Soft Tail Spirits is truly the definition of “Craft Distilling”. When we started distilling in 2008, we wanted to produce the finest spirits possible using the most traditional equipment available.
Our Grappa still is an old world, hammered copper Alembic from Portugal. A design, time tested in Europe for centuries. Nicknamed “Maggie” her design is perfectly suited for making grappa. With her 58,000 BTU burners lit, it takes a little more attention than the computerized stills being used routinely today. We believe that pushing a button and letting a computer make ethanol is convenient, but stretches the definition of “craft”.
Our Vodka still is a perfect match for “Maggie”. Nick named “Tumwater,” it is a beautiful 200L alembic modified to feed the copper column for reflux. Gas fired as well, the balance of heating and
cooling is personally scrutinized during the distillation process, giving the distiller total control of the finished vodka. Our spirits will always have a character that is unique to this process.
“We monitor our stills and spirits by hand, with all of our senses, then ultimately by our patrons”
Located in Woodinville, surrounded by Western Washington’s largest collection of wineries, it was our plan to capitalize on their wasted pressings destined for land fill. So in 2008 we produced our first three Grappas; Blanco, Giallo and Reserve distilled from a blend of Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet wine grapes. The following season in 2009 we produced two single varietal Grappas; A wonderful Sangiovese and a hearty Cabernet Sauvignon.
Following our line of Grappas, we knew that vodka would be our next challenge. With vodka being such a widely consumed spirit, we wanted to create a vodka that would make an impression on the most discerning palate, not the same vodka from the same stills that everyone else is using. No, we wanted to create something different, something that would stand out in the crowded vodka market. The answer came to us as if an apple hit us on the head. What would be better than to make a premium vodka from the iconic Washington State apple? A base that offers unique high quality natural sugars for the distillation of vodka, than the more traditional grain or potato. Through our multiple distillation process the apple flavors are gone and what’s left is a crisp, fresh premium vodka.
Stay tuned in to see what’s next at Soft Tail Spirits. We currently have a number of spirits in wood and will be offering some complex aged elixirs in the months and years to come. Like our award winning Grappa and vodka, nothing will be released until we know that we can blow you away.