Holystone: Local luxury distilling
Utah’s history with alcohol has always been complicated. Cultural and legal precedents have clashed for decades as some people fought for prohibition while others were building saloons. Luckily, passion and spirit persevered and today we have over 40 breweries, 15 wineries, and 20 distilleries that call the beehive state home. Each of these businesses puts incredible care and effort into their Utah-based alcohol, but there’s no place quite as unique and luxurious as Holystone Distilling.
Holystone is located in Murray and has been open for four years. They opened their doors just before Covid hit and although navigating a new business during a global pandemic was difficult, they persevered and built the business into the luxury landmark it is today. The founding principles of the business are persistence, hard work, humility, and teamwork, so it’s honestly no wonder they’ve managed to succeed despite any obstacles in their way. Even the name of their distillery is a testament to their tenacity.
Holystone refers to the piece of sandstone used by sailors to scrub the wooden deck of their ships. The soft stone would remove the layer of dirt, brine, and crust buildup on the planks, and reveal the white wood underneath. There are a few theories as to why these stones were named “holystones.” One theory is that sailors originally had to be on their knees while scrubbing, and the pose was reminiscent of prayer. Another theory is that the stones commonly came from crumbling churches at certain provision docks. The truth behind the name may always be shrouded in a bit of mystery, but however the name evolved, it has always been associated with everything Holystone Distilling stands for.
Holystone is owned and operated by husband and wife team Michael and Barbie DeShazo. Barbie is a Utah native who is passionate about service and being active in her community. Michael is a retired Navy pilot who is also Holystone’s Head Distiller. His Navy career took him around the world, and he developed a love of many different spirits. As a husband and wife team, they are devoted to making the highest-quality, small-batch spirits you can find in Utah.
The idea for this business was sparked by the team’s love of travel and the way premium spirits can transport you to their places of origin. Each of Holystone’s spirits has a story and history as to its creation, and those are the details that make them so timeless and special. Their current lineup consists of these five unique spirits: Perla Vodka, Bosun’s Navy Strength Gin, Cerulea Vodka, Apparition Absinthe Verte, and Tsunami Shochu.
The Cerulea Gin is an homage to Breast Cancer Warriors and was created in honor of Barbie’s mother, who passed from breast cancer, as well as dear friends who have lost their battle to that devastating disease. The gin has a lavender aroma and hue which will change colors when mixed with other ingredients that affect its pH levels. Part of the proceeds from each Cerulea sale are donated to local breast cancer warriors in need. This gin also won Double Gold in the 2023 SIP Awards, which is the only internationally recognized consumer-judging spirits competition.
Bosun’s Navy Strength Gin is 114 proof and is a salute to the seamen of old who discovered that gunpowder soaked in undiluted gin still lit on fire, due to the high alcohol content. It’s named after the bosun or boatswain which is a senior position on a ship’s crew. A bosun is responsible for several parts of the ship and is usually one of the most valuable, knowledgeable, and irreplaceable crew members. Essentially, a bosun is the backbone of the ship, and Bosun’s Gin will be the backbone of your cocktails. This gin won Platinum in the 2023 SIP Awards, meaning it is one of the very few spirits that has won Double Gold three years in a row.
Perla Vodka is Utah’s first grape-base vodka. It’s made from a variety of California grapes that give it a subtle sweetness that makes it perfect for cocktails or for sipping on the rocks. It’s named after pearls, which are the oldest precious stone and the only one that originates in the sea. Pearls have long been a symbol of royalty and rank, with the most valuable pearls being perfectly smooth, round, and without blemish. Perla Vodka lives up to its namesake with a velvet-soft texture and polished flavor.
Apparitions are a common theme in sailing lore, from mermaids, to sea monsters, to haunted ships like the Flying Dutchman. Fear of the mysterious dangers in the sea made people cautious and superstitious. Absinthe verte was actually banned in the United States, even after prohibition ended, due to the superstitious belief that it caused hallucinations. Apparition Absinthe Verte is actually Utah’s first legal absinthe verte. Holystone has brought this mythic spirit back to life after years of research and experimentation. They use the same methods and ingredients used hundreds of years ago along with their unique blend of infused herbs to give it its legendary look and taste.
Tsunami Shochu is also a Utah first. Shochu is a popular Japanese liquor invented in the 16th century. This spirit is also made using centuries old techniques from the island of Kyushu. It is unfiltered to preserve the true flavor of the ingredients and is a taste of Japan in a glass.
In case you hadn’t guessed yet–every single one of Holystone’s products is the first of its kind in Utah, and each one carries the label “ultra-premium,” because they were only released after rigorous tasting, testing, and refining. Every aspect is taken into account when perfecting a Holystone recipe and you can definitely taste the difference. If you value quality as well as aesthetic and backstory, then Holystone spirits were made for you. As a special sneak peek at their future spirits: Holystone has a barrelled and aged apple brandy in the works for this Fall. Stop by their Murray location for a tasting and tour, and keep your eye out for their classic bottles and new additions in your liquor stores, favorite bars, and local restaurants.
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