Gates and bourbon. It might seem like an unlikely pairing, but for James Lewis, owner of Renovate Your Gate, they're both expressions of his passion for craftsmanship and excellence. He creates custom gates by day, and by night, explores the rich world of fine bourbon. His collection, largely amassed mostly in the first of his four years collecting, boasts an impressive 130 bottles, a testament to his dedication.
“I enjoyed bourbon and realized that there is a social aspect to it that I like,” Lewis explains. “In fact, when my neighbor sees my garage open, he’ll come for a few drinks.”
Like the careful selection of materials for his gates, James curates his bourbon collection with an eye for the exceptional. He favors the robust flavors of The Boss Hog and the unique notes of A Midwinter Night’s Dram and Casey Jones. One bottle, however, holds a special place: BourbonRabbi.
“During a trip to Kentucky for a friend’s wedding, my wife and I visited the distillery,” he recounts. “Rabbis don’t eat anything unless it’s kosher, and at BourbonRabbi, they use all natural, kosher ingredients. They distill the bourbon and bless every bottle. It’s so cool. I don’t think I’ll ever open it.”
His collection averages $100 per bottle, with his most prized possession reaching $1,100. But for Lewis, it's not about the price tag; it's about the experience, the stories and the connections. This social nature, he notes, extends beyond his own circle.
“My wife, Heather, runs a hair salon from home, and some of her clients love bourbon. When they see my collection, it starts a conversation, and the next thing you know, we have sippers out. It’s very social.”
When asked who he would have a bourbon with, living, dead or famous, his answer is immediate: “My grandpa. He helped raise me and I was his favorite. He shaped me to be a good provider, work hard and always do what’s right.”
And in Lewis’s dedication to his craft, his family, and his passion, that lesson clearly shines through.
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