Back River Gin Maine

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!

08/08/2026

This is my daughter, Madeleine.

Madeleine has been part of Sweetgrass Farm for as long as I can remember. She grew up around the winery and distillery, and she's always been willing to help wherever she was needed. After the fire, she never stopped believing Back River Gin should come back. Sometimes the biggest encouragement isn't telling someone what to do. It's simply believing they can do it. I'm grateful she's always been in my corner.

– Keith

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08/06/2026

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

08/03/2026

Thanks for the picture Mark! Have you had a Tomatinni?

08/02/2026

Thanks Rons Market - we'll let everyone know you've got it. Thanks for supporting us. Keith

Back River Gin is back at Rons!

After a devastating fire destroyed Sweetgrass Farm Winery & Distillery in Union in September 2025, Back River Gin temporarily disappeared from store shelves while the future of this beloved Maine-made spirit was uncertain. The fire destroyed the winery’s production facility, but through determination, collaboration, and a partnership with another Maine distillery, Back River Gin has made its way back. We are excited to have this award-winning Maine gin available once again at Ron’s Market and to celebrate the resilience behind every bottle. Welcome back!



Please drink responsibly.