Not pictured: Dripping Springs Traditional and Artisan Gin, and Western Son Gin.
You know I love my Texas vodkas and some of my favorite brands also produce gin. I will admit that I originally was not a huge gin fan, partly because of the strong juniper flavor. However, I have learned to appreciate the herbal, floral side of the spirit that are being made now. One of the first gins that I REALLY enjoyed - Moody June Gin produced by Bone Spirits - unfortunately is no longer made. So if you ever run across a bottle, grab it! Over the years, I have had the opportunity to try many other brands either at liquor stores, industry events or cocktail conferences and have actually added some to my spirits collection.
My go-to cocktail is a vodka tonic, so a gin and tonic is something that i enjoy from time to time. And these gins have made me not mind it. (by alphabetical order)
1. Dripping Springs Traditional Gin - Made in Dripping Springs by San Luis Spirits (the maker of one of my faves- Dripping Springs Vodka and 1836 Vodka) in the traditional, juniper forward London style gin. From the first time I tried this gin, I was a fan.
2. Dripping Springs Artisan Gin - Also from San Luis Spirits but is a more floral product and my favorite of the two. Is especially nice with an elderflower tonic. Enjoy it at home or at their new tasting room in Dripping Springs (opening soon!) where you can try these gins, along with their vodka and whiskies.
3. Roxor Artisan Gin - Can we take a moment to admire this bottle? Beautiful! That's the first thing that attracted me to this gin - sorry, but it's the most attractive gin bottle I've ever seen!. The recipe created by a James Beard Award winning chef takes 'cooking' into consideration which is evident as soon as you taste it. The difference? The plants/herbs are steeped like a tea as opposed to the botanicals being "crushed". At 90 proof, it's incredibly smooth. I had the honor of working beside Mr. Short, the marketing genius of Roxor and was majorly impressed with his passion and presentation of his product.
4. Still Austin Gin - You know my obsession with rye vodka, so it's no surprise that this Austin spirit made with rye makes my faves list. You'll find it's a little citrus forward with just a touch of heat that comes from the spice of the rye. The labels are by local artists and look great on a bar shelf. Visit their distillery in south Austin for a fun, relaxing afternoon and enjoy their gin and some limited edition whiskies.
5. Waterloo Antique Barrel Reserve Gin - Produced by Treaty Oak Distilling, this gin is aged and takes on the color and flavor of the barrel like a whiskey would. It has a nice spice and heat that's familiar in whiskey notes. That's what I like about this one. Heck, you could ditch the tonic and have this one alone!
5. Waterloo Old Yaupon Gin - Also produced by Treaty Oak Distilling. This version is more citrus and herbal forward and why i love it so much. It's different from any other gin I've ever had. Old Yaupon is also made with Yaupon Holly - an ingredient that I don't think any other gin uses. A great day trip, there's plenty to do at Treaty Oak Distillery with a tasting room, cocktail bar, restaurant, food trucks and live music.
6. Western Son Gin - One of my favorite vodkas is Western Son Original Vodka, so of course the gin juice would also be divine. For the price, you can't beat this one. Surprisingly smooth and flavorful. Housed in an old panty factory, this distillery is worth a visit where you can try their gin, vodka and whiskey.
This is by no means a complete list of what's out in the way of Texas Gins, but this list is what's in my liBARy currently.
Have you given any of these a try? Let me know what you think. Cheers!
My go-to cocktail is a vodka tonic, so a gin and tonic is something that i enjoy from time to time. And these gins have made me not mind it. (by alphabetical order)
1. Dripping Springs Traditional Gin - Made in Dripping Springs by San Luis Spirits (the maker of one of my faves- Dripping Springs Vodka and 1836 Vodka) in the traditional, juniper forward London style gin. From the first time I tried this gin, I was a fan.
2. Dripping Springs Artisan Gin - Also from San Luis Spirits but is a more floral product and my favorite of the two. Is especially nice with an elderflower tonic. Enjoy it at home or at their new tasting room in Dripping Springs (opening soon!) where you can try these gins, along with their vodka and whiskies.
3. Roxor Artisan Gin - Can we take a moment to admire this bottle? Beautiful! That's the first thing that attracted me to this gin - sorry, but it's the most attractive gin bottle I've ever seen!. The recipe created by a James Beard Award winning chef takes 'cooking' into consideration which is evident as soon as you taste it. The difference? The plants/herbs are steeped like a tea as opposed to the botanicals being "crushed". At 90 proof, it's incredibly smooth. I had the honor of working beside Mr. Short, the marketing genius of Roxor and was majorly impressed with his passion and presentation of his product.
4. Still Austin Gin - You know my obsession with rye vodka, so it's no surprise that this Austin spirit made with rye makes my faves list. You'll find it's a little citrus forward with just a touch of heat that comes from the spice of the rye. The labels are by local artists and look great on a bar shelf. Visit their distillery in south Austin for a fun, relaxing afternoon and enjoy their gin and some limited edition whiskies.
5. Waterloo Antique Barrel Reserve Gin - Produced by Treaty Oak Distilling, this gin is aged and takes on the color and flavor of the barrel like a whiskey would. It has a nice spice and heat that's familiar in whiskey notes. That's what I like about this one. Heck, you could ditch the tonic and have this one alone!
5. Waterloo Old Yaupon Gin - Also produced by Treaty Oak Distilling. This version is more citrus and herbal forward and why i love it so much. It's different from any other gin I've ever had. Old Yaupon is also made with Yaupon Holly - an ingredient that I don't think any other gin uses. A great day trip, there's plenty to do at Treaty Oak Distillery with a tasting room, cocktail bar, restaurant, food trucks and live music.
6. Western Son Gin - One of my favorite vodkas is Western Son Original Vodka, so of course the gin juice would also be divine. For the price, you can't beat this one. Surprisingly smooth and flavorful. Housed in an old panty factory, this distillery is worth a visit where you can try their gin, vodka and whiskey.
This is by no means a complete list of what's out in the way of Texas Gins, but this list is what's in my liBARy currently.
Have you given any of these a try? Let me know what you think. Cheers!
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