Fastest 50: Liquid Alchemy Beverages

Photo by Eric Crossan

Liquid Alchemy Beverages
CEO: Terri Sorantino
Location: Wilmington
Liquidalchemybeverages.com

Liquid Alchemy Beverages is Delaware’s only craft mead and hard cider producer. We use locally sourced honey and apples that are cold-fermented to make a very unique, tasty and all- natural drink that is raising some eyebrows. More than 30 medals have been won with 10 Gold medals and three Best-In-Shows. 

What have been the biggest factors that contributed to your company’s growth over the past three years? Quality, pride, unique flavors that are not copied from other sources, and a commitment to not just serve our product, but educate. Our tasting room is a collection of artifacts and antiques that help tell the history of mead, cider and Delaware. 

What have been the biggest obstacles your company has faced over the past three years, and how did you overcome them? Knowledge and bravery. Knowledge to try to understand a new (but historically very old) type of drink, and the willingness of the public to bravely “try” something new and spend their hard-earned dollars on something completely new to the market. Once people try our products, that’s all we need to overcome our obstacles — we have a 4.9 on Google for a reason.

Looking back, what’s the biggest mistake you made and what would you do differently if you could? I can’t really say there was any big “mistake” — we could have tweaked some of our recipes, decorations and marketing, but our pathway has led us to where we are now. We are very happy with our gradual organic growth, and our loyal and wonderful staff and regular customers.