Clean, refreshing, pure spirits at Dillon’s Small Batch Distillery in Niagara

By Michael Lowe

The cold of winter may be upon us, but here’s a way to warm up and lift your spirits at the same time.

Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers, located in Beamsville, has been creating quite a buzz on Twitter and Facebook since they opened last December. No wonder — Distiller Geoff Dillon is creating some amazingly pure, clean, and tasty spirits. The heart of the distillery is a bank of shiny new pot and column stills that were custom made in Germany.

Dillon’s father, Peter, has spent a good portion of his life experimenting with herbs and botanicals. As such, he is the man behind the flavours you will find in their intriguing, unique gin. Unlike the traditional London Dry style, which relies heavily on juniper berries for its flavour profile, Dillon’s is  refreshingly different.

The juniper takes a bit of back seat here, allowing the delicate aromas of the 22 botanicals used in the unfiltered distillate to shine. The nose presents more citrus, spice and star anise, with orange peel and the anise lingering on the palate.

Dillon’s “Method 95” vodka

Here’s a recipe I concocted based on the classic “Vesper” martini popularized in the James Bond film Casino Royale

Let’s “Bond” Martini
2 Parts Dillon’s Gin
2 Parts Dillon’s Method 95 [Vodka]
1/2- 3/4 Part Dry Vermouth
2 Drops of Dillon’s Bitter Lemon
Shake with ice, strain into cocktail glass
Garnish with twist of lemon and orange

Dillon’s White Rye and the “Niagarita”

Dillon’s White Rye is one of my favourites of the current product portfolio. Now, I’m no bartender but this rye presents endless possibilities in the art of mixology. As expected, rye grain aromas dominate the nose supported by delicate spiciness. The whisky is at first slightly sweet on the palate, full and round in texture, followed by a peppery finish. I couldn’t help but try switching it for tequila in another classic drink. The result– something I’m calling the Niagarita.

The Niagarita

3 Parts Dillon’s White Rye
1 Part Triple Sec (or other orange liqueur)
5 Drops Dillon’s Bitter Lime
Juice of 1/2 lime
Shake with ice, strain into cocktail glass rimmed with a mixture of 1/2 salt, 1/2 sugar & lime zest.

Geoff Dillon

If you haven’t been to Dillon’s Small Batch Distillery yet, I encourage you to stop by. Swirl, sniff, sip and savour the spirits with an open mind and let these refreshing new products inspire the bartender in you.

Cheers!

Dillon’s Small Batch Distillery
4833 Tufford Rd.,
Beamsville, ON
905- 563- 3030
Twitter: @dillonsdistills