Wendy M.
Yelp
What a cool new find! And not too far from home. Woot!
Albeit, without their bright "Distillery" signs to help lead the way, it would've taken us a bit longer to actually find their place. 52eighty is nestled on the back side of an industrial area, directly across from Blue Spruce Brewing, but not facing the road. We felt like we were driving to the back loading docks of the businesses, but alas, we hit pay-dirt! Keep driving and look for the signs. Once you feel like you're on the back side, you're close!
All that to meet the owners (two friends and their wives) as well as their investor - clearly also a good friend. Sitting down at the bar, we witnessed their light hearted banter. We felt immediately at home and were laughing almost as soon as we walked in. What can be better?
Well, great drinks made it epic. We tasted each of their distilled goodness and man, they know what they're doing. I'm not a straight whiskey fan and typically don't even sip my beloved vodkas neat, but you can do this with their offerings. And, bless them for incorporating Palisade peaches into their Summer Peach vodka. Wow. You can literally smell the peaches before sipping. Nothing added but true peachy goodness - all picked fresh, individually pitted and added to the distilling process. YUM.
My partner is the whiskey drinker. We both really appreciated their Hearthstone and Cackler's. While both are incredibly smooth and don't have the anticipated "bite" that I'm used to, the Hearthstone wowed us with its three-year-old Irish Whiskey and Rye Whiskeys, bringing forth a surprisingly sweet, floral fragrance, and hints of toasted oak and vanilla. Don't misunderstand though, the Cackler's was a very close second. We ultimately took a bottle home of their Summer Peach and the Hearthstone, but wouldn't been just as happy with the other two.
Wow. Such a cute, laid back, neighborhood vibe (with neighbors you honestly like, lol) paired with some amazing drinks and solid spirits to hold it all together? We could've stayed all night. We might still be there now if they didn't have families and kiddos to care for... that and the fact they do close each night! Ha!
So damn good. Go. Really... go now. You're welcome in advance.