Gin 2
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: 51 - 56
Vintner: Glendalough Distillery, Wicklow County, Ireland
Description: Rose Gin Wild local botanicals foraged daily
Thoughts: pending
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Date Tasted: 5/10/2026
Vintner: MG Distilleries, Spain
Description: Lindon Dry Gin MG – Manuel Giro – 1940 Original Recipe
Thoughts: Founded 1835 –
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Date Tasted: 5/10/2026
Vintner: Spirit Works Distillery
Description: Old Tom Gin
Thoughts: I’m not sure if I’m just off on all these Old Tom gins, but they all have notes of Christmas cookies to me. This one is like a sugar cookie, sloe berries, medicinal notes of elderberry, nutmeg, toasty oak, juniper, honey, echinacea flower, cinnamon and phreesia.
Of these three Old Tom styles, this is my favorite. It isn’t overpowering. And on the palate, it really pleases with teasing notes of cookie, honey, baking spices, wood and berries.
These guys are knocking this out of the park far as I’m concerned.
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Date Tasted: 5/10/2026
Vintner: Tree House Distillery
Description: Percy’s Old Tom Gin
Thoughts: The very first scent is like a Christmas cookie with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and even a flour element. But it goes beyond that. You get maple syrup, cedar, juniper, black tea and cloves.
The palate is rich, balanced and full of flavor. You get the notes above but also oak and honey. A fine expression of the Old Tom style. It feels like autumn and tastes like Christmas cookies.
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Date Tasted: 5/10/2026
Vintner: Bar Hill Distillery
Description: Barrel Selection Tom Cat Gin
Thoughts: It is like opening a cupboard in a baker’s home filled with fresh and old spices. You get massive notes of anise, juniper leaves, raw honey and expressive oak.
On the palate you get intense juniper, toasty oak and honey notes. These old-style gins are really interesting. They are so strongly flavored compared to their London dry cousins. These would definitely find a place in our house as mixed drinks.
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Date Tasted: 5/10/2026
Vintner: Spirit Works Distillery
Description: Sloe Gin
Thoughts: This was so much fun to try. But I have to say that it is not my cup of gin. It has a thickness, sweetness and powerful herbal quality that is not in my wheelhouse of flavors. But if you like a drink with nice berry flavors, sweetness and herbal intensity, this could be for you.
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Date Tasted: 5/10/2026
