Seven Three Distilling New Orleans: Craft Spirits, Prohibition Stories, and Tasting Tour

Nov 15, 2024

Advertisement - When you think of New Orleans, vibrant music, rich culture, and distinctive flavors immediately come to mind. On a recent trip, I had the opportunity to visit Seven Three Distilling, a craft distillery that captures the spirit of this unique city in every bottle. With the guidance of head distiller and master blender Luka, I embarked on an unforgettable tour that offered an intimate glimpse into the distillery's process and history.
  1. The Story Behind Seven Three Distilling
  2. Distillery Tour and Tasting
  3. Enjoying Cocktails at the Distillery Bar
  4. The History of Bourbon in New Orleans
  5. The Whiskey Tree and Prohibition
  6. Seven Three Distilling’s Spirit Portfolio
  7. Cocktail Recipes
  8. Conclusion

Seven Three Distilling New Orleans: Craft Spirits, Prohibition Stories, and Tasting Tour

The Story Behind Seven Three Distilling

The name Seven Three Distilling pays homage to the 73 culturally diverse neighborhoods that make up New Orleans. As Luka explained, “Inspiration isn’t hard to come by when you call New Orleans home. It’s literally everywhere you look — in the people, the places, the food and drink, the traditions old and new. And we couldn’t think of a more appropriate way to honor it all than by naming our distillery after the 73 colorful, culturally diverse neighborhoods that comprise our fair city.” This dedication to celebrating the essence of New Orleans is present in every aspect of what Seven Three creates, with a joie de vivre that embodies the city like no other.

Seven Three Distilling New Orleans: Craft Spirits, Prohibition Stories, and Tasting Tour

Distillery Tour and Tasting

During our tour, Luka took us through each stage of the distillation process, sharing fascinating insights into the care and craftsmanship that go into their products. We sampled Seven Three’s vodka and gin, which were both wonderfully balanced, highlighting the skill behind their distilling. But the real highlight was sipping their bourbon straight from the cask — a rich, complex experience that spoke to the artistry of their barrel-aging process.

Seven Three Distilling New Orleans: Craft Spirits, Prohibition Stories, and Tasting Tour

Enjoying Cocktails at the Distillery Bar

After the tour, we visited the shop and made our way to the distillery’s stunning bar, where we indulged in two fantastic cocktails: the Bayou Jazz and the Mint Julep. Both drinks were a perfect representation of what Seven Three Distilling stands for — flavorful, refreshing, and unmistakably New Orleans. Click here for the recipes.

Seven Three Distilling New Orleans: Craft Spirits, Prohibition Stories, and Tasting Tour

The History of Bourbon in New Orleans

Luka also took the opportunity to delve deeper into the history of bourbon in New Orleans. He spoke of the French settlers who ordered clear corn liquor from Bourbon County. This liquor was shipped down the Mississippi River on rafts, a journey that took several months and transformed the spirit as it aged in oak barrels along the way, taking on a brown hue that would soon become the beloved whiskey we know today. Needless to say that Luka was so kind to serve us another refreshment: an Earl Palmer – click for recipe.

Seven Three Distilling New Orleans: Craft Spirits, Prohibition Stories, and Tasting Tour

Seven Three Distilling New Orleans: Craft Spirits, Prohibition Stories, and Tasting Tour

The Whiskey Tree and Prohibition

One of the most captivating stories Luka shared was about the “whiskey tree“, a hidden gem of New Orleans’ bourbon history. Located near the riverbank, this tree was a meeting point for smugglers and bootleggers during the Prohibition era, where they would gather to exchange illicit spirits under the cover of night. The tree became legendary as a symbol of the ingenuity and resilience of those who refused to let Prohibition dampen the city’s spirit. You can read more about the fascinating history of the whiskey tree on Seven Three’s blog here.

Seven Three Distilling New Orleans: Craft Spirits, Prohibition Stories, and Tasting Tour

Seven Three Distilling’s Spirit Portfolio

Seven Three Distilling offers a diverse range of spirits that reflect the rich heritage of New Orleans. Their portfolio includes:

  • Bywater Bourbon: Crafted from Louisiana wheat and corn, this bourbon matures in the southern heat, resulting in a honey-crimson spirit with notes of apricot, dried fruit, sweet vanilla, mint, and chamomile.
  • Gentilly Gin: A classic gin that embodies the essence of the Gentilly neighborhood, known for its balance and distinctive flavor profile.
  • St. Roch Vodka: Named after the St. Roch neighborhood, this vodka is distilled to achieve a clean and smooth taste, perfect for various cocktails.
  • St. Roch Cucumber Vodka: A refreshing twist on their classic vodka, infused with cucumber for a crisp and cool flavor.
  • Irish Channel Whiskey: A tribute to the Irish Channel neighborhood, this whiskey offers a unique blend that honors the area’s rich history.
  • Marigny Moonshine: A Louisiana rice whiskey that pays homage to the Marigny neighborhood, known for its vibrant culture and music scene.
  • Black Pearl Rum: Reflecting the maritime heritage of New Orleans, this rum captures the spirit of adventure and the city’s connection to the sea.
  • Barrel Reserve Gentilly Gin: An aged version of their Gentilly Gin, offering deeper flavors and a unique tasting experience.

Each of these spirits is crafted with locally farmed ingredients, embodying the essence of New Orleans’ diverse neighborhoods.

Seven Three Distilling New Orleans: Craft Spirits, Prohibition Stories, and Tasting Tour

Cocktail Recipes

Here are the recipes for the three fantastic cocktails we enjoyed at the distillery bar:

Bayou Jazz

  • 60 ml Irish Channel Whiskey
  • 15 ml fresh lemon juice
  • 15 ml honey syrup
  • 7.5 ml ginger liqueur
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Ice
  • Lemon twist for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a shaker, combine the Bywater Bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, ginger liqueur, and bitters.
  2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously.
  3. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
  4. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Mint Julep

  • 60 ml Bywater Bourbon
  • 7.5 ml simple syrup
  • 8-10 fresh mint leaves
  • Crushed ice
  • Mint sprig for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a julep cup, lightly muddle the mint leaves with the simple syrup to release their aroma.
  2. Fill the cup halfway with crushed ice and add the Bywater Bourbon.
  3. Stir gently to combine, then top with more crushed ice to form a mound.
  4. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

Earl Palmer

  • 60 ml St Roch Vodka
  • 90 ml Earl Gray Tea *chilled
  • 90 ml lemonade
  • 15 ml blueberry lavender simple syrup (see below)

Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients into a shaker and fill with ice
  2. Shake, and strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
Blueberry Lavender Simple Syrup
  • 2 cup water
  • 2 cup sugar
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries, washed
  • 2 teaspoon dried lavender leaves
  • Lime zest

Instructions:

  1. Combine water and sugar in saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally until sugar dissolves
  2. Add blueberries, lavender and the zest of one lime and simmer on low until blueberries burst and release their juices
  3. Cool and strain before serving

Seven Three Distilling New Orleans: Craft Spirits, Prohibition Stories, and Tasting Tour

My visit to Seven Three Distilling was a wonderful experience that showcased not only the craftsmanship behind their spirits but also the deep-rooted connection between their products and the vibrant culture of New Orleans. Whether you are a spirits enthusiast or just curious to explore, I highly recommend stopping by their distillery. It’s more than just a tasting — it’s an immersion into the flavors and stories that make New Orleans such an extraordinary place.

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