Gin 2018 - Part 1
 

Best Gin - 2018

The Fifty Best Gin Tasting 2018


The Tasting: The Fifty Best held the largest tasting of gins in the World with 68 gins and sixteen members of The Fifty Best's spirits judging panel. Traditional, London Dry and Navy Strength Gins were tasted and judged separately from the Old Tom and Barrel Finished Gins. Strict tasting rules were applied. The order of service was established beforehand by lottery. Each of the gins were poured into fresh glasses from new sealed bottles, and served at slightly above room temperature. The judges "blind" tasted through nine flights of 7 gins and one flight of 5 gins. There was a food break after the fifth flight. Double-Gold, Gold and Silver medals are awarded according to a set range of final point scores received from the judges. There were no bronze medals awarded for this tasting. The tasting notes that follow are summaries of the judges’ opinions, with all replicated commentary eliminated.


DOUBLE-GOLD MEDAL WINNERS

Four Pillars Navy Strength Gin
(Four Pillars Distillery, Australia) 117.6° prf
Nose: Lime, citrus, Orbit spearmint gum, herb vegetal, piney juniper, celery, fennel, grass, lemongrass, sage, saffron, exotic spices, sweet spice, woody, cedar.
Palate: Very lime, lemon, celery, fennel, light anise, vegetal, piney juniper, bay leaf, curry leaf, saffron, cinnamon, honey, pleasant
Finish: Lemon, orange rind, vanilla, piney juniper, mint sprig, celery, fennel, strong herbs, and cardamom, curry leaf, caraway.

Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal

Four Pillars Navy Strength Gin

Rogue Spruce Gin
(Rogue Spirits, OR) 90° prf
Nose: Vanilla cream, honeydew, watermelon, cantaloupe, overripe strawberry, cucumber, asparagus, wheatgrass, fresh-mowed lawn, cactus, menthol.
Palate: Cantaloupe, watermelon juice, melon, Jolly Rancher, cocoa powder, blossoms, floral, fresh grass, cucumber, vegetables, cilantro, fennel seed, mint, green herbs, glacial spring water, sweet well water, bright.
Finish: Honey, watermelon, dried citrus, dried flowers, spicy cucumber, mint, fresh grass, fennel seed, sweet hay, cinnamon, sweet minerals, quinine, smooth, refreshing.

Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal

Rogue Spruce Gin

Horse Mountain Dry Gin
(Dutch & Dewey Distillery CA) 96° prf
Nose: Lemon, orange, clementine, passionfruit, pineapple, tropical fruit, peach, pear, strawberry, sweet berries, dried fruit, fruit gum, limoncello, sprite, mint, spearmint, licorice.
Palate: Citrus, orange peel, melon, raspberry, sweet cherries, dried peaches, custard, honey, dark chocolate, herbs, mint, grassy, fennel, sandalwood, clove.
Finish: Orange, orange peel, sweet cane, candied citrus, Juicy Fruit gum, chocolate covered orange peel, vanilla, spicy, pepper, delish.

Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal

Horse Mountain Dry Gin

Dry Line Cape Cod Gin
(South Hollow Spirits, MA) 94° prf
Nose: Lemon, lemon peel, citrus peel, sprite, orange, orange marmalade, cranberry, floral, violet, dried flowers, dried herbs, grass, juniper, cucumber, mint, spearmint, wheat, straw, oak barrel, clean.
Palate: Lemon, grapefruit, orange peel, dried apricots, sweet berry, sugarcane, honey, cinnamon toast, lavender, floral, herbal, juniper, licorice, cucumber, mint, grassy, wormwood, cardamom, pink peppercorn, black peppercorn, pine, balanced, smooth, approachable.
Finish: Sweet berry, creamy, vanilla, violet, lavender tea, cucumber, leafy, thyme, cardamom, canella, well-balanced, complex, smooth, beautiful.

Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal

Dry Line Cape Cod Gin

Bimini Gin
(Round Turn Distilling, ME) 94° prf
Nose: Lemon-lime, citrus, floral, herbal, juniper, celery salt, fennel seeds, sage, cardamom, coriander, old cedar, crisp morning dew, clean, fresh.
Palate: Juniper, piney juniper, floral juniper, honey, rose, violet, cucumber, carrot, vegetal, herbal, tea, grass, mint, celery seed, cumin, cardamom, coriander, spicy, pepper, cracked peppercorn, minerals, a good cocktail spirit.
Finish: Cucumber, fennel, Earl Grey, floral, cardamom, cumin, coriander, spicy, light cedar, balanced, lively, really delicious.

Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal

Bimini Gin

Gunner Ghost Navy-Strength Gin
(Bent Brewstillery, MN) 114° prf
Nose: Raspberry saltwater taffy, cream, cane sugar, vanilla, lemon-lime soda, celery, fennel, pickle, olive, juniper, apricot, almond, caraway, cardamom, dry leaves, rum.
Palate: Citrus peel, rose petals, sweet florals, Earl Grey tea, herbs, herbal, olive, celery, juniper, anise, grassy, piney caraway, cracked pink peppercorn.
Finish: Juniper, floral juniper, ginger root, celery, anise, eucalyptus, flowery, black pepper, mineral, wet stones, high volume.

Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal

Gunner Ghost Navy-Strength Gin


GOLD MEDAL WINNERS

Hacienda Gin
(KGB Spirits, NM) 85° prf
Nose: Orange peel, lemon peel, lime pith, honey, lavender, floral, Earl Grey, herbal, juniper, piney juniper, celery, cucumber, mint, coriander, spicy, quinine, light white pine, a loud noise, zesty, classic gin and tonic, classic London Dry style nose.
Palate: Fruitcake, candied peppers, creamy, lemon candy, honey, lemon pith, violet, piney juniper, carrot, celery, black licorice, cinnamon, clove, black peppercorn, spicy, Earl Grey, menthol, pine, silky.
Finish: Honey, violet, grape soda, floral, carrot, celery, herbal, fennel seed, mild cumin seed, clove, cinnamon, light juniper, mineral, wet stone, resin, strong cedar, clean, tingly, zesty, nice, really tasty.

Gold Medal
Gold medal

Hacienda Gin

Aurora Gin
(Anchorage Distillery, AK) 98° prf
Nose: Citrus, lemon peel, elderberry, dried pineapple, fruitcake, cream, butter, vanilla, juniper, lavender, herbal, mint, spearmint, fennel, cinnamon, clove, dried leaves, wet forest leaves.
Palate: Citrus, lime, lemon peel syrup, sweet berry, fruit gum, pastry with lemon zest, sweet bread, caramel, honey, corn, wheat, mocha, ginger, celery, fresh herbs, blossoms, dried flowers, clove, peppercorn, delicate.
Finish: Citrus, sweet berry, vanilla, spicy caramel, clove, dried herbs, dry stone, smooth, martini.

Gold Medal
Gold medal

Aurora Gin

Baltimore Shot Tower Gin
(The Baltimore Whiskey Company, MD) 100° prf
Nose: Lemon, lemon peel, lime zest, lemon marmalade, piney juniper, celery, fennel, mint, floral.
Palate: Malaysian lime, lemon-lime, celery, fennel, juniper, piney juniper, floral, mint, rosemary, sage, sweet spice, green peppercorn, quinine, smooth, rich.
Finish: Citrus, piney juniper, celery, fennel, rose petals, hibiscus, basil, pink peppercorn, dry pepper, mineral water.

Gold Medal
Gold medal

Baltimore Shot Tower Gin

St. Augustine Distillery New World Gin
(St. Augustine Distillery, FL) 94° prf
Nose: Lime, lemon zest, bright juniper, rose, violet, lavender, floral, herbal, cucumber, grass, ponderosa pine, earthy.
Palate: Lemon, lime, figs, molasses, honey, juniper, rose petals, violets, floral, sweet cucumber, Earl Grey tea, sorghum, curry leaf, spice, fennel seed, quinine, black peppercorn, bark, pine, silky, fresh.
Finish: Lemon, citrus, melon, celery, juniper, mint, herbal, fennel seed, spicy, pine, nice, amazing.
Gold Medal
Gold medal

St. Augustine Distillery New World Gin

Pembroke Gin
(Corgi Spirits, NJ) 86° prf
Nose: Lemon-lime, lime zest, lime peel, eucalyptus, dried leaves, leafy, grass, cucumber, fresh herbs, celery salt, cilantro, mint, fennel seeds, cracked juniper berry, pink peppercorn, spicy, saline, burning pine.
Palate: Sweet berry, tangerine peel syrup, Earl Grey tea, grassy, dried leaves, celery, juniper, menthol, cinnamon bark, baking spice, spicy, caraway, cracked peppercorn, pepper, earthy, pine, cedar, so much going on, delightful.
Finish: Spicy lime and lemon, sweet berry, violet, juniper, celery, mint, spice, pink peppercorn, light licorice, creamy wood, sweet pine, complex, smooth.

