I have a small chestnut orchard. 6-7 years ago I developed a gluten free beer using chestnuts that had been dried whole, shelled, chipped and then roasted to different degrees, Must of the product goes to home brewers that are gluten intolerant and can't fing a good GF beer. I also sell to some breweries that make a chestnut flavored beer for the holidays. In 2007 I developed a chestnut liqueur using the same chips but a different vat fermentation process, using a special wine yeast, to obtain 19% abv and balanced with 18% brix. It has a full bodied nutty, fruity taste with chocolate overtones. People who have sampled it say it will stand up to anything made in Europe. As far as I can tell there is no commercial production in US. Three years ago our state allowed the licensing of smaller craft distilleries. There are thirty in operation at this time and more on line. They produce some products from corn whiskies to fine brandies. One of these distillies is in the process of getting set up to produce this chestnut liqueur, hopfully before the end of this year. I'll keep you posted of progress.
