I Love Locally Distilled: The Deep Roots of Craft Spirits in Massachusetts

There’s a special kind of satisfaction that comes with discovering a local gem. It's the feeling that you've found something authentic, something made with passion, and something that tells a story about the community it comes from. For us on "Besties, Bikes & Brews," my best friend and I are constantly on the lookout for these places. We explore New England, seeking out the best local breweries, bars, and, in this case, a truly remarkable distillery.

Our journey in January of 2024, led us to Sturbridge, Massachusetts, a town steeped in history and New England charm. Our mission was to sit down with one of the owners of Deep Roots Distillery, a man named Keith, for the inaugural episode of our podcast. We arrived expecting to learn about spirits, but we left with a profound appreciation for a brand that is, in every sense of the word, rooted in its community. What followed was a conversation and a tasting experience that proved that when a business is built on passion and a commitment to quality, the result is nothing short of amazing.

The Philosophy of Deep Roots: More Than a Spirit

From the moment we walked in, it was clear that Deep Roots is more than just a place where spirits are made. It's a place where they are crafted, cared for, and celebrated. The name itself, "Deep Roots," is not just a clever marketing slogan; it is the core philosophy of the distillery. Keith shared with us the history behind the name: a dedication to using local ingredients, honoring the rich agricultural history of New England, and becoming a central part of the local community.

The space itself, which is both a production facility and a tasting room, feels incredibly personal and inviting. Keith’s enthusiasm was infectious. He spoke with a quiet confidence that could only come from someone who truly loves what they do. He explained that they are a true "mash to bottle" distiller. This isn’t a place that cuts corners by buying barrels of base spirits to infuse; this is a place that values quality above all else. Keith’s dedication to transparency—to knowing exactly what goes into every bottle—is a testament to the brand's integrity and its "deep roots" philosophy.

The Spirit of the Place: A Hands-On Tour

The first thing we noticed when we walked in was the beautiful bar and the incredible charm they brought back into the space, highlighting the old mill building's original features. This attention to detail and a love for the building's history was immediately apparent. The tasting room is an intimate space, with a maximum capacity of 40 people, which allows for a personal and cozy experience. While patrons couldn't see the fermenters they use from the tasting room, we got to see them, learned that they have a story all their own—they were repurposed from their downstairs neighbor, Altruist Brewing. It was so cool to see how they've taken something with its own history and given it a new life, a perfect example of their resourceful, craft-first approach. Keith walked us through the entire process, from the initial mashing to the final distillation. It was fascinating to see the simple, yet precise, steps involved in creating a spirit from scratch.

What truly struck us was the emphasis on local sourcing. Keith pointed out where they store the grains, many of which are sourced from local farms in Massachusetts and the surrounding states. This commitment to using locally harvested products not only supports the local economy but also infuses each spirit with a genuine taste of New England. It’s a literal expression of their name.

The entire space had a welcoming, hands-on feel, reinforcing the idea that this is a place built on hard work and craftsmanship, not just commercial ambition. We also learned that co-owner Tom is a cabinet maker by trade, and his craftsmanship is on full display. He created the tables, the beautiful American flag made of oak, and the bar itself—a gorgeous piece of wood from a tree in North Brookfield that still has a nail embedded in it, a perfect symbol of the brand's commitment to preserving its roots. The tasting room felt more like a cozy community hub than a retail space, complete with a small, intimate bar where the spirits are poured. On occasion, they even host live music and work with a local chef, making it a true gathering place. We even saw a "patch wall" in the taproom, a touching tribute with patches from different area first responders and service members, showing just how deeply connected they are to their community. And speaking of community, we also learned about their amazing axe-throwing side of the business, "Deep Roots Axe Throwing" (formerly "Into the Grain-Axe Throwing"), a fun and unexpected addition that brings even more people into their space.

The Tasting Experience: The Spirits of Deep Roots

Of course, the highlight of our visit was sitting down with Keith to taste the amazing spirits they offer. We lined up a flight of their core products, and I can tell you, each one was a revelation. It was a true tasting experience.

• Satan’s Brew (Apple Cinnamon Whiskey): This was a spicy surprise. It had a warm, intense cinnamon flavor that was perfectly balanced by the whiskey's natural sweetness and the flavors from the apple. It's a great choice for those who love a spicy, sweet kick.

• Dead Man’s Chest (Spiced Rum): This rum had a rich, complex flavor profile. We picked up notes of classic rum sweetness, with a warm, spicy finish of cloves, cinnamon, and other baking spices. It would be perfect in a spiced rum and coke.

• Eye of the Storm (Pineapple Jalapeno Rum): This was a truly unique and delicious rum. It had a bright, tropical pineapple flavor that was immediately followed by a gentle, lingering heat from the jalapeno. It's a daring and fun spirit that would be a game-changer in a tiki cocktail.

• Not Your Nonnie’s (Sambuca): Bar none, this was the best sambuca I've ever tasted. It revealed layers of delicious flavors that went far beyond the simple anise note of other brands featuring local honey.

• Pucker Up (Limoncello): This limoncello was a perfect expression of the classic Italian liqueur. It was zesty, bright, and had a natural sweetness that wasn't overpowering. It would be a perfect after-dinner drink or a bright addition to a cocktail.

• Deep Roots Gin: Keith told us their goal with this gin was to create a spirit for people who don't like gin. They achieved this by using only three ingredients in addition to their neutral base spirit: juniper berries, lots of cucumber, and lemon peel. The result is a beautifully clear gin that is bright, refreshing, and incredibly smooth. It's a gin that is fresh and clean without sacrificing tradition, all while being remarkably approachable. (Not to mention one of the first Cucumber Lemon Gin's on the market well before Empress 1908 released theirs)

The Impact: The Podcast and The Community

Our visit to Deep Roots was more than just a podcast interview; it was a reminder of why we started "Besties, Bikes & Brews" in the first place. It's about connecting with people who are passionate about their craft and who are dedicated to creating something special. Keith's passion for his work and his commitment to his community is evident in every single bottle they produce.

Deep Roots Distillery isn't just a local business; it's part of the local fabric. It’s a place where people can go to taste the essence of Massachusetts, crafted with care and integrity. So, if you're a cocktail enthusiast, a home mixologist, or a local who loves to support small businesses, I highly recommend you make the trip to Sturbridge. Sit down with Keith, taste his amazing spirits, and experience for yourself the incredible character of a brand with truly deep roots.

Unfortunately, for the podcast it came to an unexpected end after only a few episodes as finding the availability between Sydney and I with our schedules was somewhat difficult as we lived a couple hours apart.