We associate small businesses with pride of ownership and those who make sacrifices to bring their dreams to fruition. The most ingenious entrepreneurs come up with a brand new product or a refined and superior version. This is the case with Integrity Spirits, a small batch distillery based in Portland, Oregon, founded by Rich Phillips and Kieran Sienkiewicz. Inspired by combinations of unusual ingredients, they have the desire to experiment, create and deliver. The partners don't visualize the road blocks, they visualize the tasty end result.
Phillips' foray into alcohol began in 1996 with a moonshine still. He is a unique blend himself. Picture a self-effacing mad scientist with a gentlemanly demeanor, a sense of humor, and an appreciation for the finer things in life. He has evolved into a master craftsman whose M.O. is "If you don't know what to do with something, make booze with it." This is the mantra with which he creates, and the final product is like nothing you've tasted before. It is complex, smooth and distinctive. Integrity Spirits are all named after Oregonian hallmarks that honor the state's unique characteristics.
"Lovejoy Vodka." It could be sensations associated with drinking, love and joy. But in this case, it's named after one of the founding fathers of Portland, Asa Lovejoy. Drinking straight vodka is not for everyone, but chamomile has been added to the mix in this fine spirit creating a soft mouth feel. Their flavored vodka, hazelnut, is made by first roasting fresh hazelnuts, after which they are suspended over the vapor trail, infusing the vodka with a hazelnut essence. The results are very subtle.
Challenged by the notion that they shouldn't create Absinthe actually motivated the distillers even more to perfect the long dormant novelty spirit. Their version of Absinthe is named after the delicate, indigenous Trillium flower that's protected in the Northwest. It's illegal to pick the flowers just as it was forbidden to drink Absinthe. Originally created in the 19th century by a Swiss physician, it was thought to have medicinal properties. It's steeped in botanicals such as hyssop, wormwood, star anise and nettle, and the combined botanicals fill your mouth with uncommon flavor. Your taste buds are in discovery mode reflecting and savoring what just happened. It's an intriguing experience: 1 part absinthe, 3 parts water.
12 Bridges is the name bestowed on Integrity's gin, homage to the city of Portland's twelve bridges and the gateway to a choice cocktail. Cucumber meat is used to sublimate the flavor enhanced by juniper berries and ginger. It speaks volumes about quality when you think twice about mixing anything into booze that is startlingly good on its own.
The packaging of the spirits is worth noting. They've honored their creations by housing them in custom designed bottles fabricated in France and topped with a cork seal. The beautifully embossed labels on their vodka, and the hand stamped pewter placard on the gin, drive home the fact that you're about to drink something special. It's not the cheapest way to present something, just the best.
Integrity Spirits shipped its first case of Lovejoy vodka in November 2007. It has since added gin and absinthe into its small but exquisite fleet of spirits. The company's alcohol became the star behind the bar at a party Oprah Winfrey hosted in January at Washington D.C.'s Art and Soul Bar. There were many curious revelers wanting to give Absinthe a try. Phillips, uncharacteristically packaged in freshly acquired Hugo Boss and Versace attire, taught them how to pour and drink Trillium Absinthe, Integrity style, it's bottled beauty a mere introduction to the delicious, thoughtfully crafted contents.
Integrity Spirits
909 Southeast Yamhill Street
Portland, OR 97214-2533
503.517.2030
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