{"title":"Empirical","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"empirical-doritos-spirit-750ml","title":"Empirical Doritos Spirit 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEmpirical Doritos Spirit 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a limited-edition vacuum-distilled spirit made with real Doritos Nacho Cheese chips, bottled at 42% ABV (84 proof) in a 750ml format. This collaboration between Empirical Spirits and Frito-Lay sold out in under six hours upon release, generating coverage from Forbes, USA Today, The Today Show, and Late Night with Seth Meyers. Its packaging earned a Silver at the 2025 WORLD Design Awards.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 42% (84 Proof)  |  Origin: Windsor, California, USA  |  Style: Unaged Flavored Spirit (NAS)  |  Brand: Empirical Spirits  |  Distilled \u0026amp; Bottled by: Barrel Brothers Brewing Company\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEmpirical Spirits was founded in Copenhagen, Denmark, by former Noma fermentation lab heads Lars Williams and Mark Emil Hermansen, with a mission to defy conventional spirit categories. For the Doritos expression, production took place at Barrel Brothers Brewing Company in Windsor, California. The base spirit starts with pilsner malt fermented using a Belgian Saison beer yeast, which is then macerated with genuine Doritos Nacho Cheese chips. Custom vacuum distillation equipment operates at significantly lower temperatures than traditional pot or column stills, preserving the full spectrum of volatile flavor compounds from the Doritos maceration — effectively capturing the chip's signature nacho cheese, corn, and seasoning profile in liquid form. Empirical intentionally avoids classifying this release as a whiskey, vodka, or any existing category, reflecting the brand's ethos of spirit-making without borders.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens immediately with umami-rich, tangy nacho cheese — unmistakably Doritos. Deeper sniffs reveal toasted corn and a faint yeasty breadiness from the pilsner malt base.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is savory and direct, delivering nacho cheese seasoning and a corn tostada quality that coats the palate. At mid-palate, a subtle acidity emerges alongside layered umami, while the 42% ABV provides structure without overwhelming the savory character. The corn-forward notes deepen as the spirit develops across the tongue.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish lands on a soft, salty note with a lingering corn chip quality that multiple reviewers have compared to the exact aftertaste of eating an actual Dorito. A faint Fritos-like corn sweetness persists for thirty seconds or more.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Doritos Spirit\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eServe chilled or at room temperature in a small tulip glass to fully appreciate the savory aromatics; adding ice tempers the umami intensity for a more approachable experience. \u003cstrong\u003eBloody Mary:\u003c\/strong\u003e Swap traditional vodka for the Doritos Spirit to amplify the cocktail's savory, umami backbone. \u003cstrong\u003eMargarita:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use in place of tequila with fresh lime juice and a Tajín rim — the corn and cheese notes play remarkably well against citrus and chili salt. \u003cstrong\u003eMichelada-Inspired Highball:\u003c\/strong\u003e Combine with tomato juice, hot sauce, lime, and a splash of light lager for a layered, snack-inspired long drink.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCollecting limited-edition and conversation-piece spirits\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHosting tasting parties centered on unconventional or experimental spirits\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a food-and-drink enthusiast who values novelty and culinary crossovers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdding a one-of-a-kind bottle to a home bar display\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Doritos Spirit taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers unmistakable nacho cheese, toasted corn tostada, and savory umami flavors, finishing with a soft saltiness that closely replicates the aftertaste of eating a Doritos Nacho Cheese chip.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Doritos Spirit compare to other Empirical releases?\u003c\/strong\u003e Like Empirical's other expressions — such as Empirical Habanero and Empirical Symphony 6 — this release uses vacuum distillation to capture a specific flavor source, but it stands alone as the brand's only collaboration with a major snack food brand, using actual Doritos chips as a primary flavoring ingredient.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Doritos Spirit good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — neat or lightly chilled is the recommended way to experience the full nacho cheese and corn flavor profile, and the 42% ABV is moderate enough to keep the spirit approachable without excessive heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Doritos Spirit made?\u003c\/strong\u003e While the Empirical Spirits brand was founded in Copenhagen, Denmark, this particular expression was distilled and bottled by Barrel Brothers Brewing Company in Windsor, California, in Sonoma County's wine country.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Doritos Spirit?\u003c\/strong\u003e Queso fundido and fresh tortilla chips echo the spirit's core nacho flavor. Elote (Mexican street corn) mirrors its corn-forward profile. Ceviche with lime and chili provides acidity that cuts through the umami. A sharp aged cheddar platter reinforces the cheese notes, and spicy chicken wings create a satisfying contrast of heat and savory depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Doritos Spirit come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The Doritos Spirit was released exclusively in a standard 750ml bottle as a limited-edition run.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Doritos Spirit worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e It positions as a premium novelty spirit within Empirical's experimental portfolio; its value lies less in everyday drinking and more in its rarity — the initial release sold out in under six hours — and its singular place as a genuine Doritos-flavored distilled spirit with no equivalent on the market.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Doritos Spirit?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo other commercially released spirit uses real Doritos Nacho Cheese chips as a primary ingredient, vacuum-distilled at low temperatures to preserve the chip's complete flavor fingerprint. The collaboration between Empirical Spirits — a distillery born from the fermentation lab of the world-renowned restaurant Noma — and Frito-Lay bridges fine-dining innovation with mass-culture nostalgia in a way that generated immediate media attention and near-instant sellout demand. The 2025 WORLD Design Awards Silver for packaging further underscores the care applied beyond the liquid itself. For collectors and adventurous drinkers, this bottle represents a genuine first in spirits: a category-defying release that tastes exactly like what it promises.