Still Austin’s American Gin, which also goes by “The Naturalist,” is the first rye gin to come out of Texas. More specifically, it’s made from 70% rye and 30% corn, and distilled in a copper pot still where it absorbs 12 botanicals including juniper berries, coriander seeds, cinnamon, citrus peels, elderflowers, and allspice berries before passing through a continuous column still.
The end result has a nose typified by juniper, baking spices, and elderflower; in sum, it’s strong, spicy, and floral. It proves light in body with a slightly creamy texture and begins with flavors that are initially sweet and floral before hitting herbaceous juniper at the center. That green touch of juniper is followed up by gentle pinpricks of spice that develop into warm, comforting cinnamon and allspice.
The Naturalist is nothing like a London Dry, but nonetheless features a dry and satisfying juniper back bone that makes it versatile while also wielding more unusual and interesting floral notes coupled to holiday spices at the finish. It proves terrific in a Gin & Tonic, where its notes of elderflower and allspice shine through the tonic. I also found it to be a worthy choice for making Negronis, where its sweet florality and warm spice contrast wonderfully with the sticky bittersweetness of Campari.
If you’re looking for an American gin that provides something different without sacrificing its utility in cocktails, Still Austin’s the Naturalist is an excellent choice.
★★★
Stats:
— 45% ABV
— $32
