Our Story

In 2017 we went to a bar in Philadelphia and ordered our standard martini – London Dry Gin, Dry Vermouth, and a few dashes of bitters. It was disappointing, but Paula got a bug…

We went home and that weekend Paula started making vermouth in our kitchen. It was a challenge, but Jonathan committed himself to tasting every batch – often in a martini.

Over time, Paula became a master at making both dry vermouth for our martinis and sweet vermouth for our Boulevardiers and Manhattans as well as one of our favourites – a Negroni. While experimenting with different methods to infuse the wine with the bitters and herbs, she realised she also enjoyed making cocktail bitters. These all made our cocktail parties more fun and far more tasty. After COVID, we decided to start a business. Starting an alcohol business is a long, drawn-out affair…

Leaning on over 25 years in the luxury alcohol business, Jonathan has a keen eye for quality and taste. Much of his career was spent building luxury wine and spirits brands for 3 different importers, a distributor, and a winery. What makes a great wine (or spirit)? First, it’s about taste, of course. But mouthfeel, texture of the drink on your tongue and in your mouth, is equally important. How does it taste when you take that first sip and it touches your tongue? How doe sit feel when you’re letting it sit on your tongue? How long does the taste stay with you after you swallow it? These all matter to a great wine or a great cocktail. Paula experiments, Jonathan tests. We haven’t had a disappointing cocktail at home since.

Nearly 10 years after that fateful cocktail, we have 2 Black Dogs Distillery. We hope you never have a disappointing cocktail again. On these pages we will have gins, vodkas, aged Bourbons, and various Freezer Cocktails™. These are meant to be kept in your freezer for a party or when you just want a wee taste after work. Feel free to pour an ounce or less. Feel free to pour 3oz or more, it’s up to you.

Thank you for supporting our small business. Reach out with any questions. We love to share our passion for great cocktails.

Jonathan and Paula
paula@2bddistillery.com
jonathan@2blackdogsdistillery.com