Beverage of the Week (BOW)

Grand Traverse Distillery Small Batch Botanical Gin

Product Story

Most of the craft Gins need some work in my view while this Gin is ready for prime-time. The Peninsula Gin is created with the Grand Traverse Wheat Vodka as a base that is then infused with juniper, orange peel, lemon peel, angelica root, coriander, and grains of paradise. The soak (infusion) takes place over 24 hours in 100 proof wheat Vodka with the botanicals being stirred every few hours. The infused spirit then goes through a gentle distillation before being bottled at 90 proof. I have learned that close to 40 different Gin recipes were tried before discovering their ideal formula.

Brand Story

Grand Traverse Distillery (GTD), located in Traverse City, Michigan (northern Michigan along the 45th parallel) is the realization of founder Kent Rabish’s dream. A Michigan native, Rabish wanted to craft high quality spirits made in small batches from local ingredients. The first Vodka we tasted from Grand Traverse Distillery was their flagship “True North” Vodka made from Michigan rye and their local, glacial waters. We were blown away by the purity, depth, and integrity of this spirit. Once they had perfected their Vodka they have moved on to creating great American Whiskies, Gin, and other specialties as well. This is pne of our favorite craft distillers.

Tasting Note

Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are bold and clear rising from the glass well before it's lifted. Scents of juniper with vibrant citrus notes take the lead with accents of angelica and cilantro. The palate echoes the nose while being somehow even more intense with the botanicals becoming nearly chewy. The juniper and citrus have become fruity being framed by vibrant citrus zest and peppery spice notes. This is a bold and intense Gin with generous botanicals delivered on a silky, creamy bed of a beautiful wheat-based spirit.

How to Serve

I like this great Gin in a classic Gin martini as the flavor profile welcomes a quality vermouth.

Price: $ 35

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