After months of work converting an old factory in Everett into a stunning headquarters and tasting room, the team behind Short Path Distillery is set to unveil the fruits of their labor to the community.
Located at 71 Kelvin St., just steps from young but venerable craft beer producer Night Shift Brewing, the space is the latest craft beverage company to call Everett home. (Even as one, Idle Hands, is being unceremoniously relocated.)
"Companies like Night Shift Brewing, Idle Hands and Enlightenment Ales have been turning Everett into an emerging hub for craft brewing and distilling," co-founder Jackson Hewlett told me. "Having a community of innovative brewers made Everett feel like a natural fit for us."
Hewlett, who founded the company with Zachary Robinson and Matt Kurtzman, said they looked in Boston and Chelsea as well, but the community in Everett sealed the deal. It's been a seven-month process getting the 100-year-old former rubber factory ready for its grand opening on June 27, which is open to the public.
"We’ve done all we can to preserve the factory’s original charm, while ensuring that it’s a facility ready for our approach of using science to create distinct spirits," said Hewlett. "Needless to say, it took lot of work to convert it into what you see now, and that process was both exhausting and incredibly fulfilling!"
The fusion of modern chemistry and old-world distilling techniques is what makes Short Path distinct. That name, Short Path, refers to the type of distilling done in a pot still, which allows a shorter distance between evaporation and condensation and ultimately (here's the part you care about) a more flavorful end product. Short Path will debut with a London dry-style gin and a bolder, full-bodied rum.
Another component to their unique approach is a focus on featuring local ingredients, something the guys next door at Night Shift know all about.
"We're super excited about the opening of Short Path Distillery down the street from us," Night Shift founder Mike Oxton told me. "We think this neighborhood has legitimate destination potential, and Short Path adds another awesome dynamic to the mix. We've already begun chatting with them about ways to collab on tours, events, and even potential products – there's so much reciprocal potential in the relationship."
Below are some photos of the brand new Short Path space. To mimic the sentiments of Oxton, "We can't wait for them to open."
