Matchbook Distilling Co. is an advantgarde R+D facility bridging the gap between tradition and science. One of the most thoughtful and adventerous distillers in the country today, they're not afraid to buck convention or do it different, but always with the goal of producing quality over quantity. The small facility located in Greenport is devoted to sustainable agriculture and returning to a farmer driven distillation cycle, where distillation is a means of perserving energy rather than extracting it. Nestled on the far tip of Long Island, Greenpoint is due east of the Spain's eastern coast. Using that relative proximity as inspiration, this exceptional aperitivo was created. Using a base of New York corn spirits and 8000lbs of California citrus less than three days from picking, the MDC team spent a week, day by day halving the fruits and covering them in redistilled botanical cuts, the remnant spirits from making gin still loaded with flavor. Left to macerate for weeks, the liquid slowly took on a delightful ruby tone and unmistakable bittersweet zing. After straining and pressing they rested the liquid on precious herbs and spices from Rare Tea Cellar. Quassia, pink peppercorns, cloud forest cardamom, gentian, Indian cinnamon bark & wild cherry bark, pairing perfectly with the juicy rich notes of blood orange and peel. This is truly one of the country's most exciting new spirits and should be coveted as an unprecedented step forward in American distilling.