Matchbook Distilling Co. Late Embers Smoked Sunchokes & Honey Spirit
Late Embers Smoked Sunchokes & Honey Spirit is an inventive American spirit from Matchbook Distilling Co. born out of curiosity and craft. Instead of traditional grain or fruit bases, this expression uses locally grown sunchokes roasted and smoked like mezcal, then fermented with honey and koji enzymes, producing something rooted in terroir yet entirely original. It’s smoky, earthy, and undeniably compelling.
Late Embers Smoked Sunchokes & Honey Spirit
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Late Embers Smoked Sunchokes & Honey Spirit |
| Brand | Late Embers |
| Company | Matchbook Distilling Co. |
| Category | Experimental Spirit / Eau-de-Vie |
| Country | United States |
| Region | New York (North Fork) |
| Distillery | Matchbook Distilling Co. |
| Age | Non-vintage |
| Style | Smoked Sunchoke Spirit |
| Alcohol | 40% ABV |
| Base Ingredient | Sunchokes (Jerusalem artichokes), local honey |
| Fermentation | Koji enzyme + champagne yeast |
| Availability | Limited / specialty retailers |
Prices: Prices can vary significantly due to taxes, import duties, retailer markups, and currency fluctuations
| Country/Region | Price (70/75 cl) |
|---|---|
| United States | $48 – $60 USD typical (750 ml) at specialty stores and import spirits shops |
| Other Regions | Varies widely — limited availability through specialty importers |
Testing notes
| Characteristics | Details |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear, pale straw |
| Aroma | Earthy smoke, wet grass, roasted root, faint honey sweetness |
| Flavours | Smoky earth, black pepper, pear, honey glaze, fresh wood |
| Texture | Medium body, rounded, slightly oily warmth |
| Finish | Lingering smoke with gentle sweetness |
Experts’ View:
Spirits writers and craft bartenders who have encountered Late Embers often highlight its bold experimentation. The concept of taking a root like sunchokes — which share inulin chains similar to agave — and coaxing fermentable sugars through roasting and enzymatic help shows a creative bridge between agricultural curiosity and spirit craft. Tasters describe a profile that’s smoky but approachable, with earthy nuances that play well with honey sweetness and black pepper spice.
FAQs
1. What exactly are sunchokes, and why use them?
Sunchokes, also called Jerusalem artichokes, are tuberous roots rich in inulin sugar. Like agave, their sugar must be unlocked (via roasting and enzymes) before fermentation, making them an adventurous alternative base for spirits.
2. Is this spirit similar to mezcal?
It draws inspiration from mezcal’s smoky profile and production philosophy, but it’s not mezcal — it’s a uniquely American spirit using sunchokes and honey rather than agave hearts.
3. How should it be served?
While neat tasting highlights the earthy, smoky complexity best, some bartenders enjoy it with a touch of citrus or in creative cocktails that play off its honeyed backbone.
