A go-to base for classic cocktails – martini, anyone? – the story of gin extends as far back as the 17th century. Today, tradition remains but innovation seeps through, with botanical choices becoming increasingly more unique, and the resulting gins becoming associated with their distinct regions. Whether you prefer classic juniper or locally foraged fruits, the following nine gins have you covered.
G&T Style Gin || Scratch Distillery || Edmonds, WA
Crafted from Scratch Distillery’s organic wheat-based vodka and vapor infused in the still with a gin basket, this gin and tonic-style gin is a cocktail lover’s fantasy. Although a satisfying sipper solo – with 19 botanicals blended to give it a unique flavor profile – this gin works wonders in the classic G&T, shining with citrus notes of grapefruit and tangerine.
Stump Coastal Forest Gin || Phillips Fermentorium Distilling Co. || Victoria, British Columbia
Perfect for the Northwest yet like no other gin, this one is crafted with British Columbia-grown herbs and botanicals. Initially distilled on a 1920’s British-made still and eventually redistilled with said botanicals, the gin is a mark of its fir tree-studded environment.
Spy Hop Salal Berry Distilled Gin || San Juan Island Distillery || Friday Harbor, WA
Distilled in a small copper alembic pot still, local wild roses, blackberries, lavender and Madrone bark star here with the addition of the common but widely unknown purple salal berry. Indigenous to western North America, the salal berry gives this gin its finishing green note wrapped in lemon and citrus – a true Northwest imbibement.
Big Gin || Captive Spirits Distilling || Seattle, WA
Weighing in at 47 percent ABV, this award-winning gin packs a botanical-filled punch. Juniper, bitter orange peel, cassis and orris give this gin its classic, traditional London-dry feel that is complemented with Tasmanian pepperberry and grains of paradise angelica for a bright, alluring draw.
Portland Dry Gin || Aria Gin || Portland, OR
It may have been created by a 17-year old bartender, but Aria gin exudes experience and innovation. Four years and hundreds of test distillations later, it is ready for use in any gin-based cocktail – martini, gin and tonic, you name it. The sipping experience is floral, slightly spicy and finally creamy due to the Bull Run water used to cut the gin post-distillation. Your favorite classic cocktail calls for this one.
Aviation Gin || Aviation American Gin || Portland, OR
The progeny of bartender Ryan Magarian and House Spirits Distillery, Aviation gin is believed by many to be the first bartender-distillery partnership in American history. Handcrafted with botanicals sourced by the Oregon Spice Company, this gin is ideal for citrus-backed drinks that allow its notes of lavender, cardamom, sarsaparilla and anise seed to come through.
Schramm Organic Gin || Pemberton Distillery || Pemberton, British Columbia
This single-batch gin is uniquely distilled from a potato spirit made with Pemberton Valley-grown organic potatoes. Traditional juniper and coriander seed are present here, with regional additions such as rosemary and hops to exude the true taste of the Pemberton Valley.
Vin Gin || de Vine Vineyards || Saanichton, British Columbia
Double distilled from British Columbia wine grapes, this gin is known for its grape-based character; starring varietals include Pinot Gris and Gruner Veltliner. With a third distillation, organic and wild botanicals are added to the mix, resulting in aromatics crossed between fruit-forward, crisp wine and herbaceous traditional gin.
