Gin starts with a neutral grain spirit, typically distilled from grains like barley, corn, rye, or wheat. This base spirit is usually distilled to a high proof to remove any flavors from the raw materials.
The primary botanical in gin, juniper, provides its distinctive piney and resinous flavor. Additional botanical additions include citrus peels, coriander seeds, angelica root, cardamom, and various herbs and spices. Easch distiller selects a unique combination to create their gin’s signature profile.
Gins are produced all over the world and can generally be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, with tonic — a particularly great match for gin– and in cocktails. Don’t miss our featured cocktails below.

Without further ado, let’s jump into our list of curated spirit ‘stars’ this month.

Note: All prices in effect from July 1-31, 2024 at all four Oliver’s Market locations.

Featured Favorite

Griffo Scott Street Gin, 750 ML Bottle, $24.99 +crv LOCAL  

“Distilled in a London Style, the botanicals inside go through Griffo’s pot still and are distilled in a single run. The flavor profile walks a balanced tightrope between botanicals (juniper and coriander) and fruit (Meyer lemon). Give this local gin a try!”  – Matteo Polverari, Montecito Wine Manager

Juniper-Forward Styles

More traditional juniper-forward gins emphasize the distinctive, piney, and slightly resinous flavor of juniper berries, which is the primary botanical in all gins. These gins often have a bold and aromatic profile, prominently featuring the juniper’s characteristic sharpness and herbal notes.

Bombay Sapphire Gin, 750 ML Bottle, $18.99 +crv   

“Every house bar should have Bombay Sapphire! Crafted by a vapor-infused process that highlights ten different botanicals. Notes of juniper, citrus, coriander and spices. Have it shaken, not stirred in a classic Martini cocktail.” – Matteo Polverari, Montecito Wine Manager

Beefeater London Dry Gin, 750 ML Bottle, $16.99 +crv          

“A remarkably clean flavor, with a bold juniper character that is balanced with strong notes of citrus. The botanicals are steeped for 24 hours resulting in a complex, yet perfectly balanced gin of depth & integrity.” – Justin Bowman, Cotati Wine Manager

Sonoma Brothers Gin, 750 ML Bottle, $17.99 +crv LOCAL

“This local, Sonoma County gin redefines the term “craft spirits”. The four botanical, New American style gin offers notes of fresh juniper berries, coriander, fennel, and citrus orange zest.” – Justin Bowman, Cotati Wine Manager

Tanqueray London Dry Gin, 750 ML Bottle, $18.99 +crv

“An iconic London Dry Gin made with the four distinct botanicals of juniper, coriander, angelica, and licorice. The result is a perfectly balanced spirit that has a unique herbal quality and dry finish. It really doesn’t get more classic than a Tanqueray Gin and Tonic!” – Brandon Witwicki, Windsor Wine Manager

Botanical-Forward Gin

Botanical-forward gins highlight a more diverse and balanced array of botanicals beyond juniper. These gins can include a variety of ingredients such as citrus peels, coriander, cardamom, angelica root, herbs, and flowers, resulting in a complex and layered flavor profile. The juniper is present but more subdued, allowing other botanicals to shine.

Young & Yonder HOBS Gin, 750 ML Bottle, $24.99 +crv

“Inviting citrus and lavender aromas segue to a satisfying palate of moderate juniper, refreshing orange peel and floral tones. We are proud to carry this local gem!” – Josh Kirchhoff, Corporate Wine & Liquor Coordinator

Gray Whale Gin, 750 ML Bottle, $29.99 +crv 

“Using six Californian botanicals (juniper, mint, lime, fir tree, kombu, and almonds) that are sustainably sourced or wildly-foraged along the Pacific Coast, this gin has a refreshingly citrus palate with a smooth creamy finish.” – Justin Bowman, Cotati Wine Manager

Hendrick’s Gin, 750 ML Bottle, $28.99 +crv  

“Hendrick’s is a combination of two gins made in two different stills, then married together and accompanied with infusions of Rose and Cucumber. The product is a light, but full flavored gin that is wondrously refreshing!” – Brandon Witwicki, Windsor Wine Manager

New Alchemy Fleurette Gin, 750 ML Bottle, $26.99 +crv

“The nose opens with floral and citrus aromas, leading to fragrant, yet subtle juniper on the palate. A touch of sweetness on the finish…what a beauty!”  – Josh Kirchhoff, Corporate Wine & Liquor Coordinator

