Deep in the heart of Royal City, Washington, a revolution is brewing — one that transforms unassuming apples into sophisticated spirits. I had the pleasure of chatting with Ryan Armstrong, head distiller, and Christian Bringolf, the dynamic owner and head of marketing of Cash Butte Distillery. We delved into the ethos behind this new brand and its standout offerings. From their eco-conscious practices to their unparalleled craftsmanship, Cash Butte Distillery might be a fresh face in the world of spirits, but what truly sets them apart is their unwavering love for the region, infusing every bottle with a sense of place and purpose.
From Seed to Spirit
From Seed to Spirit
It all starts with Royal Bluff Orchards, a cornerstone of apple cultivation since 1982. The organic orchard has many familiar apple varieties you have come to expect from your local grocery store. These premium apples, including Honeycrisp, Cosmic Crisp, Pink Ladies and Granny Smith, are the very essence of Cash Butte’s hand-crafted brandy.
Born out of a passion for sustainability and craftsmanship, Cash Butte Distillery was established in 2020 as a family-run operation with a unique mission: to breathe new life into apples that didn’t quite make the cut for market sale. While not every apple finds its way to a produce stand, the folks at Cash Butte believe they still hold immense value. This philosophy led to reviving the nearly forgotten art of farm distilling.
The founders had a vision: to save perfectly good apples from going to waste. Years of honing their craft and perfecting recipes led to the creation of top-tier, artisanal spirits. In the summer of 2023, their hard work came to fruition with the launch of their first products — and the reception was nothing short of phenomenal. Connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike praised the spirits’ unique flavors and exceptional quality.
Today, Cash Butte Distillery is rapidly gaining momentum, fueled by a mission to craft exceptional products while championing sustainability and reducing waste. Each bottle is a testament to dedication, innovation and a return to the roots of farm distilling. It’s a refreshing reminder that sometimes the best things come from what others might overlook. Cheers to that.
The Process
Every step of the production process is a love letter to the orchard. From the initial crush of the apples to the artful dance of fermentation and distillation, it’s all done right there on the property. This hands-on approach ensures that each bottle of Cash Butte spirit is imbued with the true essence of the orchard. Handpicked at peak ripeness, the apples are carefully crushed to preserve their natural flavors. The subsequent fermentation and distillation stages are executed with the precision and flair of true artisans, maintaining the integrity of the raw ingredients. It’s a beautiful synergy, blending the rich, storied history of the land with the unique, handcrafted spirit it produces.
The Future of Craft Spirits
Cash Butte Distillery is not just creating exceptional spirits; they are crafting a legacy of innovation, sustainability and community. Their journey from orchard to bottle is a testament to what can be achieved with passion and dedication. As they continue to explore new possibilities, from the Grape Vodka to the development of a gin, the future looks incredibly promising.
As consumers continue to prioritize these values, it’s clear that Cash Butte Distillery is ahead of the curve. So next time you’re looking for a sustainable and delicious drink, look no further than Cash Butte spirits. Join us in raising a glass to their remarkable story and the exceptional spirits that emerge from their orchard.
Visitors are welcome to visit the Cash Butte Distillery and orchard for tours and tastings by appointment. cashbuttedistillery.com
Widow’s Kiss Cocktail
For those looking to elevate their cocktail game, we recommend trying the Widow’s Kiss, a classic cocktail that beautifully showcases the complexity of Cash Butte’s Apple Brandy.
Ingredients
- 1½ ounces Cash Butte Washington Apple Brandy
- ¾ ounce Yellow Chartreuse
- ¾ ouncesBenedictine
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Cherry or a lemon twist, for garnish
Instructions
Add all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice. Stir well until chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry or a lemon twist.
A Stellar Lineup
Washington Apple Brandy
Cash Butte Distillery has recently proven its mettle in the world of premium spirits, snagging silver medals at both the American Distilling Institute 2024 International Spirits Competition and the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Their Washington Apple Brandy is a standout, and it’s easy to see why. This brandy is crafted from top-notch apple varieties, all handpicked from their own orchard and aged for two years in oak barrels. The result? A rich, smooth finish that teases the palate with hints of caramel and vanilla, all wrapped up in a deep amber glow.
In the true Calvados style, Cash Butte’s apple brandy blends these premium varieties to deliver a unique flavor profile. Inspired by the renowned apple growers of northern France, where Calvados have been perfected over centuries, Cash Butte brings a piece of that legacy to Washington. It’s a nod to tradition with a distinctly local twist.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: A delightful bouquet of ripe apples, oak, caramel and vanilla.
- Palate: Velvety smooth, with the sweetness of apples giving way to toffee, butterscotch and a touch of spice.
- Finish: Warm and lingering, showcasing the craftsmanship and patience behind the spirit.
Apple Vodka
Cash Butte’s Apple Vodka harnesses the natural sweetness of apples, resulting in a spirit that stands out from traditional grain-based vodkas. Its crisp, clean taste makes it versatile enough to be enjoyed neat or as the base for a variety of cocktails.
Tasting Notes
- Aroma: Clean and subtly sweet, with a hint of fresh apples.
- Palate: Exceptionally smooth and refreshing, perfect for sipping or mixing.
- Finish: Bright and clean, with a subtle, natural sweetness.
