Spirits From Washington State

If you like your spirits with a heck of a backstory, and maybe some Prohibition-era moonshine running mixed in, you will want to check out Wohlfert Distillery in Snohomish, Washington, 

Here's how they tell the story, and after all, it's theirs to tell. "Distiller John Wohlfert always appreciated a well-made distilled spirit, but imagine his surprise when the 'spirits' who moved him to found his craft distillery were his ancestors, passing down the tradition and thrill of the moonshine trade they plied during Prohibition when John's grandfather convinced his dad to move their family into a home and install a 3 story tall still transforming their small family bakery into a thriving business."

"Moonshine mash is simply the fermentation of yeast with sugar and corn, and the bakery had access to plenty of both. By 1925, the family had gone from one struggling bakery to three thriving 'bakeries' that became the center of a prosperous operation which kept the family fed and the neighbors well sauced.

"Something of that spirit was passed down to great-grandson John, a Microsoft engineer by day. In 2022, he 'reverse-engineered' the family recipe and opened his distillery, and new traditions were started from there.

"Wohlfert celebrates the history and lore handed down over the years, from daring great-grandparents to the Outriders, brave men who planned delivery runs and scouted for safe routes on their motorcycles during prohibition. Those cycles and riders gave the various Wohlfert Spirits their names, after coded catchphrases and speakeasy passwords of simple motorcycle parts that kept the riders safe during prohibition. Such as Starter, a reference to the moonshine, or High Beam, a warning to "Be On The Look Out." Clutch meant to "Speed Up Delivery."

Appreciating the classic heritage and obvious connection to the 1920's, John took the opportunity to partner with Janus Motorcycles. Today, a classic 1920's replica Janus Halcyon 45 motorcycle is being created for the Wohlfert spirits brand. John will bring that bike from the factory in Indiana to his tasting room in the charming Clearview area of Snohomish. It's open on weekends or by appointment.

Here are cocktail suggestions, some from me and some provided by Wohlfert in the sample pack they sent to me.

With Wohlfert’s 100 proof High Beam Vodka, I made a nice G&T, except it's a V&T. Lime juice makes it flash those high beams. 

For the Head Light on Sunset Drive, pour up the Wohlfert's Head Light Vodka with some Cranberry and orange juices. Add a squeeze of lemon, if you're looking to boost that vitamin C.

The Classic Spark Gimlet uses Wohlfert's Spark Basil Vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup, shaken, not stirred.

Great Grandpa's Classic Manhattan starts with Wohlfert's Starter Sugar Shine over ice. Add sweet vermouth and Angostura bitters. Throw a Maraschino cherry on top to make it fancy.

The Apple Crisp Torque has, naturally, Wohlfert's Apple Liqueur, topped with Prosecco and club soda, on ice. Choose a fresh garnish of apple slices, lemon, or mint. It's a good way to use up some of that mint that's overtaking your garden.

Now for the coffee course: The Espresso Clutchtini. Wohlfert's Clutch Coffee Liqueur meets your espresso, left to cool a bit. Put some ice in a cocktail shaker with Clutch, coffee and Irish cream. I tried it with orange liqueur, because I like it that way.

Enjoy these beverages safely. Stay off the motorcycle after consuming them. And, watch out for those T-men. 

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