Rum has been around for centuries and in the 1400’s explorers and pirates used rum for trade and was a form of popular currency. Made from sugarcane and molasses, Rum mixes well with anything, making this the perfect spirit for great cocktails. There are many stories about the origin of rum drinks, but just like the stories you hear on the ridge, not sure you can believe any of them!
We fell in love with Rum’s history, taste, and assortment of great cocktails. Typically a drink of the Caribbean and warm weather-two things not here in Wisconsin! On our travels, we tasted many great Rum drinks and knew we had to bring the taste and warmth of the Caribbean to you. Here at St. Mary’s Distillery, our Rum is made with sugarcane and molasses that we purchase locally through our Amish neighbor. In case you didn’t know, you are no where close to the Caribbean, but we believe the sunsets are better and well, we hope the drinks are too.
RUM.
When we opened the distillery, we knew we had to have a Brandy. So we make an “Immature Brandy”. This is a signature spirit of Wisconsin, consuming half of all Brandy sales in the U.S. Brandy became popular in Wisconsin in the 19th century when a large number of German immigrants moved here. Brandy means “burned wine” and in the 16th century, a Dutchman trader invented a way to ship more wine in smaller cargo space by removing the water from wine, then adding water back. Brandy is created by distilling fermented juice from grapes and then aging in an Oak barrel for at least 2 years, giving it a golden amber color. At St. Mary’s Distillery, our Brandy is made from real California Grapes, just like that of the classic Korbel brandy. We aim to create a similar brandy, but for now ours is a little Immature, sort of like my husband! We haven’t had time to age our Brandy for a full 2 years, but we are hoping to give you aged Brandy in the years to come. Like a good woman and wine, Brandy does get better with age.
Brandy (Immature).
We have finally made it 2 years! In February 2023, we introduced our first 2 year Aged Wisconsin Brandy! This Brandy was aged in a charred Oak Barrel with grapes from California. The taste is smooth and we are very pleased with this Brandy. The growing season in Wisconsin is not long, so sourcing local grapes/juice has been difficult. We have been working with a few local wineries and grape producers and have local grape Brandy aging, so stay tuned for that Brandy release! Special thanks to Artistic Spirits LLC for helping us with the bottle design and distribution to local establishments! If interested in putting this on your shelf, contact Lia!
