Sharon Kitchens, author of The Root, and bartender Andrew Volk finished off their 3-part series on Maine distilleries with a visit to Bartlett’s Spirits of Maine.
When Bob Bartlett and his wife Kathe arrived in Maine in 1975 they brought with them a passion and knowledge of wine-making. In 1983 they opened Bartlett Maine Estate Winery in Gouldsboro and became the first winemakers in the state. In 2007, the couple added a distillery to produce pear eau de vie and apple brandy (the apples are sourced from Maine producers). Two months ago they introduced Rusticator Rum made with organic molasses sourced from South America.
In parts 1 and 2 of the series Kitchens and Volk visited New England Distilling and Sweetgrass Farm Winery & Distillery.