Gin
The Great Gin Exploration
For many years, we had not been vodka or gin fans. And this is due to bad gin decisions probably 30 years ago when we were much younger. Enough said. What is important is that we are back and keenly interested in gin, vermouth and all things botanically infused.
So, about 3 weeks ago (Jan 7, 2026), we stopped into the Bitter Bar next to Zuzu's on Main Street in Napa. And I asked for a martini made with Griffo gin because I had the privilege of serving the company's owner at the winery I work for. He had made his product sound pretty amazing. The bar keeper made the martini with Griffo gin and a touch of Tximista blanco vermouth. And seriously, my life changed in a glass. I was spellbound. And since then, I have been on a hunt for botanical knowledge and product. We are just getting started here.
Gin Count: 33
Vintner: Victoria Distillers
Description: Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
Thoughts: I love this stuff. At first it seems like it might be a gimmick, but it is lovely. I love the gentle floral sweetness from the rose petal and pea blossom. There are the usual botanicals as well. It is really well balanced and you’d love it either in a drink or alone.
Just found out these guys are also making a 0.0 alcohol free version of this as well. When we get our hands on a bottle we will review it here.
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Date Tasted: 3/06/2026
Vintner: St George Spirit, Alameda, Ca
Description: Botanivore
Thoughts: Sage and pine are the main notes on the nose. There is juniper there as well as 16 other botanicals. This gin is fresh, gentle and perfect for mixing.
Between this and their Terroir gin, I think I prefer the latter. I’ve come to like more robust gins that I can sit straight. But this one has a place in the line up of gins that could be mixed into almost any gin cocktail. Especially, this would be great in a gimlet. It is missing a strong citrus note and would like to be accompanied by some Limoncello. It won’t overpower anything. It is like the rhythm section.
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Date Tasted: 3/06/2026
Vintner: Castle & Key
Description: Harvest Seasonal Gin
Thoughts: This is a very different animal than just about everything we have tried so far. And it’s refreshing. The nose is a bit muted, but don’t let that throw you off. It is loaded with flavor on the palate.
The predominant flavor is anise, but it is not overpowering. Under that there is fennel, juniper, bay and angelica root. But the juniper berry is really buried in this one. This would make for a great G&T.
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Date Tasted: 3/06/2026
Vintner: Custom Distilled Products, Princeton, Minnesota
Description: Trader Joes Organic, Art of the Still Gin
Thoughts: This gin is really a surprise. TJs got a hold of a great bottling here. It is redolent of sage rather than Juniper berries, which usually make the lion’s share of a gin nose.
This is really a fine gin. And it has pleasant botanical notes. It can definitely be sipped by itself but would be fine in any gin-based drink. The sage note leaves one with a slight scent memory of a good thanksgiving meal.
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Date Tasted: 3/05/2026
Vintner: Jettywave Distillery
Description: California Botanical Gin
Thoughts: The botanicals in this gin are Juniper, coriander and cardamom, pistachio, nasturtium blossom, Meyer lemon, shiso leaf, ginger root, thyme and black pepper.
The black pepper, juniper and ginger root combine to make this gin almost smell like anise. It has one of the most unique noses we have encountered yet in the gin world. Granted, we’re only one number 30.
It has a bit of a snappy bite on the palate, but is rich with very individualistic flavors that are all distinctive but come together nicely. This would be great with a blanco vermouth over ice in a martini.
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Date Tasted: 2/21/2026
Vintner: Sausalito Liquor Company
Description: Marin Coastal Gin
Thoughts: Immediately, we get the loveliest, lemongrass citrus/loquat nose. But we also get notes of licorice, coriander seed, juniper and a hint of turmeric.
It is a really nice gin with a refreshingly original set of flavors. It is really nice ice cold, but the nose gets better as it warms slightly. It pleases greatly.
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Date Tasted: 2/20/2026
Vintner: The Anchor Distilling Company
Description: Junipero Gin, made with 12 botanicals, including juniper, coriander and licorice.
Thoughts: The botanicals include two kinds of juniper, nori seaweed, citrus peel and angelica seeds. It has an amazingly rich palate with zesty spicy wood notes, nori flavor and mild juniper. Some gins have juniper as the primary note. This one has a nice balance between all of the scent and flavor notes. This can be sipped pensively on a quiet evening, but would love to befriend some tonic. Vermouth might cheat this gin of its grandeur.
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Date Tasted: 2/20/2026
Vintner: The Nolet Distillery, Netherlands
Description: Made with secret botanicals, but does include peach, Turkish Rose and raspberry.
Thoughts: I get a bit more alcohol on the nose with this one. But the botanicals are really unique. The floral and raspberry really stand out. And I got a very citrus/dry mint on the nose as well. It is a different animal that most of the gins we have tried so far. But definitely a keeper. Glad to have it in the collection. My feeling is that is really would love vermouth or just great in a G&T.
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Date Tasted: 2/5/2026
Vintner: The Shed Distillery, County Leitrim, Ireland
Description: Made with 12 botanicals with Sardinian Citrus
Thoughts: The citrus notes on the nose are like lime Jello, candied. But that just means I would not drink this on the rocks. This gin is made to be mixed with a dry vermouth.
