Brand Introduction 

A mission-driven, social impact-driven company, Erstwhile is a boutique agave spirits importer based in Brooklyn, New York.  Our mission: advocate for small, independent, family-owned producers who lack representation outside their local communities in Mexico; and bring their craft to mezcal lovers in international markets for the first time. We work closely with our partner producers and set them up for success.  No haggling.  No exclusivity contracts.  We guide producers through the complicated steps to export in their own names for the first time and cover necessary expenses including local attorneys, accountants, license fees, and more.  We absorb our producers’ marketing and supply chain costs as our own.  We believe in autonomy for producers, be it hiring their own workers or using their own bottling facility. We only step in if they want our help. We connect with our partner producers to share knowledge and help each other in production. Revenue from every Erstwhile bottle sold creates jobs in our partner producers’ and vendors’ local communities in Mexico.  Our producers hire their own team of local men and women, on their own terms. Erstwhile is a woman-owned, women-led business.  Our team is multicultural and multilingual.  We are outspoken about elevating underrepresented voices in Mezcal and our industry. 

Erstwhile Henequen Mezcal

Must-have for any serious mezcal collector.  This is the first mezcal made from the Henequén agave that is available in the US market. This distillation, made from cultivated Henequén agave, is a small-batch limited edition of 397 liters (roughly 500 bottles) from the personal collection of the late master distiller Juan Hernández Méndez in Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca.  Henequén, an agave plant native to the Yucatán Peninsula and valued for its fiber since pre-Hispanic times, once ruled and transformed the region’s economy to such an extent that it came to be known as “green gold”. It is not native to, and thus rarely seen in, Oaxaca and other mezcal-producing regions of Mexico.

Inspired by 300 years of Dutch tradition, Ketel One Citroen Vodka is crafted in small batches from the finest European wheat. The Ketel One name is derived from the original coal-fired copper pot still which remains in operation today.

Ketel One Citroen Vodka has a crisp, unmistakable coolness infused with the essence of lemon and lime for a crisp, refreshing vodka taste. The finish leaves a sweet honey and lemony aftertaste.

Ideal for enjoying on the rocks or in a zesty citrus cocktail, give Ketel One Citroen for a clever Get Well gift or a New Year's Eve or Christmas party. Or send a bottle as a Mother's Day, Bachelorette Party, Housewarming, Congratulations, or Thank You gift.



Bottle Size: 750ml

Eagle Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is masterfully crafted and carefully aged for no less than ten years. The rareness of this great breed of bourbon is evident in its complex aroma, as well as the smooth and lingering taste. Eagle Rare is a bourbon that lives up to its name with its lofty, distinctive taste experience.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Complex aromas of toffee, hints of orange peel, herbs, honey, leather and oak.

Taste: Bold, dry, oaky flavors with notes of candied almonds and very rich cocoa.

Finish: Dry and lingering.

Recent Awards

2020 Best Kentucky whiskey - International Whiskey competition

2020 Best Bourbon whiskey - International Whiskey competition

2020 Best Straight Bourbon whiskey - International Whiskey competition

2020 Best American whiskey - International Whiskey competition

2020 Master Medal - American Whiskey Masters

Maison Rouge VSOP is a deep mahogany cognac. This eau-de-vie born on the fruity side shows more vanilla, tobacco and cedar hints because of the aging process. Cinnamon becomes nutmeg mixed with flavors traditionally associated with aged cognac such as rancio and candied fruit. On the palate, spices and dry fruit aromas embrace toasted bread notes. Its spicy finish provides a subtle tone of nutmeg and prune.

The Hardy cognac house created Maison Rouge, like their other products, in tribute and remembrance to cognac's history. A barn with red tiles from Roumaziere used to cellar aging Hardy's cognacs on the way to Saintes, where it is rumored that a mysterious Paradis known only to family members harbored very old casks of eaux-de-vie of considerable concentration. To honor these vermilion roofs of famous reputation and after carefully blending, Maison Rouge was created. It reflects the brilliance of this legendary color where tones of fruitiness and ripeness melt together with magical balance.

