Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1331779
25 Going Green in Orange County: Distilleries that oversee production from grain to glass are few and far between: It's often easier and cheaper to purchase spirits and then age them in house. But for Brian and Robin Christenson—the founders of Blinking Owl Distillery in Santa Ana, California—a finished product is only as good as its ingredients. Local, sustainable sourcing is important to these self-proclaimed "grain nerds," and in February 2018 they reached their goal of using only certified organic grain from California farms; what's more, they honor their role as the first craft distillers in Orange County by using locally grown Valencia oranges and hibiscus flowers in their spirits. Finally, they credit the water in Santa Ana—which recently received a gold medal at the Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting—for lending their products a unique quality obtained nowhere else. Blinking Owl's impressive portfolio of nine expressions includes two vodkas, two gins, two bourbons, one rye, and a big surprise: not one but two aquavits. Aquavit has been all but overlooked by the U.S. spirits industry—but given the recent resurgence of aperitifs and digestifs, the Christensons thought, now would be the perfect time to step into the market. Rather than adhering to Scandinavian tradition, though, they looked closer to home for inspiration, macerating ten organic botanicals—not only caraway and dill but also the aforementioned hibiscus—into a base spirit made from organic wheat and malted barley. The result is a richly colored and complex aquavit, perfect for enhancing cocktails or enjoying on its own; a barrel-aged variant allows newfound fans of the category to explore it further. As concern for high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients expands beyond the dinner plate to the drinking glass, Blinking Owl has positioned itself way ahead of the curve, implementing conscientious practices that celebrate the rich agricultural history of California while bringing something new to the table (or bartop, as the case may be). BLINKING OWL DISTILLERY 25