A new year, a new spirit at River Raisin Distillery.

Cheers to Krista and Joe Jarvis, who are about to launch a new agave spirit this weekend at River Raisin Distillery.

There is always something to celebrate at River Raisin Distillery. After being open a little less than 18 months, Joe and Krista Jarvis are working on their second original spirit — and that is something they want to celebrate with plenty of fanfare.

“We are SO excited to be releasing our agave spirit,” Krista said. “So we are going to have a fiesta!”

Featuring their new spirit in a variety of hand-crafted cocktails, the distillery will also feature Sanich Union, a local food truck, there will be a new release party from 3-9 pm on Saturday, January 15.

The spirit is made from 100% agave nectar, and is “super smooth,” whether over ice or in a cocktail. The special drink menu for Saturday will include a variety of margaritas, all made with the hand-crafted mixers by RRD, as well as Palomas and Agave Sunrises. The cocktails will also have homemade garnishes, taking things up a level from the routine.

Out of the bottle, the new Agave has a natural citrus aftertaste, not a peppery one. Because it’s made from 100% agave, “It doesn’t taste traditional, it’s just super yummy,” says Krista.

The theme at the Distillery has always been “from scratch” and the Jarvises are taking it up a notch with the release of their new spirit. Not only the spirit, but the mixers and the garnishes will be made “from scratch,” giving the entire drink a smooth, clean, easy-drinking taste.

The menu from Sanich Union will also be custom crafted for this event, and Joe and Krista are excited about this development as well. They hope to have their igloo arrive in time for the release, and if all goes well they will expand from there, too.

What else is new at RRD? Starting Jan. 12, the Distillery will be open every Sunday during the winter months, serving fully loaded bloody Marys made with their original Cane & Grain.

They have a new apparel line, and a bevy of local merchandise from local suppliers, including the STEM class at the Jr/Sr. High School. They will be featuring events with other local businesses, including Manchester Diner, and the Distillery is also hosting the Manchester Co-Op Preschool Chili Cookoff on Jan. 28. Both the Diner and the Distillery plan to compete in the cookoff, and Krista and Joe would love to have other businesses join the competition … maybe even to the point of having a business class with a trophy that changes hands with each year’s winner.

Other coming events include a comedy show, a painting class, and Yoga classes (Detox and Retox).

Winter will be an exciting season at RRD. Come down and join the fun in 2022!

Krista and Joe are enthusiastic about just about everything at the Distillery, but especially about being chosen among the “Best of Washtenaw” by their customers!

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.