Corsair Artisan Distillery

It has only been a few years since absinthe was legalized in the United States.  In that time several distilleries have scrambled to put products on the market.  But instead of being just a trendy addition to a line of spirits, Corsair has been intentional about presenting our RED absinthe as one of our mainstays.  It is in our DNA.  It is a spirit that is complex and challenging, but always refreshing and satisfying.  Its not for everyone, but those who take the time to appreciate it are hooked.

Absinthe is regaining a following and Corsair is being noticed.  Check out this article from Nashville Metromix:

Absinthe is back at the bar

Here is a bit of what they have to say:

Corsair Artisan Distillery has been selling RED absinthe, which is colored and slightly flavored with hibiscus, for about nine months, making it the only rose absinthe manufactured and distributed in the U.S.

“Our company got going about the same time the U.S. ban was lifted, so it was one of those things where we said we could make a little and people would come and want to know about it,” says Andrew Webber, co-founder of Corsair, which is based in Nashville and has its current production facility in Bowling Green, Ky. (They’ll soon be moving into Marathon Village.) “It’s one of the most uncommon absinthes made in the world, so people have found use for our product, and it has its own uses in mixology.

“It’s been a stronger product than we expected,” Webber adds, citing traction for RED in cities such as Louisville, Ky., Atlanta and Seattle. “Mainly we made it because we could and it was fun.”

So, next time you’re feeling adventurous and looking for a new beverage experience, take the leap and give absinthe a spin. Reality will not morph uncontrollably around you.

NashvilleLifestyles.com has just compiled its list of the new hottest stuff in music city.  #10 on the list is Corsair’s Dreamcicle cocktail.  Check it out.

Absinthe Manufacturer Coming To Nashville

http://politics.nashvillepost.com/2009/06/19/absinthe-manufacturer-coming-to-nashville/

By Kleinheider
Posted on June 19, 2009 at 2:40 pm
Corsair Artisan, a small batch liquor distiller, is looking to take advantage of a new law.
In the waning hours of the Tennessee General Assembly, lawmakers approved a bill that allows for the “manufacturing of intoxicating liquors” in counties that have approved retail package sales and liquor-by-the-drink sales.The bill is now awaiting the signature of Gov. Phil Bredesen.

Nashville natives Darek Bell and Andrew Webber couldn’t be in better spirits about the development. They are now planning on bringing their start-up distillery home to Nashville.

Party Source in Northern Kentucky is currently the exclusive provider of Corsiar Spirits in the area.  Their wine and spirits manager Jay Erisman recently reviewed Corsair RED – our unique and popular red absinthe.  Here is an excerpt:

Red absinthe is a small tradition in historical European absinthe, rather more common in Spain or Czech Republic than France. Sadly, while there are a number of oustanding artisanal green and blanche absinthes from Europe and, increasingly, America, most of the rouges are disappointing to absinthe connoisseurs, tending to artificial color and shrill flavor. But Corsair Red is cut from different cloth. Distiller Andrew Webber packs this cute little bottle full of real wormwood, citrus, and tarragon. After a proper infusion and redistillation of these herbs, there is a final infusion with hibiscus flowers. Corsair Red can hold its head up as an honest and traditionally crafted absinthe…and hold its own with Bourbon as a soulful product of the Bluegrass State.

Corsair also makes a terrific gin, full of juniper notes but joined with postmodern gin flavors of citrus oil and grains of paradise. In addition to the eventual whiskeys, partners Webber and Darek Bell make a potent spiced rum for the best Coke mixer ever. But really, it’s this Red absinthe that takes the cake, and Corsair has beaten some people to the punch in bringing it to market. Other absinthe producers must be green red with envy.

http://partysourceeq.com/2009/05/29/corsair-red-absinthe-kentucky-brews-a-new-spirit/

We make very small batches of spirits – just a few cases at a time – in our pot stills. Everything’s done by hand, from production to bottling.

Gin-Head Style Gin: We make our gin in very small batches using our hand-hammered gin-head pot still. This uncommon step makes our gin crisp and very smooth on the finish. We’re proud to use an unusual mix of traditional botanicals, all sustainably harvested, to give our gin a unique and refreshing character.

Vanilla Bean Vodka: We’re proud to use whole bourbon vanilla beans – the best fair trade beans we can find – to give our vodka all the richest, most authentic notes of real vanilla. The resulting spirit is more savory than you may expect, a terrific match for both sweet and dry drinks. And perfect by itself.

Spiced Rum: Our small batch spiced rum has an unusual character. We use several types of citrus peel and whole vanilla beans while going easy on our other spices and botanicals (all sustainably harvested). The result is a rum that plays well with others — a lot of flavor that doesn’t overwhelm.

Red Absinthe: We’ve started with traditional 1800′s recipes and herbs to give our absinthe superieure the clean notes of a classic blanche. Then we tweak with the unusual, including citrus, tarragon (Dragon Wormwood, a relative of the Grand Wormwood we use), and red Hibiscus for floral tones and color. We’re pleased to share this unique result with you.

Wry Moon Unaged Rye Whiskey: Made in very small batches, we’re proud to use our antique whiskey wash still then our handmade pot still to craft this unaged rye whiskey. These hand worked stills preserve the peppery, spicy cereal taste of rye which we love, resulting in a moonshine full of character.

Coming soon: Kentucky 4-grain Whiskey, Rye Whiskey, Bourbon