Gold Medal
Gold medal

Pembroke Gin

Locktenders Gin
(Lock 1 Distilling Co., NY) 89° prf
Nose: Lemon peel, mild lemon pith, cherry, Juicy Fruit Gum, taffy, sweet cream butter, vanilla, juniper, violet, orange blossom, floral, winter mint, herbal, sandalwood, carrot greens, vegetal, mineral.
Palate: Dried orange peel, dried citrus peel, juniper, violet, dried flowers, floral, vanilla, custard, grain, pastry dough, herb, birch beer, mint, black licorice, fennel seed, caraway seed, cinnamon, spicy, black peppercorn, sage ash, cedar, pine, silky, smooth.
Finish: Dried flowers, violet, celery, cardamom, cinnamon, spice, resin, pine, cedar, woody, soft, velvety, bold profile, great for cocktails.

Gold Medal
Gold medal

Locktenders Gin

J. Carver Grimm Farm Ultra-Premium Gin
(Lake Country Libare Distillery, MN) 92° prf
Nose: Lime, cherry, rose, rosewater, lavender, floral, herbal, juniper, cucumber, celery salt, tall grass, dry leaves, soft straw, almond, pink peppercorns, pine, pine forest, cedar, rain, ocean breeze.
Palate: Tangerine, watermelon, lavender, rosewater, floral, juniper, lemongrass, tea leaves, grassy, herbal, black licorice, anise, fennel seed, clove, coriander, spicy, pine, creamy, silky, soft, approachable.
Finish: Cocoa dust, rose, dried violet, floral, minty, dried mint, juniper, cinnamon, celery salt, cardamom, cumin, spicy, peppery, resin, well balanced, smooth.

Gold Medal
Gold medal

J. Carver Grimm Farm Ultra-Premium Gin

Boulder Gin
(Vapor Distilery, CO) 94° prf
Nose: Orange, citrus, very light vanilla, piney juniper, rose herbal, chamomile tea, soft floral, celery, mint, clove, whole wheat toast, cedar, pine.
Palate: Lime, orange, strong floral juniper, rose hips, rosewater, hibiscus, celery, mint, anise, clove, cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, peppercorns, dried leaves, oak, clean.
Finish: Orange blossom, lemongrass, mint, spice, pepper, nutmeg, dried leaves, woody pine, balanced.
Gold Medal
Gold medal

Boulder Gin

Iron Fish Michigan Woodland Gin
(Iron Fish Distillery, MI) 90° prf
Nose: Lemon, lime, tangerine, citrus, lime peel, mandarin peel, dried cherries, juniper, floral, lavender, verbena, lemongrass, honey, crème brûlée caramel, sandalwood, herbal, grass, spearmint, mint, Earl Grey tea, pine needles, cedar, very soft.
Palate: Lime and lemon water, blackberries, lavender-wood syrup, frosting, fruit gum, violet, rose petals, floral, juniper, grassy, sweet spice, fennel, cardamom, pink peppercorn, black peppercorn, caraway, coffee, powder, wet stone, mineral, woody, creamy, soft, smooth, clean, effervescent.
Finish: Vanilla bean, lemon lime, mint, licorice, anise, saffron, caraway seed, rye seed, spicy, pepper, white pepper, grass, Earl Grey tea leaves, wet stone, mineral, woodsy, light fresh pine, balanced, bright, complex, amazing.

Gold Medal
Gold medal

Iron Fish Michigan Woodland Gin

Long Road Dry Gin
(Long Road Distillers, MI) 90° prf
Nose: Green apples, unripe lime, dried lemon peel, vanilla, cream, honey, creamed corn, pastry, lavender, floral, juniper, herbal juniper, piney juniper, almond, herb, mint, celery, celery seed, curry leaf, grass, pine.
Palate: Lime, lemon peel, prickly pear, dried cherries, spicy cane, honey, rose, lavender, dried flowers, grassy herbs, juniper, anise, rosemary, cumin, cardamom, baking spice, caraway, fennel seed, pink peppercorn, pine needles, pine.
Finish: Violet, flower bomb, bergamot, celery, eucalyptus, clove, cardamom, cumin, caraway, fennel seed, spice, cassia, cedar, clean, balanced, great for gin and tonic.

