St. George Basil Eau de Vie 'Aqua Perfecta' Brandy 750mL

St. George Basil Eau de Vie 'Aqua Perfecta' Brandy

Process & Profile

St. George Basil Eau de Vie 'Aqua Perfecta' Brandy is a groundbreaking craft spirit from St. George Spirits, located in Alameda, California. Master Distiller Lance Winters drew inspiration from an exceptional tomato season to create this unique eau de vie, first released in 2007 as a California exclusive and now widely available across the U.S. as of May 2025. Starting with a rich brandy base distilled from California grapes, the spirit is infused with fresh Genovese basil for a robust, summery flavor, and Thai basil for spicy, aromatic top notes. Both are pot-distilled in a 250-liter custom copper still, capturing the vibrant herbal essence without aging. Bottled at 40% ABV in a 750ml format, this clear spirit offers a fresh, versatile profile perfect for culinary and cocktail creativity.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Bright anise notes with a lively herbal freshness that invites you in.

• Palate: Warm and sweet with fresh vegetal tones, a slight menthol character, and a smooth, herbaceous depth that delights the senses.

• Finish: Clean and lingering, with a gentle menthol coolness fading into a subtle sweetness that leaves a refreshing aftertaste.

What Makes It Special

• Inspired by Nature: Born from a desire to complement ripe, garden-fresh tomatoes, reflecting a deep connection to seasonal ingredients.

• Dual Basil Blend: Combines Genovese and Thai basil for a layered flavor profile that’s both bold and nuanced.

• Artisanal Innovation: Since its 2007 debut, it showcases St. George’s legacy of pushing boundaries in craft distillation with experimental spirits.

How to Enjoy

• Neat or Chilled: Sip neat at room temperature or chilled to highlight its fresh basil essence, perfect for a refined tasting experience.

• Cocktails: Create a Basil Gimlet by mixing 2 oz with 0.75 oz lime juice and 0.5 oz simple syrup, or use as a split-base in a Martini for a herbaceous twist.

• Pairing: Enhances dishes with fresh tomato water, watermelon, raspberry, strawberry, lemongrass, coconut water, or elderflower, making it a versatile companion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the alcohol content of St. George Basil Eau de Vie 'Aqua Perfecta' Brandy?
  Bottled at 40% ABV, it’s a smooth and versatile spirit for both sipping and mixing in cocktails.

• What makes this brandy stand out from other flavored spirits?
  Its unique blend of Genovese and Thai basil, inspired by tomato season, offers a savory depth that’s perfect for culinary pairings.

• How should I store this brandy to maintain its fresh taste?
  Keep it in a cool, dark place to preserve its vibrant basil notes and ensure a fresh taste with every pour.

• Can I use this in cooking or just for cocktails?
  Absolutely, it’s fantastic in both—experiment in cocktails like a Gimlet or use it to elevate savory dishes with fresh produce.

• What inspired the creation of this basil brandy?
  Master Distiller Lance Winters crafted it to complement the savory nature of ripe tomatoes, making it a unique addition to any bar.