Over about two years Dr. Craig Stoner and David Baxter of Blackbird Spirits, LLC have used natural herbs to research and create a very unique distilled beverage. Dr. Stoner's Fresh Herb Spirits began distribution earlier this year of Dr. Stoner's Fresh Herb Vodka and Dr. Stoner's Smoky Herb Whiskey. These distillates offer a one-of-a-kind, complex profile true to the herbal scent, and matching flavors to fit almost anywhere. The smooth and subtle profiles of the spirits make them intriguing, versatile and flavorful in a whole new way.
The Fresh Herb Vodka provides a piney hoppy herbal scent, and finishing tastes of natural citrus and fresh botanical essences. The Smoky Herb Whiskey offers a classic American whisky base with unique smoky herbal complexities. Herbs, grasses and hops all mix together with the warm nuances of coffee, caramel and cherry true to whiskey.
Nobodies Blowing Smoke Here
It's no surprise that both David and Dr. Stoner find their product pleasing for the palate, but they're not just blowing smoke. These two and their team distill two of the best spirits in the country and some of the best tasters around agree.
Earlier this year at the world renowned San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Blackbird Spirits and Dr. Stoner's received a prestigious Silver Medal for each of the products. This competition is a blind test that is widely regarded as one of the best of its kind and a true win for any medal recipient.
David Baxter explained what winning the award really meant for him saying, "It was satisfying to see that people with trained palates appreciated our products. Our flavors are not just the next best orange or honey-flavored spirits. We have a totally unique flavor giving bartenders and individuals an entirely new profile."
Dr. Stoner agreed, "It was pretty incredible. That was before we were even distributing in Washington, D.C. [The Spirits] have got such a unique taste to them. There are all sorts of flavored vodkas and flavored whiskies... but there's no other herb flavored whiskey or vodka out there."
While the Dr. Stoner's line may be new to Maryland, both the Vodka and the Whiskey have seen huge success in the Virginia, Kentucky, and in bars and five star restaurants like Equinox in the Washington, D.C. marketplace. The goal now is to continue expanding, on and off-premise, in these markets as well as the markets in North Carolina, New York, Florida, and West Virginia.
For a great chance to check out Dr. Stoner's and some cool recipes using Dr. Stoner's Fresh Herb Vodka and Smoky Herb Whiskey look for the crew at the 2017 Fell's Point Festival in October or check out their website for events and upcoming tastings: www.drstoners.net.
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