New Amsterdam Gin, 750 ML Bottle, $11.99 +crv

“This gin offers a smooth, citrus-forward profile that’s both refreshing and versatile. Its unique flavor profile, featuring a prominent citrus burst and subtle juniper notes, makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy fruit-forward cocktails. Moreover, it’s affordable and versatile.” – David Riley, Stony Point Wine Manager

Marin Coastal Gin, 750 ML Bottle, $28.99 +crv

“Marin Coastal Gin captures California’s coastline with its blend of locally sourced botanicals. Infused with California citrus peel, nori seaweed, and Santa Rosa’s angelica seeds, it offers a savory and earthy aroma with a hint of the ocean’s breeze. On the palate, it presents a bright juniper flavor complemented by a subtle sweetness. A versatile choice for both classic and innovative cocktails.” – David Riley, Stony Point Wine Manager

Sloe Gin

Sloe gin is a liqueur made by infusing gin with sloe berries, the fruit of the blackthorn bush. Unlike traditional gin, which emphasizes juniper and other botanicals, sloe gin is characterized by its rich, fruity flavor and deep ruby-red color. Sloe gin is perfect for enjoying neat or in cocktails.

Spirit Works Sloe Gin, 750 ML Bottle, $34.99 +crv LOCAL

“Pomegranate and cranberry on the nose, followed by cherry and bright acidity on the palate. Finishes dry with almond tones.” – Josh Kirchhoff, Corporate Wine & Liquor Coordinator

Got Questions?

Please remember that our Wine, Spirits, and Beverage team loves to answer your questions, so do not hesitate to ask for assistance.

The Care and Keeping of your Gin                                                    

• Store in a cool, dark area, such as a wine cellar, pantry, cabinet or box
• Store your gin in its bottle or a well-sealed decanter
• Store at a stable temperature, and avoid sunlight (68-72 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal)
• To enjoy all of its nuanced flavors, gin can also be chilled before serving, especially if serving neat.

Ways to Enjoy Gin

• On the rocks, where nuanced flavors emerge as the ice slowly melts
• Sipped Neat, ideally lightly or fully chilled
• In a cocktail, which can range from the classic Gin & Tonic or Martini to more complex creations

Recipes

Dirty Martini

• 2 oz. Tanqueray London Dry Gin
• 3/4 oz. Olive Bring
• 1/4 oz. Extra Dry Vermouth
• Skewered Olives for garnish

1. Add Tanqueray, olive brine, and extra dry vermouth to a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Shake and fine strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with skewered olives.

Fleurette 75

• 1 ½ oz. Fleurette Gin
• ¾ oz. Simple Syrup
• ¾ oz. Lemon Juice
• 1 egg white
• 3 drops Orange Blossom Water
• Champagne, to top
• Peychaud’s Bitters and Cherry

1. Dry shake all ingredients for 20 seconds, then add ice and shake for 15 more seconds.
2. Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a cherry and top with Champagne. Finish with a few drops of Peychaud’s Bitters.

Elderflower Spritz

• 1 ½ parts Gray Whale Gin
• ½ part Carpano Bianco
• ½ part Elderflower Liqueur
• 2 parts Prosecco or Cava
• Club Soda
• Lemon Twist for garnish

1. Add all ingredients to a wine glass and top with ice.
2. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Pomegranate Ginger Fizz

• 1 ½ oz. Griffo Scott Street Gin
• 1 oz. Pomegranate juice
• ½ oz. Lime Juice
• ¼ oz. Morrison Kitchen Ginger Syrup
• 2 oz. Fever Tree Ginger Soda
• Pomegranate seeds for garnish

1. Place first four ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain into a glass over fresh ice. .
2. Top with ginger beer and garnish with pomegranate seeds.

 Sloe Gin Bramble

• 1 ½ oz. Spirit Works Sloe Gin
• 1 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
• ½ oz. Simple Syrup
• ½ Crème de Mure (blackberry liqueur)
• Blackberries and Lemon Wheel for garnish

1. Shake the sloe gin, lemon juice and simple syrup with ice in a shaker.
2. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
3. Drizzle the liqueur over the top and garnish with blackberries and a lemon wheel (optional)

Sloe Gin Jam

Ingredients:

• 4 cups sloe berries (or blackberries)
• 2 cups sugar
• ¼ cup sloe gin
• 1 Lemon, juiced

1. Combine berries, sugar, and lemon juice in a large pot and cook over medium heat until the berries break down and the mixture thickens.
2. Stir in the sloe gin and cook for an additional five minutes.
3. Pour into sterilized jars and seal, following food safety canning guidelines. Allow to cool before storing.