September 2017 | Son of a Flapjack

Sep 21, 2017 at 3:41 PM Permalink Comments (1)

Meyer Lemon Vodka

Napa Valley Distillery’s master blender and fearless leader, Arthur Hartunian, has fused the essence of two of our most popular spirits, Napa Reserve and Meyer Lemon Variety. The result is something even more spectacular: Meyer Lemon Vodka. It is naturally flavored with organic, hand-peeled Meyer lemon zest. Its richness and smoothness are reminiscent of our Napa Reserve, yet it’s subtle and elegant like our Meyer Lemon Variety. It is a truly unique spirit unto itself. 

This delicate sipper is first in a infinite line of our sipping Table Spirts, several of which will be released in 2017. Sipping or Table Spirits excite the palate with single natural flavors such as Ginger, Tarragon, or Dill and are meant to be enjoyed slightly chilled, neat, and paired with food. We suggest pairing our Meyer Lemon Vodka with a wide variety of scrum-diddily-umptious foods such as broiled salmon with tarragon, any assortment of smoked fish, deviled eggs, buratta and heirloom tomato salad, or wild rice salad. The pairing possibilities are endless. What is more exciting is that this  rst batch is reserved exclusively for you, our loyal Club Members.  ough we certainly plan on making more in 2018, this batch is yours! So drink up, and enjoy! …responsibly, of course.

Jul 8, 2017 at 8:44 PM Permalink

East India Cocktail

A Victorian-Era Tiki Drink

When the sun didn’t set on the British Empire and they were busy ruling over the East Indies, fantasy surrounded that foreign land. Capturing the imagination of a bartending Yank, East India became the inspiration for this Victorian-age cocktail.  e  rst recipe was published in 1882, and its sweet fruit  avor is reminiscent of what we know today as Tiki Cocktails. The recipe has changed a bit since  rst being published, but here at Napa Valley Distillery, we love to rediscover a cocktail’s origins. We have cra ed this oak-infused cocktail from California Brandy, housemade Orange Curaçao, real Blackberry Syrup, and Blood Orange Bitters. It’s easy to enjoy! Just shake with ice and serve up with a lemon twist.

Jul 8, 2017 at 4:04 PM Permalink

June 2017 | Spindrift

Jun 9, 2017 at 3:27 PM Permalink

June 2017 | Sparrow's Gimlet

Jun 9, 2017 at 3:19 PM Permalink

June 2017 | Poolside

Jun 9, 2017 at 3:16 PM Permalink Comments (1)

June 2017 | NVD Mojito Sofisticado

Jun 9, 2017 at 3:13 PM Permalink

June 2017 | NVD Cuba Brava (Cuba Libre with a Twist)

Jun 9, 2017 at 3:11 PM Permalink

June 2017 | Macaw's Tale

Jun 9, 2017 at 3:06 PM Permalink Comments (1)

Bourbon Mint Julep

The Kentucky Derby: The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports! Also known as the Run for the Roses, the Kentucky Derby began in 1872, making it the longest running race or sporting event in American history. The first official Kentucky Derby drew a crowd of almost 10,000 spectators, and has since grown in size. In its record setting year, the Derby attracted over 165,000 fans in 2012. The horses that participate in the race at the legendary Churchill Downs Racetrack run 1 ¼ miles, the record time being set by Secretariat in 1973 at just under two minutes. Traditions include fancy southern galas, dinners, cocktail hours, lavish and opulent hats, and of course, the delicious Mint Julep !

Few cocktails invoke an image the way the Mint Julep does. One mention of this Victorian cocktail and you can’t help but envision glamorous hats, horses, and a Southern event unlike any other. 

Before it became the signature Bourbon cocktail at the Kentucky Derby, the Mint Julep was traditionally made with Rum or Brandy. It is believed to be a descendant of the Julab, a rose petal and water mixture. Once the Julab became popular in the Mediterranean region, the rose petals were replaced with mint leaves. Eventually the minty concoction made its way to the south where it was reinvented with good ol’ Kentucky Bourbon. The mixture became an overnight sensation when it became a signature cocktail of the Kentucky Derby in 1933, where they now make around 120,000 of these delightfully minty drinks over the course of just two days!

This isn’t the first time the NVD has produced a Mint Julep since we first began making our oak infused cocktails. We previously released a traditional version made with Brandy. Now we’ve decided to follow in the footsteps of Bourbon distillers and mixologists from the past and reinvent our Mint Julep with our very own Bourbon. Enjoy!

Jun 3, 2017 at 7:08 PM Permalink