By Brenda Hillegas

Valentine’s Day is almost here, and whether you’re planning a cozy night in or showing up to a Galentine’s gathering with a bottle in hand, these Philadelphia-area spirits offer a local way to toast the occasion. From small-batch whiskeys to coffee liqueurs and zero-proof sippers, the lineup has something for at-home mixologists and casual gift-givers alike.

Art in the Age

The Philadelphia-based spirits company produces a lineup of distinctive, high-quality libations. Bottles are available statewide at Fine Wine & Good Spirits, at Pennsylvania Libations in Reading Terminal Market, or online. Cocktail recipes can be found at artintheage.com.

Here are a few standouts worth trying.

Graverobber Unholy Rye Whiskey ($31.99, 750ml, 80 proof): A rye whiskey crafted with maple syrup tapped from colonial graveside trees and boasts flavors of charred oak, burnt sugar, aromas of cinnamon, dried orange, rye cracker, and hints of maple for a full-bodied sensory experience. 

Old Baldy Spiced Apple Whiskey ($31.99, 750ml, 70 proof): Named after General Meade’s steadfast Civil War mount, this crowd-friendly spirit is made by infusing a base of Canadian whiskey with clove, allspice, and cinnamon, and then adding a generous pour of real apple concentrate to create a warm, pie-in-a-glass flavor. 

Bluebird Distilling

Phoenixville’s award-winning craft distillery offers a robust collection of spirits that are perfect for Valentine’s Day. Gift-givers can buy these spirits, and others, online at shopbluebirddistilling.com, Bluebird Distilling’s bottle shop (100 Bridge St, Phoenixville), or at either Char & Stave location.  

Four Grain Bourbon Whiskey (750ml, 92 proof, $49.99): Their signature whiskey is unique with four kinds of grain (as opposed to the typical three), including corn, rye, red winter wheat, and barley.

Sportsman Bourbon – Art of the Fly ($69.99, 100 proof, 750ml): This is the second release in Bluebird Distilling’s ongoing experimental series of well-aged bourbon whiskey. Tasting notes include: caramel, fresh pie (nose); savory cornbread, vanilla, toffee (palate);  semi-sweet baking spice, pepper, dark fruit (finish).

Char & Stave

Char & Stave, the Pennsylvania roastery and full-service café-by-day, plus cocktail bar-by-night, is helmed by Jared Adkins of Bluebird Distilling. The locations (21 Rittenhouse Place in Ardmore and  8441 Germantown Ave. in Chestnut Hill) offer barrel-aged blends and coffee-based spirits.

Char & Stave Classic Coffee Liqueur (750ml, 60 proof, $34.99) and Char & Stave Café Amaro Liqueur (750ml, 60 proof, $39.99): Made using Char & Stave signature coffee roasted beans and Bluebird Distilling scratch-made vodka base, both liqueurs are perfect gifts for fans of espresso martinis, white Russians, or coffee negronis.

The Pathfinder 

The Pathfinder’s standout branding, unusual storytelling, and bizarre visual identity are the brainchild of Philadelphia’s Steven Grasse (Art in the Age, Tamworth Distilling) and his team at Quaker City Mercantile, the world-renowned, but Old City-based creative agency.

The booze-free fermented and distilled hemp-based liquid has the intense flavor and aromatic characteristics of spirits, but without the effects of alcoholic beverages. These products can be purchased at local retailers like Herman’s Coffee and Wallace Dry Goods, as well as Whole Foods.

The Pathfinder Hemp and Root ($39.99/700ml): First launched with an explosive bar and retail presence in Seattle in 2021 (and has spread to eight major markets since), and made with botanicals that are rumored aphrodisiacs — wormwood, angelica root, ginger, sage, juniper, saffron, orange peel, and wild-crafted Douglas fir — The Pathfinder Hemp and Root boasts intense flavors. 

The Pathfinder Espresso Tonic ($20/4-pack, $114/24-pack): In this zero-proof, ready-to-drink collaboration with Seattle roaster Caffe Vita, you’ll find notes of juniper, sage, saffron, orange peel, and Douglas fir intertwine with Caffe Vita’s Del Sol blend, yielding milk chocolate, caramel, and dark cherry undertones. Enjoy as a pre-dinner sipper or with a Valentine’s Day dessert.