Simple, reliable and open to interpretation – this is what I think of when I sip my favorite go-to cocktail in a pinch. The classic gin and tonic will never let you down. Dare I say it is the perfect cocktail, if anything but for its simplicity alone. No matter where you are, and how questionable your bar choices might be, you will always be able to order a G&T to your liking. Here are six Northwest gins to try for a fast and satisfying G&T, each one matching a different personality type.
Chapter One London Dry Gin | Temple Distilling
For the Traditionalist: For a more nostalgic gin and tonic experience, look no further than Chapter One London Dry Gin. Familiar but far from boring with black pepper, floral perfume, and pine oil aroma. Pot distilled over gentle heat using whole Italian juniper, citrus peel and seven other botanicals. It’s happy hour somewhere, diehard gin fans, and this gin is ready and waiting. Enjoy in true “Mad Men” style with a side of warm, savory olives tossed with orange zest and thyme.
45% ABV | 750 ml | $34 – Lynwood, Wash.
Gin & Tonic Style Gin | Scratch Distillery
For the Day Drinker: The name says it all with a smell of buttercream, herbal tea, lime peel and sweet tonic. Scratch Gin & Tonic Style Gin blends 19 botanicals with non-GMO grains locally sourced from Fairhaven Organic Mill in Washington’s Skagit Valley. Unintrusive juniper character, smooth and slightly crème brûlèe, with a finish of grapefruit. Enjoy this G&T at your next brunch with a side of crunchy, crisp and peppery mixed salad greens.
45% ABV | 750ml | $38 – Edmonds, Wash.
Empress 1908 Gin | Victoria Distillers
For the Magician: The first thing you’ll notice is the color, a mesmerizing tanzanite blue, the byproduct of butterfly pea blossoms that add an earthy herbal silhouette to an ever-present juniper, coriander and citrus peel profile. But it doesn’t stop there; rose petals, peppery ginger and black tea will soon follow. A mix of traditional and ultramodern, Empress 1908 Gin is a collaboration between Victoria Distillers and the legendary Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC. When mixed with acid, this gin morphs like a puff of smoke into glassy purples, petal pinks, and swirling fuchsias — a real showstopper. Break this out when the Royals stop by or those who love a good magic trick.
42.5% ABV | 750ml | $40 – Sidney, BC, Canada
ALOO Gin | OOLA Distillery
For the Barkeep: For a G&T that can please the masses, go with OOLA Distillery’s own ALOO Gin. Lemongrass, rose petals and violets on the nose. I enjoy the breezy casual hints of crushed leaves, ocean mist and earthy funk on the finish. Intended for bars and bartenders as a choice well gin, it quickly rose in rank for its charming personality and quality. ALOO Gin is also a winner of the London World Gin award for best traditional gin for the entire United States. Like a good bartender, it will get the job done every time – for everyone.
45% ABV | 1L | $39 – Seattle, Wash
Freeland Dry Gin | Freeland Spirits
For the Boss Lady: Good bones, savory, bold and tenacious. Master distiller Molly Troupe isn’t looking for subtle here. Juniper and pine lead into bright, peppery and prickly commotion, finishing with kaffir lime, citrus blossoms and bee pollen. London Dry-style and Navy Strength, it isn’t for the gutless. Sturdy yet graceful in every sip. It needs no pairing, but if you must, go big or go home.
57% ABV | 750ml | $43 – Portland, Ore.
Ransom Dry Gin | Ransom Spirits
For the Cascadian: Organic hops and marionberry – can’t get more Northwest than this. Oregon’s Ransom Dry Gin combines the maltiness and hop aromas of the genever style with a beautiful botanical infusion that adds a bit of surprise and delight to your next G&T. Sweet apple peel, fruit leather and strawberry jam aroma. Violets, navel orange, anise and lime leaf on the palate make for a decidedly eccentric but no less enjoyable experience. Always in season, enjoy this gin after a long misty hike with a side of foraged nuts and berries.
44% ABV | 750ml | $30 – McMinnville, Ore.
