I don't even know where to start when talking about this place. I first had the pleasure of sampling Spring44's gin, vodka and honey vodka at a festival last September. I'm one of those people who normally thinks that vodka would be an effective torture device except when at a 1:8 ratio with juice, so when I tasted Spring44's vodka straight, I expected to feel like I was on a chicken bus on an unpaved road. Instead, I found it surprisingly smooth and drinkable. The honey vodka was even better - there's a hint of honey & vanilla without being overly sweet. It also makes a phenomenal Moscow Mule. Their gin was my favorite of the samplings at the festival - incredibly smooth and with a delicious blend of spices. I didn't used to drink gin - now, I find myself ordering a Spring44 gin ricky pretty consistently. YUM!
I meant to focus this review on the actual tasting room at Spring44, but think it's noteworthy that this distillery is a definite rising star in the spirits world. I'm pleased to see their gin & vodkas at more and more locations, and look forward to their continued growth. I feel even stronger about it since taking a tour there last Saturday. Their bar setup is small, but comfortable and well-designed. They can only offer cocktails with their own products, but the cocktails are fresh, fun and delicious. It's also nice to have some snacks to munch on while sampling the libations, and I have to mention that the service is exceptional. Andrea was working the bar on Saturday - she was knowledgeable & passionate about the product, and in general delightful to talk to.
Russ gave the tour on Saturday, and it was so much fun to learn more about the production of the spirits, plus the back story of Spring44 in particular. The design of the distillery is beautiful, with beatle kill pine paneling, two copper distillers and a couple of glass ones. Everything about the interior of this place is very aesthetically pleasing. In addition to the products I'd had before, we got to try the Old Tom's gin (HOLY SH** amazing!), the blended bourbon and the single batch whiskey. All were phenomenal, but the standouts were the Old Tom and the whiskey. The Old Tom was refreshing with a nice note of lemongrass & grapefruit, and the whiskey had an incredible creaminess to it that I could easily drink straight with just an ice cube or two. Russ mentioned that they're looking into doing a single malt...who has two thumbs and is super excited about that? THIS girl!
Don't Miss: Happy Hour on Fridays from 3-6. Great prices on incredible cocktails.
As a whole, this place is fantastic and I can't wait to see what they bring to the table next! read more