Hello Cello Limoncello di Sonoma

First Distillery and Operating Still in Sonoma Since Prohibition

Fred — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 00:51:07 +0000

Sonoma, CA. HelloCello has announced it is the first licensed distillery and operational still in Sonoma since prohibition was repealed 80 years ago. The license represents a rekindled spirit in Sonoma’s wine industry and a milestone for craft distillers. HelloCello has been handcrafting specialty spirits including Limoncello di Sonoma and Hooker’s House Bourbon since 2009 when it opened as a boutique mico-distillery. The Federal and State permits to operate a still and distill fruit in to brandy and other spirits were the next logical step for the founders Fred and Amy Groth. “There is a lot of wine, wine pumice and surplus fruit that currently goes to waste. It can be transformed into beautiful brandies, grappas and au-de-vies” claims Fred Groth. The Company hopes to work with Sonoma and Napa wineries to produce custom branded products like single vineyard ports and brandies.

We offer a unique ability for wineries and want to be a resource to help wineries with new spirit based products. Such is the case with Westwood Winery who HelloCello help craft a black walnut liqueur called Nocino for them.

The distilling of fruit into brandy has a long and successful history in Sonoma and Napa dating back to the mid 1800’s. But for the most part distilling has been a lost art since prohibition. HelloCello is using the historic still from the Sprekel’s Estate for one of their first products. The 100 year old still was used to create Sugar Daddy Rum which is aged in recycled Bourbon barrels and Chardonnay Puncheons.

HelloCello offers a spirited alternative to traditional wine country experiences. They are open by appointment for tours, classes, experiences and private events.

For more information on craft distilling and private tours, contact Fred Groth. 707.721.6390 Fred@HelloSonoma.com.

HelloCello’s new store front is open

Fred — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 18:27:53 +0000

You can now purchase Limoncello di Sonoma and our other fresh artisanal “Cellos” from our new store front. More fun items and merchandise coming soon!

Check out shop.prohibition-spirits.com

Sorry, We can not sell Hooker’s House Bourbon. Please visit one of our on-line retailers like K&L to purchase.

Hooker’s House Bourbon awarded best Small Batch Bourbon at the SIP Awards

Fred — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 18:02:59 +0000

Hooker’s House Bourbon a Sonoma-Style Straight Bourbon Whiskey was awarded a platinum Medal at the 2012 International SIP awards July 19th. The platinum award was the only one given to a small batch Bourbon in three years and one of three in the crowded American Whiskey category. Hooker’s House Bourbon is the first Bourbon Whiskey to be finished in neutral Pinot Noir barrels giving it a unique wine country flavor, profile and local story. Hooker’s House Bourbon ($36) 750ml bottle, 50% ABV (100 proof) finished and bottled in Sonoma, California.

Hooker’s House Bourbon is aged in neutral Pinot Noir barrels after spending time in new white American Oak barrels. Double barreling the Bourbon enhances the quality spirit with Wine Country influence of dark fruits, cherries and violets on the nose and pallet. The mash bill produces a sweet and savory balance of Corn and Rye. “The hot days and cool nights of the Carneros are ideal for grape growing and also excellent for aging Bourbon” says Fred Groth Founder of Prohibition Spirits and HelloCello. “The constant expansion and contraction makes the Bourbon ‘breath’ and gives it life”.

Hooker’s House Bourbon pays respect to the infamous General Joseph Hooker, a Civil War veteran, Sonoma resident, ladies man and whiskey aficionado. The spicy and bold character of Hooker’s House Bourbon is matched by General Hooker’s over indulging and sometimes outrageous lifestyle.

The 2012 Spirits International Prestige (SIP) Awards were created to fill the void that is the current state of international spirits competitions. The illusion created by massive advertising budgets, celebrity endorsements and lofty judging is old, tired and susceptible to industry bias. The SIP Awards are the first to cut to the core of public opinion as a starting point, rather than an afterthought, in branding and product development. On July 14^th 75 judges examined over 400 international spirit brands in a blind taste test and concluded that Hooker’s House Bourbon was the best Small Batch Bourbon.

About
Hooker’s House Bourbon is aged and bottled by Prohibition Spirits, a new line from the founders of HelloCello, Fred & Amy Groth. Their other products include Limoncello di Sonoma, BelloCello, FigCello and blood OrangCello.
For tours, industry tastings and more information please contact Fred Groth: Fred@HelloSonoma.com 707.721.6290.
Learn more at: www.Prohibition-Spirits.com & www.HelloSonoma.com

HelloCello’s Limoncello di Sonoma in Marin Magazine

Fred — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 18:07:09 +0000

French Margarita OrangeCello from HelloCello

Fred — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 18:03:58 +0000

We enjoyed a French Margarita over the weekend for Bastille Day. You can too – Recipe below

2 oz. tequila
1 oz. OrangeCello di Sonoma
1/2 oz. each lime juice, orange juice, sweet and sour mix
1 oz. Chambord
Garnish: skewer of raspberries and blackberries
Directions:
Pour tequila into a 12-ounce glass. Add OrangeCello, lime juice, orange juice and sweet and sour mix. Cover the glass firmly with a cocktail shaker and shake to mix the ingredients. Strain mixture into a chilled martini glass and top with Chambord

ClubCello is Here. The Spirit of Summer is a click away

Fred — Sun, 08 Jul 2012 19:15:09 +0000

ClubCello is now active! Please visit the link below to complete registration so we can deliver our first shipment of fresh seasonal liqueurs to you.

