About General John Stark Vodka
Flag Hill Spirits' General John Stark Vodka pays homage to Stark's courage and audacity. Made in Lee, New Hampshire, the process begins when Graham Hamblett, the master distiller at Flag Hill Spirits, purchases thousands of gallons of pressed McIntosh, Cortland, Gala and Honey Crisp apples from Apple Hill Farm, located just 30 miles west of the distillery. Hamblett's degree in horticulture from the University of New Hampshire's Thompson School helps him identify apples that will result in the smoothest vodka possible.
After fermenting the apples for nearly three days, the wash, which is comprised entirely of New Hampshire apples and uses no grain whatsoever, is triple distilled in a handmade, 150-gallon Christian Carl alembic pot still. Following distillation, each bottle is filled and labeled by hand. The result is a smooth vodka with a natural, non-syrupy sweetness.
In 1809, when a group of veterans gathered to commemorate the war, General Stark — too old to travel — sent a letter that closed, "Live free or die: Death is not the worst of evils." This became the New Hampshire state motto.
Live free with a bottle of General John Stark Vodka!
About Flag Hill
In 1728, John Stark was born to Irish immigrants in Londonderry, New Hampshire. After being taken hostage by a tribe of Native Americans at the age of 24 and serving as a second lieutenant during the French and Indian War at the age of 29, Stark took command of a regiment of New Hampshire Minutemen and joined the Continental Army in 1775. At the Battle of Bunker Hill, Stark reinforced Col. William Prescott and destroyed a large contingent of British forces that tried to flank the revolutionaries.
Two years later, Stark commanded a force of 1,400 New Hampshire militiaman in Bennington, Vermont, against British General John Burgoyne's regiment. Leading the charge against the British, Stark shouted, "We'll beat them before night or Molly Stark's a widow." Stark's overwhelming victory against Burgoyne became a turning point in the Revolutionary War, and Stark was honored as "The Hero of Bennington."
About Vodka
Historians are not clear on the exact origin of vodka since different sources link its beginning to both Russia and Poland. But one thing is clear: this somewhat simple spirit, first used as a medicinal concoction, has become one of the most versatile drinks in the world.
It can be distilled from any type of grains, potatoes, or even grapes worldwide. Due to its simplicity, this unaged spirit's main flavor factor is the quality of water and the ingredients used in the distillation process.
Primarily used in cocktails, vodka can also stand its ground when enjoyed neat.
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