Beverage of the Week (BOW)

Christian Drouin Le Gin

Product Story

Forget everything that you know about Gin! Of course, we expect nothing but perfection from Christian Drouin and with their fabulous "Le Gin" perfection is delivered. Gin drinkers are are an opinionated crew for sure and this very expressive Gin may fall outside of their expectations. For us, it's magical. As you would expect this Gin is made with a base of distilled cider. Thirty cider apples are utilized and expertly married with eight botanicals. Each of these botanicals (juniper, rose, lemon, ginger, vanilla, cinnamon, and almond) are distilled separately and blended in proper portions to achieve this bold but delicate Gin.

Brand Story

Christian Drouin Sr. bought a quaint country house set amongst orchards in Gonneville in the heart of Calvados Pays d'Auge in Normandy, France. He soon discovered that the price he could obtain for the apples he harvested would barely cover the cost of the harvest. His friend had a mobile still and advised on how to press the apples into cider and distill the cider into Brandy. Drouin Sr. had no previous experience but he did have good taste and had a great appreciation for quality wine and spirits. This, too, was his guide. The younger Christian Drouin is said to have contracted the Calvados virus from his father. While the stocks of incredible Calvados grew vintage after vintage, Christian knew that he must grow the reputation of Calvados and find customers for the great Brandy first in France and then the world. He succeeded. When I first met Christian Drouin well more than a decade ago he transmitted the Calvados appreciation virus to me and I've never been the same.

Tasting Note

Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is wonderfully aromatic with waves of bright juniper supported by generous notes of lemon zest, rose, blanched almonds, cardamon, and hints of vanilla bean. The palate echoes the nose delivering a vibrant botanical-driven core with bright citrus flavors in the lead supported by ginger with hints of brown baking spices. Medium to full-bodied with ideal balance thanks to a bright note of acidity with a vibrant botanicals delivered in perfect measure on a backdrop of a silky, pure spirit. $45 –

How to Serve

If ever there was a case for sipping Gin chilled without vermouth, the Le Gin makes this case. We like it with a one-quarter portion of your very best dry, white Vermouth.

Price: $ 45

BevX Review: See the Full BevX Featured Review