Kindred spirits

New owners of 66 Gilead host open house

The four friends have embarked on a big adventure. Earlier this fall Jeremiah Soucie, Sarah Waterston, Michael Waterston and Maria Hristova, acquired 66 Gilead Distillery. They are young and energetic. They will need both characteristics.

Sophia Pantazi and Peter Stroz founded the County’s first and only spirits maker six years ago—an impossible slog through enough regulation to ensnare an agitated rhinoceros. Yet they persevered, lovingly restoring the century farmhouse and buildings to create an acclaimed destination for handcrafted spirits.

The team at Kindred, House of Fine Spirits, back, (L-R): Michael Waterston, Sarah Waterston and Jeremiah Soucie with Maria Hristova, seated in front, pause in the former hops shed at 66 Gilead Road during their open house on Saturday

Now they have handed their creation to the two couples.

Jeremiah had been looking at opening a small distillery near his Ottawa home when he learned about this opportunity. He brought the idea to his partner Sarah, her brother Michael and his wife, Maria. They would share this journey together.

The two couples bring a design, marketing, chemical sciences background and fine spirit making to the business. They will rebrand the distillery Kindred—as in kindred spirits.

Part play on words—the name also signals the foursome’s common interest in joining the County’s burgeoning culinary, wine, cider and beermaking community.

Despite a cold and blustery day, many dozens of people gathered at the distillery—taking advantage of the open house on Saturday to meet the new owners and hear first hand their plans for the future.

For now, all but Jeremiah will continue to pursue urban careers— travelling to the County most weekends.

Jeremiah, Sarah, Michael and Maria, are appreciative of the legacy built by Peter and Sophie— and the immense struggle required to build it into a strong and respected artisanal brand. They are ready and eager to see where the spirit takes them next.