New York Craft Spirits Producer to Unveil Limited-Edition Purple Gin During the Solar Eclipse

Black Button Distilling is set to unveil Dark Sky Gin during a special solar eclipse viewing party. (Photo: Black Button Distilling)

Black Button Distilling, the first grain-to-glass craft spirits producer in Rochester, New York, since Prohibition, is gearing up for a celestial celebration as it unveils Dark Sky Gin. Set to debut at a solar eclipse viewing party on April 8 from 12 p.m to 9 p.m. at the distillery’s tasting room, the new offering boasts a deep violet tint, a holographic label paying homage to the stellar spectacle — and a limited release of only 200 bottles.

Rochester will witness a total solar eclipse on April 8 at 3:20 p.m., with the moon blocking the sun for approximately 3 minutes and 38 seconds. As reported by News10NBC, this marks the first total solar eclipse in the city since January 25, 1925, and the next occurrence in the city is anticipated in the year 2144, over two centuries from now.

“For the first time in 99 years, Rochester, NY, will sit in the center of the path of totality and is the largest city on the east coast to be in this path for this duration,” Black Button Distilling shared.

“In fact, Rochester has been named one of the best cities to watch the 2024 eclipse! Join us as we commemorate this momentous event with Dark Sky.”

Eclipse enthusiasts attending the distillery’s viewing party will be treated to an immersive experience. VIP admission includes NASA-approved eclipse glasses, a bottle of Dark Sky Gin, a craft cocktail, a commemorative rocks glass and more. Secure your entry by purchasing tickets in advance here.

“We have a perfect view of the eclipse from our open front windows,” the distillery added.

Preceding the eclipse celebration, on April 5, Master Distiller Jeff Fairbrother will lead a Dark Sky Gin Blending Class, instructing participants on the art of botanical gin blending while guiding them through crafting their own unique expressions. Black Button will also be offering Dark Sky Gin cocktails and eclipse-themed food on April 6 and 7.

Priced at $40 per bottle, Dark Sky Gin is made with juniper, angelica root, jasmine dragon pearls, lemon balm, sunchoke and butterfly pea flowers. Pre-order it here, while supplies last!

Dark Sky Gin Tasting Notes, Via the Brand

Dense with Juniper and Green Tea on the nose with  a slight spice

The first sip encompasses the tongue with a pleasant fullness. Quick spice followed by green earthy flavor towards the back with a hint of garden spice

Smooth, lingering finish with a pleasant heat. Earthy juniper, coriander, and vegetal roots on the exhale

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Candie Getgen is an editor and the database manager for The Daily Pour. Before immersing herself in the world of spirits journalism, Candie has been many things: a bartender, a literary journal editor, an English teacher — and even a poet. Candie has a passion for gin and shares it with the world in hopes of helping others fall in love with it, too (if they haven't already!). When not writing, Candie enjoys sipping a Negroni while drawing or relaxing by the pool with a campy mystery novel.