Halloween season is officially here and the fun has returned to Cutwater’s Tasting Room & Kitchen. The San Diego distillery has brought back its House of Spirits for the season. A full Halloween takeover transforming their usual tasting room with haunted décor, a special themed food and cocktail menu, and a hidden speakeasy tucked away inside the distillery. The Knockturnal received a special invite so of course we gladly made our way down to SD from LA for the preview.
Immediately upon arrival the spooky vibes were at an all time high with a grand entrance signage that said ‘House of Spirits’ while fog and colored lights filled the air. If there is one thing we can all love and appreciate during spooky season its commitment. Cutwater did just that with everything. The kitchen made incredible Wonton-wrapped pork meatballs that looked like tiny ghosts. There’s even an incredible queso dish served with on theme jet black tortilla chips. The showstopper was their ‘It’s Frickin’ Bats’, a blackened fried half chicken hung from a stand like a bat mid-flight. Not to mention, a charcoal-bun burger called Dracula’s Bite and a boozy, 21-and-up skillet cookie topped with Pumpkin Spice White Russian ice cream. Like are you kidding?
Dracula’s Bite (Courtesy Cutwater)
Don’t even get me started on the drinks… The Fright Flight pours mini versions of three of their seasonal cocktails. Including the Spirit Vessel, a tequila and passion fruit number served in a skull, and the Spellbook Spritz, which pairs Cutwater Vodka with sparkling red wine and spiced cranberry. Addionally on the menu, a gin cocktail that arrives in a birdcage. The Grave Keeper tops matcha and pistachio with charcoal cold foam. There’s plenty of other options to pick from I truly wish I could have tried them all. We already know Cutwaters canned cocktails are a hit, but their seasonal themed cocktails IRL were next level. I had the Spirit Vessel myself and I have to say it was very tasty.
A few of the Cutwater drinks offered (Courtesy Cutwater)
Then, there’s the Cutwater Crypt which runs from September 29 through October 31 inside the distillery’s Foeder Room Bar. The reservation-only speakeasy is a 90-minute experience that starts with a knock to “summon the spirits.” A mysterious floating hand pops out with a welcome shot in a glass that you get to keep. From there, guests sample vault-pulled experimental spirits, and a tarot-style card reading decides which cocktail you’re handed next. Tickets are $30 per person, and there’s a Halloween-exclusive bottle available with complimentary wax dipping.
Entrance of the Cutwater Crypt (Courtesy Cutwater)
Admittedly, I have always been a fan of Cutwater cocktails so getting the chance to explore the distillery and see where all their fantastic drinks come to life was a very cool experience. In fact, one that anyone can take a visit to and enjoy as well especially during festive seasons like Halloween.
Cutwater’s Tasting Room & Kitchen is located at 9750 Distribution Ave. in San Diego. Make sure to make a reservation to check out the Crypt speakeasy experience and tours.
