BOGALUSA mdash; Ever wondered where that bottle of vodka on the shelf comes from? In a quiet corner of Bogalusa, one small distillery is offering a closer look mdash; and a taste rooted in Louisiana soil.Tucked away off the beaten path, Ponchatoula Distillery Company has built a reputation for doin g things differently. Instead of traditional grains, this operation uses Louisiana-grown sweet potatoes and sugarcane to craft its vodka, creating a flavor profile that reflects the region.ldquo;And we cook 300 to 600 pounds of sweet potatoes at a time,rdquo; owner Paul Kelly said.Kelly, who turned to distilling after retirement, said his journey began as a hobby and quickly became something more.ldquo;When I retired, I started fooling with the sweet potatoes only because of the word lsquo;sweet,rsquo; believe it or not,rdquo; Kelly said. ldquo;I started in my garage because I love doing it, the chemistry, everything about it. I just canrsquo;t quit.rdquo;What began as an experiment has grown into a full-scale operation, now welcoming visitors curious about the craft. Tours guide guests through each step of the process, from mash to fermentation to distillation, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how simple ingredients are transformed.Inside the distillery, the work is equal parts science and patience. Kelly said achieving the right balance is key.ldquo;The whole thingrsquo;s about balance,rdquo; Kelly said. ldquo;I had to learn the balance of the sweet potato because therersquo;s so many nutrients and so much in them.rdquo;Each batch is carefully refined to achieve a smooth finish, highlighting both the complexity and care behind the product.For anyone making the trip, the experience doesnrsquo;t have to end at the distillery. Just down the road, Nopolis offers a taste of Italian comfort food, with dishes like beef lasagna and fresh focaccia rounding out the visit.Together, the stops make for an easy day trip and a reminder that sometimes, hidden gems are closer than expected.For those looking for a reason to visit Bogalusa, this distillery and a good meal nearby might be just the ticket.Permalink| Comments ...read more read less