Meet our crew: Maria Konermann

Meet our crew: get to know the awesome humans that make Cardinal Spirits possible!

Maria Konermann. Photos by Anna Powell Denton

Maria Konermann

— — —

bar manager at Cardinal Spirits bar/restaurant/tasting room

Maria on Instagram: @bigbabycakes / Maria on Facebook

pronouns: she/her

— — —

Tell us about your role at Cardinal Spirits.

I'm the bar manager, which usually means I oversee our bartenders, cocktail menus, bar chores & inventory. In normal, non-pandemic times I would also be creating the most complicated, prep-heavy cocktails on the menu because I am just the worst. However, right now I mostly just help out the general management team with day-to-day tasks & managing our staff, while daydreaming about making fancy cocktails.

Where are you from? Where have you lived?

I'm from Bloomfield, IN. I now live in Bloomington, IN. I'm very adventurous. 

Any pets or family members that you'd like to introduce?

My baby niece Eleanor is like my favorite person. She's the cutest ever. I'll attach a picture for proof.

Tell us about a skill that you have outside of work!

I've gotten almost pro at binge-watching 90's sitcoms. That's a skill, right? Oh, and gardening. Been growing mad squash, peppers & flowers all summer!

Do you have a side hustle?

I sell pre-loved mostly vintage clothing online on a site called Depop. Follow my store Dishwater Vintage on Depop! I love all things 70's, but end up mostly selling a lot of nostalgic 90's clothes. I've sold all over--mostly to people in New York & California, but also internationally to people in the Netherlands, Belgium, & Singapore. Aka I'm kind of a big deal. 😉

What's your favorite Cardinal Spirits product?

My all-time favorite is the Tiki Rum. If you've ever had my Mr. Pitiful cocktail, you know what I'm talking about. (Editor’s note: Mr Pitiful was on our fall 2018 menu, a smoky, warming cocktail made with Tiki Rum, Valencia Triple Sec, chipotle, lemon, maple syrup, smoke bitters.)

It's happy hour. What are you drinking?

Either a Paloma or a spicy rum cocktail

Do you have any advice for people who want to make better drinks at home?

Invest in a small cocktail kit (hand held citrus squeezer, a couple pour spouts, a one ounce shot glass, a shaker tin & a strainer) and that's all you'll ever need. And don't forget to stock up on ice. Cocktails take more ice than you're ever prepared for when you're at home. It also always helps to mentally prepare yourself for the clean up that will ensue after the cocktail making. The mess is unfortunate yet inevitable. And lastly--get creative but don't go crazy. Save the hard work for the cocktail bartenders. Don't waste good product on a bad cocktail. 

What's Cardinal's best kept secret?

Honestly, some of the Spotify playlists made and left behind by Cardinal alum Chris Resnick. If you need anyone to compilate the soundtrack to your life, it is Chris. 

What's your coffee order?

I can't have caffeine anymore, so unfortunately I'd have to order a chamomile tea. However, when I did drink coffee, it was a half-caf soy latte because I am bougie.

How do you start your morning?

By hitting snooze repeatedly and going back to sleep until it's absolutely necessary to wake up. Then I stumble around like a toddler for a little while and curse at the daylight

Tell us about a podcast, movie, book, TV show, album, subscription, etc. that you consumed and liked!

If you haven't watched the docu-series Lorena, now is the time. On a lighter note, my partner & I also love the show We Bare Bears. (both on prime!)

What's your favorite midnight snack?

Mini Chewy Sweetarts and popsicles. ALL of the popsicles.

Most used-emoji?

😅 The anxious one--I've never thought about it before but it makes me anxious just thinking about how many times I use it.

Favorite condiment?

Nacho cheese is a condiment, right??

Want to give a shout-out to anyone?

Shout out to my weirdo partner, Kieran, who also happens to work at Cardinal Spirits right now. He's kept me (semi-)sane throughout the pandemic and I couldn't deal with all of the curveballs without him. 

Thanks, Maria! We are lucky to have you on our team!

