James Bay Distillers in Washington State, USA, has come up with an innovative way to utilise the invasive noxious weeds that otherwise only cause problems in the local area - by using them as key botanicals in its award-winning spirit, Finocchietto.
In the local county where James Bay Distillers is located, noxious weeds are found growing in abundance along roadways and encroaching on farmers fields, often posing a threat to local native grasslands. It's such an issue that there are local rules that call for the control of this non-native, highly destructive species. The distillery has selected fennel as one of its key botanicals, combining it with anise, almond and vanilla from an original Italian recipe for Finocchietto, a classic rustic Italian spirit.
A great accompaniment to many foods, including classic Italian lamb, pork and pasta dishes in particular, the spirit often serves as a palate cleanser between courses or as a digestivo. Mixed with champagne or prosecco, Finocchietto forms the base for a cocktail inspired by Ernest Hemingway's favourite drink, called "Death in the Afternoon."
Find out more about James Bay Distillers here.