What? A Distillery in Mountain View?
It’s true and we were honored to be invited over for a tour and tasting. Oh, actually, I think we may have invited ourselves. Essential Spirits Alambic Distillery is tucked away in a quiet industrial part of Mountain View. We found out about them because the owners come by the Chamber of Commerce (that’s us!) to get a “Certificate of Origin” which is required to authenticate the country of origin for merchandise that is being exported.
They’re a small family run distillery and have been here about 10 years. Owner Dave Classick told us that he’s “trying to introduce Americans to a more sophisticated approach to spirits” and that he “prefers to focus on the art-form” of distilling spirits. All kinds of honors and medals are on display and Audrey Classick, Dave’s daughter, told us about a few of them. We asked Dave if he was willing to give tours of the facility to Mountain View residents and he agreed. To arrange a private tour and tasting, please contact Essential Spirits and be prepared to taste the most incredible Grappa, Bierschnaps, Pure Pear Brandy and Hawaiian Rum ever.
Be sure to take note of the incredible copper still that Dave imported from France. He’ll tell you all about it, but be sure that you don’t touch it. Dave doesn’t like fingerprints—no, we didn’t touch it, but we were very tempted!
Did you notice the groovy Art & Wine glass in the photo above? It’s from our 1973 Art & Wine Festival. We thought it was perfect for the Pure Pear Brandy and we were anxious to use the word “groovy.”
As we were leaving, Dave’s final words were, “A good grappa is a wonderful thing” and we whole-heartedly agree with him.
I LOVE this place!! Grappa is a wonderful thing and the family that runs this place is really friendly too.
Sounds like a “groovy” place to go. I just may bring out of town guests – if a tour can be arranged. The “foodies” will have a field day.
This was SO much fun! Who would have thought so many great things could be made in one small place. Great things do come in small packages. Loved the rum, the brandy, the grappa, and the fact they offered to call me a cab after the tasting. =)