What This Somm Is Drinking for Thanksgiving
André Hueston Mack shares his favorite things.
The Deligram shines a spotlight on the many incredible food artisans in New York–and beyond. So we look to our friends to help us discover the best of the best every day. This week, we spoke to André Hueston Mack, a multi-hyphenate who is a self-described “wearer of many hats.” “I’m a sommelier by trade,” he says. “curious by nature but mostly a lover of hospitality.” He’s also a designer, a winemaker and founder of Maison Noir Wine, and recently launched Rye & Sons, an American-made rye whiskey brand.
His newest pursuit felt inevitable in many ways. “I think most of the world knows me as a wine lover,” he says. “But I must confess that it all started with my love of whiskey.” When Sean Josephs, the cofounder of Pinhook Bourbon and an old friend, invited Mack to a blending session as part of a collaboration series, a new product seemed inevitable. “I believe that was enough to send me head over heels,” Mack says. “After the collaboration sold out we put our heads together and came up with Rye & Sons, a whiskey for all. This allowed me to champion the underdog, Rye—America’s first whiskey, and craft a spirit that over-delivered on quality and price while having some fun with the packaging.”
The whiskey is, obviously, a great gift for the holidays. And with the season officially here, we asked Mack to share a few of his other favorite things of the moment–and his guide to drinking well on Thanksgiving.
Moromi Shoyu, $20
“Don’t let the fancy name fool you. This is soy sauce, but not just any soy sauce. It is of the highest quality and made in Connecticut, and at $20 a bottle, it might be the steal of the century.”
Sarah Koik pitchers, $220
“Call them tabletop creations, functional art, whatever—just take a look at them”
City Saucery Vegan Tomato ‘Nduja, $20 for two jars
“This vegan adaptation of a famous Calabrian spreadable meat made with tomatoes is utterly brilliant—full stop!”
MISE shoes, $129
“I’ve spent many hours on the restaurant floor and in countless kitchens, and I’ve tried every type of footwear from clogs to tennis shoes. Where I think MISE gets it right is landing somewhere in between the two.”
Mi Cocina denim aprons, $80-$185
“I love the fact that these aprons are comfortable, durable, and stylish. I think the use of an apron in the kitchen is all about intention—I’m gonna put on this special garment with the intention of creating this meal.”
My Guide to Drinking Well on Thanksgiving
“I think between Gamay and Pinot Noir you can really cover the cornucopia of flavors that are found on the Thanksgiving table. In my household, we like to celebrate this distinctly American holiday with domestic wines, so we’ll be drinking Maison Noir Wines “Gamma Ray” Willamette Valley 2021, $30.
If you want a unique Pinot Noir expression, check out this bottle from Germany: Enderle & Moll “Basis” Baden Pinot Noir 2020, $30.
For a more fruit-forward Pinot Noir, this is always one of my go-to’s from California: Hirsch Vineyards “Bohan-Dillon” Pinot Noir 2019, $38.
And for a cocktail:
The Rye Top Fade, a rift on the Classic rye whiskey highball, topped with ginger ale and a couple of dashes of angostura bitters. The recipe:
2 oz. Rye & Sons whiskey
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Top with ginger ale
Thank you to Andre Mack for the most inspiring list!