Back River Gin Maine

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Union, ME
Back River Gin Maine

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Taste fine wines and award-winning craft spirits in our beautiful hill top tasting room. Taste wines and spirits.
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Learn about wine production from award-winning winemaker and owner on our farm preserving Union's rich farming tradition. Hike our trails, picnic, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Medomak river valley. Sweetgrass Farm is a family run business firmly rooted in the community, supporting local sustainable agriculture, and donating 10% of profits to organizations which support families, children, and rural life.

10/15/2026

Made in Maine.
Inspired by places like this.

🍂 Back River Gin

10/01/2026

Smoky Gin Old Fashioned
A little smoke. A little spice. A lot of Maine character.
2 oz Back River Gin
¼ oz peated Scotch
¼ oz simple syrup
Orange bitters
Chipotle bitters

Stir over ice and strain over a large cube. Express an orange twist over the glass and enjoy.

09/21/2026

Had a great visit today with Rick and Brenda Noyes at Blueberry Valley Farm here in Union. For years, the blueberries that go into Back River Gin have come from their farm. Long before Back River Gin, Rick and Brenda were supplying fruit to Sweetgrass, and they've been a big part of our story for decades. They're some of the hardest-working people you'll ever meet, and we're grateful for everything they've done over the years.

A big thank you to Rick and Brenda for growing some of the finest Maine blueberries around!

-Keith

09/15/2026

One year ago today, a fire brought an unexpected end to Sweetgrass Farm Winery & Distillery.

As we reflect on that day, we're reminded of everything that came before it.

Forty-two years ago, Constance and I were married here in Maine. Together, we built a life, raised a family, started a farm, and eventually spent more than 25 years building Sweetgrass and Back River Gin.

Along the way, we met incredible people and made friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.

We are grateful to everyone who visited us, brought friends to see us, attended events, purchased a bottle, or simply cheered us on over the years. Your support meant more than you know.

We are especially thankful to those who have continued to support Back River Gin since the fire.

Today, BRG is still here. We're still here. And one of the greatest joys of all is watching the next generation take a larger role in the business.

Maddie, Grant, and Hamish grew up alongside the business and have always been part of it. Like many family businesses, they spent years helping wherever help was needed. Today, they are helping lead the next chapter, and seeing that happen is something we're incredibly proud of.

The fire took buildings, equipment, and inventory. But what survived the fire is what matters most: family, friendships, memories, and the opportunity to keep moving forward.

We remain proud to call Maine home and grateful that a spirit born on our farm continues to find its way to tables across Maine, across the country, and around the world.

For all of that, and for all of you, thank you.

Keith & Constance

08/26/2026

People sometimes ask why I decided to bring Back River Gin back. The answer isn't complicated. These three never stopped believing it was worth doing.

Madeleine. Grant. Hamish.

Each of them encouraged me in different ways after the fire, and all of them helped make this next chapter possible. I'm proud of all three of them, and I'm thankful they never stopped believing in me.

Thank you to everyone who has welcomed Back River Gin back to your shelves and your homes.

I appreciate it more than you know.

– Keith

08/25/2026

Some talents show up early.

When Grant was 14, he spent the paycheck from his first summer job on an iPad. Like many parents, we wondered if it was a passing interest or an expensive gadget that would sit in a drawer after a few months.

Boy, were we wrong.

What started with that first purchase grew into a passion for photography, video, editing, design, and storytelling. Grant has always had an eye for seeing things differently—the right angle, the right image, the right way to tell a story.

That passion led him to earn a degree in New Media and build a career doing what he loves.

Around our family, he's also the person we call when technology stops cooperating. Whether it's computers, cameras, software, websites, or figuring out what we should buy next, Grant is usually the one with the answer.

As Back River Gin moves into its next chapter, we're proud to have the next generation bringing their own unique talents to the table. Grant's creativity, technical skills, and ability to turn ideas into reality have been part of this journey for years.

And to think it all started with an iPad and a summer job paycheck.

08/22/2026

This is my son, Grant.

Grant has helped with more bottling days than he probably cares to remember. Putting together a bottle of gin isn't glamorous. It takes patience, attention to detail, and a willingness to do the same job over and over until it's done right. Grant has always been willing to help make that happen.

I'm grateful for every set of hands that helped bring Back River Gin back.

– Keith

08/16/2026

There are people who move through life at one speed: full throttle.

Hamish earned his B.S. in Aviation at just 20 years old and hasn’t slowed down since. Whether he’s flying into remote corners of Maine, rebuilding equipment, tackling farm projects, or helping keep Back River Gin moving forward, he approaches everything with curiosity, determination, and a willingness to learn.

Around Sweetgrass Farm, there’s rarely a machine, engine, tractor, or piece of equipment he won’t take apart, repair, improve, or somehow convince to work again. If something is broken, Hamish usually has it running before anyone else has figured out what’s wrong.

His love of Maine runs deep. From island airstrips and working waterfronts to farms, forests, and small towns, he has a genuine appreciation for the people and places that make this state special.

As Back River Gin enters its next chapter, it’s exciting to see the next generation bringing their own talents, energy, and ideas to the journey.

08/15/2026

This is my son, Hamish.

Hamish has never been afraid of hard work. Whether it's bottling, moving supplies, fixing things, or taking on whatever job needs doing, he's always willing to pitch in. A lot of the work behind every bottle of Back River Gin happens where customers never see it.

I'm thankful I've never had to do it all by myself.

– Keith

08/10/2026

Another great BRG creation from one of our customers! Thank you Mark!

We love seeing what you're mixing with Back River Gin. Thanks for sharing this beautiful summer cocktail, it looks almost too good to drink.

Have a favorite BRG cocktail? Share a photo and tag us. We might feature it next!

Address

347 Carroll Road
Union, ME
04862

Telephone

(207) 785-3024

Website

http://www.sweetgrasswinery.com/

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