Pommeau
A barrel-aged apple cordial made with locally grown and pressed apple cider. Pommeau (pronounced “pom-oh”) has been a spirit we’ve wanted to make ever since we hatched the idea to open Short Path Distillery. It all starts with locally pressed apple cider from Eastern Massachusetts. The cider is then fermented and distilled to make Apple Brandy. We blend the apple brandy with more cider, proofing it down to about 18% abv before aging it in oak barrels. The result is captivating. A soft apple-blossom nose gives way to a dense burst of apple which subsides to reveal a deep and complex finish created from spending months in a charred oak cask.
Background Pommeau is a liqueur native to Normandy, a region in north west France. Its fruit-forward flavor profile and low abv make it a great option as an apertif (a drink consumed before a meal).
Support Local The pressed apple cider used to make Pommeau is sourced locally from New England Apple Products Company out of Leominster, Massachusetts. Owned by two brothers who grew up in the family business, the company traces its roots back to the end of the Civil War. With the help of partners like these, we’re able to incorporate a true taste of New England into our spirits.
Where to find it This spirit is a distillery-only product which means it can only be found at our headquarters in Everett. Bottles can be purchased directly through our online shop and picked up anytime within regular business hours. Unfortunately we’re unable to ship spirits at this time.
Why the Blue Jay?
Blue Jays will eat all kinds of berries and fruits, including apples! Pommeau is a barrel aged apple cordial – it translates to “apple water” in French. Naturally, this spirit was a fit for the Blue Jay, a common and conspicuous bird in Massachusetts. Traditionally a species of forest, the Blue Jay has adapted well to civilization and is found commonly throughout the state from forests to low wooded coasts, suburban yards, and even urban areas. Though our Pommeau might just be our best kept secret, we’re hoping it will also migrate outside of its comfort zone and find its way into the hands of more local savvy sippers.
Cocktail Recipes
Let’s Drink!
Though Pommeau is delicious on its own, we’ve whipped together a few cocktail recipes for the more adventurous to try at home.
Santilli Star
• 1oz Short Path Distillery Pommeau
• 1oz Short Path Distillery London Dry Gin
• 1/2oz Short Path Distillery Americano Blanc or Dry Vermouth
• 2 Dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
Stir all the ingredients over ice, then strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with floating raspberries.
Poison Apple
• 2oz Short Path Distillery Pommeau
• 3/4oz Lime
• 3/4oz Maple Syrup
• Fever Tree Ginger Beer Topper
• 2 Dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
Add Pommeau, lime, and maple syrup to a shaker filled with ice and shake. Strain into a Collins glass and top with Ginger Beer. Stir to combine ingredients and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Little Rummer Boy
• 1oz Short Path Distillery Gold Rum
• 1oz Short Path Distillery Pommeau
• 3/4oz Lemon
• 3/4oz Chai Tea Syrup
• 1 Dash Angostura Bitters
• Sparkling Apple Cider Topper
Add Gold Rum, Pommeau, lemon, chai tea syrup, and angostura bitters to a shaker filled with ice and shake. Strain into a wine glass filled with ice, top with sparkling cider, and stir to combine ingredients. Garnish with a lemon wheel. Cheers!
