Empirical Stonefruit
Empirical Stonefruit is a 32% ABV (64 proof) spirit in a 750mL bottle, vacuum-distilled in Brooklyn, New York by Empirical, the flavor company founded in 2017 by Noma alumni Lars Williams and Mark Emil Hermansen. An exploration of autumnal stone fruits — from the marzipan-like kernel at their core to their tannic skins — blended with the tea-forward fragrance of marigold petals over a French wheat base, with no sugar added. Stonefruit refines the flavor profile of Empirical's award-winning earlier release The Plum, I Suppose into a bartender-ready staple. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 32% (64 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Base: French wheat
- Botanicals: stone fruit (kernels, flesh and skins), marigold
- Origin: Brooklyn, New York
- Production: low-temperature vacuum distillation; no sugar added
From the Kernel Out
Most distillers throw the pit away. Empirical built this spirit around it: the kernels inside peaches, plums and their cousins carry a natural bitter-almond, marzipan depth, and low-temperature vacuum distillation captures those delicate aromatics without cooking them off. The result bridges fruit spirit and amaretto-like modifier without a drop of added sugar. It joins Empirical Cilantro and Empirical Olive in the distillery's new flavor line. Find Stonefruit in the liqueur collection and on the spirits shelf, or browse all of Empirical's releases at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Marzipan, floral and bright: bitter almond and marzipan on the nose lifted by marigold's tea-like fragrance, a gently juicy, tannic mid-palate of apricot and peach, and a soft, warming finish of pastry dough and vanilla — like frangipane.
How to Enjoy
Shake it into an Espresso Martini or Mind Eraser, where its cherry and peach notes transform coffee cocktails; use it in place of amaretto in a sour; or lengthen it in a Tom Collins for a soft, fruity depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Empirical Stonefruit sweet like a liqueur?
No — it has no sugar added. The marzipan and fruit character comes from the kernels and fruit themselves, and the finish stays soft and dry.
How does it relate to The Plum, I Suppose?
Stonefruit is the refined, clarified evolution of that earlier Empirical release's stone-fruit profile, developed through further research and development.
What cocktails does it suit?
Espresso Martinis, sours and fizzes, a Sidecar in place of orange liqueur, or simply neat as a digestif.
Autumn fruit, kernel and all — order Empirical Stonefruit online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.