Spirits on the rise as small SF distillery expands
Ground broken on new aging facility; tasting rooms next on the menu
SANTA FE — A small Santa Fe distillery is growing again.
In just six years, Santa Fe Spirits has already expanded twice at its location on Mallard Way in south Santa Fe.
On Monday, with help from Santa Fe Mayor Javier Gonzales and Edward Herrera, director of the state Economic Development Department Office of International Trade, the company broke ground on a 4,000-square-foot temperature-and humidity-controlled facility that initially will be used to age their products in wooden barrels. There are plans to move distilling operations into the space down the line.
Santa Fe Spirits owner Colin Keegan said it’s always a good idea for businesses to look ahead. “But we have to plan our business three to five years out because we age some of our products,” said Keegan, who’s company makes Scotch-style whiskies and Calvados-style apple brandies, as well as a vodka and gin.
The expansion was made possible by a $325,000 local economic development grant from the state of New Mexico. The city of Santa Fe is providing $100,000 in waived fees and incentives.
Mayor Gonzales said Santa Fe Spirits has come a long way in a short time. “It’s a product the world has recognized, a product that is gaining traction in the marketplace,” he said of the spirits the company distributes in eight states and four countries.
The mayor said the business will also mean more jobs. Santa Fe’s Sarcon Construction will building the facility. The grant calls for the company to hire 14 new full-time employees within the next 10 years.
With a tasting room at its south side location and another in downtown Santa Fe, Keegan said next step for Santa Fe Spirits is to open a tasting room in Albuquerque by early next year. “Tasting rooms are our way to compete with the big boys,” he said.