I've tried Krupnikas, the originally liquor produced by The Brothers Vilgalys Spirits, several…read moretimes, and know that I'm a fan. If you imagine drinking a really spice forward honey but with liquid consistency, that is exactly what Krupnikas reminds me of. It's a traditional Lithuanian style of Spice Honey Liqueur that began production in NC back in 2012. Every time I've tried their product, the owners/partners have been extremely friendly and able to tell me where to buy it and how to mix it (if you don't want to drink it straight). We visited the 'distillery' last night for the first time during their Kickstarter promotion tour, and I have to admit, it was fun, but it was much different than I expected.
First off, while the location produces liquors, they don't actual distill them there. They receive their 100 proof grain alcohol in mass and add their spices to it, reducing it down to an 80 proof liquor. The product is really good, but very unique. It runs about $30/750 mL bottle, and while I enjoy it, I don't think I would drink it often enough to purchase a huge bottle since it is such a distinct, sweet, flavor. HOWEVER, coming into the winter season, I DO think Krupnikas would be great in a hot form, throw a little of that in an apple cider for a big kick! BUT, The Brothers Vilgalys Spirits isn't JUST producing Krupnikas anymore. Since July they released four new liqueurs called Zaphod (starfruit, guava, mint), Beebop (rubarb, hibiscus, all spice), Beatnik (beets, orange, thyme, rosemary) and Jabberwock (spicy coffee). All four are 60 proof, sweetened with raw cane sugar, and flavored with whole botanicals, herbs, and spices. They are very unique, and I can honestly say I've never tried something quite like them. Although the liquors are very unique, I can't say I'd drink them often. They all remind me of alcoholic teas, funny enough, with the Beebob being my favorite and the most versatile in my opinion. They are all incredibly flavor forward, but you'd really have to think about how to mix them pre-cocktail.
The actual space of the 'distillery' is pretty, uh... well, it needs some help. It's awesome that you can now FILL your own bottles there (as of October 1st and the new NC laws) but the space is pretty disorganized. They are in the process of opening the warehouse next door as a tasting room, and I think once that is complete, The Brothers Vilgalys Spirits will become more of a destination and not a quick stop through. I look forward to re-visiting them once the tasting room is open!