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RUMS
Sgt. Classick Rums
The Spirit of Hawai'i™, Sgt. Classick rums were made from 100% Hawaiian molasses from the islands of Kaua'i and Maui. We say "were" because as of 2006, there is no more commercial sugar refining in the Hawai'ian islands, so we can no longer get the molasses used to make Sgt Classick rum. Whats made is made, either in bottle or barrels, and that's all there will ever be. You should pick some up today while its still available.
Check out some of the excellent reviews it's received, including but not limited to a prestigious Double Gold medal from the World Spirits Competition in SF.
We'd like to tell you more, please click below to visit the brand page.
BRANDIES
Classick Grappa di Cabernet
Classick Grappa di Cabernet
Classick Grappa di Cabernet
It takes about 12-15 pounds of fresh pommace to produce a single bottle of grappa di cabernet. Essential Spirits is there waiting at the Joseph Phelps winery the day of the press and whisks the fresh pommace directly to the still the same day. The result is a delightfully smooth, unctuous spirit that is redolent of the aroma of the specific grape varietal used in the wine (currently the Insignia Cabernet). To taste it is to be transported the vineyard in the Las Rocas region of Napa!
To find out more about each of the unique grappas offered by Essential Spirits, or about grappa in general, please Click Here.
PurePear pear brandy
Classick Grappa di Cabernet
Classick Grappa di Cabernet
Only available at the distillery, due to limited release, twelve and a half pounds of 100% Bartlett (Williams) pears go into each 375mL bottle of PurePear (we've done the math), each one originating from the fabled orchards of Lake County in Northern California, the pear capital of the USA.
Brought in just before the season end, five tons at a time is allowed to ripen in house to the peak of perfection before being painstakingly processed by hand.
Every single pear is inspected for ripeness and that each is whole, sound fruit (bruises and spots are cut away) The stems too are removed before crushing to assure not a trace of wood alcohol is allowed to develop in the finished mash.
The resulting distillate envelops the senses with nothing but ripe pear, and imbibers are often found wandering around with empty glasses to their nose, unwilling to part from the lingering last drops of aromatics.
SPEACIALTIES
Classick, The ORIGINAL American Bierschnaps
Despite containing the word schnapps, this 80 proof distillate is nothing like the sickly sweet/syrupy liqueurs found on the bottom shelf at liquor stores. To make this European style schnapps, first we brew our own American Pale Ale, aroma hopping only to preserve the essence of the malt. It's then transferred from the fermenter directly to our still, which captures all the subtle nuances of the brews flavor profile, resulting in a soft yet complex distillate, akin to a rock-candy white whiskey.
Legacy/Contract Brands
Dunkirk Spirit Gin
Dunkirk Spirit Gin
Dunkirk Spirit Gin
Another contract distilling project, we love introducing people to this gin, especially when they say "Oh I don't like gin"... after one sip..95% of them follow up with "Oh but I could drink this!" Soft and floral, this American style gin (emphasizing the other botanicals and minimizing the juniper influence) has almost a sweet characteristic thanks to its notes of tangerine peel and lavender flower. Also, now thanks to a major motion picture, the world can truly understand what the Dunkirk Spirit is all about. Please click below to go to the official brand website to find out more.
Tahoe Blue Vodka
Dunkirk Spirit Gin
Dunkirk Spirit Gin
One of our proudest contract distilling projects, this vodka is distilled from three different base ingredients (50% sugar cane, 25% grape, 25% grain). The brand owner exemplifies a true Lake Tahoe native, giving back to the community at every turn with a true Drink Good, Do Good ethos. To learn more, please visit the official brand site.
All About Grappa
What is Grappa?
Grappa (also called “Marc” in France) is a traditional Italian drink, made from the leftover skins and seeds of grapes used for wine. This is called the "Pommacy" or "Pommace". The Pommace is fermented and distilled in its natural state. The result is around 90 proof and clear in color. Grappa is dry and high in alcohol, with the flavors ranging from floral to earthy. It can have highlights of oak or juniper berries as well. Grappa is typically consumed after dinner as a digestif.
Many grappas have the reputation of being hot and harsh in the mouth and very aggressive. Grappa or Marc production is too often treated as a salvage distillation. Many folks of our acquaintance wince when making reference to their previous grappa experiences. Usually accompanied by some story about how someone held them hostage after a meal and made them drink grappa all night in some out of the way hostelry. Evil dreams often followed!
However Essential Spirits, due to our unique distilling technology, is rapidly changing perceptions of what grappa is and demonstrating what a delightful spirits experience it can be! Our Master Distiller has established liaison with the very best of the Napa Valley wine makers who notify him of the crush schedule each year and the tonnages available. It takes about 12-15 pounds of fresh pommace to produce a single bottle of grappa di cabernet. Essential Spirits is there waiting when the press is finished and whisks the fresh pommace directly to the still the same day. The result is a delightfully smooth, unctuous spirit that is redolent of the aroma of the specific grape used in the wine. To taste it is to be transported to the wine press on the day of the press!
Below are the different grappas we've made so far... what will be next?
