The Block Distilling Co. Aperitif, Colorado

Built to hold its own in a Negroni while leaving room for sparkling wine in a Spritz, The Block Distilling Co. Apéritif brings a Denver interpretation to the bittersweet cocktail cabinet. Citrus leads the way, with coriander and cardamom adding aromatic detail and orris and gentian providing a bitter foundation. A measured addition of cane sugar connects those elements, creating a versatile liqueur equally suited to an unhurried pour over ice or a round of pre-dinner cocktails.

Product Details:

• Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 30%.
• Proof: 60.
• Botanicals: Citrus, coriander, cardamom, orris, and gentian; the complete botanical recipe is not disclosed.
• Sweetening: Cane sugar.
• Production: Made in-house, balancing citrus and spice with botanical bitterness and restrained sweetness.
• Distillers: Kraig and Kameron Weaver.
• Co-founders: Kraig, Kameron, and Michelle Weaver.

Sensory Description:

Bright citrus aromas introduce delicate floral notes and the fragrant spice of coriander and cardamom. The palate brings citrus freshness into focus, followed by herbal bitterness that gives the liqueur structure. Gentle sweetness rounds the texture without overwhelming the botanicals, leaving a refreshing interplay of citrus, spice, and bitterness.

Awards & Accolades:

• 2024: Silver Medal, San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Distiller's Background:

Brothers Kraig and Kameron Weaver founded The Block Distilling Co., with Kraig’s wife, Michelle, developing the business from 2015 before opening its Denver RiNo distillery and tasting room in 2017. Their approach combined technical precision with culinary experimentation, making spirits in-house from raw ingredients. Alongside its whiskeys and seasonal gins, the family developed botanical liqueurs designed around the practical demands and creative possibilities of cocktails.

Serving Suggestions:

• Temperature: Serve chilled or over ice in a small rocks glass.
• Enjoyment: Lengthen with soda water and garnish with citrus for a simple aperitif. For a Spritz, combine with dry sparkling wine and a splash of soda over ice. Use it as the bitter component in a Negroni with gin and sweet vermouth.
• Pairing: Enjoy alongside olives, salted almonds, charcuterie, or citrus-dressed appetizers. Its botanical bitterness also complements rich cheeses and savoury pastry.

Why The Block Distilling Co. Apéritif?

Its appeal lies in the balance: citrus provides brightness, coriander and cardamom add complexity, and a measured sweetness softens the bitter botanicals. That combination makes it a useful addition to a home bar, with enough presence for stirred cocktails and enough freshness for sparkling serves.