Seven Brothers Distilling owner/distiller Kevin Suttman showcases his innovative vacuum still, with a bottle of Agave Spirits proudly displayed.
Crafting Unique Agave Spirits
In a time when tequila reigns as the top-selling spirit in the nation, two Northeast Ohio distillers have taken a creative approach to capitalize on the trend. Unlike traditional tequila made from Blue Weber Agave in Mexico's Jalisco region, these innovative distillers have introduced their own variation labeled as 'agave' spirit.
Seven Brothers Distilling Co. Launches Agave Spirit
Among these trailblazers is Seven Brothers Distilling Co., which has recently unveiled its own agave spirit. The highly-anticipated product will be officially introduced at a special release event held at the Geneva distillery, featuring tours and tastings from Friday to Sunday, September 27-29. Following the launch, the agave spirit will hit store shelves soon after.
A Unique Approach
Owner and distiller Kevin Suttman shares his journey in creating this distinct spirit. "I was unsure about producing it as I couldn't use the tequila label," says Suttman. "However, we have always strived to innovate and push boundaries, and the growing popularity of the 'agave spirit' name encouraged us to move forward."
Innovative Distillation Process
Unlike traditional methods, Suttman employs a custom vacuum still for production. He believes that this unique approach helps preserve delicate flavors, resulting in a smoother and more refined spirit. "It is perhaps the world's first vacuum-distilled agave spirit, capturing the true essence of agave," he explains.
Future Plans
Initially launching the unaged Blanco expression, Seven Brothers plans to expand its lineup with barrel-aged reposado and anejo varieties in the future. Meanwhile, Western Reserve Distillers also joins the trend with three different expressions of agave spirits -- blanco, reposado, and anejo.
A Labor of Love
Kevin Thomas from Western Reserve Distillers emphasizes the extensive research and development that went into perfecting their agave spirit. "It took us years of experimentation to find the right raw materials," he reveals. "Our freshly processed 100 percent organic Blue Weber agave sets the foundation for our unique fermentation process."
Growing Popularity
Consumers have embraced these innovative spirits, with Western Reserve's Blanco, Repo, and Anejo varieties experiencing significant growth in Ohio. Their aged expressions have garnered particular praise, showcasing the rich and complex qualities of well-crafted agave spirits. As the demand for unique spirits continues to rise, Northeast Ohio's craft distillers are at the forefront of this exciting trend.