Spirit-making runs deep through the veins of the family behind the award-winning whiskey line, Clark & Chesterfield. Robert Patton-Spruill grew up distilling moonshine in the basement of his grandfather’s house, a childhood project that would later turn into an adult passion. After a foray into independent filmmaking, Patton-Spruill shifted his creative pursuits back to what he initially referred to as his “midlife crisis,” now an award-winning NH-based distillery, New England Sweetwater Farm & Distillery. In 2020, sisters Alisa Lawrence and Nilaja Young and their spouses purchased the company from their cousin, Robert, allowing the art of spirit-making to continue down the family lines.
If family is the foundation of New England Sweetwater Farm & Distillery, whiskey is the backbone — so much so that they created their trademarked line, Clark & Chesterfield. While the distillery is home to various small-batch artisanal spirits, Clark & Chesterfield is their most extensive line. The whiskey is “cultivated from local products that spur local agriculture and sustainability,” resulting in a smooth and flavorful product that will please any palate.
The Clark & Chesterfield line of whiskeys is available in various styles, from classics like the award-winning American Single Malt or Bourbon aged in New American Oak barrels to the sweeter, more enhanced flavors of their bourbon mixed with local maple, honey, or chocolate. Their Bourbon Whiskey is “distilled from 51% Raw Yellow corn, over 30% Rye, and the remainder is Malted Barley.”
In addition to award-winning bourbon, we also carry the award-winning vodka from New England Sweetwater Farm & Distillery. Ashuelot Vodka features a unique apple and potato mash that is triple-distilled for a clean, smooth finish with hints of apple on the nose. Ashuelot Vodka is made with all local New England ingredients and would be perfect for your next cocktail.
To try the rest of the Clark & Chesterfield line, stop by the New England Sweetwater Farm & Distillery tasting room for products exclusive to the property. The spirits aren’t the only highlight; the family feel and knowledge from the owners are also continuously ranked at the top of visitors’ favorite memories. The tasting room is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Learn more about New England Sweetwater Farm & Distillery at https://newenglandsweetwater.com/.
Cocktail Inspiration:
The Winchester
- 2 oz Clark & Chesterfield American Single Malt or Bourbon
- .25 oz Fernet-Branca
- .25 oz NH maple syrup
- .25 oz lemon juice
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
In a cocktail shaker, combine ingredients with ice, shake, and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a lemon peel.
Lemon Drop
- 2 oz Ashuelot Vodka
- .5 oz Triple sec
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
In a cocktail shaker, combine ingredients with ice. Shake for 30 seconds and pour into a martini glass rimmed with sugar.
