Sebastopol, CA, September 14, 2018 – California grain-to glass spirits pioneer Spirit Works Distillery was voted today among USA TODAY 10Best Reader’s Choice – Best 10 Craft Gin Distilleries in the US. The women lead distilling team at Spirit Works Distillery produces five distinctive styles including Gin, Barrel Gin, Sloe Gin, Navy Strength Gin, and Barrel Reserve Sloe Gin. Crafted from a house-fermented and distilled base of organic wheat, all the flavors come from botanicals juniper, coriander, cardamom, angelic root, orris root, hibiscus, and hand zested fresh lemon and orange.
“Gin is the true expression of a craft distillery”, said Head Distiller, Lauren Patz. “The spectrum for creativity is boundless and we couldn’t be more honored for this national nod towards our passion for gin here at Spirit Works Distillery.”
Classic Gin – A time-honored favorite in the San Francisco Bay Area, Spirit Works Distillery’s Gin brings a balance of traditionally dry botanicals like juniper and coriander and yet freshly unique flavors from hibiscus and citrus.(43% abv – $35)
Gin aged in barrels – The number one selling spirit in their Tasting Room, Spirit Works Distillery Barrel Gin brings nuanced complexity as the new charred barrel coaxes the gin botanicals into smooth caramelized spices and candied citrus. (45% abv – $50)
Gin Liqueur made with Sloe Berries – A 2018 Good Food Award winner, Spirit Works Distillery’s Sloe Gin is currently the only spirit made with actual sloe berries (from the Blackthorn bush – a tiny relative of the plum) in the US. This spirit brings bright citrus, spicy juniper, and a tart berry finish. (27% abv – $35)
Gin bottled at 114 proof – Part history and part legend, Spirit Works Navy Strength Gin just had to be made at the distillery due to Timo and Ashby’s own sailing background. Featuring the same botanicals as the Gin, this much higher proof gin is full of bold flavor and heightened citrus. (57% abv – $45)
Sloe Gin aged in barrels – Boasting with dark cherry and plum notes, Spirit Works Distillery’s Barrel Reserve Sloe Gin is the perfect sip at the end of any meal. Time in barrel rounds the tart characteristics of the sloes and results in a rich and full-bodied liqueur and a velvety mouth-feel. (29.6% abv – $75)
OTHER AWARDS AND ACCOLADES FROM 2018
American Distilling Institute 2018
- Best in Show/Gold Medal – Excellence in Packaging – Brand Identity: Spirit Works Distillery
- Gold Medal – Excellence in Packaging and Best Backbar Packaging: Rye Vodka
- Silver Medal – Certified Craft Distilled Spirit: Barrel Reserve Sloe Gin
Good Food Awards 2018
- Good Food Award – Spirit Works Distillery: Sloe Gin
Craft Distiller’s Spirit Competition 2018
- Best in Show – Spirit Works Distillery: Sloe Gin
Bohemian Best of Sonoma – Readers’ Choice
- Best Micro Distillery – Sonoma County – also won in 2014, 2016, and 2017
Press Democrat Best of Sonoma County – Readers’ Choice
- Best Craft Distillery – Sonoma County (1st year for the category)
About USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards
Nominees for all categories are chosen by a panel of relevant experts which include a combination of editors from USA TODAY; editors from 10Best.com; relevant expert contributors, including SF Bay Area host Ziggy The Wine Gal; and sources for both these media and other Gannett properties. The nomination panel for each award category is displayed on its associated contest page. All voting is digital and the 10Best Readers’ Choice Award contest is accessible on the 10Best.com for a full list of winners.
About Spirit Works Distillery
Founded in the heart of Sonoma County, California in 2012 by husband and wife team Timo and Ashby Marshall, Spirit Works Distillery is a craft spirits producer which house-ferments and distills artisan Vodka, Gin, Sloe Gin, Barrel Gin, Navy Strength Gin, Barrel Reserve Sloe Gin, Straight Wheat and Straight Rye Whiskey onsite. Using this grain-to-glass method of milling, mashing, fermenting and then distilling onsite it allows the Distillery to create a truly hands-on, premium product. Spirit Works Distillery is also one of the few all-female distilling teams in the US with Lauren Patz as Head Distiller. In March 2018 , Spirit Works Distillery released a Bottled in Bond Rye Whiskey to California markets. For more information about Spirit Works Distillery click here.
Congratulations! Go local!