Since its launch a decade ago, Art in the Age has put out one interesting, historically rooted spirit after another (as well as other cool, well-designed products). The newest addition to its line is Cherry Bounce, a small-batch spirit inspired by First Lady Martha Washington’s journals. It was in those pages that the recipe for Cherry Bounce was first discovered as a preservation method for fresh fruit.
AITA’s modern version of Cherry Bounce is a 40% ABV liqueur, distilled using a rye whiskey base. Fresh Montmorency cherries are added to the barrel to infuse into the liquid, and other botanicals and spices in the mix include rose petal, orris root, cinnamon, clove, coriander, and Tahitian vanilla. A dash of smoked cardamom is also added as a nod to Martha Washington’s baking spices. Cherry Bounce, full of intense cherry flavor, warm spice and a deep smoky base with notes of leather and tobacco, is lovely poured over the rocks or blended in a cocktail.
“Rye whiskey was purposefully chosen and distilled for its composition. Good rye often shares stone fruit flavor notes but brings along a bit of spice as well. The use of rye was to ensure the base spirit became a crucial (and historically accurate) part to the overall cordial,” said Steven Grasse, Founder of Quaker City Mercantile. “Extracts were made of the various spices and botanicals and measured in to support this warm colonial spirit. Apple Brandy was further added to elaborate the fruity top notes, and correspondence between Laird’s of NJ (the first US distillery) and [George] Washington proved he was a fan of American apple spirits!”
This specialty spirit, which was released on February 7, 2019, is limited to a small run of 200 bottles. And, in honor of the Cherry Bounce release, Art in the Age is making an appearance at the Museum of the American Revolution and the Powel House for a special event, George Washington Drank Here: A Presidential History Crawl. The special event takes place on Tuesday, February 19, from 6 to 9 p.m., and will teach attendees (ages 21+) about Washington and life in Philadelphia during revolutionary times, and then meet up after at Art in the Age’s Old City shop for an afterparty and a Presidents-Day-inspired cocktail menu.
Find Art in the Age at 116 N. Third St. in Philadelphia; phone: (215) 922-2600.
- Photos: Art in the Age
