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Fall is here! ‘Tis the season for all things apple — including spirits!

Hear from the expert: Jamie Oakes, Head Distiller at Tamworth Distilling

“We are happy to announce we will be releasing two apple-forward products over the next two weeks: Chocorua Cider Rye and the re-release of Tamworth Garden Pommeau. Both spirits use apple cider roughly the same way. We take a base spirit and proof it down with fresh pressed apple cider, instead of our filtered water. We then place the new concoction back into a barrel to mellow out for a period of time.”

“The fresh quality of cider will age into a stewed apple/ honeyed aroma and flavor. The cider adds natural sweetness as a key ingredient, but furthers the velvety mouthfeel. It softens some sharp edges of higher proof spirits without giving up flavor or flattening the spirit. The structure of the cider allows for much lower proof and gives way to a more approachable distilled spirit with a more session-able ABV — something between wine and typical distilled spirits.” — Jamie

Cheers to fall-friendly spirits!

Cider rye base: 2 year-old rye whiskey

Pommeau base: Apple brandy

Take a look at some other apple-based spirits produced by Tamworth Distilling: Art in the Age Maple Jack and Old Hampshire Applejack!

Tamworth Distilling had a very special visitor recently! Governor Chris Sununu of New Hampshire, who is a tireless advocate for supporting small business, stopped by for a distillery tour and a taste of our Old Hampshire Applejack.

Now we can say that even our great state’s governor supports Old Hampshire! Do you? Be sure to sign our online petition to help make Applejack the official booze of New Hampshire!

Why make Old Hampshire Applejack the official spirit of the state of New Hampshire?

Well, for starters, it’s a distilled version of New Hampshire’s state drink, apple cider. The apple-based spirit encapsulates New Hampshire’s past, including its agricultural heritage — the result is a true taste of Old Hampshire past and New Hampshire present.

…And our governor says it tastes good! 😉

At Tamworth Distilling, we firmly believe in honoring the land around us and producing only the finest spirits with the quality ingredients that land provides — it’s a part of our scratch made mission, and one of our guiding principles.

Eau de Musc is no different. We want to assure you that beavers were not killed in the name of whiskey. We work with Anton, a beaver trapper who is called in by NH state to remove a specific number of beavers in order to restore balance. A lack of natural predators means the beaver population is increasing at high rates, and forming ecosystems where people are already terraforming — thus becoming a threat to local areas and businesses.

There are several control techniques that are put in place by New Hampshire’s Fish and Game Wildlife Department. In certain cases, beaver trapping is the only option that can be performed in order to resolve pressing issues in the area. Beaver trapping is performed as a last resort when cultural control, water control, and avoidance fail.

How We Sourced Our Castoreum

We New Englanders take pride in re-using and recycling whenever the opportunity presents itself. In the case of Eau de Musc, we wanted to make sure to source our castoreum responsibly. Anton uses every part of the animal, like any good trapper. The fur is sold, the meat is eaten, and some of the castor sacs are used as bait. We use the leftover castor sacs to create this unique product. We exercise responsible practices every day in the production of each and every one of our spirits, and use what is made available to us by the land. Never intrusive and never wasteful. That’s our promise. Cheers!

Many local traditons are born from the seasonal programing of Remick Farm Museum. This cultural tie to Tamworth’s past includes a yearly event called Ice Harvest, a time when ice was cut and pulled behind draft horses to an ice shed, to be used for refridgeration into the summer months. Ice, once a major export of NH, remains a strong connection to Tamworth’s history. Two other such seasonal Remick offerings are Maple Weekend and Dandelion Festival; forming the ingredient inspiration for AITA Dandejack. We set to honor the spring alongside our neighbors, with a applejack that utilizes the 100% New Hampshire apples, flavored with the woody bitterness of dandelion root and the sweet and warm Maple Syrup to balance. We use Maple syrup from Remick Farm Museum’s maple weekend (our neighbors from across the street). It is safe to say, this is a classic Tamworth treat.

