July 15, 2014 – Those thirsty for a taste of Sean Venus’ Santa Cruz-made, small batch gin need wait no longer. The first 750ml. bottles should be arriving Wednesday at 41st Avenue Liquors, where they’ll sell for $31.99. Venus Spirits is hosting two release parties this week to introduce the brand: a sold out one Thursday at Stripe Men; and a “Drinks with the Distiller” event on Friday at Johnny’s Harborside Restaurant from 3-8pm. Venus Gin Blend No. 1 will be featured in handcrafted cocktails and Sean Venus will be on hand to talk about all things spirits-related. There will be complimentary small bites and no reservations are needed.
Made with an aromatic combination of juniper berries, cardamom, lemon, orange, tangerine, ginger and angelica root, Venus gin is the first product released by the brand new artisan distillery on Swift Street in Santa Cruz. A tequila-style white spirits called Ladrón will be bottled next week and shipped out by the end of July. They are also producing single-malt whisky under the name Wayward and have the first batch currently aging in oak barrels.
Venus Spirits is the first artisan distiller in our area to attempt to open a tasting room, under a new state law allowing artisanal spirits tasting rooms. Their tasting room has been approved by the city of Santa Cruz, which laid out 17 conditions that need to be met before they can open it. So for now, the fledgling company is focusing on getting their first products into the marketplace and pushing back the opening of their tasting room for awhile longer.
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At Edible Monterey Bay, our mission is to celebrate the local food culture of Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey Counties, season by season. We believe in sustainability, and we believe everyone has a right to healthful, clean and affordable food. We think knowing where our food comes from is powerful, and we hope our magazine, website and newsletters inspire readers to get to know and support our local growers, fishers, chefs, vintners and food artisans.
