full-bodied)
• (1) 25 oz. bottle of Commiseration (bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout, rich and complex)
• (2) 12 oz. logo beer glasses to help divvy up the samples (or not)

For Cocktail Lovers

The Five & 20 Maple Old-Fashioned Kit ($44.95)

Maple syrup stands in for sugar in this modification of this classic cocktail recipe. Kit includes:

• 1 bottle (750 mL) of Five & 20 Straight Bourbon
• 1 bottle (200 mL) of bourbon barrel-aged maple syrup
• 1 bottle (4 oz.) of Berg & Hauck Aromatic Bitters
• 1 fresh orange for garnish

The Saratoga Kit ($74.95)

The Saratoga is a boozy concoction that has been described as a cross between a Manhattan and Metropolitan. It's okay though; you're not going anywhere (besides Five & 20 to pick this up).

• 1 bottle (750 mL) of Five & 20 Straight Rye Whiskey
• 1 bottle (375 mL) of Five & 20 Della Mella (apple brandy liqueur)
• 1 bottle (375 mL) Balsam Sweet American Vermouth
• 1 bottle (4 oz.) of Berg & Hauck Aromatic Bitters
• 1 fresh orange for garnish

For Food Lovers

Did you know that the same Chef Dan Kern that runs Erie's 1201 Kitchen also has his tongs in Five & 20's on-site eatery Bird? Although Bird may not be cleared for flight to start "Patio Season," you can still savor the culinary creations of a seasoned veteran. 

Check the Five & 20 Facebook page weekly for menu updates, pickup information, and pricing details on these weekend meals in partnership with 1201. Each includes a Five & 20 beer pairing to perfectly complement the fare. The dinners will be available on the following days:

• Saturday, May 2
• Sunday, May 10 (Mother's Day Brunch)
• Saturday, May 16
• Saturday, May 23
• Saturday, May 30

Other perks

As an added incentive for embarking on the modest odyssey to Westfield, every Five & 20 curbside pickup in May will include a punch card valid for five 20-cent tastings to celebrate the eventual Tasting Room reopening AND one entry into a prize drawing worth $520, to be announced Jun. 1. The package includes:

• Authentic Five & 20 whiskey barrel
• Two bottles of Five & 20 whiskey
• Event tickets
• Five & 20 "swag" (gifts and wearables) 

Tune in to YouTube Live on May 1 for a virtual performance from Fred Oakman and on May 20 (5/20/20!) for a Virtual Cheers at...you guessed it, 5:20 p.m.

This is not the work of the illuminati, but it is very intentional and purposeful — to help bridge the gap until we can again raise glasses together.

Matt Swanseger (mswanseger@eriereader.com) has tried the new Five & 20 hand sanitizer, it's liquidy (best used in a mini spray bottle), and smells refreshingly boozy.