Central Standard Craft Distillery has named this year’s inductees into the Milwaukee-based Brandy Old Fashioned Hall of Fame.
The winners were selected from hundreds of nominations received from across the Wisconsin for their dedication to perfecting the brandy old fashioned. The 2024 additions are the third slate of Hall of Fame inductees.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the many heartfelt nominations we received this year,” said Central Standard co-founder Evan Hughes. “These awards honor not only the cocktail but the passion and stories behind each honoree’s journey to mastering Wisconsin’s beloved drink. Reading each submission was truly a joy.”
The 2024 Brandy Old Fashioned Hall of Fame inductees are:
Gary Ver Voort (Freedom)
Owner of Gary’s Premium Cocktails, Gary began his journey in his kitchen, driven by a quest for a consistent taste. Today, his mix has become a Wisconsin staple, sold in over 3,500 locations nationwide, spreading the state’s beloved cocktail coast to coast.
Dale Butenhof (Muskego)
With over 40 years of dedication, Dale has made the brandy old fashioned a lifestyle. Known for his ever-present cocktail and growing old fashioned-themed wardrobe, he’s even inspired his son to perfect his own recipe in his honor.
Ryan Polzin (Waukesha)
Known for his unique approach to crafting the brandy old fashioned, Ryan has earned a local following, with fans returning for his signature recipe. His tradition continues with his son, who joins him whenever he visits Wisconsin, bonding over shared memories.
Allan Kubisiak (Wisconsin Rapids)
Allan views the brandy old fashioned as a centerpiece for family gatherings and special moments. Known for his “Kuby Style” cocktail, Allan brings Wisconsin warmth and tradition to every celebration.
Bob Prosser (Lake Delton)
As owner of Ishnala Supper Club, ranked #1 Supper Club in Wisconsin, Bob upholds a tradition of excellence, crafting old fashioneds with unmatched quality. This season alone, Ishnala served over 118,650 old fashioneds, drawing fans from near and far.
Kevin Keckhaver (Muskego)
Kevin’s smoked brandy old fashioned, made with North Wisconsin Brandy and unique cherry twists, has become a favorite among family and friends, keeping the spirit of Wisconsin hospitality alive.
Each inductee gets lifetime VIP status at Central Standard Crafthouse & Kitchen in Downtown Milwaukee, will have their name added to a commemorative plaque, and receive a year’s supply of North Wisconsin Brandy, complete with a custom bottle featuring their photo.
The 2024 inductees will be honored at a special ceremony in February in Milwaukee.
“We love celebrating the creativity and tradition that make Wisconsin’s brandy old fashioneds so special,” said Hughes. “This program showcases the best of what our state has to offer and encourages Wisconsinites to fuel their cocktails with locally made brandy.”
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he lived until he was 17, Bobby received his BA-Mass Communications from UWM in 1989 and has lived in Walker's Point, Bay View, Enderis Park, South Milwaukee and on the East Side.
He has published three non-fiction books in Italy – including one about an event in Milwaukee history, which was published in the U.S. in autumn 2010. Four more books, all about Milwaukee, have been published by The History Press.
With his most recent band, The Yell Leaders, Bobby released four LPs and had a songs featured in episodes of TV's "Party of Five" and "Dawson's Creek," and films in Japan, South America and the U.S. The Yell Leaders were named the best unsigned band in their region by VH-1 as part of its Rock Across America 1998 Tour. Most recently, the band contributed tracks to a UK vinyl/CD tribute to the Redskins and collaborated on a track with Italian novelist Enrico Remmert.
He's produced three installments of the "OMCD" series of local music compilations for OnMilwaukee.com and in 2007 produced a CD of Italian music and poetry.
In 2005, he was awarded the City of Asti's (Italy) Journalism Prize for his work focusing on that area. He has also won awards from the Milwaukee Press Club.
He has be heard on 88Nine Radio Milwaukee talking about his "Urban Spelunking" series of stories, in that station's most popular podcast.
