The world has had a love affair with spirits since the 1st
century. There is clear evidence that Greek alchemists, working in Alexandria, created the
first distilled spirits.
It is 2000 years later and in America distillation has prevailed
for hundreds of years. The American spirits industry has been headed by the
larger houses that mass produce the vodka, gin, rum and bourbon that we have
come to accustomed to.
According to the author of the ‘Spirits Journal’, F. Paul Pacult,
north Americans have been making spirits for the past three hundred and seventy
years.
During that period of time, distillers have embraced homemade spirits.
Large distillation houses have come and gone. The same is true with the smaller, craft houses as well.
During that period of time, distillers have embraced homemade spirits.
Large distillation houses have come and gone. The same is true with the smaller, craft houses as well.
Today, a craft spirits revolution is taking place. The craft
spirits revolution celebrates local authenticity. The focus is on handcrafted
products.
The definition of a ‘craft distillery’ is a distiller who
produces less than 40,000 cases a year.
The number of ‘craft distillers’ has grown in the past 13 years, as illustrated below.
The number of ‘craft distillers’ has grown in the past 13 years, as illustrated below.
In 2000, 26 craft distilleries existed.
In 2005, 50 distilleries existed.
In 2005, 50 distilleries existed.
In 2011, the number of distilleries in America crossed
the 200 mark.
In 2013, the predictions suggest 350-400 distilleries.
The ‘craft movement’ is here to stay. The growth rate in
numbers of new distilleries justifies the hype the industry is receiving.
Thanks to my friend, legendary wine and spirits consultant Chris Corrao, I came into contact with a group of American craft distillers who work together showing their handcrafted spirits to bartenders, retailers, press and consumers.
The group is called “The American Still Life Collection” and consists of fifteen companies, all ‘craft distillers’.
A few days ago, I was invited to a tasting of ‘The American Still Life Collection’ led by F. Paul Pacult.
All of the producers (9) were present to explain about their companies, distillation techniques and to answer questions.
The line-up was simple. Vodka first and coffee liquor last.
Thanks to my friend, legendary wine and spirits consultant Chris Corrao, I came into contact with a group of American craft distillers who work together showing their handcrafted spirits to bartenders, retailers, press and consumers.
The group is called “The American Still Life Collection” and consists of fifteen companies, all ‘craft distillers’.
A few days ago, I was invited to a tasting of ‘The American Still Life Collection’ led by F. Paul Pacult.
All of the producers (9) were present to explain about their companies, distillation techniques and to answer questions.
The line-up was simple. Vodka first and coffee liquor last.
The nine selections were hand-picked by F. Paul Pacult. His
choices were all impeccable.
Each distiller explained in depth about the products that we tasted. All stories had a common theme: handcrafted and small batches using local products that help create authenticity.
Each distiller explained in depth about the products that we tasted. All stories had a common theme: handcrafted and small batches using local products that help create authenticity.
Each style and spirit I sampled tasted authentic and well crafted.
If you are a true spirits person, consider my recommendations when you purchase spirits.
BOYD & BLAIR Potato Vodka (Pennsylvania)
151 proof, using Pennsylvania potatoes and a copper pot still.
www.boydandblair.com
ENLIGHTENED GRAIN Windsor Earl Grey//Sage Vodka (Oregon)
This spirit bridges the gap between gin and vodka.
ENLIGHTENED GRAIN Windsor Earl Grey//Sage Vodka (Oregon)
This spirit bridges the gap between gin and vodka.
www.egspirits.com
HALF MOON Orchard Gin (New York)
Distilled from local, Hudson Valley, apples and grains.
HALF MOON Orchard Gin (New York)
Distilled from local, Hudson Valley, apples and grains.
SMOOTH AMBLER Yearling
Bourbon (West Virginia)
An award winning state –of-the-art craft producer who has won numerous awards.
An award winning state –of-the-art craft producer who has won numerous awards.
BREUKELEN 77 Rye (90%) //Corn Whiskey
(10%) (New York)
Organic whiskey using only New York state grains.
Organic whiskey using only New York state grains.
www.brkdistilling.com
CORSAIR Triple Smoke Whisky (Tennessee)
Classic craft spirits with unique flavors using copper pot stills.
CORSAIR Triple Smoke Whisky (Tennessee)
Classic craft spirits with unique flavors using copper pot stills.
OSOCALIS Rare Alambic
Brandy (California)
Finesse, elegance and length are created in antique alambic
Charentais stills from Cognac.
DANCING PINES Chai
Liqueur (Colorado)
Family operation using pot stills.
www.dancingpinesdistillery.com
BITTERMENS New Orleans Coffee Liqueur (Louisiana)
Award winning liqueurs from my hometown.
Family operation using pot stills.
www.dancingpinesdistillery.com
BITTERMENS New Orleans Coffee Liqueur (Louisiana)
Award winning liqueurs from my hometown.
PHILIP S. KAMPE
1 comment:
Cool article...
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