SPVAQ32021 - 13

and Old Tom gin, paw paw liqueur and
collaborations with Champion Brewing.
You can enjoy Vitae Spirits from
your ABC store or at the distillery's
two tasting rooms, both with urban
industrial styling. At the original Henry
Street distillery and downtown, you
can sample the spirits straight or
choose from delicious cocktails. Here's
to " vitae " -to life!
715 Henry Ave., Charlottesville
101 E. Water St., Downtown
Charlottesville
VitaeSpirits.com
Spirit Lab Distilling
If lab classes in school involved the
passion and " spirit " of Spirit Lab
C
Distilling, science would be a lot more
popular. Founder and distiller Ivar
Aass is enthusiastic about distilling,
like Dr. Emmett Brown of " Back to the
Future " was passionate about time
travel. But Aass dabbles in the past to
make creative and delectable spirits
in the present.
Take Spirit Lab's Old Tom Gin, based
on the historic liquor, made with fresh
spruce tips and an aromatic blend of
toasted botanicals. Or Aass' single
malt whiskey, aged using the solera
method - adding new whiskey to a bit
of older spirit adds to the delicious
complexity of the final product.
And the Esprit Joyeux, the brandy
collaboration with Joy Ting Wine.
Truly a small-batch distillery, Spirit
Lab offers distinctive products that sell
out quickly. Forage Amaro, a classic
bitter herbal liqueur, is made with
local paw paws, pecans, autumn olive
blossoms and other botanicals. Amaro
Violet uses Virginia maypop fruit. And
Charli, a bitter aperitivo, is made with
bitter orange, bergamot peel, earthy
gentian root and other herbs, with a
natural vibrant red coloring made from
... well, rest assured, it's not artificial.
Spirit Lab's small-batch products are
available at the distillery and select
bars and restaurants. The distillery,
marked by a bright red door, sits in
an unassuming industrial area. Aass
welcomes visitors and is eager to
hold forth on the science and art of
distilling. He recommends contacting
him in advance, to make sure he's not
mixing up his next delicious potion.
The tasting room is nothing fancy.
Instead, you'll find the fancy in your
glass.
1503 6th St. SE, Charlottesville
SpiritLabDistilling.com
-Annie Tobey
SPIRITED VIRGINIA | JULY | AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2021 13
http://www.VitaeSpirits.com http://www.SpiritLabDistilling.com https://www.legentbourbon.com/
SPVAQ32021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of SPVAQ32021
