Overview: Sioux City Distilling Company has mobilized more than 50 individuals to harvest juniper berries from 68 acres of land near the Loess Hills area. Founder Austin Foster confirmed that these local botanicals serve as a primary component in the distillation process for their gin production. This initiative marks the second invite-only harvesting event, with future plans to open access to the general public.
The Full Story
Located in Sioux City, Iowa, the distillery acquired land filled with hundreds of juniper trees a couple years ago. Austin Foster noted that when making gin here, they take a neutral grain spirit and flavor it with botanicals, specifically juniper berries which are ripe for harvest around this time of year. Friends and family were asked to help out to make the workload lighter, utilizing gloves and buckets to pull berries off trees while getting in daily steps.
This was the second time Sioux City Distilling had people out for its invite-only harvesting event, though Foster jokes they only invite folks out for free labor. The goal is to connect with the farm and the Loess Hills right here in Sioux City. Once the junipers are brought back down the hill, Sioux City Distilling spends four or so hours turning them into gin.
Production & Profile
Austin Foster confirmed that juniper berries are dried, crushed, and used as a primary component in the distillation process. The production method relies on a neutral grain spirit flavored with botanicals, where juniper is the chief among them. Once harvested from the 68 acres of land, the berries undergo a four-hour transformation into gin after being brought back down the hill.
Brand & Industry History
Sioux City Distilling Company purchased the 68-acre property containing hundreds of juniper trees a couple years ago. Austin Foster, founder of the distillery, emphasized the abundance of juniper right here in Sioux City as a key factor in their production capabilities.
What This Means
Foster stated that the event offers a great opportunity for the community to connect with their farm and the Loess Hills right here in Sioux City. While this was an invite-only gathering involving friends, families, kids, and the whole thing, plans exist to open future events to the public.
Consumer Takeaway
This release offers a direct connection to local botanical sourcing within the Loess Hills area of Iowa. The gin is crafted using neutral grain spirit and dried, crushed juniper berries harvested directly from trees on the distillery’s own land.
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