Maplewood Brewery & Distillery of Chicago announces the release of its new Spruce Gin distilled from a blend of neutral spirits and malted barley. The Spruce Gin is the distillery’s first widely distributed product in its ever-evolving craft spirits portfolio.
Known for its Charlatan American Pale Ale (2016 & 2018 Great American Beer Festival Bronze APA), Son of Juice Hazy IPA, and Fat Pug Oatmeal Milk Stout (2017 Great American Beer Festival Bronze Oatmeal Stout), the brewery is excited to begin offering craft spirits alongside beer at on- and off-premise accounts throughout The Chicagoland Area. “Until now, we’ve only been able to offer our craft spirits in 375ml formats to-go at the Lounge and select whiskey-forward bars and restaurants. It’s exciting to be able to offer our Spruce Gin to more places that have supported Maplewood throughout the years by carrying our beer,” said Ari Megalis, head distiller and co-owner.
Distilled with a generous amount of Colorado spruce tips, rooibos tea, citrus, lavender and traditional gin botanicals, the 47.5% Alc/Vol Spruce Gin evokes deep forest pine notes that blend with bright citrus and meadow-like floral depth.
The 750ml bottles will begin distribution the week of May 11th throughout The Chicagoland Area and will be available to order for No Contact Pick Up using Maplewood’s web-store on Tuesday, May 12th at the Lounge located in Logan Square. (maplewoodbrew.com/shop)
To accompany the release, Maplewood will be rolling out two new “make it yourself” cocktail recipes encompassing two of its year round beer offerings, Charlatan and Son of Juice. “We really want to show the versatility of the Spruce Gin. One of our main goals at the Lounge is to make our customers feel at home when they’re at Maplewood. These ‘’make it yourself’’ cocktails are a way of engaging with our customers and carrying out that goal while the Lounge is temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Eric Mott, Lounge general manager.
Spruce Juice
2oz Maplewood Spruce Gin
.75oz Lemon Juice
.5oz Simple Syrup
4oz Son of Juice (Hazy IPA)
Instructions: shake all ingredients EXCEPT Son of Juice with ice. Open the shaker and add Son of Juice. Strain into an ice filled Collins glass. Lounge.
Honey on a Biscuit
2oz Maplewood Spruce Gin
.75oz Honey Syrup*
.5oz Lemon Juice
4oz Charlatan (American Pale Ale)
Shake all ingredients EXCEPT Charlatan. Open the shaker and add Charlatan. Strain into an ice filled Collins glass. Lounge.
*To make Honey Syrup – stir equal parts hot water and your favorite honey.