4 Reasons Why You Should Drink Local — And How to Do it
When you think of shopping local, your first thought might be picking up fresh produce at the farmer’s market or visiting a neighborhood boutique. But what about drinking local? Supporting local distilleries and craft spirit makers is not only a way to elevate your drinking experience, but it also helps boost your local economy and brings vitality to your community. Here’s why you should choose craft spirits from your local distillers — for St. Patrick’s Day and beyond — and how you can embrace the “drink local” movement.
Why Drink Local Spirits?
Boost Local Economies
When you buy craft spirits from a local distillery or order a locally-made cocktail at your favorite bar, you’re contributing to the livelihood of your community. Distilleries provide jobs, generate tax revenue, and contribute to the vibrant economic fabric of their regions. When you choose local, you help sustain local businesses, from the distillers themselves to the farmers who grow the grains, fruits, and botanicals used in their spirits.
Revitalize Your Neighborhood
Just like breweries and restaurants, distilleries often play a key role in revitalizing urban areas and small towns alike. A visit to a local tasting room or distillery not only provides a space for people to connect, but also draws foot traffic to nearby businesses. By supporting local craft spirit makers, you contribute to transforming once-quiet neighborhoods into lively hubs of activity and commerce.
Support Sustainable Practices
Craft distillers are often deeply connected to the land, sourcing ingredients from nearby farms and utilizing sustainable practices. Drinking locally-made spirits means reducing the environmental impact that comes from mass-produced alcohol being shipped from across the country or even overseas. Local distilleries tend to have a smaller carbon footprint, ensuring your drink is as environmentally responsible as it is delicious.
Celebrate Local Talent
Local distilleries are often centers for creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship. Many work directly with local farmers to showcase the unique terroir of California in every bottle. By choosing local spirits, you’re supporting these artisans who pour their passion into every batch, pushing the boundaries of what craft distilling can be.
How to Drink Local
Order Craft Spirits at Your Local Bar
The next time you’re at your favorite bar or restaurant, ask if they carry locally-made spirits. Many establishments now offer craft spirits alongside local brews, giving you the chance to explore new flavors and support the talented distillers in your area. Whether you’re sipping a craft cocktail or enjoying a neat pour, drinking local is a great way to discover something new.
Visit a Distillery
For a unique outing, why not visit a local distillery? Take a tour to see the distillation process firsthand, meet the makers, and sample some of the latest releases. Many distilleries also offer tasting flights, food pairings, and special events, making it a fun and educational way to spend an afternoon or evening.
Attend Local Events
Check out events at your local distillery or keep an eye on your city’s calendar for spirit-tasting festivals and food pairings. These gatherings are a fantastic opportunity to try new craft spirits, meet distillers, and even chat with fellow craft spirit enthusiasts. You might discover your new go-to drink or a hidden gem distillery right in your backyard.
Choose Local Spirits for Gifts and Gatherings
Next time you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a gift, consider buying locally-crafted spirits. A bottle of small-batch whiskey, gin, or agave spirit makes a thoughtful, unique gift that supports local craftsmanship and showcases the flavors of your region.