Gold Medal
Gold medal

Long Road Dry Gin

Emulsion New American Gin
(Fainting Goat Spirits, NC) 91° prf
Nose:Lemon, orange rind, dried stone fruit, mint berry gum, Juicy Fruit, raisin cake, almond, honeysuckle, jasmine, sandalwood, cucumber, mint, spearmint, anise, fennel, sambucca, absinthe, pine, clean, fresh.
Palate: Verbena, gingerbread, violet, sandalwood, herbal, mint, eucalyptus, anise, black licorice, fennel salad, caraway, cardamom, clove, absinthe, sambucca, chalk, earth, bright pine gum.
Finish: Gingerbread, juniper, violet, black licorice, hot fennel, pepper, vegetal, cardamom, caraway, clove, spicy, chalky, earthy, pine.

Gold Medal
Gold medal

Emulsion New American Gin

3rd Ward Gin
(Cajun Spirits Distillery, LA) 80° prf
Nose: Lime, tangerine, grapefruit, citrus, pear, dried key limes, citrus peel, dried cherries, rose petals, lavender, flowers, juniper, grassy, fennel, sage, coriander, pepper, wood, forest, piney, Christmas, delicate.
Palate: Lemon verbena, lime zest, Juicy Fruit gum, lavender, violet, rose, rosewater, potpourri, blossoms, juniper, carrot, fennel seed, spice, baking spices, earthy, light pine, cedar, smooth.
Finish: Lemon, eucalyptus, winter mint, lavender, rose petals, floral, herbal, toasted butter, sandalwood, mild caraway, spicy, cedar.

Gold Medal
Gold medal

3rd Ward Gin

Warwick Gin
(Warwick Valley Distillery, NY) 80° prf
Nose: Lemon, lime, lemon peel, citrus, sprite, lemon candy, watermelon, cherry, juniper, floral, rose petal, lavender, hops, coriander, celery seed, spicy, peppery, sea salt, mineral, cedar.
Palate: Lemon, lemon marmalade, lemon tart, citrus, fruity pebbles, rosewater, herbs, Earl Grey tea, ginger, grassy, celery, mint, licorice, sandalwood, pink peppercorns, mineral water, saline, wood, cedar.
Finish: Lemon peel, lemongrass, dry citrus, spearmint, eucalyptus, anise, clove, sage, raw caraway seeds, malt, limestone, lime salt, smooth, clean, bright, lively, pleasant.

Gold Medal
Gold medal

Warwick Gin

MINIONS Gin
(Proof Artisan Distillers, ND) 80° prf
Nose: Lime, tangerine, citrus, orange peel, lemon cake, almond bark, berry, juniper, cucumber, chamomile tea, spearmint, menthol, mint, eucalyptus, anise, licorice, cassia, nutmeg, cinnamon gum, birch beer, leather.
Palate: Lime, citrus rind, orange peel, sweet berry, violet, floral, grassy, fennel, black licorice, anise, root beer, birch beer, cinnamon, clove, tea leaves, dried leaves, pastry dough, tobacco, earthy, pine.
Finish: Vanilla, sweet berry, cream, creamy lime, citrus, juniper, caraway, licorice, anise, grass, leafy, spicy, nice.

Gold Medal
Gold medal

MINIONS Gin

Mahón Gin
(Distillerias Xoriguer, Spain) 82° prf
Nose: Lemon, lime juice, citrus, orange blossom, juniper, lavender, violet, floral, cucumber, celery, almond, soft cinnamon, fennel seed, clove, white pepper, pine needles, cedar, clean.
Palate: Kaffir lime, lemon verbena, lemon rind, key lime cream, lavender, violet, hibiscus, chamomile, dried flowers, juniper, carrots, carrot greens, grass, mint, black licorice, anise, fennel, sage, clove, black pepper, pine.
Finish: Lemon verbena, rose, floral, dried violet, carrot, lettuce, eucalyptus, lemongrass, peppermint, black licorice, fermented anise seed, cinnamon, spice, pepper, cigar box, pine, cedar, talc.

Gold Medal
Gold medal

Mahón Gin

Long Road Michigin
(Long Road Distillers, MI) 90° prf
Nose: Toffee, caramel, pineapple taffy, lemon curd, cream, frosting, honey, dates, sweet berries, dried cherry, juniper, almond, nutmeg, herb, very subtle floral, brine, seawater, faint pine, tree sap, pine cones.
Palate: Toffee, cream, buttery, caramel, sweet berry, mango, pineapple candy, Juicy Fruit, violet, lemongrass, sandalwood, almond, fennel, anise, herbal, peppermint, mint, menthol, tree leaf, pink peppercorns, bark, woody.
Finish: Toffee, cocoa, demerara syrup, sweet berry, raisin, black licorice, licorice root, eucalyptus, mint, cinnamon, sandalwood, white pepper, smooth.

