Hudson Valley, NY
For over a hundred years it was illegal to grow blackcurrants in the United States because there was concern that it posed a threat to native White Pine. The recent work of farming activists overturned that ban, and now some of the ripest blackcurrants in the world are being grown in upstate New York.
Current Cassis is a female-made, low-ABV blackcurrant liqueur with more brightness and character than we've come to expect from French cassis. Try it as a replacement for sweet red vermouth in cocktails like a Manhattan or Negroni, in a Bramble or Sour, or with sparkling wine for a Kir Royale.