Review: Thatcher’s Liqueurs – Cucumber, Apple Spice Ginger, and Tres Chiles
Typical liqueurs may be bottom shelf at your local liquor store, but this stuff, this is the real deal. Thatcher’s is distilled in rural Michigan, using organic ingredients and even organic fruit juice for appropriate coloring. These liqueurs are in very limited distribution right now, but pester your local booze merchant, because they’re worth checking out.
We tried three of the current eight flavors. All are a mere 30 proof and can be heartily enjoyed on the rocks — or try them in any number of cocktail recipes, as they’re all quite versatile. All retail at or below $25 per bottle.
Thatcher’s Cucumber Liqueur is the subtle one of the bunch, but it’s also a masterpiece. Overflowing with fresh cucumber flavors, it has a moderate sweetness that balances the bracing and refreshingly unique character of the inimitable cucumber. This is not a complicated liqueur, but it’s a truly delicious one. Hard to put down, and nearly perfect. A
Thatcher’s Apple Spice Ginger Liqueur is heavy on the apple and has a strong cinnamon kick. I struggled to find the ginger part of the spirit, but it’s there if you hunt for it. Not sure you need it, though. Quite sweet, this is like apple cider for grown-ups, which makes it a good companion to bourbon, and only slightly less pleasurable on its own. A-
Thatcher’s Tres Chiles Liqueur – That’s three chiles, gringo: jalapeno, habanero, and serrano peppers in a sweet liqueur base. The aroma is of sweet strawberry, and the light pink color indicates light fruitiness. The initial palate bears that out, and the heat comes after — a pleasant and surprisingl mild slug of spice that creeps up very slowly and is not at all overpowering like you get with chile-infused tequilas. Still, this is the least exciting flavor of the bunch when consumed on its own — it absolutely calls for a mixer; tequila is the obvious choice. B+
My one complaint with Thatcher’s is the kind of low-end packaging. The bottle looks like something you’d get a sparkling lemonade in, with a flimsy, stamped-aluminum closure. This is a top-shelf spirit that deserves a top-shelf bottle!
each $25 / thatchersorganic.com
Thatcher's Cucumber Liqueur
$25
Does it have enough fruit juice in it to require refrigeration?
Per the company, Thatcher’s does not require refrigeration.