Bottle Size: 750ml

Ole Smoky Sour Razzin' Berry Moonshine is a bold and fun twist on the traditional moonshine experience, offering a tangy burst of wild berry flavor with every sip. Known for its unique and creative takes on classic moonshine, Ole Smoky combines the smooth, full-bodied base of their signature moonshine with the irresistible tartness of raspberries and other berries for a refreshing and distinctive drink.

Tasting Notes
On the nose, Sour Razzin' Berry Moonshine greets you with a vibrant, sweet-tart aroma of ripe raspberries and a hint of citrus. The palate follows suit with a lively, berry-forward taste that is perfectly balanced with the smoothness of the moonshine. Its lively berry flavors give way to a crisp, slightly sour finish that leaves a refreshing, tangy aftertaste. The moonshine's smooth texture and fruity zest make it a perfect choice for sipping straight, or mixing into cocktails for a fruity twist.

Ole Smoky Sour Razzin' Berry Moonshine is the ideal drink for those looking to enjoy a playful, fruity beverage with the authenticity and boldness of real moonshine. Whether you’re creating a wild mixed drink or savoring it on the rocks, this moonshine delivers the fun and vibrant flavor you crave. Discover more of this exciting spirit with Royal Batch.

STORY

No 44 represents an accident of destiny with a LUSTROUS outcome This FORTUITOUS discovery and explosive moment happened when the cork popped unexpectedly, in 1844 It was first seen as the work of the devil himself until the invention of the muselet which resulted in the UNRIVALED Champagne bubbles you adore today... To le vin du diable never to be confined!

GRAPE VARIETY: 56% Chardonnay and 44% Pinot Noir REGION: Champagne, France

WINEMAKING NOTES: Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs and Pinot Noir from Montagne de Reims and The Marne Valley. Aged in stainless steel. • Dosage: 8 g/L Brut • 12% ALC

TASTING NOTES

A deep, golden yellow color in the bottle with a fine, sparkling perlage. A truly smooth and well-balanced Champagne, the nose is fresh and warm that reveals aromas of white fruits followed with subtle citrus notes. Silky texture with a lively edge, this wine shows its maturity with notes of brioche but plenty of intense freshness leaving a crisp, long-lasting finish. WHAT THE NUMBER 44 SIGNIFIES: Prior to 1844 and the discovery of the wire cage used to keep the cork in place, Champagne was seen as the work of the devil himself -- nicknamed le vin du diable, or "the devil's wine."

Enjoy the following cocktail recipe: 

60 ml Bulleit Rye Whiskey
5 ml Amaro Averna
7 ml St. Elizabeth's Allspice Dram
2 dashes DeGroffs Pimento Bitters
Star anise, for garnish

Add all ingredients except garnish into a shaker. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glas.Garnish with star anise.

Maker Notes

Hold Fast!

Bender’s Wheat is a complex yet accessible 100% wheat whiskey that’s produced on San Francisco’s Treasure Island. Sourced from a distillery in Canada not far from where one of our founders was born, this batch underwent additional aging on Treasure Island.

Our take on a classic Irish style whiskey, our wheat whiskey has subtle notes of vanilla and stone fruit with a rich honeyed finish. Coming in at a lower proof than is typical for Bender’s, our wheat is an accessible whiskey that’s perfect in a Boulevardier, sipped neat, or as a celebratory shot with friends and family. 

Bender’s “Wheat” is a youthful, full-bodied, and easy to drink whiskey crafted to warm the discriminating palate and lighten the soul.

Matured for an extended period of 20 months in French Oak barrels, this 100% agave tequila offers a remarkably smooth and sweet sipping experience, making it an excellent choice on the rocks or neat. Its nuanced flavors also make it a delightful pairing with a fine cigar. Crafted with care from Valley agaves, slow-roasted in traditional stone clay ovens, it captures the essence of authenticity. Produced under NOM 1477 by Tequilera Puerta de Hierro, under the guidance of Leticia Hermosillo Ravelero in El Arenal, Jalisco.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Aromatic notes of caramel, vanilla, ripe bananas, and a touch of sweet tobacco.

Palate: Indulgent flavors of caramelized agave, vanilla richness, subtle oak, sweet caramel, and delicate hints of peppermint.