MORE OF OUR CREW

Meet our crew: Jordan Brown

Meet our crew: get to know the awesome humans that make Cardinal Spirits possible!

Jordan Brown. Photos by Anna Powell Denton

Jordan Brown

— — —

chef de partie at Cardinal Spirits bar/restaurant/tasting room

Jordan on Instagram: @chefsavage_03

pronouns: he/him

— — —

Tell us about your role at Cardinal Spirits.

I’m a chef de partie here at Cardinal. My role is to prep and cook all the delicious food we have here. We cook for customers at our carry-out window and all staff.

Where are you from? Where have you lived?

I’m from Detroit, Michigan, and I’ve lived in Bloomington for 20 years.

Favorite Cardinal Spirits product, cocktail or dish?

My favorite drink was the Queen Beryl that we had (Editor’s note: Remember that stunning cocktail from our Spring 2018 menu? With our Vodka plus coconut, cassis, orgeat, pineapple, lemon, vanilla.).
My favorite dish is the prime rib sandwich that we have now for carry out. Bramble Vodka is my favorite product that we carry.

It’s happy hour. What are you eating or drinking?

I’m eating steak and eggs with a mimosa. 

What's your coffee order?

Iced chai tea with a shot of caramel 

Do you have any advice for people who want to improve their cocktails or food at home?

Cookbooks are very helpful when you want to try something new and creative. Right now I’m reading The Hell’s Kitchen Cookbook. Also, Authentic Mexican by Rick Bayless is a good read.

What's your favorite midnight snack?

Hickory barbecue chips

Most used-emoji?

🔥

Favorite condiment?

Ranch all day.

Want to give a shout-out to anyone?

Shout out to my mom. She’s the best .

Thanks, Jordan! We love having you on our team!

MORE OF OUR CREW

Meet our crew: Ally Oveson

Meet our crew: get to know the awesome humans that make Cardinal Spirits possible!

Ally Oveson. Photos by Anna Powell Denton

Ally Oveson

— — —

manager at Cardinal Spirits bar/restaurant/tasting room

Ally on Instagram: @replicant.ally

pronouns: she/her

— — —

Tell us about your role at Cardinal Spirits.

I am a front-of-house manager. My role pre-coronavirus was to manage the tasting room, and work with private groups and organizations with planning on-site events. Now, we’ve made everything carry-out so my duties have morphed. A lot of email correspondence! (Editor’s note: Ally just recently stepped away from Cardinal Spirits to focus on her kids’ education. We wish Ally and her fam all the best!)

Share a skill that you have outside of work!

I am a ceramist. I studied ceramics and art history at IU, and have worked in the community as an educator.

Where are you from? Where have you lived?

I grew up here in Bloomington, and graduated from Indiana University in 2014. I spent school breaks in Massachusetts growing up, there was a short time in Denver, but for the most part I’ve stayed rooted.

Any pets or family members that you'd like to introduce? 

My family is my favorite part of my life! Terrance, Izzy, Rylan, and Nola.

Ally and Terrance.

Favorite Cardinal Spirits product?

Terra Gin, and the Vodka Soda cans. They’re light and refreshing, and I like to flavor them myself.

It's happy hour. What are you drinking?

It’s always weather/climate/mood dependent, but I really miss the Big in Japan. That cocktail was so juicy and a little umami and perfect IMO. (Editor’s note: Big In Japan was a cocktail on our winter 2019 menu, made with kaffir-lime-infused Terra Botanical Gin, red miso, guava, ginger, honey, lime, and club soda.)

Do you have any advice for people who want to make better drinks at home?

Get a shaker and strainer, and a shot glass for measuring. Most cocktails just come down to ratios. A general rule (with plenty of exceptions), is to shake a cocktail that contains fruit juice. Aged spirits are typically stirred. Just have fun and drink what you like and you think tastes good. Don’t focus on trends!

What's Cardinal's best kept secret?

