Celebrating Dad!
Father’s Day is almost here and as we emerge from quarantine, fire up the grill, and pour some drinks, read on for some great gift ideas that know the way to his heart.
On Cincinnati’s East Side is a grain-to-glass craft distillery called Karrikin Spirits Company.
“We specialize in bottled craft spirits including Base vodka, Shuga rum, Emerge gin, Blaze agave spirit, and more, with barrel aged products coming to the taproom and retail shelves soon,” says Karrikin Storyteller Matt Groves.
With a variety of offerings in their line of products, Karrikin’s most well-known are the sparkling spirits. “We take those distilled spirits and infuse them into sodas, which are handcrafted from real fruit juice to create a spirit-based canned beverage that has the alcoholic content of a beer with the mouth-feel of a seltzer,” says Groves.
The sparkling spirits come in a variety of flavors including key lime, blueberry, citrus tonic, and punch in area grocery stores, bars, and gas stations along with our two canned beers, Pils and Citra IPA.
You find Karrikin’s distributed products in area Kroger stores, liquor stores around the Greater Cincinnati area, Jungle Jim’s, Fresh Market, and countless gas stations, bottle shops, bars, and restaurants around the area.
In addition to alcohol, Karrikin Spirits Company is home to The Hearth at Karrikin, a culinary branch led by Executive Chef Chris Davis. “The Hearth’s farm-to-table menu features many local ingredients that go into made-to-order dishes like our delicious Double Double burger, our local meat and cheese board, and more,” says Groves. “The Hearth at Karrikin includes our main dining room, taproom, patio, and barrel room for full service and also offers catering plans for our on site events and large gatherings.”
Karrikin is hosting a special event in honor of dads for Father’s Day. They’re teaming up with Goofy Dads to host a special “Day Drinking with Dad” collaboration. “This family-friendly and fun event coincides with a visit from The Peach Truck Tour out of Nashville,” says Groves. “We’ll be featuring plenty of peach-themed drinks and food items.”
When it comes to finding the perfect gift for dad, Karrikin offers a variety of products. Groves recommends the Karrikin’s barrel-aged Ora gin for the gin-drinking dad in your life. He says notes of orange peel and vanilla bean explode through the slight smoke of a Buffalo Trace bourbon barrel. “The 375ml bottles, along with a Karrikin rocks glass would be the perfect way to celebrate dad this Father’s Day,” says Groves. “If gin isn’t their thing, try any of Karrikin’s bottled spirits or maybe even a six-pack of our Pils or Citra IPA to enjoy on the patio.”
As we find a new normal in the aftermath of COVID-19 shutdowns, Karrikin has worked to mass produce and donate hand sanitizer. “Within hours of Ohio’s bars and restaurants being shut down or limited to carryout and delivery during the pandemic, our team devised a plan to begin producing the alcoholic base of what our hand sanitizer would be,” explains Groves. “And while we knew there would be a great need, we never could’ve imagined how strong that need would be. Within moments of our hand sanitizer announcement, companies and individuals from around the U.S. and some parts of the world began calling, emailing, and reaching out on social media to secure Karrikin’s homemade hand sanitizer.”
Through the sales of hand sanitizer, Karrikin has been able to support many organizations directly involved in the fight against the spread of COVID-19 and the flattening of the curve.
“Locally, many non-profits and critical businesses staying open during the spread have been able to put the product to good use,” adds Groves. “On our end, hand sanitizer has kept our lights on, our doors open, and health insurance plans still active for our employees.”
Now that Karrikin has reopened to guests, they’re looking toward the future. They’re offering many promotions, new drinks, and expanding dining options. Plus, there is a new product hitting stores throughout the summer and fall. “We’re not quite ready to release full details yet, but it’ll be the talk of the town in early to mid-July,” he adds.
Additionally, CHAR: a Karrikin Barrel-Aged Collective will be announced in the coming months as the official launch and club for Karrikin’s barrel-aged spirits.
To learn more about Karrikin Spirits Company, visit https://karrikinspirits.com.