Finish: A lingering, smooth, and sweet conclusion with a subtle touch of mint, providing a well-rounded and satisfying finish to the tasting experience.

Koval Distillery's organic, single barrel bourbon has the requisite mash bill of at least 51% corn, but instead of the usual rye or wheat supplement, they have included one of the main cereals of Asia and Africa. Millet is a gluten-free ancient sustenance grain, and like corn, has a history of working in the spirits industry, albeit in Nepal, where it has long been celebrated as a libation of choice.

Tucked away in a charred new American oak barrel to age, millet and corn learn to complement each other, neither taking the lead. Out of the bottle, this duet opens with notes of mango chutney, while the millet renders a soft whisper of vanilla throughout. Then harmonizing, the grains sing with the sweetness of apricot custard. This pair finishes with peppery caramel, a diminuendo into a wisp of clove-spiked tobacco lingering on the tongue.

Bottle Size: 750ml

In 1870, Flix Lpez began cultivating blue weber agave from the fields of the San Jos del Refugio Hacienda, situated in Jalisco, Mexico. Since then, expert jimadors have been nurturing the crop at the hacienda, which ultimately came to be known as Casa Herradura. Today, the agave growing Casa Herradura, which can take up to ten years to mature, grow up 2 meters high and weigh nearly 500 pounds, are descendants of the original agave growing on the estate in 1870. Herradura Seleccion Suprema Extra Aejo Tequila is crafted using agave harvested exclusively from the Casa Herradura estate. Once the agave have been harvested, the heart of the plant (the pia) is stripped away from its leaves using a special knife called a coa and cooked for approximately 26 hours in ovens made of stone and brick. During this cooking process, the once-white pias turn a deep orange color, and reveal an incredibly sweet and intense aroma (the pias are so sweet that chunks of cooked agave are often sold as candy in the street markets of Jalisco). Once the pias have been cooked, they are crushed and then fermented for up to seven days using natural, air-borne yeasts. Then, the wash is twice distilled and the tequila is matured for four years in American white oak casks that were formerly used to mature Kentucky bourbon. As a result of this extra-long aging process, the tequila has an aroma of dark vanilla, rose petals, cinnamon and intense citrus. Complex notes of baked apples, pineapples, citrus, vanilla pods and caramel are exposed on the palate, and give way to a creamy finish that has touches of lingering spices. Herradura Seleccion Suprema Extra Aejo Tequila earned the Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2012 and the Platinum Medal at the Spirits International Prestige Awards the same year. In addition, it earned a score of 94 points at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge in 2014, where it was named the Best Extra Aejo Tequila in the World.

A delicious combination that was meant to be. Real coffee flavor and other natural flavors meet yummy Baileys Original Irish Cream for a big bold hit of wonderful. Perfect for when you need to concentrate on the important things in life: coffee, chocolate and creamy Baileys. Enjoy neat, in one of our indulgent coffee cocktail recipes, or splash into coffee and hot drinks for an extra shot of wow.

Maker Notes

This exquisite blend of grapes, stemming from four different harvests, showcases its strong personality through a symphony of fruits and a full-bodied, elegant presence. Singular in its expression of terroir, a revelation of the variety that nature offers from one year to the next. Réserve Rosé evokes romance and harmony.

AWARDS

San Francisco Wine Competition - Silver Medal - 2022

TASTING NOTES

COLOR: Raspberry pink witha fading reflection of sunset

NOSE: Fresh red fruits | Buttered Brioche

AROMAS: Bursting Morello cherry

Note from the Cellar Master

The initial nose reveals fresh red fruits with a touch of brioche. The first sensation is reminiscent of biting into a perfectly ripe Morello cherry, bursting with full and mature aromas. Powerful, yet remarkably subtle with an extraordinarily long-lasting finish.

REFINED VODKA - Caribbean Born. American Made.

In a sun-drenched suburb or New Port Richey, Florida, there’s a small-batch distillery making award-winning craft vodkas. Founded by a father-son team, IslandJon Vodka and their spirits celebrates legacy, heritage, and the soothing warm sun and lush landscapes of the Caribbean.

