Prominent Wine Producer Boisset Collection Unveils Spirit Range Paying Homage to Napa Valley’s Historic Calistoga Depot
A major wine producer sets its sights on spirits with the release of Calistoga Depot Distillery’s history-inspired collection. (Photo: Kurt Gonzalez)
On Tuesday, Boisset Collection, the family-owned purveyor of historic wineries and lifestyle destinations, announced the debut of a new spirits portfolio deeply rooted in the heritage of the Calistoga Depot Distillery. Located in the heart of the historical town of Calistoga in California’s Napa Valley region, the distillery stands as a tribute to Samuel Brannan, an enterprising figure from the 19th century, as well as the town’s rich heritage and its association with exceptional spirits and wines.
The Boisset Collection, led by visionary vintner Jean-Charles Boisset, commenced the restoration of the historic landmark in 2021. Boisset’s lifelong dedication to fine wines has allowed him to carry forward the family tradition of terroir mastery and innovation within the industry.
“The debut of the Calistoga Depot Distillery spirits portfolio is a culmination of the years of work that it took to develop a collection that portrays the best in artisan distilling in Northern California interwoven with our unique savoir-faire,” Boisset said in a press release.
“This is expressed through our expertise in terroir, the art of refining spirits in our own wine barrels, and a deep passion for the history of distilling in the region. We are stewards of history, both in the spirits we create and in the destination that inspired them.”
Jean-Charles Boisset stands in front of the now-restored Calistoga Depot. (Photo: Lowell Downey)
According to the brand, Boisset’s profound knowledge of wine and terroir is infused into each small-batch expression, with the blending, tasting and finishing processes supported by esteemed distillers such as Ashby and Timo Marshall, Crispin Cain and more.
Both French and American oak wine casks that once housed Boisset Collection’s Napa Valley and Sonoma County wines are utilized in the finishing process of the spirits. The freshly unveiled portfolio has already garnered 34 awards, including Double Gold and Gold from The Fifty Best and the Master Medal by The Spirits Business’ American Whiskey Masters.
Set to soon be available across a majority of U.S. retail locations, bars and restaurants, Calistoga Depot Distillery’s portfolio includes:
The First Millionaire: A collection of malted barley whiskey named in honor of the fortune that Samuel Brannan heralded during the 1848 Gold Rush, when he became San Fransico’s first millionare by selling mining equipment to miners in the area (SRP $75–$125).
Fame & Misfortune: A range of rye-forward whiskey paying tribute to the bohemian temptress Lola Montez, who was known for her fiery temperament and irresistible charm (SRP $150-$200).
Prosperous and Penniless: Brannan’s life was marked by both spectacular prosperity and financial ruin. Made in collaboration with Master Disitller Crispin Cain, this portfolio of whiskey and barrel-aged gins, vodkas and rums pays homage to the entrepreneurial spirit of Brannan’s original Calistoga Depot Distillery, founded over 150 years ago (SRP $200-$300).
The Calistoga Star: Inspired by The California Star, San Francisco’s first newspaper founded by Samuel Brannan, as well as Brannan’s love for distilling brandy, this line comprises barrel-aged brandies (SRP $75-$400).
Calistoga Depot Distillery 1868: An exclusive distillery line featuring spirits such as gin, vodka and rum, paying tribute to 1868, the year Samuel Brannan made it easier for tourists to reach the location by building railroad.
To celebrate the Calistoga Depot Distillery spirits debut, Boisset Collection has planned a limited series of masterclass tasting events at the distillery starting on October 26, followed by events on November 16 and December 7. These local events will precede a national launch, commencing in California and Texas and expanding across the United States in 2024.
To purchase tickets and find additional details about the masterclasses, visit www.calistogadepot.com/events. Updates and announcements related to the Calistoga Depot Distillery can be found on its website and on Instagram at @calistogadepotdistillery.
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