Show features potato vodka

    BRUNSWICK – The story of Cold River Vodka, made by Maine Distilleries in Freeport, will be the focus of the “incredibleMAINE” show Saturday, Dec. 1 at 10:30 a.m. on the television stations of Maine Public Broadcasting Network (MPBN).    Each half-hour of “incredibleMAINE” features a unique aspect of the state – talented people, special places, businesses and events – all reflecting the Yankee spirit that makes Maine exceptional. The 13-series show presents it all in a cinematic and music-based style.
    The Cold River Vodka show follows the Maine potato from Green Thumb Farms in Fryeburg, where owner (and Cold River Vodka partner) Donnie Thibodeau tells host LC Van Savage how the farm was facing challenges from the Atkins diet and other market forces. He and his brother, Lee Thibodeau, a neurosurgeon from Cumberland, came up with the idea of making vodka from potatoes. This was an idea that the Thibodeaus’ uncles, who were also potato farmers, used to talk about up in Aroostook County when they were growing up in the 50s and 60s.
    At the Green Thumb Farms’ packing facility, the audience will see thousands and thousands of potatoes on conveyer belts go through the washing, sorting and packaging process. These are the potatoes headed for stores throughout Maine, as well as for the distillery in Freeport. Van Savage visits the Cold River with Brenda Thibodeau, Donnie’s wife and Green Thumb Farms vice president, where she tells how Cold River Vodka was named.
    As the action moves to Freeport, Van Savage talks with Maine Distilleries President Bob Harkins about the process by which potatoes are made into a super-premium vodka, and why Mainers can be proud of this homegrown product.
    Van Savage introduces head distiller Chris Dowe in front of the massive 34-foot rectifying column where they discuss how the formula for Cold River Vodka was developed. Dowe takes the audience through the distilling process. Van Savage cleans bottles, writes up labels for bottles and facilitates the packing process. Dowe even climbs into the massive tanks to clean them.
    “incredibleMAINE” is produced by Marilyn Taylor and directed by Dave Wilkinson, who is also videographer and editor. Wilkinson composes all original music for each show with his band, “Sounds Incredible.”
    “‘incredibleMAINE’ celebrates the great state of Maine, as well as the New England traditions of resourcefulness, integrity and humor,” said Taylor. “We think the series is destined to become a classic.”
    Volunteer crew members on this “labor of love” show include Richard Wenzel of Phippsburg, Ramone Hanley-Warren of Edgecomb, and Stephen Conicello of Topsham.
    In addition to Cold River Vodka of Freeport, the December “incredibleMAINE” shows will feature Portland’s Victoria Mansion, Acadia National Park, the Maine State Aquarium, and the restoration of the famous Bounty ship in Boothbay Harbor.
    More information about this new show is available at www.incrediblemaine.com.