While Middleburg’s Mt. Defiance is best known for whiskey and cider, their cassis liqueur is a true standout. Traditionally French, cassis is made from black currants—a crop that remains difficult to find locally. To craft their cassis, Mt. Defiance sources the fruit from New York’s Hudson Valley just after harvest. The berries steep in high-proof spirits for three months, extracting their deep, bittersweet flavor before being sweetened with beet sugar. The result is rich and versatile—delicious over ice, in champagne, or drizzled on desserts. Add this unique flavor to your pantry or liquor cabinet for a bold kick that elevates everything from craft cocktails to simple desserts.