With all the recent buzz about Gin, another blog post might appear to be a bit of overkill. But we can’t help it. At Heights Chateau, we’re proud Gin lovers, and were enthusiastic supporters well before it became the darling of mixologists and the craft spirits scene.
And what’s not to love? Gin may be one of the most polarizing of spirits, demonized for its centuries-old reputation as a cheap, potentially toxic tipple. Yet, its popularity endures, perhaps because of its paradoxical nature: It possesses as challenging a flavor profile as you’ll find in any major spirit, yet it is also incredibly simple to use in such cocktail classics as the Martini, the Gimlet or most obviously, the Gin and Tonic.
+/- The United States of Gin!
While most people are familiar with Beefeater, Bombay and Tanqueray, there are now vastly more choices on the shelf, most of which have debuted over the past five years. We understand how daunting it is to stare at that wall of Gin and try to figure out what the differences are . . . and believe us, there are differences. Unlike, say, Vodka which has countless brands delivering fairly similar finished products, Gin relies on several base spirits and countless botanical ingredients used in varying combinations to produce a wide array of flavor profiles.
We’re not going to go into an exhaustive list of different types of Gin. For that you can look here, here or here. Instead, we’re going to take a closer look at the fastest growing category of Gins, and ironically, the most foreign to the average consumer: American Gins. What follows are some our favorite new and not-so-new American Gins broadly grouped into three general categories. We hope that these suggestions give the novice a leg up, and the Gin pro some new toys to play with.
Classic Dry
Great Lakes Distilling Rehorst Gin $36.99
Great Lakes Distillery was founded by Guy Rehorst, who had the desire to produce small batch artisanal spirits in an era when all things are mass produced and franchised. Located in the heart of Milwaukee,the distillery uses ingredients that are sourced locally whenever possible. The Rehorst Premium Milwaukee Gin is made from nine botanicals, including two that have never been used in any Gin before. One is Sweet Basil, for a fresh, floral character, and the other unique botanical is Wisconsin Ginseng, regarded as some of the finest Ginseng in the world. This Gin is dry, spicy and slightly sweet, with flavors that build on the palate over time.
Tuthilltown Half Moon Orchard Gin $36.99
Tuthilltown was New York state's first distillery after the repeal of Prohibition, and it has been highly influential in the national craft-distilling boom. Their Gin is named after the vessel in which Henry Hudson first explored his namesake river. Produced using New York Hudson Valley apples and Finger Lakes wheat, this is a unique Gin with a distinctive profile. With its dry, floral notes, this round and smooth Gin can easily be enjoyed on its own or on the rocks.
Taste the Place
St George is a legend in the craft distilling community. Founded in 1982, it has grown from a small eau-de-vie producer into multi-faceted operation that takes up an entire hangar at the now-defunct Alameda Airfield. Their calling card has always been interesting and engaging spirits made with the best ingredients available. The Terroir Gin is inspired by the scrubby hillsides that surround the Bay Area, based on Douglas fir, California bay laurel and coastal sage. It may be one of the most aromatic Gins we’ve ever tasted, and one whiff is truly transportive in a way that few spirits are.
Caledonia Spirits Barr Hill Gin $39.99
Caledonia Spirits was founded by Tom Hardie who, after farming bees for 40 years, is now producing a Gin that showcases his excellent honey. Located in Vermont, just south of the Quebec border, this distillery produces Barr Hill Gin, a Gin that is unique in that it uses only two botanicals: juniper berries during distillation and honey at the time of bottling. It has a soft and elegant texture, and its sweet floral notes lend themselves to both cocktails and sipping.
Specialty
New York Distilling Perry’s Tot $31.99
After founding and then running Brooklyn Brewery for 20 years, Tom Potter might have been expected to rest on his laurels. Instead he took a few years off and then opened New York Distilling Company, an impressive distillery/ bar complex in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Perry’s Tot is one of his first releases, and it’s a doozy. Weighing in at 114 proof, this naval-strength Gin is certainly bold, but its expertly blended botanicals, including honey from New York, highlight its dry side and round out any hard edges. Built for tonic, gimlets and fizzes.
Tad Seesedt started out as a roving distiller and winemaker until 2008 when he purchased a 40-acre farm in the Willamette Valley that brought his two passions into one place. His Old Tom Gin revives a century-old style of spirit which has more body and sweetness than a traditional dry Gin. Ransom Old Tom starts off with two separate spirits, one distilled from barley, the other with botanicals, which are then blended and barrel aged. The resulting Gin is broad on the palate, with a malty character which gently frames delicate herbal and botanical notes. In all likelihood, it is unlike any Gin you’ve ever tasted.
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