You might know Wigle best for its whiskey. After all, this Pittsburgh-based distillery has built its reputation on its impeccably crafted bourbon and rye (it even has a special Whiskey Club!). But Wigle has innovated well beyond warming brown spirits with lines of gin, absinthe, liqueurs, bitters and more. Newest in its offerings are pre-mixed bottled cocktails — the brand started with classic cocktails, like Manhattan and Old Fashioned. But its newest release strays a bit outside the box: a Saffron Negroni.
This take on what many believe to be the first cocktail, is a combination of three distinctive Wigle spirits: Saffron Amaro, Dutch-Style Gin and Amaro Vermut, a sweet vermouth. At 30% alcohol, this cocktail is all ready to go; simple pour over ice and garnish with a slice of orange or a strip of orange peel. The coolest part? The saffron flavor in this creative concoction is inspired by the Pennsylvania Dutch, who brought crocus bulbs (from which they harvested saffron) when they settled in Pennsylvania. As is commonly known, saffron’s vivid yellow color and perfumed flavor come at a premium. Because of the difficulty in harvesting it, saffron is the most expensive spice in the world!
The ingredients in Wigle’s new Saffron Negroni bottled cocktail
“We think it’s all worth it, because it gives us a delicious, entirely unique cocktail whose saffron notes are well complemented by herbaceous flavors of gentian root, bitter orange, and vanilla,” says Wigle Co-Owner Alex Grelli.
Wigle’s Saffron Amaro uses regionally grown apples, which are distilled into an apple brandy, then infused with a complex blend of 12 botanicals including saffron, orange peel and chamomile. Its honey/citrus/floral profile is a unique addition to a negroni, that not only adds an elegant flavor, but celebrates local culinary heritage, as well. Wigle is a big champion of PA culture, with other PA-proud releases including its Groundhog Day Rye Whiskey, Phil’s Shadow, and a book, “The Whiskey Rebellion and the Rebirth of Rye” written by Wigle’s founders. The book is all about rye whiskey’s storied history across Western Pennsylvania.
The Saffron Negroni pre-mixed bottled cocktail goes on sale on March 11, 2021, and is available now for pre-order. Direct shipment is offered throughout Pennsylvania (and to Washington, DC), and can be picked up at Wigle Whiskey locations through Western PA. Limited supplies will also be released to Wigle’s distribution markets in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware and others. To pre-order for pick-up, see here, and for shipment, head here.
Wigle is located at 2401 Smallman St. in Pittsburgh, PA; phone: (412) 224-2827.
- Photos: Wigle
