Last week I went to Morristown, NJ, where I sampled the wares of Dismal Harmony Distilling. The distillery is founded and owned by Bob and Karen Novotny Dillon, with Robby Seibert filling the role of General Manager and Mixologist. Dismal Harmony has a diverse portfolio offering vodka, gin, bourbon, as well as an inventive line of exotic liqueurs (some brought back from the dead, others completely new). They also offered bottled cocktails to go.
Bob Dillon and Robby Seibert
“I’ve always been a naturally curious and inquisitive person. I love to figure out how things work, tinker, fix and solve problems myself," says Bob. "Several years ago, I began to discover and enjoy bourbon and whiskeys and started to wonder how they were created. This began my passion for distilling.”
There is no debate about it, the strongest part of Dismal Harmony's game is their liqueurs. In one visit, I was completely convinced that they are one of the best American craft distillers of liqueurs on the east coast, alongside Stoutridge Distillery and Vineyards. They are making a head long charge into flavor!
First one up for review is the Dismal Harmony Barista Coffee Liqueur. Dillon uses imported Italian dark-roast coffee beans. Barista is concentrated cold brew coffee infused with distilled coffee beans for the deepest coffee flavor. This is one of the absolutely most intense coffee liqueurs you will ever have. I instantly fell in love with it. Outstanding!
Possibly the most decorated product in the line is the Dismal Harmony Vidisha's Masala Liqueur. Vidishas features the flavors of Indian cuisine. It's spice mixture is based on the family Masala of Vidisha Patel, a friend of Bob's. Cumin is stron on the nose at first, but there are a number of other spices that come to bear. It's a mouthwatering experience, that instantly recalls your favorite flavors of Indian cuisine. Cinnamon, cloves and bay leaves come through as promised, making this a savory experience. It has a long finish with lots of black pepper and that Masala profile just keeps on giving. This is the perfect addition to a spicy, exotic Bloody Mary. Mixologist Rob Seibert had found exceptional ways to add to Margaritas, Daiquiris, Martinis, a Mule, and a number of other sweet and/or savory cocktails. I think it might make for a terrific Manhattan or Boulevardier. Brilliantly unique and fantastic!
Dismal Harmony's Monk is a brave venture into making an American Craft Chartreuse-styled liqueur. According to Dillon, "Monk is derived from a recipe for Chartreuse that was published in France contemporaneously with the registration of the Chartreuse brand. The French manuscript was translated into English in 1871... Monk is complex. Slightly sweet with an herbal and vegetal flavor profile that features Lemon Balm, Hyssop, Peppermint, Mugwort, Tansy, Flower of Arnica and other herbs, roots and botanicals." Because of EU restrictions, the American version of this fine spirit cannot be called Chartreuse. But for all intents and purposes, this is easily one of the best liqueurs produced in this class of spirit. Monk got 94pts at the Bartender Spirit Awards and won a gold medal. Absolutely impressive!!
Dismal Harmony also produces Francia Amaro Milano Liqueur and Joe D's Lemoncello. Both are very, very good. I really liked the Amaro, as it would make an exceptional mixer with soda, and a terrific Negroni.
Dismal Harmony makes a good line of single spirits - Vodka, Gin, Bourbon and Single Malt. And also produces a value priced line of gin, vodka, and Agave spirits perfect for restaurants, bars, and home entertaining.