I’m not sure if it’s a secret or not, but we have an extremely accepting culture here. I feel like restaurant/bar industry culture is very alpha, and maybe it’s because we’re a distillery and not strictly a bar, but it definitely is different from other places I’ve worked. Another best-kept secret: family meal! Because we get to be guinea pigs for new menu items or we just get some crazy-delicious stuff that no one else will get to try.

Have you ever thought of a good business idea?

Of course I have, but if I tell you and you use it, I will be sad.

What's your coffee order?

Just coffee with cream only, or a mocha if I’m being fancy. You have to ask that they put it in a larger cup, though, so the whipped cream doesn’t get smashed.

How do you start your morning? 

Tip-toeing into the kitchen for some coffee. I’m a really early riser - like 5 or 6. I might doze back off if there’s time. Otherwise, I check in with the news and wait for the whirlwind of kids to begin.

Any favorite places on the Internet?

I’m an avid online shopper. But other than that, I’m pretty glued to the news. NYT, CNN, Forbes. 

What's your favorite midnight snack?

Reese’s Pieces

Most used-emoji?

🤣 is probably my most frequently used, but my favorite is 🥟. Who doesn’t love dumplings?

Favorite condiment?

Dijon. And I just want to go on the record as saying that ketchup is disgusting!

Thanks, Ally! We love having you on our team!

MORE OF OUR CREW

Meet our crew: Emily Hoagland

Meet our crew: get to know the awesome humans that make Cardinal Spirits possible!

Emily Hoagland. Photo by Anna Powell Denton

Emily Hoagland

— — —

founder’s assistant

pronouns: she/her

— — —

What is your role like at Cardinal?
As the Founder's Assistant at Cardinal, I do everything from assist with the production of spirits, monitor billing issues, invoice our distributors, schedule our bottling line crews, and mostly try to help take the weight off of anyone who may need help. I really like how different my job can be from one day to another and how much I have been able to learn from everyone I work with. I was hired without having a background in accounting or distilling and I am grateful every day that Cardinal is led by individuals who place potential above previous experience. 

Where are you from? Where have you lived?

I am from Bloomington, IN. I lived in Killeen, TX, for three years and Brunssum, NL, for two.

Any pets or family members that you'd like to introduce? 

I have a two year old pup named Jasper who is the love of my life.

Jasper. Photo by Emily Hoagland

Favorite Cardinal Spirits product?

Terra is my fave CS product

It's happy hour. What are you drinking?

Terra Old Fashioned is my happy hour drink of choice

What is Cardinal Spirits best-kept secret?

The Dew Drop
(Editor’s note: A beloved ritual, Dew Drop is a shot of whatever spirit we’ve bottled that day, dropped into a cup of Mountain Dew. Not on the menu!)

What’s your coffee order?

"Swamp Thing" from Soma

How do you start your mornings?

I start my morning by loving on my dog until he gets fed up with me. Then I pour myself a cup of coffee and blare music while getting ready for work.

And how do you end your day?

I usually end my day the same way but with Bud Light instead of coffee.

Can you recommend a podcast, movie, book, TV show, album, subscription, etc. that you consumed and liked?

The self titled album by Boygenius is by far the most impactful album of my life in the last five years. I highly recommend it!

Favorite emoji?

I use the thumbs up emoji a lot. It's just so succinct!

Want to give a shout-out to anyone?

A HUGE shout-out to the whole bottling crew. They keep this thing going, and they work very hard! Love them! 

Thanks, Emily! We’re grateful that you’re part of our team!

MORE OF OUR CREW

Meet our crew: Alex Doane

Meet our crew: get to know the awesome humans that make Cardinal Spirits possible!

Alex Doane. Photos by Anna Powell Denton

Alex Doane

— — —
server and clerk at Cardinal Spirits

Alex on Instagram: @rosetinteddream

pronouns: he/him/they
— — —

Tell us about your role at Cardinal Spirits.

Server - helping people feel welcome and at ease during their time visiting Cardinal Spirits. Clerk - Helping the community stay safe with our hand sanitizer and handing off delicious spirits via our walk-up window.

