Graton Distilling Company - D. George Benham's Sonoma Dry Gin
Price: $31.90
| Producer | Graton Distilling Company |
| Country | United States |
| Region | California |
| Subregion | Sonoma County |
| Style | Gin |
| Sku | 03819 |
Graton Distilling Company Description
Graton distilling company makes meticulously crafted spirits that reflect the rustic artistry and raucous vibe of our northern california home. Our gin, whiskey, bourbon, rye whiskey and vodka each has their own soul, their own spirit. We try to let each one emerge on their own terms.
We like to tinker with our concoctions to coax each spirit into something distinct and undeniably delicious. We begin by carefully selecting the finest grains, fruits and botanicals available then combine innovation with traditional distilling methods to create an exquisitely balanced spirit that speaks for itself.
DISTILLERY
Located in the tiny, artistic Sonoma County town of Graton (Gray-Ton), our one-of-akind micro-distillery is dedicated to the hands-on production of quality craft spirits. Here in Graton, under the inspiration and guidance of Derek George Benham, we are free to experiment, tinker, and go our own way. Our unique microcolumn still is extremely versatile, allowing us to distill spirits ranging from vodka and gin to whiskey and brandy. It’s incredibly water and energy efficient, using 20-30% less energy than a single pot still, which is important in eco-sensitive West Sonoma County. Just as importantly, it gives us exceptional control over the distillation process. Special botanical baskets allow us to dial in the temperature and length of vapor extraction for each of the 12 components of our gin. Starting in our own backyard, we’ve looked to the best places around the globe for our botanicals. The classic London Dry ingredients of juniper, coriander, and citrus take on a decidedly local flavor with a touch of chamomile, mint and exotic warm spice elements. The result is our balanced, classic yet bold Sonoma Dry style of gin.
METHOD
Each botanical is individually vapor distilled in our microcolumn continuous still to the peak point of extraction, then combined into a balanced, complex whole. We use fresh local citrus, delicately hand-zested, because the bright, intense citrus flavor is worth the extra work. Cool vapor extraction preserves the fragrant oils and perfume. We’ve sourced juniper from Tuscany, which ripens to peak flavor in the sunny growing climate. Hot vapor extraction in our botanical baskets brings out the rich, fruity Tuscan juniper flavors.
TASTE
The taste is big, bold and still well-balanced. It touches every part of the palate. Rich, ripe juniper is well-integrated and provides the framework. Citrus and exotic fruit flavors enhance and brighten the botanicals. On the nose, there’s the scent of warm cardamom, baking spices, truffle-like angelica earthiness and floral chamomile notes. On the palate, the full flavors are balanced by sweetness from star anise and creaminess from the orris root. The gin dances on the finish, with a touch of cool mint and peppery spice from the galangal and grains of paradise.
Wine Enthusiast: 92 Points
The bottle is vibrant turquoise but the contents are perfectly clear. The sweet aroma suggests candied lemon peel, warm orange peel, and a faint licorice note. Bold licorice leads on the palate, fading into bracing juniper, black pepper and clove.
– Kara Newman
