Gray Whale is a unique and captivating style of gin that beautifully showcases the flavors of California and the migratory journey of the Gray Whale. This gin is a perfect blend of traditional botanicals and hand-foraged Californian ingredients, resulting in a one-of-a-kind London dry gin.
The style of gin is London dry, which means that it is made using a traditional distillation method and includes a careful selection of botanicals. London dry gins are known for their balanced and juniper-forward profiles, making them a classic choice for gin enthusiasts.
What sets Gray Whale apart from other London dry gins is the addition of Californian botanicals that reflect the journey of the Gray Whale. By incorporating hand-foraged ingredients from the coastal regions of California, Gray Whale captures the essence of the whale's migratory path from the warm lagoons of Baja California to the cold waters of the Arctic.
The use of Californian botanicals adds a unique twist to the traditional gin profile. These botanicals not only provide a sense of place but also offer a range of flavors that complement and enhance the classic gin botanicals. By combining the best of both worlds, Gray Whale creates a harmonious and complex flavor profile.
The specific Californian botanicals used in Gray Whale may vary slightly depending on the batch, but they typically include ingredients such as sagebrush, bay, yerba santa, and fir. These botanicals are hand-foraged and carefully selected to ensure the highest quality and flavor.
Sagebrush adds a wonderful earthy and herbal note to the gin, while bay contributes a subtle and aromatic touch. Yerba santa, a plant native to California, brings a unique minty and floral character to the mix. Lastly, fir adds a refreshing and resinous quality that complements the other botanicals.
Together, these Californian botanicals work in harmony with the traditional botanicals typically found in London dry gins, such as juniper, coriander, and citrus peel. The result is a gin that is both familiar and innovative, allowing you to taste your way along the migratory path of the Gray Whale.
In terms of flavor, Gray Whale is a gin that offers a balanced and nuanced experience. The juniper is prominent, as expected from a London dry gin, but it is complemented by the unique flavors of the Californian botanicals. The herbal, floral, and citrus notes are well-integrated, creating a gin that is both complex and approachable.
Whether enjoyed neat, in a classic gin and tonic, or in a creative cocktail, Gray Whale stands out as a gin that truly captures the spirit of California and the migratory journey of the Gray Whale. Its distinctive flavor profile and the story behind it make it a gin worth exploring and savoring.