GPA Visits Jacquin’s Distillery
On October 24th, Global Philadelphia and a few members took a trip to Jacquin’s Distillery. Established in 1884, Jacquin’s is recognized as one of America’s oldest producers of cordials. This family owned and operated business holds corporate headquarters within the heart of Philadelphia, and their production facility has remained in the Kensington neighborhood since 1941.
Currently producing a large portfolio of over 145 products, the distillery prides itself on sitting at the intersection of continuity, community identity, and industrial heritage, serving as a link between Philadelphia’s history as a manufacturing hub, and its role in the contemporary economy.
Jacquin’s is proud of its Philadelphia roots. Providing a tangible link to Philadelphia’s industrial past and manufacturing legacy, GPA partner Debbie Buchwald commented, “Our visit to Jacquin’s was truly a testament to the global connections in commerce that make Philadelphia thrive. From cordials to mixers, flavored with everything from pickles to peaches, Jacquin’s, whose origins are French, is an innovative company that continues to play a vital role in Philadelphia’s economy.”
Jacquin’s has a rich history— after its founding in 1884, it survived the 1920s prohibition by producing non-alcoholic cordials, and relocated to Philadelphia. In the 1950s they achieved national prominence, boasting over 40 different cordials and liqueurs, facilitating growth and expansion far into the 1980s. As of 2020, Jacquin’s has been family run and operated for three generations. A testament to the benefits of adaptability, the distillery has remained relevant by not being afraid to modernize, expand its portfolio, and prioritize legacy with new growth.
During the visit, visitors from GPA were offered a tour of the facility including demonstrations of bottling, blending, and architecture, and discussed local continuity within a changing urban environment.
Staff and GPA members reflected on their history with Jacquin’s, with Pat Nogar reflecting, “I first discovered Jacquin’s when I was asked to create a cocktail in honor of Global Philadelphia’s 5th Anniversary. Given its history, I knew I had to use it for the cocktail, “Philly Joy.” I chose Jacquin’s Cherry Brandy liqueur for the base and it brought the cocktail to life. The opportunity to tour the distillery only affirmed my devotion to this product. The history, the amazing facility and the commitment to quality, showed how fortunate we are to have this historic distillery in our city.”
Jacquin’s continues to be an integral part of the Kensington community, aligning with GPA’s goals of preserving history in a constantly evolving city. To learn more about Jacquin's Distillery, refer to their website below: