Cover photo courtesy of Jon Jonckers
Huckleberry Loon Lightning by 2 Loons Distillery ranks among the most popular spirits in Eastern Washington. This is a staple in the Loon Lightning brand. Not too sweet and not too strong, but the right balance of huckleberry with a decent kick of hard alcohol (40% ABV or 80 proof). It’s perfect for sipping on the dock of a massive North Idaho Lake, or enjoying in the backyard with dinner on the barbecue.
The huckleberry is Idaho’s official state fruit, and huckleberry-picking is among the most popular outdoor activities in the Inland Northwest in August. Huckleberry Loon Lightning mixes great with lemonade, tonic, seltzer, or your favorite citrus soda. Garnish with lemon, lime or a handful of fresh picked huckleberries. It’s a real crowd-pleaser.
2 Loons Distillery is located in Loon Lake, roughly halfway between Spokane and Chewelah. All of their artisan spirits are made locally in small batches with local Washington fruits and grains. Their Coffee Loon Lightning is perfect in coffee, and it tastes great with some Chai tea or a dash of cream.
Although they aren’t open year-round, you definitely need to visit the social media pages for updates and special releases. 2 Loons features spectacular whiskeys and bourbons, as well as Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup. Who knew you might need to go to a distillery for the best pancake syrup in the region? 2 Loons might be small, but their spirits certainly pack a punch, so don’t overlook the little guys.