Gold Medal
Gold medal

Long Road Michigin

Two James Old Cockney Gin
(Two James Spirits, MI) 91° prf
Nose: Petits fours, sponge cake, brown sugar, almond bark, subtle corn, piney juniper, citrus, pickles, toasted cardamom, kitchen spices, violet, dried leaves, chalky, musty, woody, pine, oak.
Palate: Lemon cookies, sweet berry, violet, rosewater, floral, juniper, anise, grassy herbs, grain, dried leaves, caraway, peppery, white pepper, cedar, classic gin palate.
Finish: Lemon, melon, sweet berry, juniper, licorice, violet, sweet spice, spicy, caraway, tea leaves, dried leaves, earthy, clean, well-balanced.

Gold Medal
Gold medal

Two James Old Cockney Gin

Nauti Spirits Gin
(Nauti Spirits Distillery, NJ) 92° prf
Nose: Tangerine, tangerine oil, orange, lemon, lemon peel, citrus, pineapple, orange cake, lemon shortbread cookie, madelines, heavy juniper, anise, herbal, cucumber, grassy, lemongrass, lavender, floral, basil, cardamom, clove, buttery, bright.
Palate: Tangerine peel, orange, citrus, honey, creamy, vanilla, vanilla candy, cinnamon candy, violets, rose, floral, juniper, black licorice, anise, absinthe, mint, peppermint, herbal, grassy, leafy, basil, sage, cardamom, clove, pink peppercorn, wet stone, silky, pine, fresh, easy drinking, exciting, delicious.
Finish: Lime, lemon, grapefruit, citrus, rosewater, elderflower, floral, sweet peppermint, licorice, anise, herbal, cinnamon, pepper, clean, fresh, bright, unique, delicious.

Gold Medal
Gold medal

Nauti Spirits Gin

Rowhouse Spirits Gin
(Rowhouse Spirits, PA) 96° prf
Nose: Lemon-lime, lemon peel, dried lime peel, piney juniper, celery, lavender, floral, leafy, hay, nutmeg, earthy, clean.
Palate: Lime, citrus, dried pineapple, honey, piney juniper, celery, sweet red pepper, grain, hibiscus, violet, floral, lemongrass, herbs, mint, anise, fennel, licorice, celery seed, caraway, cumin, clove, tonic, barrel, clean, silky, yum.
Finish: Lemon peel, sweet cane, celery, piney juniper, eucalyptus, mint, fennel, caraway, tabasco, spicy, light pine, mineral, monster finish, zesty, smooth for high proof, yummy.

Gold Medal
Gold medal

Rowhouse Spirits Gin

New Amsterdam Gin
(New Amsterdam Spirits Co., CA) 80° prf
Nose: Lemon, lime, grapefruit, tangerine, orange, orange rind, lemon zest, lemon soda, Sprite, melon, tropical fruit, crazy citrus, lemon candy, Juicy Fruit, limoncello, cilantro, piney juniper, sweet pine tar.
Palate: Sweet tangerine, blood orange, key lime, lemon peel, orange zest, verbena, sweet citrus, candied orange, marmalade, mango, Sprite, lemon lime soda, lime soufflé, limoncello, blossom, lavender, spearmint, creamy, cookie dough, pastry.
Finish: Lemon zest, orange zest, orange pith, dried orange, mellow sweet citrus, floral, eucalyptus, peppery, wet stone, pine, gin and tonic, balanced, nice, delicious.

Gold Medal
Gold medal

New Amsterdam Gin

Half Moon Orchard Gin
(Tuthilltown Spirits, NY) 92° prf
Nose: Tangerine, grapefruit, lemon peel, lemon tart, lemon curd, honey, orange blossom, jasmine, rosewater, floral, juniper, holly berry, herbal, English Breakfast tea, celery mint, spicy, white peppercorn, pine, tree bark, clean.
Palate: Lime soufflé, creamy, orange peel, berries, dried fruit, chocolate, lavender, rose, violet, floral, mint, menthol, black licorice, anise, fennel seed, cracked juniper, clove, caraway, spicy, pink peppercorn, mineral, piney, woodsy, clean.
Finish: Lemon, lime, orange, citrus, Indian gooseberry, cranberry, violet, rosewater, floral, grassy, mint, anise, fennel, cinnamon, exotic spices, caraway, peppery, pink peppercorn, black pepper, mineral, heavy pine, creamy, velvety, complex, for cocktails.

