5 Gins I Love

Okay so this post didn't make it up for world gin day and it missed martini day. It's the thought that counts, right?

Finding quality gin used to be difficult. In fact, I still recall the first time I tasted gin. It tasted like pine cleaner smells. Most people in the 80s and 90s in the US had the same experience. Low quality gin was common. It was in 2015 my friend Dustin introduced me to quality gin for the first time.

I learned tasty gin did exist and it was worth exploring further. Below is a list of the gins I’ve come to enjoy. Each with its own distinct flavor, aromas, and viscosity. The caveat being most of these gins aren’t necessarily juniper heavy.

Hendricks Gin

This was the gin Dustin introduced to me. Hendricks Gin is part of the William Grant and Sons portfolio. Introduced in 1999, it is light and refreshing with a hint of a floral aroma,

Citadelle Gin

The first time I tried it was at the Tacoma Cabana. Citadelle is part of the Maison Ferrand portfolio. Although it’s been around since the late 90s it has a bit of resurgence here in the US as of late. What stood out the most for me was the hint of pepper.

Seattle Distilling Gin

What caught me about this gin besides being local was the once again the floral aromas and flavors. They utilize local lavender from Vashon Island to create their gin. I love to make Lavender Moon cocktails with it.

Copperworks

What I love about Copperworks is the thought and care that goes into everything they do from the fostering of community to the care that goes into the expressions they produce. This distillery strives to achieve balance not only in their gin but also in their distillation methods. It’s not surprising why they received distillery of the year this year. Long overdue if you ask me. Beyond the balance of flavors in their gin is the viscosity. As a whiskey drinker I have to say I can also appreciate their use of barley. As others have said their gin is reminiscent of a genever. Which makes sense since genever is the progenitor of gin.

Sipsmith

Where to begin, the first time I tried Sipsmith I found myself in Canon once again. I had been following Sipsmith on Twitter. London was in its early days of the ginsplosion. What makes it one of my favorites is the care and passion that goes into this gin. Sipsmith has a subtle juniper aroma and flavors with a hint of lemon in the finish in the London Dry.

As always the trick is finding flavor profiles you like and expand from there.