St. George Spirits

St. George Spirits is an American artisanal distillery located in Alameda, California. Founded in 1982 by Jörg Rupf, it is recognized as one of the pioneers of the American craft distilling movement. St. George Spirits has gained a reputation for its diverse range of high-quality spirits, including vodka, gin, absinthe, and whiskey, among others. The distillery is housed in a former naval air station, which provides ample space for its distilling operations, aging warehouses, and a tasting room open to the public.

History

St. George Spirits was established by Jörg Rupf, a German immigrant with a passion for distilling and a deep appreciation for California's rich variety of fruits and botanicals. Rupf, who was inspired by the artisanal distilling traditions of his native Germany, began by producing eau de vie, a clear fruit brandy that captured the essence of local produce. The distillery's initial success with eau de vie laid the groundwork for expansion into other types of spirits.

In the early 2000s, under the guidance of master distiller Lance Winters, St. George Spirits began to diversify its product line. Winters, a former brewer with a creative approach to distillation, introduced several innovative products, including the first American absinthe released after the U.S. lifted its ban on the spirit in 2007.

Products

St. George Spirits' product range is notable for its variety and quality. The distillery produces several types of spirits, including:

• St. George Single Malt Whiskey: A highly regarded American single malt whiskey, known for its unique flavor profile.
• Terroir Gin: A gin that captures the essence of California's landscape, using botanicals such as Douglas fir and coastal sage.
• Botanivore Gin: Named for its "botanical eater" profile, featuring 19 different botanicals.
• St. George Absinthe Verte: One of the first absinthes produced in the United States after the ban was lifted, notable for its traditional production method and quality.
• Vodka: The distillery offers a range of vodkas, including those made from pears, grapes, and raspberries.

Distillery Tours and Tastings

St. George Spirits offers tours of its distillery, providing visitors with an insight into the distillation process and the history of the company. The tours are popular among spirits enthusiasts and tourists alike, offering tastings of the distillery's product line.

Sustainability

Sustainability is a key focus for St. George Spirits. The distillery employs various practices to minimize its environmental impact, including water conservation measures and sourcing local, organic ingredients whenever possible.

Awards and Recognition

Over the years, St. George Spirits has received numerous awards and accolades for its spirits. These recognitions highlight the distillery's commitment to quality and innovation in the craft distilling industry.

See Also

• Craft distillery
• Eau de vie
• Absinthe
• American whiskey