The process is simple. Click the link below, add ClubCello to your cart, enter shipping and billing info and check out. You will receive your shipment within one week. If you select the pickup option we will notify you of upcoming open houses and tours.

CLICK to get started – http://shop.prohibition-spirits.com

Thank you for your patience and support as we work through getting the ClubCello going.

ClubCello: A Spirited kind of Club from Sonoma

Fred — Tue, 15 May 2012 19:56:04 +0000

ClubCello: Fresh artisanal liqueurs delivered to you seasonally

Welcome to HelloCello’s new ClubCello where we give you the opportunity to explore small batch, handcrafted liqueurs from Sonoma’s wine country. Our Boutique distillery produces amazingly fresh, all natural, artisanal liqueurs, Cellos, brandies and eau de vie. If you love Limoncello, this is your chance to explore other seasonal flavors as well as our award-winning California made, Limoncello di Sonoma. [Join ClubCello now]

Club Cello, A spirited kind of Club
Benefits [Sign Up]

Be Fresh: Access to fresh seasonal batches of organic Limoncello di Sonoma
Be First: Be the first to try our line of new Cellos before they are released
Be Surprised: Limited small production batch Cellos that never make it to Markets
Be Cool: Invitations to special events and cool stuff
Tours and classes
VIP access to parties and special events
Lemon peel parties
Distiller’s themed dinners
Cocktail recipes
Fun schwag

How it works
Two (2) times a year you will receive our Distiller’s selection of four seasonal Cello liqueurs handcrafted by your friends at HelloCello in the heart of Sonoma’s wine country. You will also receive discounts throughout the year with your ClubCello card.

Our First Club Cello release will be shipped around July 1st, 2012 just in time for summer. The inaugural club shipment of liquid sunshine will consist of:
1.       Limoncello di Sonoma. Two bottles of super fresh batch #12, bottled April 2012.
2.       FigCello di Sonoma. One bottle of our Bourbon barrel-aged FigCello. This is a Lady Gaga limited edition product that is not in circulation. If you thought our regular FigCello was good. Wait until you try this!
3.       OrangeCello di Sonoma: Be the first to try this seasonal small batch OrangeCello handcrafted with Blood Oranges.

The cost per ClubCello order will be $100 for the four selections plus shipping. There will be a local Sonoma pick-up option at no cost.

Sign up for ClubCello now to be included in the fun. We just need your name and e-mail to get started. All the details will roll out the first week in June. No obligation at this point.
Yes I want to be part of ClubCello [Sign Up]

The fine print

Billing and Shipping will be managed by an authorized, licensed and secure third party to maintain legal compliance. By joining the ClubCello mailing list you are not obligated purchase. We would never spam you or let your information go to the dark side. Must be 21 to join and shipments will require a signature by someone who is 21 years old. Not available in all states. More fine print on the registration page.

What People Drink, HelloCello gives the inside scoop to Mutineer Magazine.

Fred — Sat, 12 May 2012 00:15:23 +0000

Hooker’s House Bourbon, find us at more locations

Fred — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:36:48 +0000

Hooker’s House Bourbon is at more great locations like:

Sonoma Market
Historic Plaza Liquor
St. Helena Wine Center
K&L Wine & Spirits
Bottle Barn
CASK, S.F
JV Wine & Spirits
D and M Wine & Spirits
PlumpJack
JugShop
Jackson’s liquors
Dean & Deluca
Val’s
Willibee’s
Mollie Stone’s
Dean’s Fine Cigars
Broadway Market
Mill Valley Market
Willow Market

Poured at: girl & the fig, Bouchon,Carneros Bistro, Estate, EDK, Farmstead, Saddles, HopMonk, Angele, Cuvee, McNear’s, Tres Hombres, Meritage, Murphy’s Pub, Fairmont SMI, Cucina Urbana, Maya.... and more..

What lady Gaga drinks in Wine Country? FigCello from HelloCello!

Fred — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 06:12:24 +0000

Lady Gaga is Gaga for FigCello di Sonoma

International celebrity Lady Gaga dined and drank her way through Sonoma’s Wine Country Last weekend. Surrounded by world class wines what did the pop icon drink? Lady Gaga was seen enjoying FigCello di Sonoma in the signature cocktail the “Fig Kiss” at the girl & the Fig restaurant.

FigCello di Sonoma is a locally crafted specialty spirit produced by Sonoma Valley based micro-distillery, HelloCello. What started as a pet project to produce a new liqueur from handpicked figs and 16 botanicals has developed a local cult following by mixologists, chefs, fans and now Lady Gaga. HelloCello produces award winning spirits including Limoncello di Sonoma, FigCello di Sonoma, BelloCello and Hooker’s House Bourbon. Lady Gaga’s proves that there is more to wine country than wine. HelloCello is the spirited side of wine country!

Want to make your own Fig Kiss cocktail? It’s Born This Way
1oz FigCello di Sonoma
2.5 oz Cranberry Juice
.5 oz elderflower liqueur