Mendocino Spirits Dry Gin is a hand-distilled California gin from Tamar Distillery in Mendocino County, made by master distiller Crispin Cain and Tamar Kaye in an antique copper Cognac Charentais pot still.
Crispin Cain built his craft at Germain-Robin brandy, and he brings Cognac methods to everything he makes. The gin is distilled in a 200-year-old Charentais still, combining a full extraction of fine botanicals with grain neutral spirit made from 80% non-GMO corn from Quebec and 20% organic wheat from Italy. It won Gold at the New Orleans Spirits Competition and helped the operation earn Distillery of the Year.
The botanicals come from around the world: juniper from Umbria and Macedonia, lemon and orange peel from California, grains of paradise and orris root from France, Italian rosemary, Vietnamese cinnamon, coriander and cardamom. The slow pot distillation gives an exceptionally smooth, viscous and oily texture, rich enough to sip on ice without a mixer.
A true small-batch gin with real brandy-maker credentials.
Charentais pot stills are traditionally used to make Cognac.
Pot distillation keeps more texture and oils in the spirit.
Grains of paradise add a peppery, citrusy warmth.
Serve it chilled in a coupe as a sipping gin.
It pairs with oysters, herbed chicken and citrus salads.
A rosemary sprig makes a fragrant garnish.
It is a great gift for gin lovers who appreciate craft.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Juniper, lemon and orange peel, rosemary.
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Palate: Viscous and oily, coriander, cardamom, grains of paradise.
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Finish: Smooth, warm cinnamon spice.
Specifications
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Distillery: Tamar Distillery, Mendocino County, CA
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Distillers: Crispin Cain and Tamar Kaye
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Still: 200-year-old copper Cognac Charentais pot still
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Base spirit: 80% non-GMO corn, 20% organic wheat
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Botanicals: Juniper, lemon and orange peel, grains of paradise, orris root, rosemary, cinnamon, coriander, cardamom
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Proof / ABV: 90 proof (45% ABV)
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Rich enough to sip on a big cube, and outstanding in a Martini, a Negroni or a Gin & Tonic with an orange twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What still is it made in?
A 200-year-old copper Cognac Charentais pot still.
Who makes it?
Crispin Cain and Tamar Kaye at Tamar Distillery in Mendocino County.
Can you sip it?
Yes, its smooth, oily texture works on ice without a mixer.
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