Want to try some local, Connecticut spirits? Here are 5 distillers to visit for National Craft Distillery Day

Jun 04, 2023

Connecticut has a knack for more than just craft beer and wine.

Across the state, local distillers have been sprouting up and selling delicious spirits. You have got bourbon whiskeys, fruited vodkas, complex liqueurs, and even moonshine sold by the jar. Many have tasting bars as well to sample before committing to a bottle or two.

You might be surprised to hear about one right in your hometown or just across the pond. Why not support a local business for National Craft Distillery Day and enjoy a spirit made in Connecticut?

Here are five distillers you will not want to miss:

If you are looking for something local and delicious, Hartford Flavor Company has you covered.

There are a wide selection of liqueurs in a spread of different flavors like lime, cranberry, chai spice, and sage. Each sits at around 15% abv.

They also have a couple organic vodka's to choose from, too: Original and Vanilla. You can sign up for their Cocktail Club Crate, complete with spirits, garnishes, mixers, and a recipe card.

30 Arbor St # 107, Hartford

Farm-made moonshine is a special treat, and the folks at Full Moonshine know how to make it right.

Their moonshines are handcrafted in small batches to create a "smooth, clean spirit." Flavors include Apple Pie, Pete's Maple "80" and Cranberry.

Their Circa 1797 is for drinkers looking for a classic taste made of "the finest corn and impeccably clear spring water."

Not sure if you should commit to a jar or two? Stop in to their tasting room and try one for yourself.

183 Bahre Corner Road, Canton

Whether it is gin, whiskey or vodka, Litchfield Distillery has got it all.

Whiskey fans have a lot to choose from: Double Barreled Bourbon, Port Cask Finish Bourbon, Straight Bourbon, Rye, Vanilla Bourbon, Maple Bourbon, Cinnamon Bourbon, and Coffee Bourbon.

Want to try something different? Pick up one of their cocktail mixes like Old Fashioned or Manhattan. There are flavored vodkas like Strawberry and Blueberry as well as Agave Spirits and a Gin.

569 Bantam Road, Litchfield

Who says you can only grab a drink at a brewery?

Waypoint Spirits has a wide selection of cocktails made from their own spirits. There is blueberry smash made with blueberry infused vodka and lemon; summer solstice with gin, cucumber, lime, mint and soda; and rum sangria with red wine, orange, and citrus. You can check out their full tap list here. Pair it with their food menu and you are in for a fun night.

They also have plenty to take home with you, too. Pick up a four-pack of their Vodka Mint Lemonada, Vodka Iced Tea Lemonade, or Bees Knees blend of gin, lemons and honey. You can also grab bottles of their vodka, rum, gin and a spread of different bourbon whiskeys.

410 Woodland Ave, Bloomfield

Located in a cozy corner of South Windsor, John Fitch Distilling Company has a beautifully outdoors atmosphere to pair with their spirits.

Visitors looking for an ‘old Yankee whiskey’ can pick up a bottle or try their Morgan Horse Bourbon. There is also a Molotava Freedom Vodka with all proceeds given to help the Ukrainian people overseas.

They also sell a 5th Star Connecticut White Whiskey Aging Kit that comes with a 2 liter charred American white oak barrel, 2.25 liters of unaged 5th Star Connecticut corn whiskey, and detailed instructions with a tasting journal.

51 Glendale Road, South Windsor

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