St. George Botanivore is a botanical-forward gin from St. George Spirits in Alameda, California, a symphony of 19 botanical ingredients working in concert, bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV).
St. George Spirits, founded in 1982, is one of America's pioneering craft distilleries, first known for its eaux de vie before its team, including Jörg Rupf, Lance Winters and Dave Smith, propelled it to the front line of the gin world. Botanivore, the botanical eater, earned its name because it is loaded with botanicals. Think of a meadow in bloom: herbaceous, fresh and elegant.
In addition to juniper, it contains angelica root, California bay laurel, bergamot peel, Malabar black pepper, caraway, cardamom, cilantro, Saigon cinnamon, Citra hops, coriander seed, dill seed, fennel seed, ginger, lemon peel, lime peel, orris root, Seville orange peel and star anise. Juniper, bay laurel and fresh cilantro are vapor-infused in a basket above the still, while the rest steep overnight; the next morning, gentle steam heat coaxes out their flavors and aromas, yielding about 800 bottles a day.
Juniper is present but integrated rather than domineering, linking orange, coriander, fennel, caraway and ginger into a long, dry gin with cracked black pepper. Botanivore earned 93 points from Wine Enthusiast and was named one of its Top 50 Spirits of 2012.
Perfectly balanced and deeply layered, it makes a damn fine Martini, shines in a simple Gin & Tonic, brightens a Bee's Knees, and a Southside highlights its citrus and ginger.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Meadow herbs, citrus, coriander, fennel.
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Palate: Integrated juniper, orange, caraway, ginger.
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Finish: Long and dry, cracked black pepper.
Specifications
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Distillery: St. George Spirits, Alameda, California (est. 1982)
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Botanicals: 19, including bay laurel, Citra hops, dill and fennel
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Method: Vapor basket plus overnight steep, steam heated
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Proof / ABV: 90 proof (45% ABV)
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Stir a Martini, mix a Gin & Tonic, or shake a Southside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Botanivore?
It means botanical eater; it is loaded with 19 botanicals.
Is juniper dominant?
No, it is integrated with the other botanicals.
What cocktails suit it?
Martini, Gin & Tonic, Bee's Knees and Southside.
Explore more in our Gin collection.
