Notes: We are happy to report on the opening of a new microdistillery in Upstate New York in the Finger Lakes area.The Finger Lakes is a well known area for wines and wineries with over 200 at last count. What is much less well known is the proliferation of distilleries in the areas and the production of grape, berry and fruit based spirits along with the more traditional grain based spirits which lends some unique flavors and nuances to their products. Made in a small hybrid column/pot still (a 200 gallon Holstein Copper pot still for those who are into details) and handcrafting each batch the small scale production and attention to detail show you what is possible if you have the skills and dedication. Utilizing a grape base and eleven herbs to produce their unique and flavorful gin.

Their other products include: Vintner’s Vodka, Vintner’s Wild Berry, Maplejack Liqueur, Cassis Liqueur and Glen Thunder (an American corn whiskey).

Appearance: Crystal clear, thick, scalloped edgeline develop on swirling, changing to a combination of legs and droplets on the side of the glass. Slightly oily/thickness to body (sign of quality and lots of flavor).

First Impression: Not your father’s (or mother’s) gin. Juniper is not the first and defining characteristic. Lots of citrus (lemon and orange) followed by juniper and a good dose of cloves and anise and some cardamom and coriander lingering around the edges. Net result is a much more aromatic, dry gin than usual.

Taste: Medium to heavy body played off by the aromatic and spicy characteristics. Pleasantly heavy or weighty mouth feel from the grape base and cucumber influence rounds out the gin, giving it a almost fatty mouthfeel, lovely. A much more savory and citrus feel than a lot of gins. Juniper is there but so are a lot of other citrus, spice, and aromatic herbs. Very clean distillation.

Drinks: Makes a excellent martini – especially if you are not a fan of juniper a intensely woody, herbaceous martini (twist only! olive is far too much). If you don’t like dry vermouth you can just add bitters and you end up with a milder martini (try that with any other gin!). Very nice gin and tonic but again more aromatic with dry woody notes. Will require some working with to bring out full potential mixology but holds a lot of promise for new drinks and twists on the old.

Bottle: Clear dark green glass, not frosted or fancy in any other way. Looks like a large beer bottle. With a simple circular slightly retro paper label, synthetic cork closure. Charmingly retrograde package for a excellent gin.

Final Thoughts: A very praiseworthy attempt at creating at completely different gin. Cheap compared to all its competitors and a must have for the discerning gin connoisseur.

Website: http://www.fingerlakesdistilling.com/index.php (Under Construction )
and their blog: http://www.fingerlakesdistilling.blogspot.com/

Website is just a page, but has useful information. The blog link is the main page at present for information.