Tamworth Distilling & Mercantile might be the most innovative distillery in the country — if not the world. Our goal is to push the boundaries of what spirits can be, and what they can do. What if a whiskey could help wipe out invasive species? What if a gin told the story of a bee’s pollination journey? What if you could drink Thanksgiving dinner? With creative, sometimes never-before-used-in-spirits ingredients and a combination of traditional and experimental distilling techniques, we’re putting our small, New Hampshire town on the map. Come join us out here on the cutting edge and discover a distillery unlike any other.
MEET OUR FOUNDER
Named Innovator of the Year by Food & Wine, Steven Grasse is the creative mind behind some of the most iconic spirits brands of the 21st century, including Hendrick’s Gin and Sailor Jerry Rum. His “story-first” model of branding combines art, history, culture, and design, creating brand worlds people want to explore — and liquids interesting enough that they redefine categories. In founding Tamworth Distilling and Mercantile, Steven created a test kitchen for his most radical ideas. If he’s Willy Wonka, Tamworth is his chocolate factory.
FOOD & WINE
At Tamworth Distilling, every bottle begins with exceptional water sourced from the Ossipee Stratified Aquifer, widely regarded as one of the purest groundwater reserves on the entire East Coast. This aquifer is a complex geological formation composed primarily of well-sorted sand and gravel deposits, laid down during the last glacial period. These permeable materials act as a natural filtration system, continuously cleansing water as it percolates through layers of earth, resulting in remarkably clean and mineral-balanced water.
Sometimes the old ways are the best ways. Sometimes innovative ideas require an entirely new approach. At Tamworth Distilling, we’re committed to both.
Our custom-built, 250-gallon copper still, crafted by Vendome in Kentucky, allows us the versatility to distill a diverse range of spirits, from aromatic, botanical gins to rich, layered whiskeys and brandies.
More unusual is our medical-grade rotary evaporator. This incredible piece of chemistry equipment allows us to extract flavors from fresh ingredients using a cold vacuum seal, keeping them as fresh as the day they were picked. Each ingredient can then be precisely blended and infused into a spirit at just the right ratio, for unmatched levels of control over the finished flavor profile.
Built with locally sourced timber and designed to operate without electricity or fossil fuels, this space is where our spirits rest, breathe, and slowly develop the character and depth found in every bottle.
– Country Living Magazine
If you’ve tasted any of our spirits, you have an idea of how beautiful, wild, and otherworldly Tamworth can be. That feeling comes full circle when you visit. From our distillery itself with its garden and barrelhouse to the river down the hill and the woods and fields beyond, this picturesque setting inspires everything we do.
Sample curated tasting flights and creative cocktails, taste (and purchase) limited edition, distillery-exclusive spirits, explore the grounds and Tamworth Village, and experience a place that is truly one of a kind.
FOOD & WINE
MEET OUR FOUNDER
Steven Grasse is founder of Tamworth Distilling and Mercantile and the creative mind behind some of the most iconic spirits brands of the 21st century, including Hendrick’s Gin and Sailor Jerry Rum.
Steven launched Tamworth Distilling & Mercantile in 2015 in the heart of Tamworth Village, New Hampshire. Inspired by the transcendentalist history of the area, as well as its agricultural heritage, he set to work creating one of the most imaginative farm-to-bottle distilleries in the country. Fueled by a passion for authenticity and innovation, he and his team experiment with local ingredients, foraged botanicals, and centuries-old techniques to craft spirits that are as inventive as they are rooted in place.
His “story-first” model of branding combines art, history, culture, and design, creating brand worlds people want to explore — and liquids interesting enough that they redefine categories.
Steven is also the founder of Quaker City Mercantile, a Philadelphia-based creative agency known for building some of the most distinctive alcohol brands in the world. Through Quaker City, he’s developed campaigns and products for global companies while continuing to create his own experimental brands — including Art in the Age Spirits, based in Pennsylvania, and The Pathfinder, a non-alcoholic amaro he co-owns.
In addition to his work in spirits and branding, Steven is a published author whose books blend cultural insight, history, and creativity. His titles include Brand Mysticism, Colonial Spirits, The Cocktail Workshop, Backcountry Cocktails, and The Evil Empire, among others.
Whether drawing from nature, history, or bold ideas, Steven Grasse continues to challenge convention and push the boundaries of what spirits — and storytelling — can be.
OSSIPPEE AQUIFER
At Tamworth Distilling, we’re fanatical about using the best ingredients. And the key ingredient in every spirit we make is water.
Every bottle begins with exceptional water sourced from the Ossipee Stratified Aquifer, widely regarded as one of the purest groundwater reserves on the entire East Coast. This aquifer is a complex geological formation composed primarily of well-sorted sand and gravel deposits, laid down during the last glacial period. These permeable materials act as a natural filtration system, continuously cleansing water as it percolates through layers of earth, resulting in remarkably clean and mineral-balanced water.
