Contact Information
Spirit Works Distillery
6790 McKinley St #100,
Sebastopol, CA 95472
707-634-4793
hello@spiritworksdistillery.com
About Spirit Works
Spirit Works Distillery is a family-owned business that prides itself on producing high-quality, handcrafted spirits using traditional distilling techniques. In addition to their signature Vodka, Gin, and Whiskey, the distillery also produces seasonal spirits, such as their popular Barrel Reserve Sloe Gin.
One unique aspect of Spirit Works Distillery is their commitment to sustainability. They use organic and locally sourced grains, and their distillery is powered by renewable energy sources, including solar and wind power. They also recycle and reuse as much of their waste materials as possible, including spent grains, which are used as animal feed.
The distillery’s tasting room is a popular destination for visitors to Sonoma County, offering tours, tastings, and cocktails made with their handcrafted spirits. The tasting room is also a venue for live music and other events, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for locals and tourists alike.
About Timo
Timo Marshall is the co-founder of Spirit Works Distillery, along with his wife Ashby Marshall. Prior to starting the distillery, Timo worked in the wine industry, managing sales and distribution for wineries in the United States and Europe.
Timo’s family’s history with sloe gin in Thurlestone, England, likely sparked his interest in the spirits industry and inspired the creation of Spirit Works Distillery’s Barrel Reserve Sloe Gin.
As the head distiller at Spirit Works, Timo is responsible for overseeing the production process, from selecting the organic grains to handcrafting the spirits in small batches. He is committed to using traditional distilling methods and sustainable practices to create high-quality, flavorful spirits.
Timo is also passionate about education and community outreach. He regularly teaches classes on distilling and spirits, and the distillery hosts events and fundraisers to support local organizations in Sonoma County.
About Ashby
Ashby Marshall is the co-founder and head distiller of Spirit Works Distillery, alongside her husband Timo Marshall. While Timo has a family history in distilling sloe gin, Ashby’s passion lies in whiskey, particularly the craft of making it.
Ashby is a West Coast native and has a deep appreciation and understanding of whiskey and its complexities. Prior to starting Spirit Works, she worked as a marketing and sales executive for several wineries and vineyards in Napa and Sonoma counties.
At Spirit Works, Ashby oversees the distilling process, working with the team to develop new and innovative whiskey recipes while also using traditional techniques. She is particularly focused on creating whiskeys that are approachable and flavorful, with a unique California twist.
Ashby is also dedicated to promoting diversity and equality in the spirits industry. She is an advocate for women in distilling and is a member of the Women’s Distillery Guild and Women of the Vine & Spirits organization.
Tasting Available?
Yes, tasting flight is available. You can book a reservation via their website or simply drop in and try your luck. For parties larger than 5, they highly recommend a reservation. At the time of review, the price for a tasting is $20 per person. To me, this is a fair amount.
The Spirits
Here are the spirits I tasted so far…
Sloe Gin
Sloe gin is a traditional British liqueur that is made by steeping sloe berries in gin, along with sugar and other botanicals. Sloe berries are the fruit of the blackthorn bush, which is common in hedgerows throughout the United Kingdom and Europe.
To make sloe gin, the sloe berries are typically harvested in the late summer or early fall, when they are ripe and plump. The berries are then pricked with a needle or fork to release their juices, and then steeped in gin along with sugar and other botanicals such as orange peel, cloves, or cinnamon. The mixture is left to macerate for several months, allowing the flavors to meld together and the color of the berries to infuse into the gin.
The resulting sloe gin is a deep, vibrant red color and has a sweet and tart flavor that is reminiscent of cherry or plum. It can be enjoyed on its own as a digestif, or used as a mixer in cocktails, often as a replacement for sweet vermouth.
Sloe gin has a long history in the UK and has been enjoyed for centuries. Today, it is also produced by many craft distillers around the world, including Spirit Works Distillery. The distillery’s sloe gin has won numerous awards, including a Double Gold at a spirits competition.
Barrel Reserve Sloe Gin
Barrel Reserve Sloe Gin is a unique and award-winning spirit produced by Spirit Works Distillery. This sloe gin is aged in oak barrels, giving it a full-bodied flavor with notes of dark cherry, clove, cardamom, and orange peel.
On the nose, the Barrel Reserve Sloe Gin has a pronounced aroma of prune and dried grapes. The palate is characterized by flavors of vanilla, dried cherry, and ruby port, while the finish is dry with a rich and luxurious mouthfeel.
