About Batch 22
The Origin
Story
SOMEWHERE IN EASTERN EUROPE. SOMETIME IN THE ’70s
A frigid 2:00 AM. Matthew was visiting his father, actor Alan Arkin, on the set of a film. Cast and crew were cold, tired, and grouchy, waiting for some clouds to pass in front of the moon. A grip reached into his kit bag, pulled out a bottle with no label, and shouted something in a language Matthew did not understand. But the reaction from the crew was unmistakable.
They gathered around as shots were poured. Smiles broke out, the clouds cleared, and they got back to work with renewed vigor. Matthew was last in line to try it out, this unknown spirit the grip had evidently made back in his village. Matthew remembers it being the most delicious and unique drink he’d ever tasted. The next day, he tried to find the grip to ask him for the recipe, but he was nowhere to be found.
Searching
For an Answer
BATCH 22 was founded by three lifelong friends: Matthew, Marc, and Bruce. Their aquavit journey began in the 1970s when Matthew visited his father, actor Alan Arkin, on a film set in Eastern Europe and tasted a unique, unlabeled spirit that left a lasting impression. Decades later, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Matthew attempted to recreate that memorable flavor in his Los Angeles kitchen. After numerous experiments, he crafted a remarkably smooth and complex aquavit, which he shared with his buddy Marc and their entrepreneur friend Bruce.
The trio recognized the potential of this distinctive spirit and decided to take their passion for aquavit out to the world. Their collaborative efforts led to the creation of BATCH 22 and their mission to establish American Aquavit as America’s next great spirit obsession..
Smooth, Sippable, superbly Mixable
After Marc and Matthew shared a bottle with their entrepreneur friend Bruce in San Diego, a serious plan was hatched and they got to work. Using dozens of hand-zested lemons, bunches of hand-chopped herbs, and bowls of hand-ground spices, a final prototype batch was ready (the 22nd recipe).
Magical, smooth, and complex, this creation was easy to sip on its own—straight from the freezer or at room temperature. It was also dynamite as a mixer for cocktails. It paired brilliantly with sodas, tonics, juices, and sparkling wine, and it also breathed new life into the classics, like the Negroni, the Bloody Mary, and the Mule.
Batch 22
Like nothing else
Finally, the “Three Amigos” could share this unique and delicious drink with their friends and families. The reaction from everyone was remarkably consistent. They all said the same three things: “This is like nothing I’ve ever tasted before. I love it! You guys have to bring it to the world!”
And so, here we are, doing exactly that. We hope you enjoy our spirit, as lovingly created now as it was back in that kitchen in L.A. Take it from our friends and family: It’s like nothing you’ve ever tasted before. And you’ll love it.
