One of the three owners of Arizona Distilling Co., Jason Grossmiller, is seen agitating a vat of mash that will eventually become a malt whiskey. Arizona Distilling Co. has been working on the malt whiskey with Four Peaks Brewery Company. (Photo by Mario Mendez)Tempe's Arizona Distilling Co. is taking a local spin on one of the most classic spirits, gin.
The company, largely known for its celebrated Copper City Bourbon, also produces Desert Dry Gin.
While traditional gins must use the juniper berry to be considered a true traditional gin, Desert Dry Gin is a little more complex, said Matt Cummins, a partner in the company.
The distillery drew inspiration from the "Five C’s" of Arizona heritage: cattle, copper, citrus, climate and cotton.
The Arizona Distilling Co. set out to create a distinctive gin that featured its own "Five C’s," including local cardamom, cumin, coriander, citrus (in the form of lime zest) and cinnamon. Juniper and a hint of apple commemorate orchards in Willcox, a town in southeast Arizona.
Locals looking to try the award-winning Desert Dry Gin can find it in Fry’s Food Stores throughout the Valley or at various liquor stores, such as Tops Liquors, located at 403 W. University Dr. in Tempe. Tops Liquors also carries Arizona Distilling Co.’s Copper City Bourbon and Desert Durum Wheat Whiskey.
Desert Dry Gin can be enjoyed in cocktails offered by bars and restaurants throughout Arizona, including Phoenix Public Market, World Of Beer and Yucca Tap Room.
Downtown residents will get the opportunity to try samples of Arizona Distilling Co. offerings at the Certified Local Fall Festival on Saturday Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. in downtown Phoenix. The Arizona Distilling Co. participated last year and will be located in the beer and wine garden alongside other local producers.
If you want to try gin but are afraid to take the martini plunge, or if you haven’t necessarily enjoyed the taste of gin on its own, Cummins suggests tasting a classic gin and tonic.
Cummins, who prefers to add a little lemonade while enjoying the spirit, also recommended trying a Tom Collins, a cocktail consisting of gin lemon juice, soda water and sugar, to bring out the citrus flavor of gin.
Desert Dry Gin is distilled in Tempe at the Arizona Distilling Company, located at 508 W. 1st St.
Reach the reporter at Samantha.Shotzbarger@asu.edu or follow her on Twitter @SShotzbarger
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