Harlem is home to many things, but it hasn’t always been the epicenter of cocktail culture. This is in spite of its history around nightlife, such as the supper and cotton clubs it’s known for. However, quality spirits always seem to find their way there to satisfy those who have a taste for it in the neighborhood. With places such as 67 Orange and Honey Well serving up cocktails that make you think, it was no surprise that Harlem’s first family of fashion at Harlem Haberdashery would continue to lead this conversation with the launch of the HH Bespoke Spirits Collection. In partnership with AstraLuna Brands, this small batch collection of three features vodka, a rum and a gin.
“When you walk into our store, it’s like you’re walking into our family,” says Sharene Wood, president and CEO of Harlem Haberdashery. For the past 26 years, the fashion house 5001 FLAVORS has played an important role in the fashion industry, dressing A-listers in entertainment and beyond. It has always been a family business. Harlem Haberdashery is the retail expression of the brand, run by family members Sharene and Guy Wood Sr., Guy Wood Jr., Kells Barnett, Louis Johnson Jr. and Ashlee Muhammad. To continue their legacy, Bespoke Spirits is now an extension of the lifestyle brand they’ve always wanted to become. The collection, however, isn’t only for fashion aficionados.
Fashion in a Bottle
Created with the same design sensibility they’re known for, each bottle is designed to represent a unique style or statement you might see in the store. The Bespoke Vodka sports a paisley background and tastes smooth enough to put in any cocktail. This is a feat, considering the bottle along with the other two, contains 40% alcohol and retails for $55. The vodka uses locally grown potatoes and is distilled three times for its crisp and clean quality.
The Bespoke Gin is robust in flavor, with a pinstripe background made for someone looking to make more of a statement. American botanicals with modern juniper flavors are balanced with lavender, rosehip and cranberry. Roses grace the background of the Bespoke Rum bottle. Aged in both New American oak and bourbon barrels, look forward to hints of butterscotch, vanilla and other exotic notes on the palate.
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“This set as a whole is a way for us to continue to pay homage to Harlem,” shares Sharene. The family is always conscious about keeping their mission of family, fun and philanthropy at the heart of what they do.
Across the board, each expression is easy yet flavorful and likely to make you reconsider what your go-to spirit is. The HH Bespoke Spirits Collection is available in California, Massachusetts and New York and carried at retail, restaurant and other hospitality venues. It is also available through limited distribution by LibDib.com for wholesale purchase. Style sold separately.
To find a location one of the three states as well as recipes, visit https://hhbespokespirits.com/. Be sure follow the spirit brand on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