Gold Medal
Gold medal

Half Moon Orchard Gin

The Revivalist Equinox Expression Gin
(Brandywine Branch Distillers, PA) 86° prf
Nose: Lemon, pear, dates, dried strawberries, dried mango, tropical fruit, honey, candied orange, cherry saltwater taffy, cocoa, chocolate, buttercream frosting, mild vanilla cake, vanilla, pastry, almond, vegetal, leafy, mint, thyme, sage, sandalwood, light juniper, dusty, driftwood, clean.
Palate: Lemon, lime, citrus, fresh tropical fruit, chocolate, buttery, floral, leafy, green, grassy, eucalyptus, herbal mint, light licorice, nutty, clove, caraway, cumin, pink peppercorn, pine, clean, silky.
Finish: Citrus, eucalyptus, mint, grass, caraway, onion seed, salty, wood, soft wood, pine, clean, smooth.

Gold Medal
Gold medal

The Revivalist Equinox Expression Gin

Frolic Gin
(Krooked Tusker Distillery, NY) 96° prf
Nose: Citrus peel, juniper, floral, corn, hops, nutty, light toffee, spice cake, wheat, grain, dough, toasted oats, herbal, eucalyptus, moss, sage, thyme, pickles, brine, earthy, musty old wood, pine, oak bark, oak barrel.
Palate: Orange, orange rind, old vine figs, sweet berry, caramel, juniper, lavender, mild florals, dried flowers, toasted oats, aged wheat, corn, cucumber, anise, fennel, mint, sage, light cayenne, spicy, chalky, brine, tannins.
Finish: Banana, tropical fruit, sweet berry, dried citrus, light toffee and cream, cucumber, eucalyptus, anise, chalky, green earth, earthy, smooth.

Gold Medal
Gold medal

Frolic Gin

Nordisk - Sarek Edition Gin
(Nordisk Brænderi, Denmark) 89.6° prf
Nose: Kaffir lime, lemon, citrus, lemon lime soda, lemon tart, sweet green tea, herbal, rose, floral, sweet grass, cucumber, pickle juice, pickle, coriander, aquavit, hay, straw, woody.
Palate: Lemon curd, lemon, citrus, lemon sorbet, elderflower, floral, herbal, tea, cucumber, carrot, anise, minty, eucalyptus, wheat, rye, caraway, cardamom, coriander, cracked pepper, peppery, mineral, earthy, cedar.
Finish: Lime, light anise, light mint, rose petals, floral, sweet herbal, grassy, carrot, bamboo, rye, thyme, cardamom, spice, minerality, wet stone, piney, smooth, easy, Scandinavian.

Gold Medal
Gold medal

Nordisk Sarek Edition Gin


Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin
(Four Pillars Distillery, Australia) 83.6° prf
Nose: Grapefruit, grapefruit peel, lime, orange, pink lemonade, sweet berry, floral, juniper, celery, minty cucumber, green pepper, lemongrass, mint tea, eucalyptus, menthol, caraway, pink peppercorn.
Palate: Lemon, citrus, orange, lemon curd, limoncello, dried orange liqueur, rosewater, lavender, floral, leafy, celery, juniper, sweet licorice, anise, minty pepper, cardamom, clove, black peppercorn.
Finish: Lemon, grapefruit, sour apples, lime soufflé, honey, orange marmalade, leafy, sage, cardamom, spice, earthy, pine, clean, smooth.

Gold Medal
Gold medal

Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin

D. George Benham's Sonoma Dry Gin
(Graton Distilling Co., CA) 90° prf
Nose: Lime soufflé, lemon cream, cane sugar, subtle citrus, juniper, chamomile, floral, lemongrass, mint, spearmint, eucalyptus, dried leaves.
Palate: Peppermint candy, Christmas candy cane, sugar cane, honey, lemon rind, lemon herb tea, rose blossoms, floral, green flowers, leafy, spearmint, anise, grassy herbs, clove, caraway, very spicy, straw, earthy, raw pine sap.
Finish: Mixed dried fruit, mint, eucalyptus, caraway, cumin seed, cinnamon, peppery, mineral, wet stone, sweet cedar, light, clean, fresh.

