This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Utah liquor distillers often enjoy poking fun at Utah's conservative Mormon culture, and the newest product from Ogden's Own Distillery — Madam Pattirini Gin — is no exception.
The spirit is named for B. Morris Young, a little-known character in Utah history who performed in drag under the pseudonym Madam Pattirini.
Historians say Young — the 35th child of Brigham Young, successor to Mormon founder Joseph Smith — was married and had 10 children. He began performing as the Italian opera diva in 1885, shortly after serving his second mission in the Hawaiian Islands.
"He could produce a convincing falsetto and many in the audience did not realize it was Young," said distillery owner Steve Conlin, "much like people will be surprised that a great gin comes from Utah."
Madam Pattirini Gin, which features a historical photo on the label, is made in batches of fewer than 1,000 bottles using juniper, bergamot, coriander, cardamom, Nigerian ginger and Sicilian lemon. A 750-ml bottle sells for $23.95.
It earned a silver medal earlier this year at the 2017 Denver International Spirits Competition, Conlin said.
Madam Pattirini is available in select state liquor stores in Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Summit and Utah counties and the Ogden Own Distillery, 3075 Grant Ave.
It's not the first time Ogden's Own has pushed the envelope when naming its products. In 2012, the distillery's inaugural spirit — Five Wives Vodka — was banned in Idaho. Officials said the historical photo on the label — depicting 19th-century women holding kittens near their lady parts — was deemed offensive.