Where are you from? Where have you lived?

Bloomfield, Indiana. The only other place I've had the chance to live yet is where I call home, Bloomington. 

Cici. Photo by Alex Doane

Any pets or family members that you'd like to introduce? 

Oh yes! My very sweet and very frisky tuxedo cat named CiCi.

Share a skill that you have outside of work.

I'm really good at making all-natural body butters!

Do you have a side hustle? What is it?

Photography! I love doing more creative portraits of people.

What's your favorite Cardinal Spirits product?

Probably the Creekbend Brandy. I make a lot of Terra Gin cocktails, but the brandy is best on its own.

Self-portrait (left) and Alex’s Watermelon Gin & Tonic (right). Photos by Alex Doane

It's happy hour. What are you drinking?

Cucumber or Watermelon Gin & Tonic with extra lime. (Shake the cucumber/watermelon, gin, and lime juice before topping with tonic water).

What advice can you give to people who want to make better drinks at home?

Use fresh citrus! Other than that, don't be afraid to test things and make your own simple syrups.

What's Cardinal's best kept secret?

I think either Perry and their babies (our resident groundhogs), or the service industry discount that many people still don't know about! (Editor’s note: we offer 15% off cocktails, spirits, and food to service industry folks!)

What would surprise people about the work you do at Cardinal?

That it has led me to make some really good friends and has helped me let go of preconceived notions I’ve had of people.

Have you ever thought of a good business idea? What is it?

Oh too many, and if I tell you people will do them before me! 

What's your coffee order?

Double shot oat milk latte. But I prefer making coffee at home.

How do you start your morning? 

Being woken up by my cat. Then some espresso, stretches, hula hooping to Crystal Waters, and meditation surrounded by my house plants.

How do you end your day?

Some stretches, skincare regimen, and belly rubs for my cat. Sometimes an X-Files episode.

Any favorite places on the Internet?

 kissanime.ru, where I watch a lot of anime both popular and obscure!

Recommend a podcast, movie, book, TV show, album, subscription, etc. that you consumed and liked.

The French-Belgian thriller series "Black Spot" on Netflix.

What's your favorite midnight snack?

Jalapeño kettle chips or cucumbers and hummus

Most used-emoji?

- 🥀

Favorite condiment?

Barbecue sauce or this gochujang dipping sauce I make.

Want to give a shout-out to anyone?

All oppressed communities, I am here to fight along you and for you. Now and forever.

Thanks, Alex! We’re lucky to have you on our team!

MORE OF OUR CREW

MEET OUR CREW: ALISON ZOOK

We've got a spectacular crew here at Cardinal Spirits, and we'd like to introduce you to everybody one by one. Today, meet Alison Zook, our indispensable events director.
Here, she answers some Cardinal Qs.

ALISON ZOOK

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
Spencer, Ind.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN BLOOMINGTON?
18 years

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT BLOOMINGTON?
Bloomington has some of the finest people that you will ever meet. We have a kind of community here that is very unique — it has the feel of a city but the heart of a small town. 

FAVORITE THING TO DRINK?
I love the bubbly! Champagne, cava, prosecco... bubbly cocktails are divine. French 75s are my favorite. 

GO-TO DRINK AT CARDINAL?
Right now it's a tie between the Laughing Buddha and Rosemary's Baby.

DO YOU HAVE ANY HIDDEN TALENTS WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?
I'm like MacGyver when it comes to crafts. Give me some fuzzy pipe cleaners and a few rubber bands and I can make you beautiful wedding decorations.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?
My first job was working in the concession stands at IU's Assembly Hall when I was 14. All the free hot dogs I could eat! It was lot of fun and was my introduction to the service industry.

