Union Hooch

Design Notes

Sometimes, I make things for other people. Sometimes, I make things for myself. This project is firmly in the latter camp.

We have three plum trees in our backyard, one big one and two small ones. Every other year, they yield an enormous amount of damson plums. The plums have a tart and astringent taste, even though they are ripe with a marvelously deep purple that makes me want to take up painting. We get so many plums that my wife and I have taken to calling our 1913 home "Plumstead"

Back in 2022, I had the idea to try and recreate a favorite drink from a youthful time in Prague, Slivovitz. Without buying a still, I found I couldn't recreate it: however, I could make a good, sweet plum brandy that is a good winter warmer and holiday gift. And of course, it needed branding.

Union Hooch: available if you know me personally. 🥃