1 | Spirits | Gin | Page 5

Reflecting the deep respect for local expertise, River Rose is distilled with fresh grains from local farmers. Our unique blend of botanicals dates back to a recipe from the late 1800s. Highlighted with traditional juniper, River Rose jumps from your palette with a full body of citrus including orange, grapefruit and lemon. Lavender, rose petals and locally grown cucumbers provide a distinctive finish that makes your martini swirl with aroma.

Botanivore Gin (our "botanical eater") earned its name because it's loaded with botanical ingredients. We distilled 19 different botanicals to compose this spirit (no small feat!) and the resulting gin is beautifully balanced and vibrant. Lance compares this gin to an orchestra where all the components are working in harmony. Deliciously herbacious and bright, Botanivore is a versatile addition to any gin cocktail.

"This is the lower-proof version of the classic Old Raj. Lovely, complex gin bouquet offers aromas of coriander, juniper, anise, orris root, ground pepper, lemon peel, lead pencil, earth and tree bark. Palate entry is creamy, fruity, spicy and minty; midpalate offers layers of botanical complexity over the core juniper taste. Finishes with a wonderful rush of mint and baking spice. Fabulous." 96-100 pts.

"Pale amber pink color. Aromas of sweet berry and citrus pastry, floral hops, honey and spice follow through on a soft,silky entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with wintermint, mango custard, dried lavender, and herbal juniper and sweet spices on the gentle polished finish. Very nice." Gold Medal.

"An invitingly herbal and woodsy initial aroma of sage, nutmeg and cassia bark; more minutes find the juniper behind the assertive spice and herb flavorings. The palate entry is round, semisweet and moderately oily; at midpalate the taste is of rosemary and coriander and pepper. Finishes elegantly, firmly and squeaky clean. Best Buy." 90-95 pts.

"Clear. Sweet aromas of tangerine gelatin candy, citrus frosting and delicate juniper follow through on a smooth, silky entry to a dryish medium body with rice candy, orange salt water taffy, mild pine sap notes. Finishes with a dry-yet-fruity dreamsicle stick-like, herb, and wet stone fade. A little confected, but very nice and highly approachable."

"Pale aquamarine tint comes from the infusion of Iris root and flower. Opening nosing passes feature clove with supporting traces of cassia bark, grains of paradise and nutmeg; after several more minutes a moderately sweet and fruity bouquet develops, one that highlights orange zest, coriander and juniper berries. Palate entry is bittersweet and acceptably prickly on the tongue; by midpalate, the cocoa and bean-like taste focuses on the earthy/root/bark botanicals, especially the cassia, juniper and licorice. Finishes cleanly, bittersweet and long. One of the more bitter and intensely bean-like gins I’ve sampled." 85-89 pts.