How to Buy the Healthiest Booze
When Helen Johannesen gets off work tonight, she’ll have her nightly wellness tonic: a 1997 Craggenmore on the rocks. Johannesen is the woman behind all things alcohol for the Los Angeles based Jon and Vinny's restaurant empire that includes Jon and Vinny’s, Animal, Petit Trois, Trois Mec, Trois Familia, and Son of a Gun. And, when it comes to liquor, her philosophy is the higher the quality, the healthier.
As people start to care more about where their booze comes from and how it’s made, organic spirits have flooded the market. But “just any spirit labeled organic might not be worth your effort,” says Johannesen. “Some of my favorite liquor producers may use organic methods but don’t bother with the arduous certification.” Rather than buying just any liquor with an organic label, Johannesen suggests spending a little more on a bottle that fits at least a few of the criteria below.
Courtesy of Machetazo Mezcal1/61. Seek out smaller batches
Producing liquors in smaller batch sizes allows for more control over the ingredient’s quality, the fermentation process, and the distillation. “I want people to have touched the product,” says Johanessen. Machetazo Mezcal, one of Johannessen’s current obsessions, grows agave on a small, organic, sustainable farm in Guerrero, Mexico. “When mixing, a touch of agave syrup and a little fresh lime juice is all this mezcal should need.”
Machetazo Mezcal, $48.39
Courtesy of Fortaleza Tequila2/62. Look for single origin
“Authentic tequila can only technically be grown and distilled in Tequila, Mexico” says Johannesen. Fortaleza, one of Johannesen's favorites, grows giant blue agaves in that region. “You can taste the difference” she says. Fortaleza tequila’s small growing site means that farmers respect and nurture their allotted land. The closer the relationship of farmers to their land, the more sustainable their farm usually is, maintaining richer soil and healthier plants.
Fortaleza Tequila, $50
Photo by Red Photography Ltd3/63. Healthy plants make healthy booze
The best ingredients grown in healthy soil are essential to creating alcohol that’s better for your body. “Sipsmith Gin is a company doing it right,” says Johannesen. “They are sourcing some of the best quality botanicals and herbs to put into their gin recipe.” Higher quality herbs are grown without pesticides, picked at their peak, and stored to retain their freshness so they keep more of their medicinal properties.
Sipsmith Gin, $31.99
Courtesy of Compass Box Whiskey4/64. Stick with the smoothest
“A smooth, single-malt scotch, like a Peat Monster, is best served on the rocks,” says Johannesen. “The healthiest way to enjoy a cocktail is to choose a great quality liquor and drink it on its own.” Cocktails with too much added sweeteners leave you with a sugar rush and a terrible hangover. When you drink a smooth liquor, you don’t need any mixers or juices to mask sharp flavors.
Peat Monster, $64.97
Courtesy of V.E.P. Chartreuse Verte5/65. Drink digestifs for digestive health
Digestifs are the “elixir of longevity.” Originally invented for medicinal purposes, digestifs are made with herbs that do in fact help with digestion. V.E.P. Chartreuse Verte, a secret recipe developed by monks in 1605, is a bright green digestif made from over 130 different plants, herbs, and spices. “Green liquor might just be the new green juice,” says Johannesen. “It’s the perfect ending to a meal.”
V.E.P. Chartreuse Verte, $149.99
Courtesy of Pappy Van Winkle6/66. Know when to splurge
Yes, this is a $670 bottle of bourbon. But, find some friends to pitch in for those once-in-a-lifetime occasions like weddings, anniversaries, job promotions, or children being born—Johannesen promises you won’t regret it. “I’ve been a long time fan of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon,” says Johannesen. “When I can find it, it’s well worth the splurge.” Pappy Van Winkle ages their bourbon for a minimum of fifteen years, a huge contrast to the average bourbon, which is aged only three. A little goes a long way when appreciating excellent bourbon: “You just need a small glass to feel satisfied,” says Johannesen.
Pappy Van Winkle, $670.00
