BUYING THE FARM
BLACK BUTTON DISTILLING — FARM AND FORESTRY INTERVIEW BY GEORGE B. CATALLO /// PHOTOS PROVIDED BY BLACK BUTTON DISTILLING
B
lack Button Distilling, one of the fastest growing distilleries in the Northeast, has stepped beyond just making fine spirits. Jason Barrett, owner and head distiller, has taken “farm distillery” to the next level and purchased an actual farm in South Bristol, New York. Black Button Farm and Forestry will produce crops solely for use at the distillery. I sat down with Jason to discuss his foray into becoming a farmer.
What inspired you to buy a farm? Love of the outdoors, an interest in growing the highest quality ingredients regardless of cost. The ability to plant new and interesting varietals of botanicals and drive the flavor profiles of those ingredients into our products. We have always endeavored to push the boundaries of flavor and bring new products to the cocktail conversation.
What crops will you be growing on the farm? We will start with juniper, white oak, and honey. In time I hope to add raspberry, loganberry, sage, and basil, but we want to crawl before we walk before we run. Nineteen acres has lots of potential.
WWW.ARTISANSPIRITMAG.COM
95