St. George Aqua Perfecta Basil Brandy

What does a master distiller do when there’s a perfect tomato season? Lance Winters created Aqua Perfecta Basil Eau de Vie to sip with beefsteaks, but it works just as well with anything your garden grows. With the rich body of Genovese basil and the bright aromatics of Thai basil, it lends itself to sweet and savory cocktails alike, adding an incomparably fresh flavor. 

Fresh Genovese basil gives the eau de vie its buttery, green base, while fresh Thai basil lends bright, spicy top notes. Unaged grape brandy brings this rich herbal experience to fruition with its creamy body and fruit-forward mid-palate. The Thai and the Genovese basil are put right into the pot of copper stills to get lots of concentrated licorice, fresh fennel, and sweet grassy notes that wouldn’t be as apparent otherwise. The result is an unabashedly fresh spirit that tastes bright and alive. To experience Basil Eau de Vie in all its spirited glory, try it as a split base in a Martini. If you’re in the mood for something simple and fresh, try it in a Gimlet. And, befitting its inspiration, it works beautifully with fresh tomato water or with any type of agua fresca. 

• Producer: St. George Spirits 
• Region: Alameda, California
• Spirit: Brandy
• Alcohol: 40%