the story of barr hill begins in 2011 with a beekeeper and distiller working together in one of the most beautiful agricultural regions on earth -vermont. the original 6,000 square foot distillery was located in hardwick near the town of greensboro and the barr hill nature preserve, our namesake. todd, a lifelong beekeeper, had been caring for bee hives across vermont and the world. ryan, a lifelong vermonter who grew up working in his parents hardware store, had recently started a home brewing supply store and was eager to help todd. distilling with a single 15-gallon direct-fire copper still, ryan and todd sent their gin to the new york and hong kong international spirits competitions, where it won double gold and best gin of the year, respectively - the two highest honors.

made to the same recipe since 1891, this moscato-based aperitif wine has long been a staple of asti. in piedmonte, it is served chilled with ice, a splash of soda and a peel of orange. it's a splendid pairing with all kinds of pickles, nuts, charcuterie and cheeses and can take a boring gin and tonic to the next level!