NEW YORK, NY (June 2, 2025) — Matchbook Distilling Co., in collaboration with Slow Drinks (Danny & Katie Childs), Plowshare Farms (Teddy Moynihan), Nima Ansari (Astor Wine & Spirits), and Orlando Franklin, is proud to introduce Jenny Aperitif, a new spirit made from the elusive and aromatic Jenny Lind melon—an heirloom variety with intense lilac, vanilla, and honeyed notes, currently listed on the Slow Food Ark of Taste.

To make Jenny Aperitif, ripe Jenny Lind melon flesh is macerated in chardonnay while the rinds are distilled with high-proof neutral spirit to preserve and amplify the deep aromatic qualities of the peel. That distillate is blended back into the wine with a touch of unaged grape spirit and organic cane sugar, yielding a layered, expressive aperitif that captures the full story of the fruit—juice, flesh, rind, and memory.

JOIN US: Exclusive Preview Tasting at The Dead Rabbit

On June 11 from 4:00–5:00 PM, a small group of press and trade is invited to gather in the Parlor at The Dead Rabbit for a rare preview tasting of Jenny Aperitif. These melons are exceptionally difficult to farm—now eclipsed by genetically engineered cantaloupes—and may never appear in spirit form again. Be one of the first to taste this singular expression—and join a conversation on flavor, agriculture, and preservation.

• Why we grow it (Teddy Moynihan),
• Why we work with it (Danny Childs),
• Why we archive it in the distillery (Leslie Merinoff-Kwasnieski),
• How ingredients like these become part of iconic shelves (Nima Ansari),
• And how they help shape legendary bar programs (Orlando Franklin).

Stay for the 6:00-10:00PM Slow Drinks x Dead Rabbit pop-up sponsored by Heaven Hill. Featuring an incredible menu created by Danny Childs of Slow Drinks and Chris Stanley from the Dead Rabbit highlighting locally foraged, farmed, and home grown ingredients, including the Jenny Melon Spritz.

AVAILABILITY

Jenny Aperitif is available exclusively through Astor Wines & Spirits for national shipping.

Press and trade are invited to a private tasting at The Dead Rabbit on June 11 at 4 PM. RSVP to Leslie@matchbookny.com to confirm your spot.

RSVP to Leslie@matchbookny.com