I far prefer the Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish gin over this one, but that’s just because I’m a purist.
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Date Tasted: 2/2/2026
Vintner: The Isle of Harris Distillery
Description: Isle of Harris Gin
Thoughts: I picked this up at Total Wine today. I saw it was from Scotland and have had really good results from Scots gin. I little in the spendy side. But just found out it is worth the coins.
This is giving The Botanist and my new fav, Tanqueray No Ten, a run for their money. It says that it is made with the classic juniper and citrus. But they put sugar kept in it. And, yes, it is delicately sweet. But the nose is bursting with (slight) kelp, citrus and juniper. And the flavors are making me swoon. It is lush, rich, viscous and oily when ice cold.
Another gin that will always be in the house.
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Date Tasted: 2/2/2026
Vintner: Pernod Ricard
Description: Beefeater Gin
Thoughts: As our 24th gin tasting item, seems like a long time to wait for a classic. I read too many reviews from connoisseurs that this was exceptional. I thought (wrongly) that this was an average standard. But no. This is exception, bright flavored, classic gin. This is what young gins want to be when they grow up. It is the model by which most is gin is crafted. I love this with or without vermouth. Great ice cold, in a cold glass over a few ice cubes. Nice and viscous.
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Date Tasted: 2/2/2026
Vintner: Charles Tanqueray & Co
Description: No. Ten Gin Small Batch Crafted
Thoughts: This is what I went to Total Wine for this morning. And . . . pardon my language, but HOLY SHIT! This is a monster. This is like 2019 Goerge de Latour from BV, or black label Turnbull Cab or 2023 Raen Royal St Robert Pinot!
I will forever and always have a bottle of this in the freezer and a standby in the wine room. This is so stellar. I have very few words. It erupts on the palate with botanical richness. The nose is great too, but the flavors are just . . . insane. And here I thought the Botanist and Citadel were my favs. Scoot over, you two. The big dog is in town.
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Date Tasted: 2/2/2026
Vintner: Bond Street Distillery
Description: London Dry Gin
Thoughts: This thing is solid like a tank. It has very nicely balanced botanical nose, great flavor and long finish. It screams to mixed with just about anything. I don’t think I would drink this alone over ice. It’s a gin that wants company. It’s like a canvas upon which someone has started a painting, but it is up to you to finish it. Solid, solid gin.
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Date Tasted: 2/2/2026
Vintner: Ian McLeod Distillers, Arches, Edingurgh, Scotland
Description: Small Bartch Edinburgh Gin
Thoughts: Found a 50ml bottle of this today to see if it is something I’d like to get a 750ml of. Overall, it has a nice aromatic nose. It is a bit roughly flavored and the botanicals seem muted compared to the other Scottish gins we have tried so far.
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Date Tasted: 2/2/2026
Vintner: Campeny Distillers, Barcelona, Spain
Description: Tann’s Gin
Thoughts: Picked this up today at Total Wine just on a lark. It has a very mild nose, but the botanicals are there. I think the slight sweetness is off-putting. But this is the first Spanish gin we have tried. So, we’ll put it up to experience.
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Date Tasted: 2/2/2026
Vintner: Bruichladdich Distillery, Islay, Scotland
Description: The Botanist Gin, made with 22 botanicals
Thoughts: I put a half shot of this gin frozen, over ice into an iced glass. The texture of the gin was like viscous oil on the palate. This might be my favorite texture of any distilled alcohol. Just lovely.
The botanicals in this gin are exceptional. It is so fresh, beautifully scented, amazingly balanced and completely enticing. This will always be in my collection!
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Date Tasted: 1/31/2026
Vintner: The Shed Distillery, County Leitrim, Ireland
Description: Made with 12 botanicals
Thoughts: Both of these are lovely. I had the one with California orange citrus with vermouth and a strip of lemon peel. Lovely.
The gunpower gin is exceptional over ice with pronounced juniper, coriander and citrus notes.
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Date Tasted: 1/31/2026
Vintner: Glendalough Distillery, Wicklow County, Ireland
Description: Wild local botanicals foraged daily
Thoughts: The nose shows almost a berry note, juniper, citrus, dried herbs, licorice and coriander.
This is spectacular. I would probably never drink this except over ice. I’m sure people would disagree, but this gin has such quality that it would be a shame to cover up the lovely botanicals here.
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Date Tasted: 1/31/2026
Vintner: William Grant and sons, Girvan, Scotland
Description: Hendrick’s Gin
Thoughts: An impressive list of botanicals: chamomile, elderflower, juniper, lemon peel, orange peel, caraway, coriander, cubeb berries, angelica root, yarrow root and orris root.
I love the mild sweetness on the palate balanced with botanical bitterness. This is so balanced, so clean, so pure. One of my favorites to just drink over ice.
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Date Tasted: 1/30/2026
Vintner: Maison Ferrand, Cognac, France
Description: Citadel, Gin de France, Chateau du Bonbonnet
Thoughts: I went into Total Wine the other day and one of the people there asked if I was looking for a good gin. I showed him my list of 6 gins I was looking for. He said, he didn’t really know much about gin yet, but his friend was telling him about a good one. He showed me Citadel. He said it was amazing. Online reviews looked good so, I bought one. And after trying it, I agree.
