Suncliffe is ringing in the holidays with a seasonal spirit!
The Arizona-based botanical spirits company, which was founded by partners (in life and business) Ryan Lawrence and Thomas Giddings, in partnership with Brooklyn-based friend, Clare Byrne, just announced the return of Suncliffe Solstice.
It’s officially hitting shelves this week (the week of Monday, December 2).
This year, the seasonally released, barrel-aged gin, is an ode to Sedona’s historic apple orchards. Suncliffe Solstice is finished in Calvados casks (which previously held Normandie American Single Malt) from the Arizona-based Whiskey del Bac— “an elegant expression with a hue evocative of Sedona’s golden aura.”
“Now in its third release, we’re excited to bring back our cult-favorite bottle, Suncliffe Solstice, this time aged in these beautifully complex calvados casks,” said Lawrence. “Local demand has grown substantially, and we’re so grateful that our community has embraced this special offering with such open arms.”
Suncliffe Solstice is perfectly suited for a spirits-forward cocktail (recipes are available online) or as a neat sipper. This seasonal gin from Suncliffe includes hints of violets, sandalwood, rich dulce de leche, and crisp red apple — giving way to a lingering oolong finish.
Where to Try & Buy Solstice
This limited-release, 500-bottle run of Solstice is available online for purchase nationally and at local retailers including Rum Runner, Westbound, and Tap & Bottle. Also, sip on it at downtown Tucson’s Juniper — they’ll be incorporating it into certain cocktails on the menu.
“Suncliffe Solstice has been a lesson in patience, and collaboration,” said Giddings. “And we feel we’re bringing something truly unique to the market — offering flavors only found in this special corner of the world.”
REMINDER: This release is limited to just 500 bottles!
More About Suncliffe
Launched in 2021, Lawrence, Giddings, and Byrne crafted their flagship product: a curiously complex, aromatic gin that utilizes three local junipers— one seed, shaggy, and alligator— alongside native botanicals (ponderosa pine bark, manzanita, and western elderflower).
Suncliffe offers a terroir-rich approach to spirits making, uniquely transporting imbibers to the vast landscape of the American Southwest.
For more information on Suncliffe Gin and where to find a bottle, visit suncliffegin.com.
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Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