WHAT EXACTLY DO YOU DO AT CARDINAL?
Well, I often refer to myself as our Cat Herder. Running events means coordinating lots of people, dates, and details. It's a lot like herding cats sometimes... but I love cats! I have five at home so I'm really good at it. I practice all the time. 
I help set up and manage all of our in-house events as well as everything we do offsite with sampling, bartending, and partnering with bars and restaurants that carry Cardinal Spirits. I have a great events team and they help me spread the word about Cardinal all over the state. 
We are a small company though, so I help out wherever I'm needed. You'll often find me bussing tables, refilling water glasses, hosting, washing dishes, helping in production, merchandising displays, helping with marketing and sales, and weeding the flowerbeds. 
Never a dull day!

YOUR FAVORITE DRINK TO SERVE TO A CROWD?
I love making punch with Cardinal Spirits American Gin. It blends so well with most fruit juices and you can add interesting syrups to make it super special.

FAVORITE BREAKFAST CEREAL?
Peanut Butter Puffins

IF YOU COULD HAVE A DRINK WITH ANYONE…
Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She's a personal hero of mine and I'd love to buy her a drink and thank her for all that she's done for women's rights.

WHAT SHOULD PEOPLE BE DRINKING MORE OF?
Local. Local anything and everything.

TELL US A FUNNY STORY ABOUT YOUR PETS.
I mentioned before that I have a lot of cats, right? Well, a few years ago I came home from work and they are all in my kitchen, perched in different places, but all staring intently at the food bowl. Right away I know something is not right. I look down and there was a shrew (they look like a mouse crossed with a mole) sitting next to the dish eating their food. They all turn and look at me then turn back to the shrew. Not a single cat is moving to get it. 
Finally, because no one else is taking care of it, I get a tupperware bowl and set it over the shrew who just looks up at me and continues to eat the cat food. I take the shrew outside and it saunters off, unharmed and unfazed.
I went back inside and promptly fired all of my cats from being cats. To this day I like to remind them of it. 

MAKE A PREDICTION ABOUT THE FUTURE.
I predict that one day soon in a place undiscovered by modern humans scientists will find a healthy population of unicorns. The BBC will make a documentary about them and it will be narrated by Sir David Attenborough.

MEET OUR CREW: BAYLEE PRUITT

We have the best flock here at Cardinal Spirits, and we want to introduce you to everybody one by one. 
Today, meet Baylee Pruitt, one of our talented bartenders and half of Cardinal's #tikituesday team. Here, Baylee answers some Cardinal Qs.

BAYLEE PRUITT
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Where are you from?
Columbus, Indiana

How long have you lived in Bloomington?
5 or 6 years

What do you like about Bloomington?
I like riding my bike everywhere. It's a really good town for that.
And my friends. They're great too.

What's your favorite thing to drink?
Cocktails- Jungle Bird, swizzles, tiki drinks
Beer/Shot- Budweiser/Appleton VX

Go-to drink on the menu at Cardinal?
Any cocktail in the "Bartender's Creations" section is a safe bet.

Do you have any hidden talents?
I won a bubblegum blowing contest at the county fair as a kid.

If you could have a drink with anyone, who would it be?
If he could talk and safely metabolize alcohol, my cat. If not, it's always Chris Resnick.

What was your first job? 
In high school, I worked at an independent movie theater in Columbus. It was great.

Favorite cocktail ingredient right now?
Banane Du Brésil or Letherbee Fernet

Favorite cereal?
Any cereal a grandpa might pick. Crispix, plain Cheerios, etc. Boring stuff.

People should drink more...
Rum!

Find Baylee on Instagram:
@bayleepruitt

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MEET THE REST OF OUR FLOCK...

ALYVIA CAIN

CHRIS RESNICK

ALEX UTTER

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MICHELLE GOTTSCHLICH

KEVIN HINKLE

JAKE CIFUENTES

MEET OUR CREW: KEVIN HINKLE

We've got a spectacular crew here at Cardinal Spirits, and we'd like you to meet everybody one by one. Today, get to know Kevin, one of our wonderful bartenders.

KEVIN HINKLE

HOMETOWN
Portage, Ind.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN BLOOMINGTON?
4 years

BEST PART ABOUT LIVING HERE?
I like the people. This town is chock-full of talented, hard-working individuals...
and a great selection of food.