IslandJon Vodka was founded by Levi and Kevin John. Hailing from the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago, Levi has spent his life on stage and traveling the world as a musician. In his decades of island living and world travel, Levi learned that there is nothing more important than embracing unforgettable moments. It’s this attitude that IslandJon Vodka is distilling their award-winning craft vodkas.

THE PROCESS: 6X Distilled, 8X Charcoal and Micro-Coconut Husk filtration. Rested up to 30 days for perfection.

MASH: A mix of the finest American made yellow and white sweet corn.

Compass Box Oak Cross Scotch Whisky is a rich, medium-bodied malt that masterfully combines the best of American and French oak aging. The whisky draws smooth vanilla notes from American oak and light, clove-like spice from French oak, creating a balanced complexity. On the palate, flavors of sweet malt, clove, vanilla, and subtle fruit shine through. Perfect as a winter aperitif served with chilled water or as a summertime digestif, Oak Cross also pairs exceptionally well with a variety of cheeses. Available from Royal Batch, it's an excellent choice for any whisky connoisseur.

AWARDS
2017 - 92.5 Points / Jim Murray's Whisky Bible

Maker Notes

"PIAFF" originates from the French word Piaffe. A Piaffe was a move originally used in battle to keep horses warm on the spot, helping them remain focused on what’s ahead and ready to move forward. Now, it’s better known as a Grand Prix, cadenced dressage move, where a horse playfully and rhythmically moves opposite hooves in perfect synchronisation.

A delightful and generous summer time Rosé Champagne. Fresh strawberry aromas with a hint of cassis, leading to elements of red fruits and strawberry in perfect harmony on the palate.

PIAFF Rosé Brut NV

Grape: 20% Chardonnay | 50% Pinot Noir | 30% Pinot Meunier

Vineyard: Marne River Valley

Terroir: Rich in chalky subsoil, a climate that benefits from both oceanic rains and continental summers.

Vinification: Stainless steel

Time on lees: Minimum 2 years

Closure: Cork and cage

Aromas of roasted nectarines, ripe apricots and succulent melon inspire the lingering first sip, soft as brioche. Suave yet delicate, Rare is a classic expression of the House of Hine and a benchmark for our entire collection of cognacs. It reinterprets the fruity flavours characteristic of the white wines produced from Charente vines, particularly from the Grande and Petite Champagne varieties

Bottle Size: 750ml

Smith & Cross Jamaica Rum contains only Wedderburn and Plummer pot still distillates, famous for their notes of exotic fruits and spice. The incomparable complexity of this rum delivers a tour de force of flavour that historically made it a cornerstone of classic rum drinks. We have chosen not to chill filter this spirit in order to retain its full flavour. The mark of Smith & Cross traces its lineage to one of England’s oldest producers of sugar and spirits. Its history dates back to 1788 with a sugar refinery located at No. 203 Thames Street, by the London Docks. Over time, the firm and its partners became prominent handlers of Jamaica rum, with extensive underground cellars along the River Thames.

Seagram's 7 Crown is a true American icon, embodying a rich heritage and a smooth, approachable flavor that has made it a favorite for generations. This blended American whiskey is crafted with care, aged in oak barrels to develop its distinctive profile. Known for its versatility, Seagram's 7 Crown holds its own against today's most popular brands, especially in its signature cocktail, the 7 & 7. Whether sipped straight, on the rocks, or mixed, it delivers a consistently smooth and satisfying experience.

Tasting Notes
The nose is clean and crisp with a hint of citrus, inviting you in with its refreshing aromas. On the palate, Seagram's 7 Crown offers a smooth, sweet taste that’s both easygoing and flavorful. The finish is a creamy vanilla note that lingers just long enough to leave a warm, satisfying aftertaste. This well-balanced whiskey is ideal for those who enjoy a straightforward, refined drink without any harshness.

Seagram's 7 Crown Blended Whiskey is a perfect choice for both casual sipping and creating cocktails like the iconic 7 & 7. Discover this timeless American whiskey through Royal Batch for an authentic taste of tradition.

Size: 1750 ml