Gold Medal
Gold medal

D. George Benham's Sonoma Dry

The Revivalist Summertide Expression Gin
(Brandywine Branch Distillers, PA) 84° prf
Nose: Lemon peel, lemon cream cake, cherry, violet, piney juniper, cucumber, hops, eucalyptus, sandalwood, botanicals, herbal, menthol, mint, almond, lemon-pepper, bark, grass, dried leaves, cedar.
Palate: Rose petals, violet, floral, botanicals, lemongrass, Earl Grey tea, herbal, dried leaves, wintergreen gum, spearmint, spearmint gum, minty, Dentine, eucalyptus, clove, anise, licorice root, caraway seeds, baking spice, spice, peppery, pink peppercorn, fresh, complex.
Finish: Lemon, lemon rind, mint, dried grass, dried leaves, almond, licorice, brown spice, roasted caraway seeds, peppercorns, earthy, woodsy, tangy, super chilly on the inhale, cleans your palate, freshens your breath.

Gold Medal
Gold medal

The Revivalist Summertide Expression Gin


Madam Pattirini Gin

(Ogden’s Own Distillery, UT) 88° prf
Nose: Lime, lemon peel, tangerine, orange blossom, lavender, bright juniper, fresh herbs, spearmint, grassy, thyme, grain, celery salt, wet stones, river rock.
Palate: Lemon, lime peel, lime sorbet, lemongrass, grassy herbs, cracked juniper berry, rosewater, lavender, floral, thyme, cardamom, licorice, anise, fennel seeds, clove, cocoa, chalk, flour, uncooked pastry, creamy.
Finish: Lime, lime pith, citrus, vanilla, violet, floral, light herbs, cinnamon, cardamom, slight spice, pink peppercorn, pepper, mineral, limestone, wood.
Gold Medal
Gold medal

Madam Pattirini Gin

Oomaw Gin
(New World Distillery, UT) 89° prf
Nose: Lime spritzer, lemon water, lemon peel, sweet berry, rose, rosewater, lavender, floral, juniper, minty, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, pink peppercorn, earthy, very light chalk.
Palate: Lemon custard, vanilla, juniper, violet, rose, lavender, floral, blossoms, herbs, lemongrass, grass, carrot greens, forest leaves, cinnamon tea, spice, pine, cedar, oak, sea salt, earthy, silky.
Finish: Lime, citrus, lemon peel, juniper, carrot, anise, cassia gum, floral, cinnamon, brown spices, quinine, pine gum, woodsy, oak, clean.

Gold Medal
Gold medal

Oomaw Gin

South Pulteney Gin
(Krooked Tusker Distillery, NY) 90° prf
Nose: Toffee, cream, sweet berry, dried stone fruit, lemon, orange blossom, lilac, floral, vegetal, cucumber, juniper, licorice, mint, sage, sandalwood, cardamom, pepper, straw, wheat, grain, new wood, musty.
Palate: Watermelon, sweet melon, citrus, dried stone fruit, vanilla cake, butter, floral, botanicals, fennel seeds, caraway, sage tincture, canella, baking spices, white pepper, black peppercorn, pink peppercorn, grain, dusty, chalky, earthy, woodsy.
Finish: Honey, citrus, fennel seeds, medicinal herbs, canella, spicy, well-balanced, clean, easy, great.

Gold Medal
Gold medal

South Pulteney Gin

Batchers’ Gin
(Litchfield Distillery, CT) 86° prf
Nose: Toffee, cream, ripe banana, dates, lemon, tangerine, dried cherry, banana taffy, pomelo candy, corn, bran cereal, grainy, juniper, piney juniper, celery, cucumber, lavender, floral, soft spice, light new white oak, deep rustic aged wood.
Palate: Pomelo fruit, grapefruit, lemon, lime, watermelon, honey, pineapple taffy, pastry frosting, grain, wheat, lavender, violet, dried flowers, lemongrass, grassy herbs, cucumber, vegetal, celery seed, fennel seed, spicy, pink peppercorn, smoke, mineral, stone, pine, cedar.
Finish: Prickly pear, watermelon, citrus, celery, fennel, mint, spicy, white pepper, grain, mineral, wet stones, smooth, interesting.

