Bed-Stuy Distillers Named James Beard Award Semifinalists

BEDFORD-STUYVESANT, BROOKLYN — A pair of Bed-Stuy distillers drank in an announcement Wednesday that their botanical spirits are up for a coveted culinary prize.

Forthave Spirits distillers Aaron Fox and Daniel de la Nuez are among the New York City semifinalists for the 2020 James Beard Award.

They face competition from across the country in the "Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Producer" category.

The small-batch distillery runs out of the Pfizer Building on Flushing Avenue, where Bed-Stuy and Williamsburg meet. It's named after a 14th century botanist named Richard Forthave who crafted spirits to protect against the plague, the distillery's website states.

"At Forthave Spirits, we believe in crafting spirits that are natural and delicious," the website states. "We look towards history for inspiration for every one of our botanical spirits and approach every aspect of our production and supply chain with care."

A deep interest in history is clear from the description of Forthave's Amaro, said to be based on the "secret recipe of four medieval thieves."

"They were caught stealing from plague victims in Marseille," the description states. "In exchange for clemency, they revealed their secret concoction."

The concoction in question can be served neat or in cocktails so quaffers can enjoy its notes of cinnamon, eucalyptus and honey, it states.

Forthave also sells an apertivo and an American dry gin.

The final Restaurant and Chef award nominees will be announced on March 25. A complete list of James Beard Award semifinalists can be read here.