Overview:
Since 2010, Barrelsmith founders Matt and Martha have been on a mission to perfect the art of barrel-aged cocktails. What started as a home experiment in Connecticut has grown into a high-quality craft alcohol brand known for innovation, precision, and unmatched taste. With roots in hospitality, science, and fine wine, Barrelsmith is elevating cocktail culture in the Northeast and beyond.
A Journey Born from Curiosity
Barrelsmith began as a passion project for Matt and Martha. Matt, who worked in the technology side of the casino business, frequently traveled to Las Vegas and across the globe. Immersed in world-class bar culture, he became fascinated with the creativity behind barrel-aged cocktails. Encouraged by skilled bartenders, he and Martha brought the practice home to Connecticut, experimenting with different techniques and ingredients until they created something extraordinary.
From Kitchen to Company
Their breakthrough came when Matt’s mother ordered a Negroni at a high-end Italian restaurant. After sending the drink back three times, she realized nothing on the menu could replicate the rich complexity of Matt and Martha’s barrel-aged version. Friends and family echoed the same sentiment, insisting they take bottles home. That demand sparked the creation of Barrelsmith.
Science Meets Craft
Determined to elevate their cocktails to commercial quality, Matt and Martha brought in a flavor scientist with decades of industry experience. Together, they sourced premium ingredients, developed custom spirits, and refined their recipes. Each cocktail was perfected through barrel aging, resulting in balanced, intricate flavors unlike anything available off-the-shelf.
Martha’s Expertise in Fine Wine and Spirits
Martha Outlaw brings a wealth of knowledge to Barrelsmith. Certified as a Level 2 Wine and Spirit Educator by WSET, she previously worked as an authentication and research consultant for a renowned wine collector, helping uncover counterfeit wine cases that led to multi-million-dollar verdicts and even a federal conviction. She also served as Director of Fine Wines at ReserveBar, a leading online destination for top-shelf spirits and fine wine.
Today, her deep expertise ensures that Barrelsmith’s offerings reflect not only precision and craft but also a refined understanding of what makes a truly premium drinking experience. Fittingly, the liqueur used in their Manhattan and Boulevardier cocktails is named in her honor.
On the Menu at Barrelsmith
Barrelsmith currently offers a carefully curated line of barrel-aged classic cocktails. Each is crafted using premium spirits and aged in charred oak barrels for depth and character:
- Manhattan – A refined blend of rye whiskey, vermouth, and bitters, aged in oak for smoothness and balance.
- Negroni – The timeless Italian aperitif made with gin, vermouth, and bitters, transformed through barrel aging into a rich, complex cocktail.
- Boulevardier – A whiskey-based variation of the Negroni, marrying bourbon, vermouth, and bitters into a bold yet elegant drink.
These offerings highlight Barrelsmith’s mission: to take timeless recipes and elevate them with craftsmanship, patience, and innovation.
Crafting the Future of Cocktails
Since its founding in 2010, Barrelsmith has continued to grow, building a reputation for quality and innovation. What began as a kitchen experiment is now a leading example of how barrel-aging can transform cocktails into an art form.
As Barrelsmith continues to expand in the Northeast and beyond, Matt and Martha’s story shows that with dedication, curiosity, and a little experimentation, it’s possible to raise the bar for what a cocktail can be.
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