Gold Medal
Gold medal

Batchers’ Gin

Sourland Mountain Spirits Gin
(Sourland Mountain Spirits, NJ) 90° prf
Nose: Lemon zest, lemongrass, juniper, rose blossom, lavender, myrtle, grass, hay, dried leaves, grain, dried sage, spice, earth, driftwood, woodshop, pine, cedar.
Palate: Lime, lemon curd, cane, honey, vanilla custard, vanilla mint gum, pastry dough, filo dough, roasted vegetables, violet, rose, sweet myrtle, herbal, dried grass, menthol, clove, spice, pink peppercorn, piney juniper, pine resin, oak.
Finish: Lemon meringue, truffle, floral, saffron, herbal, pepper, eucalyptus, light licorice, caraway seed, chalky, wet stone, strong pine, wood, silky, zesty.

Gold Medal
Gold medal

Sourland Mountain Spirits Gin

Five Saints Gin
(Five Saints Distilling, PA) 90° prf
Nose: Lime, lemon-lime soda, orange, tangerine, honey, candied fruit, citrus candy, lemon poppy cake, spice cake, vanilla, cream soda, dried fruit, eucalyptus, herbal, talcum powder.
Palate: Vanilla, vanilla cake, poppy seed cake, lime, violet, root beer float, black licorice, anise, spearmint, mint, menthol, eucalyptus, green peppercorn, chalk, pine.
Finish: Citrus, lemon-lime soda, licorice, ouzo, sambucca, mint, spearmint, poppy seeds, peppercorn, pepper, rosemary, pine, wow.

Gold Medal
Gold medal

Five Saints Gin

Earl Grey Gin
(Corgi Spirits, NJ)  Organic  80° prf
Nose: Caramel, Coca-Cola, Maltese grapes, lime peel, juniper, Earl Grey tea, vegetable root, celery, saffron, spicy, the ocean, brine, seawater.
Palate: Bergamot, ginger, ginger tea, Earl Grey tea, mint, spearmint, floral, grassy, dried herbs, saffron, nutty, clove, cinnamon, molasses, tannins, complex.
Finish: Citrus rind, bergamot, Earl Grey tea, herbal, tabasco, mineral, stone, brine, tannins, wood barrel, clean.

Gold Medal
Gold medal

Earl Grey Gin

Lula Gin
(Lula Restaurant Distillery, LA) 80° prf
Nose: Dried cherry, mango, Juicy Fruit gum, chocolate syrup, cocoa, apple blossom, cucumber, sandalwood, almond, nuts, clove, nutmeg, sweet spices, celery salt, wet hay, wintergreen gum, minerals, earthy, leather, cedar, cool, dusty.
Palate: Dark chocolate, mocha, cream, vanilla, orange candy, sweet dried candied fruit, fruitcake, raisin bran cereal, licorice, anise, fennel seed, juniper, bell pepper, violet, rose, dried flowers, dried leaves, grass, herbal, mint, sandalwood, allspice, nutmeg, clove, coriander, warm spice, spicy, mineral, pine.
Finish: Dark chocolate, cocoa, candied pecans, dried violets, floral, saffron, herbs, mint all through, grass, spicy, peppery, dusty, earthy, delicious.

Gold Medal
Gold medal

Lula Gin

StilltheOne Comb Gin
(StillTheOne Distillery, NY) 94° prf
Nose: Lemon, lime, citrus, lemon cream, honey, violet, herbal, juniper, piney juniper, anise, green mint, spearmint, mint gum, coriander, pickling spices, cinnamon bark, sweet wood, forest, clean.
Palate: Lemon curd, citrus, violet, blossoms, dry floral, light tea leaves, vegetal, juniper, piney juniper, sweet licorice, anise, cinnamon, peppercorn, peppery, caraway, grains, cedar.
Finish: Winter mint, mint, menthol, piney juniper, herbs, violet, light spice, caraway seeds, earthy, clean, balanced.

Gold Medal
Gold medal

StilltheOne Comb Gin

Skunktown Distillery Golden Gin
(Skunktown Distillery, NJ) 80° prf
Nose: Banana pudding, banana cream, banana bread, caramel, candied orange, honey, cherry, ripe apple, cider, juniper, almond, amaretto, floral, mint, cinnamon, toast.
Palate: Caramel, vanilla cake icing, banana bread, banana, sweet berry, dried orange peel, Earl Grey tea, dried grass, celery, celery bitters, ginger, anise, licorice, mint, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, wood barrel, clean.
Finish: Celery, sweet berry, lavender, ginger, mint, dried grass, cardamom, black pepper, spicy, fresh, smooth, dessert, yum.

Gold Medal
Gold medal

Skunktown Distillery Golden Gin


Best Gin Part 2
Best Gin 2