FAVORITE DRINK?
Any IPA I can get my hands on.

GO-TO DRINK AT CARDINAL?
Zelda's Return... so good.

FIRST JOB?
Throughout middle school and high school a couple friends and I ran a highly successful lawn care company. Our only clients were my friend's stepmom and her boss.

MAKE A PREDICTION ABOUT THE FUTURE:
I have a good feeling about John Stewart moving to HBO.

FAVORITE CEREAL?
Great Grains Cranberry Almond Crunch

IF YOU COULD HAVE A DRINK WITH ANYONE…
I'd love to have a drink and play a round of golf with Chevy Chase in Caddyshack

FIND KEVIN
On Instagram @kevinhinkle  |  On Facebook

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MICHELLE GOTTSCHLICH

ALEX UTTER

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CHRIS RESNICK

ALYVIA CAIN

MEET OUR CREW: MICHELLE GOTTSCHLICH

We've got a spectacular crew here at Cardinal Spirits, and we'd like to introduce you to everybody one by one. Today, meet Michelle, one of our wonderful servers.

MICHELLE GOTTSCHLICH

HOMETOWN
Portage, Ind.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN BLOOMINGTON
7 years

BEST PART ABOUT LIVING HERE?
 A lot of lively and creative people live here--there's always something to get into; a show, an art opening, a film at the cinema, food, food, booze, food. It's also very walkable!

FAVORITE THING TO DRINK
Negronis and coconut flavored La Croix (not together)

GO-TO DRINK AT CARDINAL
Every cocktail by Baylee

TELL US SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU.
I had a book of poetry published last spring!

ANY HIDDEN TALENTS?
Up to this point, I've never broken a bone, had a nosebleed, or been in a traffic accident besides falling off my bike

FIRST JOB/WORST JOB
First job was working at a IMAX movie theater when I was 15. Worst job was life guarding.

READ ANYTHING GOOD LATELY?
I'm currently reading Madness, Rack, and Honey. It's a book of lectures by the poet Mary Ruefle.

FAVORITE CEREAL
Honey Bunches of Oats

IF YOU COULD HAVE A DRINK WITH ANYONE…
Probably my maternal great grandmother Vanetta (who could drink like a sailor, I've heard)

IN THE THE FUTURE…
Married folks will have increasing trouble with hyphenating already hyphenated last names. It will eventually be more popular to use the maternal last name. Also, down with the patriarchy <3

FIND MICHELLE
On Instagram @chellesbells11  |  On Facebook

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MEET MORE OF OUR FLOCK:

ALEX UTTER

CHRIS RESNICK

ALYVIA CAIN

MEET OUR CREW: CHRIS RESNICK

We've got a spectacular crew here at Cardinal Spirits, and we'd like to introduce you to everybody one by one. Today, meet Chris Resnick, head bartender at Cardinal and one half of our talented Tiki Tuesday team. Here, Chris answers some Cardinal Qs.

CHRIS RESNICK

HOMETOWN
Bedford, Ind.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN BLOOMINGTON?
17 years

BEST PART ABOUT LIVING HERE?
I like the small town/but not TOO small town feel. Right now I'm loving the fall leaves.

HOW DO YOU TRAVEL ABOUT TOWN?
I used to walk but now I drive a pretty bitchin' mini van.

FAVORITE THING TO DRINK
Jamaican rum

GO-TO DRINK AT CARDINAL
The Stirred Bird is amazing.

FIRST JOB
My first job was at Little Caesars. I was in the pizza game for like 14 years.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO READ?
I read every cocktail book I can get my hands on. Aside from that, I do biographies and some fiction.

BEST ADVICE FOR MAKING BETTER DRINKS AT HOME
Always use fresh ingredients and always watch your proportions. Even a little bit more or less of anything can drastically change the balance and flavors of a drink.

FIND CHRIS
On Instagram  |  On Facebook

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MEET MORE OF OUR FLOCK:

ALEX UTTER

ALYVIA CAIN