This is a classic gin with a large number of botanicals. It reminds us of a London Dry Gin like Tanqueray, but it is more complex than that. Check out this list: Juniper berries, Orris root, French violet root, Moroccan coriander, Almonds, Spanish lemon peel, Mexican orange peel, Angelica from North Germany, Indian cardamom, Indian nutmeg, Cassia bark from Indochina, Sri Lankan cinnamon, Mediterranean fennel, African grains of paradise, Chinese liquorice, Cumin, French star anise and Savory.
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Date Tasted: 1/30/2026
Vintner: Golden State Distillery, sebastopol, Ca
Description: Gray While Gin, California Botanicals
Thoughts: This was one of the first gins we tried. And as Californians, we’re pretty proud of this brand. It uses 6 botanicals that are found right here in Cali. Juniper, lime, fir tree, sea kelp, mint and almonds.
This stuff is so well balanced, and it smells like home.
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Date Tasted: 1/30/2026
Vintner: Charles Tanqueray & Co
Description: London Dry Gin
Thoughts: I love a gin that oozes, juniper, coriander, citrus, pepper and floral notes. This one is a perfect gin for mixing, but for me it wants to be ice cold, on ice, melting slowly, quietly as I sip on it. And maybe a slice of lime peel. Ya.
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Date Tasted: 1/30/2026
Vintner: D. Goerge Benham’s, Sonoma County
Description: Sonoma Dry and Barrel Finished, Twelve Botanicals
Thoughts: Cardamom, Chamomile, Coriander, Galangal, Grains of paradise, Juniper, Orris root.
I comes across as dusty, dry, fragrant, sunburnt herbs and barks. There is citrus, coriander, chamomile and juniper (but sparingly).
Drink it straight over ice or with a blanco vermouth. It holds a ton of promise.
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Date Tasted: 1/29/2026
Vintner: St George Spirit, Alameda, Ca
Description: Terroir
Thoughts: Citrus, juniper, heavy thyme, dried chaparral, icy blue berry and dried, fragrant wood. This would be great with a dry vermouth, a lime peel over ice. But it could be sipped over ice easily.
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Date Tasted: 1/29/2026
Vintner: Freeland Spirits Distillery, Portland, Or
Description: Garden Botanicals
Thoughts: We did a study of this one. We were unable to bring ourselves to add anything to this gin. It is marvelous stuff. It can be added to a cocktail, but that would be covering up what is amazing about this gin. The garden botanicals are rich and love to be drunk over ice.
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Date Tasted: 1/29/2026
Vintner: Distilled Resources, Inc, Idaho
Description: Farmer’s Gin, Organic — Farm to Bottle
Thoughts: We picked this up at Raley’s in Fairfield, Ca. It was marked 50% off. So, why not!
It has marked juniper on the nose with coriander, lemongrass, orange and lime peel. This gin begs to be mixed. Tonic, dry vermouth, Lillet, you name it. It would love to be in a Negroni.
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Date Tasted: 1/28/2026
Vintner: Caledonia Spirits Distillery, Vermont
Description: Barr Hill. Made with juniper and raw honey
Thoughts: Another gin that deserves to be sipped over ice. I mean, it would lend itself to a G&T, but this puppy is slightly bitter, slightly sweet, due to the lovely honey added to the mix. It is complex. We wouldn’t want to take away from this lovely drink.
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Date Tasted: 1/28/2026
Vintner: Silent Pool Distillery, Surrey, England
Description: Non-traditional expression
Thoughts: First saw this at Nugget Market and was immediately taken by the bottle design. Very pretty.
The nose and palate show some trad notes like juniper, mint, lavender and chamomile. But this gin doesn’t need much. It is happy being sipped on its own.
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Date Tasted: 1/28/2026
Vintner: Ten Mile Distillery, Wassaic, NY
Description: Listening Rock Gin
Thoughts: This one has such an interesting profile. It does not come across as a traditional London dry. It has so many different flavors. It comes across as a touch harsh. But we are so new at this. We are working to find a match for this, some sort of vermouth or infused wine that will bring this guy to life.
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Date Tasted: 1/28/2026
Vintner: Griffo Distillery, Petaluma, Ca
Description: Traditional English Gin
Thoughts: The CEO of the Griffo Distillery came into the winery where I work back in November of 2025. He described his products and gave me a business card. Now, I did not enjoy gin at the time, but his description enticed me to seek out the spirit he was making. I found it at the Bitter Bar next to Zuzu’s on Main Street in Napa. The bar tender made me a martini of Griffo gin and a Vermouth called Tximista. I fell in love with both. In a sip I went from a Gin naysayer to an avid fanatic.
Griffo offers a London dry gin with a touch of sweet/bitter. So rich, you want to just drink it over ice.
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Date Tasted: 1/28/2026
Vintner: Bombay Sapphire
Description: Distilled London Dry
Thoughts: A very traditional, dry gin with lighter flavor than its competitors. Great mixed into any form of drink.
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Date Tasted: 1/28/2026