Barrel Reserve Sloe Gin is often enjoyed as a digestif on its own, but it can also be used in specialty cocktails. Its complex flavor profile makes it a versatile ingredient that can add depth and complexity to a wide range of cocktails.
The spirit has received numerous awards and accolades, including a Gold Medal and “Best of Class” at the 2022 American Distilling Institute (ADI) awards. Its unique flavor and aging process make it a standout product in the world of craft spirits.
Straight Rye Whiskey
The Straight Rye Whiskey finished in sloe gin barrel is a unique and award-winning spirit produced by Spirit Works Distillery. This high-rye whiskey is made from a mash bill of 70% rye and 30% malted barley, which gives it a spicy and bold flavor profile.
The whiskey is aged in full-size American oak barrels for a minimum of four years, which allows it to develop a complex flavor and aroma. The finishing touch is the unique aging process in sloe gin barrels, which imparts additional layers of flavor and complexity to the whiskey.
On the nose, the Straight Rye Whiskey finished in sloe gin barrel has a bright aroma of baked apple, coffee, cedar, and leather. On the palate, the flavors are characterized by clove, nutmeg, honeycomb, toasted coconut, and vanilla, with a warm rounded spice on the finish.
The spirit has received numerous awards and accolades, including a Good Food Award in 2022 and a gold medal in spirits competitions. Its unique aging process and high-quality ingredients make it a standout product in the world of craft spirits.
Gin
The Gin produced by Spirit Works Distillery is a handcrafted spirit that is made using traditional distilling techniques and a unique blend of botanicals. Each batch starts with organic red winter wheat, the same base as their Vodka, which is distilled with juniper berries and a variety of botanicals, including both traditional and locally sourced Californian ingredients.
What sets Spirit Works Gin apart from other gins is the addition of fresh zested lemon and orange, as well as hibiscus, which adds a tea-like flavor and aroma to the spirit. The resulting gin is a well-balanced and flavorful spirit with a bright citrus nose, delicate juniper notes, and a balanced spice and floral character on the palate.
The finish of Spirit Works Gin is characterized by a slight acidity and herbal tea notes. The spirit has received recognition for its high quality, including a Silver Medal at a spirits competition.
Overall, Spirit Works Gin is a complex and well-crafted spirit that is perfect for sipping on its own or using as a base in cocktails. It is a testament to the distillery’s commitment to using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients and traditional distilling techniques.
Vodka
The Vodka produced by Spirit Works Distillery is a handcrafted spirit that is made using only 100% Californian organic red winter wheat. The grain-to-glass process ensures that the unique and delicious character of the wheat is maintained, resulting in a super-smooth and slightly sweet sipping vodka.
On the nose, the vodka has a heavy cream aroma, which is a result of the organic wheat used in the distilling process. On the palate, the flavors are characterized by sweet caramel and butterscotch, warm earthy notes, and a round mouthfeel. The finish is extremely smooth with hints of vanilla, which makes it perfect for sipping on its own or as a base for cocktails.
Spirit Works Vodka is a testament to the distillery’s commitment to using only high-quality, locally sourced organic ingredients and traditional distilling techniques. Its unique flavor profile and smooth finish have earned it a reputation as one of the best vodkas produced in California.
Overall, Spirit Works Vodka is a well-crafted and delicious spirit that is perfect for sipping on its own or using in a wide range of cocktails. Its high-quality ingredients and careful distilling process make it a standout product in the world of craft spirits.
Final Thought
Spirit Works Distillery is a family-owned and operated craft spirits producer that is dedicated to creating high-quality, handcrafted spirits using traditional techniques and sustainable practices. The distillery’s commitment to using organic, locally sourced ingredients and renewable energy sources sets it apart from other distilleries, while its unique and award-winning spirits showcase the creativity and expertise of its distilling team.
From their signature Vodka, Gin, and Whiskey, to their Barrel Reserve Sloe Gin and Rye Whiskey finished in sloe gin barrels, each Spirit Works spirit is a testament to the distillery’s commitment to quality and innovation. Their dedication to education and community outreach, as well as their focus on promoting diversity and equality in the spirits industry, make them a truly admirable company.
Overall, Spirit Works Distillery is a shining example of the best of the craft spirits industry, and their spirits are a delight to savor and enjoy.