What sets the Ossipee Aquifer apart, however, is its unique position atop a foundation of solid granite bedrock. Unlike sedimentary rock formations that are more vulnerable to industrial activities like hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”), granite is an impermeable igneous rock. This impermeability acts as a natural barrier, preventing fracking fluids or contaminants from penetrating downward into the aquifer’s water supply.
Fracking, which involves injecting high-pressure fluids into shale or sandstone formations to extract oil or gas, has been linked to risks of groundwater contamination in many regions. The Ossipee Aquifer’s granite foundation means that such risks are effectively eliminated here — the aquifer is naturally shielded from these industrial pollutants, ensuring the water remains untainted.
From a distillation perspective, water quality is critical. The pure, mineral-rich water from the Ossipee Aquifer plays an essential role in shaping the character and clarity of our spirits. Its softness and neutrality allow the nuanced flavors of our botanicals and grains to shine through, while the natural mineral content contributes to mouthfeel and balance.
By sourcing from this uniquely protected aquifer, Tamworth Distilling not only guarantees exceptional water quality but also embodies a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship—key pillars in our farm-to-bottle philosophy.
At Tamworth Distilling, every spirit we craft begins with an idea: a spirit type to explore, a piece of local history to bring to life, an ingredient to celebrate. Then the journey begins, with deep research, experimentation, flavor formulation, and testing all before the first drop hits the still.
From long-forgotten recipes to 19th century poetry to questions of “can it even be distilled?” — each new spirit involves hundreds of hours of research across history, literature, chemistry, botany, and beyond. How was this ingredient used in the past? What myths lurk in the mountains beyond our distillery? Has anyone ever distilled a turkey dinner?
Local, natural ingredients are at the core of our farm-to-bottle philosophy. From aromatic spruce tips gathered in the White Mountains to fresh peaches from local farms and green crabs harvested off the coast, every foraged ingredient tells a story of New Hampshire’s wilderness.
Experimenting with different techniques for flavor extraction, mash blends, and ingredient ratios allows us to get as close as possible to our ideal expression of flavor. We employ rigorous testing to ensure that every batch meets our exacting standards for flavor, balance, and quality before moving forward.
Blending old-world techniques with modern innovation, we mill grain on-site and distill through a custom Vendome copper still. Equipped with a brandy helmet, whiskey column, gin basket, and rectifying column, this still offers unparalleled versatility, allowing us to craft a diverse range of spirits — from aromatic, botanical gins to rich, layered whiskeys — all while adapting to the rhythms of the seasons.
We also incorporate advanced techniques like rotary evaporation—a method more commonly found in the culinary and scientific worlds—to capture delicate flavors and aromas without heat damage. Using our rotovap, we extract and preserve the freshest, most nuanced botanical essences, elevating our spirits beyond convention.
Our spirits mature gracefully in barrels sourced from Kelvin Cooperage in Kentucky and select wine barrels from around the world, spending years in our bonded warehouse where time and temperature impart their character.
Spirits this good need bottles to match. Our artfully designed packaging helps bring the world of Tamworth to life, hinting at the story of the liquid inside. Each bottle is washed, filled, and labeled by hand right here in Tamworth — a final step that guarantees the craftsmanship and care behind every drop.
You must be of legal drinking age to access this site.
You must be of legal drinking age to access this website.
Sample curated tasting flights and inventive cocktails, uncover limited-edition distillery exclusives, wander the grounds and Tamworth Village, and immerse yourself in a destination unlike any other.
WEDDINGS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Bring the spirit of Tamworth to your event — or host a gathering right here at the distillery! Whether you’re looking for small town charm, stunning natural beauty, or simply a taste of the best spirits in the country, Tamworth is the place.
Shake up your Wedding Weekend
Getting married in the area? Let us handle some of the details. From cocktail consultations with our in-house expert mixologists to hosting your guests, we’re here to help make your wedding extraordinary.
For details, pricing, and availability, email events@tamworthgarden.com.
Tamworth Distilling is an unforgettable location for any party, gathering, corporate event, or get-together. Our experienced in-house team will tailor our offerings to your group’s size, tastes, and budget for an experience you won’t find anywhere else.
● Indoor & Outdoor Event Rentals: We’re flexible — host your event in our intimate tasting room or amid the natural beauty of the grounds and gardens.
● Private Cocktail Classes & Tastings: Get an in-depth look at our spirits in a private tasting with our expert staff, or learn the art and science of cocktails with our in-house mixologist.
● Corporate Events: Enjoy a unique, engaging experience with your clients or colleagues, perfectly tailored to your brand.
● Cocktail Consulting: Collaborate with our mixologists to create the perfect signature cocktail for your event. Once it’s dialed in, we’ll put together a custom cocktail kit for you (or your bartender) to recreate the drink at home.
For details, pricing, and availability, email events@tamworthgarden.com.
