Woody Creek Distillers Gin, often referred to as Colorado Gin or Roaring Fork Gin, is the flagship gin from Woody Creek Distillers in Basalt, Colorado. This handcrafted gin is distilled from a base of their pure Rio Grande potato spirit, which adds a unique complexity and depth of flavor. The spirit is then redistilled with a thoughtful blend of 13 botanicals, including locally sourced Rocky Mountain juniper (hand-picked by their master distiller and European varieties), fresh lemons, fresh oranges, fresh limes, lemongrass (local from Osage Gardens in Rifle, CO), coriander, cinnamon, angelica, hibiscus, grains of paradise, lavender, cranberries, and rose hips. The botanicals are steeped in the potato distillate for 18 hours before a single distillation run in their copper pot/column hybrid still. It is then brought down to 47% ABV with reverse osmosis water.
Tasting Notes:
- Nose: The aroma is bright and citrus-forward, with noticeable notes of grapefruit, orange, lemon, and tangerine, alongside a slight herbaceousness and evergreen hints from the juniper. Some detect a creamy, almost buttery quality with lemongrass and subtle floral undertones.
- Palate: The palate is described as dry and citrusy initially, with a good burst of juniper that is backed by subtle spices and grassy notes. It evolves to reveal a creamy texture with vanilla, a hint of cinnamon, and more pronounced orange and lime zest.
- Finish: The finish is fairly clean and balanced, with the citrus notes slightly edging out the other aromatics. It's less intensely junipery and more fruity, with a tart hint of pomegranate and cranberry for some.
Awards:
- Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2020).
- Rated 4.5 out of 5 by the community on Distiller.com.
- Recommended as a "first-rate gin--nicely flowery without being overbearing" by a reviewer on Total Wine.
- Awarded Platinum at the Los Angeles Spirits Awards (2020).
Overall Impression: Woody Creek Distillers Gin is a contemporary-style gin that offers a unique character derived from its potato base and a complex blend of traditional and new-world botanicals. It strikes a balance between classic juniper notes and a bright, citrus-forward profile with subtle floral and spicy undertones. The creamy texture and clean finish make it a versatile gin for a wide range of cocktails, from classic Gin & Tonics and Martinis to more creative concoctions. It's appreciated for its smoothness and the intriguing journey of flavors it offers.
