On a recent tour of the Barlow’s SpirtWorks Distillery (6790 McKinley St #100, Sebastopol) BiteClub fell a little in love.
Partly with owners Timo and Ashby Marshall’s Boston Terrier, Bandit, and mostly with their newly-released barrel aged gin.
Made from their Red Winter Wheat gin, it’s aged in new White oak (giving it a more intense, toasty flavor), imparting a rich amber hue, with lots of vanilla, butterscotch, cardamom and orange and a perfect winter sipper. Try it mixed with a little eggnog or straight up by the fire.
Want to see the distillery for yourself? Guided tours are available Friday through Sunday for $15 per person, with reservations required. And while you’re at it, pick up a bottle of their vodka, rye whisky and sloe gin (a specialty of Timo’s family for generations).
Available at Oliver’s Markets, Bottle Barn and Bevmo, around $50.