The intent was to showcase how the under-celebrated botanical Dandelion could influence the applejack class. Based around our Maplejack, this recipe adds some more complexity to the mix. Some of the darker barrel notes are thinned with clear apple brandy to open the overall spirit up to fill Dandelion and a little Chicory root to give bitter woody structure. The bitter then hinges on the sweet, giving a deeper appreciation for their roll in the applejack. This duet effect is often exploited by confectioners and candy makers, who use a bit of gentian to candy to prolong the depth of character.

Both aged apple brandy (over a year and a half in a new char oak barrel) as well as the crisp flavor of clear apple eau de vie (a fresh distillate considered the ‘water of life’ or essence of the fruit) are used to balance the bitter roots and sweet syrup.

The aroma of rich dark grade syrup and a sugarshack is on the nose, with baked apple following up. Warm mulled cider lay under the first impression. The first sip gives little heat, partially due to the lower proof (35%abv) and partially to the coating nature of the applejack.  A grounding sensation from the dandelion root and chicory root give a boldness to the flavored brandy. Chicory root, still used as coffee-like substitute, blends well with the darker clove and caramel components of the barrel aged spirit. The pronounced fruit and floral EDV add more top notes to the experience. Overall, the first sip conjures apple lollipop and caramel apple flavors. Bites of a fresh apple coupled with maple candy.

 

Maple season is a special time of year in NH. The dormancy of the bitter cold winter weather begins to shake off, and mountain snow-melt swells the watertable. As the state starts to thaw, the circulatory systems of trees kick back into high gear. Cold nights and warmer days are the perfect ebb and flow of Sugar Maple trees. Their activity is even visible by a natural warming effect, often seen first as a radiating melt ring in the surrounding ground snow.

Another bit of wood sugar magic that begins to take shape is barrel aging. This is particularly true with apple brandy which was pressed, fermented, distilled and barreled as the Autumn’s cold removes leaves from the area trees. Traditionally, “Applejacking” (an extremely common household practice in colonial New England) was the result of freezing hard cider to concentrate the alcoholic content. This was also considered “cold-distilling,” even though there was no distillation apparatus necessary besides hard cider, a good study barrel and Mother Nature. At Tamworth Distilling, we just so happen to have a piece of technology to help our process: an alembic still, complete with a ‘brandy helmet.’ This has a traditional brandy shape, modeled after French Cognac stills to historically promote ample fruit flavor and aroma during distillation. Our iconic still shape helps preserve the source ingredient’s integrity: 100% New Hampshire apples.

 

These two, very local ingredients go together famously: Maple and Apple. We use Maple syrup from the TDM land, stretching along the little Swift River that flows behind our barrelhouse. We also supplement syrup from Remick Farm Museum (our neighbors from across the street). It is safe to say, this is a classic Tamworth treat.

William Whipple was no stranger to whiskey – his father was a successful New England maltster. After a stint as a high-seas rum runner he landed in New England, commanded a brigade at Saratoga – a turning point for the Revolutionary War – and signed Declaration of Independence. After which he planted a horse chestnut which grew to be an eighty-foot tree still living in New Hampshire today, located about an hour South of our distillery.

 

But what of the whiskey? This breed of whiskey is a rare bunch and offers an interesting experimentation in grain bill. Much like the brewing world, a few traditional styles are available. Our aim was to showcase more unorthodox grains and offer this recipe as an excellent choice for an aged whiskey. Made with a complex combination of red, caramel, and chocolate wheat William Whipple’s Winter Whiskey offers a sweetness that doesn’t overstay its welcome and a soft finish, making it the perfect sipper.

Last year we released a limited run of Skiklubben Aquavit,  a traditional Scandinavian spirit flavored with spices and herbs. Whether sipped as a pre-ski bracer or an après ski celebration, Skiklubben Aquavit is the perfect spirit for the season, especially when you’re in the White Mountains. We received such a great response from locals, that we decided to bring it back for a second winter, only this time it’s also available at select locations throughout in New Hampshire.

Traditionally, aquavit’s main spice is caraway. Tamworth’s version adds carrot and parsnip, members of the same botanical family, as well as clove, anise, and cardamom. The flavorful shot is a perfect winter sipper, and can also be used as a seasonal twist on classic cocktails like a Manhattan or a Swedish Mule.

