With a creamy base and a profile so classic it would stand up to any old school cocktail, 209 Gin is a deep dive through a juniper forest, punctuated with a lively pin prick of bergamot to sharpen the senses.
With a creamy base and a profile so classic it would stand up to any old school cocktail, 209 Gin is a deep dive through a juniper forest, punctuated with a lively pin prick of bergamot to sharpen the senses.
A lime peel in a G&T will undoubtedly bring out the bergamot, but the sheer smoothness and classicism of 209 Gin means it would be an unholy waste not to try it in a Martini.
"The distillery's flagship gin is almost the very definition of contemporary classic. It has all that juniper and resinous core, but with a modern flourish that brings it into the 21st century. The higher ABV helps carry it in cocktails too."
209 Gin Distillery is very firmly inspired by Glenmorangie Whisky, so it’s striking 1000-gallon still has a long, tall swan neck. It’s 11 secret botanicals are left to rest in a midwestern corn base overnight, with only the heart’s cut taken.
In 1999, the Rudd family took on Edge Hill Estate, with its vineyards at the forefront of their minds. After discovering the words ‘Registered Distillery No.209’ faded above an old door, though, they became possessed with the idea of distilling.
Based in the sun-soaked San Francisco area, Distillery No. 209 is one (if not the only) distillery that sits entirely over water, with the entire footprint housed on the end of a pier.
Junipero Gin, made by Hotalin & Co in Portero Hill, San Francisco, is a classic gin for the modern age, with a big, bold flavour spurred on by the fiery ABV.
"Junipero was one of the first gins to emerge in the USA's craft distilling revolution and is an homage to gin's hero botanical. Pure class and an expression than deserves a lot more air time."
One of the great modern gins, Shortcross combines a sense of classicism (piny juniper) with a local twist (verdant and fresh). The label foiling and subtle texture is intricately designed too,...
"Here's some trivia for you; The name ‘Shortcross Gin’ originates from the Distillery’s local village, Crossgar. In Gaelic or Irish, Crossgar means the ‘Short Cross’. Here's a fact; The gin is fantastic, probably the best made in Ireland."
Achroous Gin is an impressive offering from Leith-based Electric Spirit Co., with a super-tasty fennel and pepper profile and a beautiful, fully recyclable (and, in parts, biodegradable) package.
"One of the true artisan products in the UK - Electric Spirit is a small batch, one man band type of operation. Despite its size though, it punches far above its weight and the quality inside radiates as loudly as the fluorescent bottle."
Using a base of 100% pot-distilled rye, this a gin for whiskey lovers. With a malty structure, peppery spice, and an impossibly rich mouthfeel, Dry Rye Gin is a half way house between gin and genever.
"Malty notes from the rye base are clear but it's worth noting that there's also 50% more juniper than in either of their other two gins, which comes in handy in cocktails like a Martinez or Negroni."