Christine and Steve Hopkins, founders and owners of Aimsir (“aim-sure”) Distilling Company have been customers of Guilder’s NE Fremont cafe since it opened in 2017. The husband and wife team had recently welcomed their first child, along with the new business, the year prior. The family of regulars were always up for a friendly chat about coffee, or their developing venture. Coffee has long been a happy companion with spirits and cocktails.
Fast forward to December 2020 when they opened their new restaurant, cocktail lounge, and tasting room named ‘The Emerald Room’ alongside the distillery just a quick drive from the cafe. The art deco inspired, modern space is neighbors with Culmination Brewing among other businesses. “We wanted to be close to home (i.e. spend less time commuting & more time with our family and friends). Being in a multipurpose building was a high priority; we wanted to be near a brewery and felt we could do fun collabs and build a community experience”, shares Christine. The space was not only intended to be something beautiful to look at; the co-owners wanted to build a tasting room that was welcoming and accessible to families. The couple had always enjoyed going to wine and spirits tastings together, but the majority of their experiences, especially after becoming parents, left something to be desired. “The Emerald Room goes beyond spirits; we want people to know that you don't need to drink [alcohol] to feel welcome and have fun with friends. You can have a wonderful experience with friends and an NA beverage.” The atmosphere the Hopkins have created is in contrast to the distilleries that say “here's a shot, now buy a bottle and leave”, continues Christine. The team at Aimsir also loves to get serious and “nerd out” about spirits. They have both a proof series and barrel series flight for people that want to try bourbons at different proof points or from different barrels.
They currently distill and sell two spirits, Aitil House Gin and Aimsir Bourbon. Shortly after their opening, Christine and Steve reached out to Junior’s to explore using cold brew in their bourbon. Unlike other coffee bourbons that just combine the two beverages, they use cold brew instead of water to proof down the bourbon to bottling strength after aging. Aimsir Cold Brew Bourbon is mellow, toasty and dry. Collaborations like these align with the goals of their business. They prioritize supporting other local small businesses and nonprofit community members as well as empowering employees.
Junior’s invites our readers to visit The Aimsir Distilling Company at The Emerald Room or to purchase a bottle from your local liquor store!