Tasting the Elements

Nic Corbett - Lead Distiller

Before I came to work at Soft Tail spirits six months ago I didn’t really drink hard liquor except for the occasional shot or two on a wild night. I certainly never wanted to taste it! But over the last few months, I and my palate have been exposed to a whole new arena of sensory awareness. A new challenge and level of palatable pleasure have been presented to me and I’m happy to have embraced it.

 Because of the painstaking artisanal methods employed in the production of our Soft Tail products, they are notable in flavor and character. Take this year’s Sangiovese Grappa for example; produced from the finest fruit of Chandler’s Reach and Brian Carter Cellars, our 2009 Sangiovese Grappa is a truly unique tasting experience.

The nose is full and delicious; it reminds me of sweet ripened star fruit. When it hits the tongue, you are taken on a journey through 3 distinctive layers of flavor. First, a strong almost woody alcohol taste that is surprisingly delightful, hits you in the face. Then, as the alcohol begins to evaporate slightly, the taste mellows out and changes to a softer, sugary white-grape-like amiability that hangs on your tongue for just a few seconds. Finally, the last vestiges of alcohol dwindle away leaving a very light and tingling sensation just barely hanging on for dear life and then, the experience is over.

 Another singular product we have is our Soft Tail Vodka. Vodka? Singular? Right. You probably know of vodka as a versatile, certainly tasteless mixer for martinis. Well, you haven’t tried ours then. There is a distinctive smoothness to the beverage which leads me and others to prefer to drink this vodka at room temperature. It is so smooth that if you’re not careful, you’ll be half way through a bottle before you realize it. We think it’s dangerously smooth.

 Now, I’m only a fledgling-expert by any standard, but being involved in the craft distilling industry I have become happily aware that we have much to offer our customers. We offer more than just liquor, we offer an aberrant experience that can be enjoyed and shared with others. It not only comes through in the quality of our products but you can feel it the moment you walk through the tasting room doors.

 Accented in warm wood tones and glass, the tasting room is an environment that relaxes and invites:  People stay and chat for a while when they are here. The glass window behind the bar opens up to the environment beyond; our distillery. Our two copper stills are always busy working in the back ground amidst the industrious tones of stainless steel, hoses and well organized oak barrels. The two environments create juxtaposition between fastidious productions and laid back lounging.

 Stop by our distillery in Woodinville to see what I’m talking about. Try our award winning Sangiovese Grappa and Vodka made from Washington Apples. Bring an inspired mind, a thirsty palate and be ready for an experience you’ll not soon forget.

Advertisement

~ by stilljunkie on May 12, 2010.