Pick up a bottle at Tamworth Distilling, or stop in any of these locations to see what sort of concoctions they’re mixing up with this unique Scandinavian spirit.

 

Nibblesworth – Portsmouth

409 The Hill, Portsmouth, NH 03801

Moxy – Portsmouth

106 Penhallow St, Portsmouth, NH 03801

Sonny’s Tavern – Dover

328 Central Ave, Dover, NH 03820

Thompson House Eatery – Jackson

193 Main St, Jackson, NH 03846

Black Mountain –  Jackson

373 Black Mountain Rd, Jackson, NH 03846

The Beal House – Littleton

 2 W Main St, Littleton, NH 03561

Local Eatery – Laconia

21 Veterans Square, Laconia, NH 03246

Revival Kitchen and Bar – Concord

11 Depot St, Concord, NH 03301

Castle in the Clouds – Moultonboro

455 Old Mountain Rd, Moultonborough, NH 03254

The Corner House Inn – Sandwich

 22 Main St, Center Sandwich, NH 03227

 

Shaken or stirred, gin or vodka?

The classic argument on a classic cocktail: The Martini. Regardless of how you prefer yours, we’ve got a White Mountain spirit to help perfect your recipe.

We suggest our White Mountain Vodka in a “dirty” martini because olive juice lends a balance to the vodka’s sweet flavor profile which comes from corn, rye, and malt. As for Tamworth Garden White Mountain Gin, we prefer to garnish with a lemon. This gin is made with Amarillo hops which offers notes of citrus and pine, making a martini that is crisp and bright.

 Mountain Martini
2 oz White Mountain Vodka
1/2 oz dry vermouth
1/4 oz olive juice
green olives

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with an olive or two.

Garden Martini
2 oz Tamworth Garden White Mountain Gin
1 oz Dry Vermouth
lemon twist

Add gin and vermouth to a shaker filled with ice. Stir for 10 seconds and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

It’s Winter Solstice and though that may mean it’s the shortest day of the year, we’ve got a long list of cocktails for you to get through! We traveled south to see what some of the top bars in Manhattan and Brooklyn were concocting with our spirits, and enjoyed everything from simple champagne sippers to flaming tiki cocktails.

Enjoy our latest Winter Cocktail Guide to New York featuring Camp Robber Whiskeyjack, Art in the Age Black Trumpet Blueberry Cordial, Von Humboldt’s Tamarind & Turmeric Cordials.

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“Feelin’ Myself” at Butter and Scotch

Camp Robber Whiskeyjack, Monkey Shoulder Blended Scotch, Barrow’s Intense Ginger Liqueur, Atsby Amberthorn Vermouth, Fee’s Aromatic Bitters, Pinch Salt.

“And You Get a Car” at Butter and Scotch

Art in the Age Black Trumpet Blueberry Cordial, Bol’s Genever, Tamworth Black Trumpet Blueberry Cordial, Thatcher’s Elderflower Liqueur, Lime, Cinnamon Syrup

“Brown Bomba” at Glady’s

Von Humboldt’s Tamarind Cordial, Prizefight Whiskey, Jamaican pot still rum, lemon juice, cinnamon syrup, banana milk, allspice

“Poolside” at Glady’s

Von Humboldt’s Turmeric Liqueur, Unaged Cachaca, carrot juice, honey syrup, lime

“Valiant Little Tailor” at Grand Army

Von Humboldt’s Tamarind, mezcal, Moscatel Sherry, Pimento Dram

“Go Ahead, What Difference Does It Make?” at Holiday Cocktail Lounge

Von Humboldt’s Tamarind, Sombra Mezcal, lime, hibiscus rose syrup

“Black Mamba” at Sweet Polly

Von Humboldt’s Tamarind, Hamilton gold, Campari, Claro, lime, salted peanut orgeat

“That Feeling When…” at Nitecap

Von Humboldt’s Tamarind, Torres 15 Brandy, Coffee Liqueur, Orgeat, heavy cream, Mexican Coke

“East of the Sun” at Celestine

Von Humboldt’s Tamarind, Gin, Sugar Cane, lemon, Cava