News — Fifth State Distillery

From Farm-to-Glass…

FAIRFIELDLIFESTYLE™

Article by Dana Epstein Altman

Photography by Heidi Curran

Just like with food, consumers are becoming more discerning about the provenance and production methods of their favorite spirits. Taking a brilliant cue from the farm-to-table food movement, Bridgeport-based, Fifth State Distillery works with 4th generation Connecticut farmers to source non-GMO corn both responsibly and sustainably. The result? Hand-crafted, small-batch gins, whiskeys, unique flavored vodkas, and liqueurs made from the highest quality ingredients. “None of our products have artificial colors, added sugar, citric acid, or added flavors,” says Rob Schulten, Co-Founder & Distiller at Fifth State.

“Distiller Robert Schulten ditched corporate life and opened Bridgeport's first legal liquor distillery in a century—along with wife Bridget, they're working to put the city on the spirits map, using non-GMO grains supplied by Connecticut farmers to create, among other things, an impressive gin.”

“The standout product is their Gin. The trick is finding the right balance. Fifth State Gin has accomplished that with its gin, which in addition to juniper berries, is infused with angelica root and coriander seed.”

“The Schulten’s made the choice to open a distillery with the intent of bringing quality spirits made from locally grown ingredients. It’s been over 100 years since the last legal liquor distillery in the area, which closed following the passage of the 18th amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibiting the manufacture, sale or transportation of liquor that ushered in Prohibition.”

“Robert Schulten changed nearly 100 years of history when he opened Fifth State Distillery in Bridgeport. It’s all about the flavors… this is a bold, assertive gin, more herbaceous than piney…As taken as I was by the soft, rustic curves of the whiskey, the gin may well be their best product.”