In anticipation of spooky season, imbibers can finally drink dead people thanks to Steven Grasse and his coven at Tamworth, New Hampshire-based Tamworth Distilling.
Graverobber Unholy Rye, Tamworth Distilling’s annual autumnal release, has been one of the distillery’s most popular annual limited-edition spirits since debuting in 2019. The elixir is crafted with maple syrup tapped from mature and gnarled trees grown amid graves of human remains on Great Hill Farm in New Hampshire – right down the road from the distillery and adjacent to owner Steven Grasse’s farm. As a result of its cult-like status amid whiskey drinkers and collectors, the distillery is now bottling the spirit in a scarily large 750-ml format and will pivot to a year-round release – available now for pre-order ahead of official launch date on Friday, September 13th.
Tamworth Distilling is the brainchild of Steven Grasse (the man behind both the Hendrick’s Gin brand and Sailor Jerry Rum brand) and is an experimental liquid lab where Steve can let his ideas fly wild. The team increased production, acquired new equipment, and invested in new processes; allowing the distillery to ramp up production and expand this spooky spirit from a limited edition 200 ml format to a larger and scarier 750 ml bottle – for similar price.
The spirit is laid to rest for a full three-year aging period and comes to life at a deliciously drinkable 80-proof while sporting a flavor profile rife with charred oak and burnt sugar pulled from the sinister sap of the old maples, with deep roots wrapped around Colonial-era graves. The aromas of cinnamon and dried orange peel as well as rye cracker and hints of maple make it a full-bodied sensory experience for whiskey-lovers and rookies alike. The addition of the graveside grown maple syrup soothes the peppery rye and gives way to a warm, long finish.
“Graverobber is a wickedly delicious spirit, with a haunting story about tapping graveyard maples, a process that has long been feared for risk of disturbing the dead and is much taboo in New England.” said Steven Grasse, CEO and Founder of Tamworth Distilling and Art in the Age Spirits. “Luckily, we don’t scare that easy!”
The graveyard where the maple stands tall, to this day, houses a boulder anchored with a message:
HERE LIES SOME EARLY SETTLERS OF THE REGION
THEIR NAMES FORGOTTEN BY MEN ARE REGISTERED IN HEAVEN
Previously bottled at 200ml, the reincarnation of this spooky spirit is now available in a ghoulish 750 ml bottle ($34.99) – Ahead of launch on Friday, September 13, imbibers can pr-order Graverobber Unholy Rye for online nationwide shipping. The spirit is also available at New Hampshire state liquor stores, and in select scary good Pennsylvania bars and restaurants including Martha. Online shipping is available across Pennsylvania for brave souls bold enough to drink this spine-tingling spirit.