Beverage Dynamics is the largest national business magazine devoted exclusively to the needs of off-premise beverage alcohol retailers, from single liquor stores to big box chains, through coverage of the latest trends in wine, beer and spirits.
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40 Beverage Dynamics • July/August 2014 www.beveragedynamics.com A Place in the Crowd structed on a foundation of neutral grain spirits that are slowly steeped with a botanical mix that includes lavender, sage, lemon peels, cucum- ber and juniper. Some botanicals steep longer in the alcohol than others to impart a more pronounced fl avor and aroma. All told, the highly aromatic, 90-proof gin undergoes fi ve distillations in a copper pot still. NEO-CLASSICS A number of brands have survived the usual challenges of the initial launch and are now fi rmly entrenched in category's ranks. These neo- classics are among the fi nest examples of their type or style. "People don't buy categories, they buy brands," asserts Thomas Mooney, co-owner and CEO of House Spirits Distillery. "The rise of gin is led by a handful of pioneering brands that have introduced new, more balanced expressions of gin, for example Hendrick's or our Aviation American Gin. These growth brands are more mixable, but they also pair well with complex fruit and spice fl avors that are not as kind to more traditional gins." Aviation American Gin — Handcrafted at the House Spirits Dis- tillery in Portland, OR, Aviation is a small batch artisanal gin distilled on a base of neutral rye spirits and infused with 7 botanicals, a mix that includes lavender, cardamom and sarsaparilla. This spicy, herbal and citrusy spirit is bottled at 84 proof. Bluecoat American Dry Gin — Handcrafted in Philadelphia, or- ganic Bluecoat American Dry Gin, 94 proof, is formulated on a base of pot-distilled rye, wheat, barley and corn. The resulting spirit is then infused with juniper, sweet orange peels and fresh citrus. In a break from style, the fruit notes and fl avors take center stage. Bulldog — This ultra-premium gin from London is hand- crafted in small copper pot stills from English grain and a blend of 12 aromatics. The gin, 80 proof, features a botanical mix that features dragon eye, a fruit from Southeast Asia long renown for its aphrodisiac properties. Cold River — Cold River Gin is made in Freeport, ME, from lo- cally sourced potatoes and spring water from an underground aquifer. The gin, 94 proof, has an oily textured body and balanced palate with juniper in the lead and zesty citrus and cardamom spice on the fi nish. Fifty Pounds London Dry — This classically styled spirit is distilled in London on a base of neutral grain spirits and eleven botanicals, in- cluding juniper, angelica root, coriander, licorice root, Grains of Para- dise from African, lemons and oranges and French herb savoury. Its last 3 botanicals are a proprietary secret. After distillation, the 87-proof spirit is rested to allow the fl avor of the botanicals to fully integrate. G'Vine Floraison — This 80-proof French import is quadru- ple-distilled in copper alembic stills from Ugni Blanc grapes, 9 bo- tanicals and fl eur de vigue, the essential oils of the Ugni Blanc fl ower. The super-premium gin is highly aromatic with prominent notes of orange blossoms and lime zest. Nolet's Silver Dry Gin — Crafted at the Nolet Distillery in Schiedam, Holland, Nolet Silver is comprised of a neutral grain spirit distilled from premium winter wheat. The super-premium gin is crafted with several unique botanicals, namely fresh white peaches, raspberries and Turkish rose petals. The 95.2 proof gin is slightly sweet and fl oral. Right Gin — Produced in Malmo, Sweden, Right Gin is an 80- proof spirit crafted on a foundation of neutral spirits column-distilled from locally grown corn. Its breadth of character is derived from a mix of 8 botanicals that includes juniper, cardamom, coriander, citrus, Sicilian bergamot and black pepper from Borneo. OTHER FAVORITES Regardless of whether they feature conventional juniper-forward characters or are more avant garde in structure, these brands appeal to gin enthusiasts. Broker's — This London dry gin from Birmingham, England is made on a foundation of neutral grain spirits quadruple-distilled in a Bluecoat American Dry Gin Bulldog Gin Nolet's Silver Dry Gin Uncle Val's Gin London No. 1 Gin Monkey 47 Gin