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Empirical","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44839400931497,"sku":"39617","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Empirical-Doritos-Spirit__21430.jpg?v=1730520731"},{"product_id":"empirical-cilantro-750ml","title":"Empirical Cilantro Spirit 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEmpirical Cilantro Spirit 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 38% ABV (76 proof) botanical spirit built on a French wheat base and designed to capture the full aromatic profile of fresh cilantro. Launched in October 2024, it stands as the first spirit engineered specifically to preserve the volatile, delicate flavors of cilantro leaf and stem — compounds that traditional distillation typically destroys.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 38% (76 proof)  |  Origin: Brooklyn, New York, USA  |  Style: Botanical Spirit  |  Distillery: Empirical Spirits\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEmpirical Spirits, founded in Copenhagen by former Noma fermentation lab directors Lars Williams and Mark Emil Hermansen, relocated key operations to Brooklyn, New York. The Cilantro expression uses a proprietary extraction process combined with vacuum distillation conducted at temperatures as low as 48°F (9°C), far below what conventional pot or column stills achieve. This cold-process approach captures heat-sensitive aromatic compounds from fresh cilantro and blends them with a light French wheat spirit, resulting in a bottling that reads more like a living herb than a distillate. Tomatillo, lime, and a touch of vinegar are incorporated to unify and illuminate the green, herbaceous character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fresh cilantro leaves and stems dominate the nose immediately, followed by zesty lime peel and a subtle undercurrent of green tomato. The overall impression is garden-bright and surprisingly true to the raw herb.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is sprightly and citrus-forward, with an unmistakable fresh cilantro character that avoids any soapy or artificial quality. Mid-palate, tomatillo and green stem notes emerge, adding savory depth. Lime threads through the entire progression, keeping the profile lively and lifted.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium-long with a satisfying dry minerality that anchors the herbaceous top notes. Hints of fennel and green tomato linger alongside gentle warmth and fading citrus.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Cilantro Spirit\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eChilled and neat in a small pour allows the full aromatic complexity to unfold — the low ABV makes it approachable without dilution. On the rocks, it softens into a refreshing sipper, especially in warm weather.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCollins:\u003c\/strong\u003e Substitute for gin in a Tom Collins to add an herbal, savory twist that pairs naturally with citrus and soda.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLast Word variation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Replace Chartreuse with Cilantro Spirit for a brighter, more herbaceous take on the classic equal-parts formula.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMargarita riff:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use alongside or in place of a portion of tequila blanco to amplify the cilantro-lime interplay already present in the cocktail.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdventurous home bartenders looking for a genuinely novel cocktail ingredient\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to culinary professionals or food-obsessed friends\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDinner party conversation starters that double as an aperitif\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExploring the boundary between spirits and culinary ingredients\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Cilantro Spirit taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It tastes unmistakably of fresh cilantro leaf and stem, brightened by lime and green tomato, with a dry mineral finish — nothing artificial or soapy about it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Cilantro Spirit compare to gin?\u003c\/strong\u003e Where gin relies on juniper as its defining botanical, Empirical's Cilantro Spirit centers entirely on cilantro with supporting notes of tomatillo and lime; it shares gin's versatility in cocktails but delivers a completely different aromatic profile at a slightly lower 38% ABV.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Cilantro Spirit good for cocktails?\u003c\/strong\u003e It excels in cocktails, functioning as a direct substitute for gin or green Chartreuse in recipes where herbal complexity is desired, particularly in citrus-forward drinks like Collins variations and Margarita riffs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Cilantro Spirit made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced by Empirical Spirits in Brooklyn, New York, a distillery originally founded in Copenhagen by former fermentation specialists from the restaurant Noma.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Cilantro Spirit?\u003c\/strong\u003e Ceviche benefits from the shared lime-cilantro axis; Vietnamese summer rolls echo the fresh herb character; grilled shrimp with salsa verde mirrors the savory green notes; aged goat cheese contrasts the bright acidity; and roasted tomatillo dishes create a seamless bridge to the spirit's tomatillo undertone.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Cilantro Spirit come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Empirical Cilantro Spirit is available in the standard 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Cilantro Spirit worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e It positions as a premium specialty spirit within Empirical's innovative range; the proprietary low-temperature extraction process and singular flavor profile place it in a category with very few direct competitors, offering genuine novelty rather than incremental variation on existing styles.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Cilantro Spirit?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo other commercial spirit attempts what this bottling achieves: a faithful, full-spectrum capture of fresh cilantro aroma and flavor in a shelf-stable spirit. The vacuum distillation at temperatures as low as 48°F preserves volatile compounds that would be stripped away in a conventional still, and the supporting cast of tomatillo, lime, and vinegar adds structural complexity without masking the star ingredient. For bartenders and home enthusiasts who have exhausted the usual botanical spirit options, Cilantro Spirit opens genuinely new territory — it is not a flavored vodka or an infusion, but a purpose-built extraction that functions as both a standalone sipper and a serious cocktail component.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Empirical","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44990971117737,"sku":"40302","price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/EmpiricalCilantroSpirit750ML_61bf5e2e-2b00-49c9-a17b-be82a7be2fc9.webp?v=1745372424"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/empirical.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}