St. George Spirits Dry Rye Gin is a unique and highly regarded American gin that stands out for its base spirit: 100% pot-distilled rye. This gives it a different character compared to gins made from neutral grain spirits, often appealing to both gin and whiskey enthusiasts.
Key Features:
- Base Spirit: 100% pot-distilled rye, providing a spicy and malty foundation reminiscent of genever or a white whiskey.
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Botanicals: A carefully selected blend of six botanicals:
- Juniper berries (used at twice the amount compared to their other gins)
- Black peppercorn
- Caraway
- Coriander seed
- Grapefruit peel
- Lime peel
- Distillation: Juniper is vapor-infused, while the other botanicals are distilled directly in copper pot stills.
- ABV: 45%.
Tasting Notes:
- Nose: Often described as having a nose suggestive of genever, with warm hay and malted grain tones alongside lime zest and herbaceous juniper. You'll likely find a peppery spice from the rye and black peppercorn, with hints of caraway.
- Palate: The rye base is evident upfront, with notes that can suggest beer schnapps or white whiskey. This is followed by the gin botanicals, including a noticeable juniper presence (though sometimes described as earthier rather than purely piney), black pepper, caraway, coriander, and a bright citrus from the grapefruit and lime.
- Finish: The finish is typically dry and spicy, with lingering notes of juniper, caraway, and the distinct warmth of the rye. Some detect a slightly peppery and even a touch of anise-like character.
Awards and Recognition:
St. George Dry Rye Gin has received significant praise and awards, including:
- Chairman's Trophy with 94 points at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2020.
- Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2021).
- Rated 95 points by Wine Enthusiast, who noted its bold, warm caraway scent and assertive notes of juniper and black pepper, finishing with peppy citrus.
- Named one of the "Best Gins You'll Ever Taste" by Forbes.
- Received a "Highest Recommendation" and was called "a hands-down instant classic" by Spirit Journal.
- Recognized as "Something else entirely; with a base of 100 percent pot-distilled rye, it has a rye whiskey's spice but a standard gin's juniper" by Food & Wine.
Overall Impression:
St. George Dry Rye Gin is a genre-bending spirit that appeals to both gin lovers looking for something unique and whiskey drinkers intrigued by the botanical infusion. Its rye base provides a distinct spiciness and malty character that sets it apart from traditional gins. It's considered versatile in cocktails, working well in classics like Negronis and Martinis, and can even be used in place of rye whiskey in some drinks for an intriguing twist. Many reviewers recommend sipping it neat or on the rocks to appreciate its complex flavor profile.
