Delaware Phoenix Distillery
Brief overview of the distillery
Delaware Phoenix is a farm distillery in the Catskills, New York State, specializing in small-batch absinthe produced in copper pot stills using 1800s techniques. The distillery grows many of its botanicals in its own garden and combines cultivation with distillation: from cultivation to bottling, everything is done with a focus on quality. The products are high-strength and marketed via an online shop, with international reference points in their descriptions.
History
The company was founded in 2009 by Cheryl Lins as a New York State farm distillery in the Catskills. As early as the following year, in 2010, the distillery received the Distillery of the Year title at the NY Independent Spirits Competition. In September 2011, the making of the spirit 'Blues Cat', a project created by Cheryl Lins together with Eric Pryzgocki, Kirk Burkett and Kenneth (Artemis) Rogers, is described. The distillery has attracted press interest over the years, including mentions from 2009 and as recent as 2024, demonstrating sustained interest in both the product and its practices.
Raw materials and production
The core of production is garden-grown botanicals combined with locally sourced or foraged materials; the exceptions are fennel and anise, which are not grown on their own grounds. Work in the garden includes the use of draft animal power as part of the cultivation practice. Distillation takes place in small batches in copper pot stills using traditional 1800s methods. After distillation, the products are colored, bottled, and labeled by hand. The distillery emphasizes the absence of artificial flavors, artificial colors, and chemical stabilizers, so color and character come from botanicals and craftsmanship.
Whiskies
The range primarily consists of three absinthe expressions: Meadow of Love, Walton Waters and Blues Cat. All three are listed at 68% alc./vol. and are offered in select bottle sizes (e.g., 375ml and 750ml for some variants). The products are presented as small batches with a focus on botanical character and handcrafted production; the descriptions highlight varying emphasis on floral, herbal, and earthy elements.
| Whisky | Type / Series | Alcohol | Flavor profile | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meadow of Love | Absinthe Supérieure | 68 % | Meadow of Love is characterized by a floral aroma and a light body. Described as bright and crisp botanical notes that in the louche blend with anise and fennel; Nose: Floral aroma with bright, delicate botanical notes; Palate: Light-bodied, with bright and crisp botanical elements meeting anise and fennel in the louche; Finish: Long finish | Current; Core range; 375ml and 750ml (listed on the product page) |
| Walton Waters | Absinthe Supérieure | 68 % | Walton Waters pays homage to Catskills' rivers with a herbaceous, medium-bodied absinthe that gives a soft, lemony finish; Nose: Herbaceous notes with medium body and an opalescent appearance; Palate: Herbal notes dominate, with a smooth, lightly lemon-like sensation; Finish: Smooth, lightly lemon-like finish | Current; Core range; 375ml and 750ml (listed on the product page) |
| Blues Cat | Absinthe Supérieure | 68 % | Blues Cat is inspired by Parisian artists and combines earthy roots and spices with a lively botanical blend. Originally produced in September 2011 by a group of friends; Nose: Piquant and surprising, with earthy root notes and spices; Palate: Balance between earthy notes and spices combined with a lively botanical composition; Finish: Spirited and spicy finish | Current; Core range; 750ml (listed on the product page) |
The whiskies' style and flavor profile
The overall flavor universe ranges from floral botanical notes to pronounced anise/fennel tendencies to herbal and citrus elements as well as earthy roots and spices. Meadow of Love highlights floral aromas, Walton Waters draws on herbal and lightly citrusy character, while Blues Cat emphasizes earthy and spicy nuances.
Visiting the distillery
The distillery offers an online shop and ships weekly within New York State. The shop lists free UPS shipping for private orders over $200 and a discount for six-bottle purchases. Access to the sales pages requires confirmation of being 21 years or older. The website does not contain detailed information about fixed tours, opening hours, or on-site experiences; sales and information are handled primarily via the webshop.
Philosophy and craftsmanship
Delaware Phoenix emphasizes farmed agriculture, local sourcing, and craftsmanship throughout the process. They grow their own botanicals, use draft animal power in the garden, forage local ingredients, and perform distillation, coloring, bottling, and labeling by hand. They avoid artificial colorants and chemical stabilizers to let the botanicals determine the product’s color and character.
Sustainability
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Grows botanicals on their own farm.
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Local sourcing/foraging as part of the raw material approach.
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Employs draft animal power in gardening.
Awards and recognitions
- Distillery of the Year (2010, Distillery of the Year)