Spirits & Liqueurs Gin

6 Great American Gin Distilleries You Should Know

Whether you’re into dry martinis or G&Ts, find your new go-to.

By
Ken Taylor
Ken Taylor
Ken Taylor is a San Francisco-based writer, editor, photographer and videographer with more than 15 years of experience. He covers food, drinks and music.
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Updated 09/17/20
American gin bottles

Liquor.com / Laura Sant

With the proliferation of so many craft distilleries throughout the U.S., liquor stores are now awash in small-batch gins. The spirit is relatively easy to make and generally requires little-to-no aging. It can hit the shelves long before, say, a whiskey could.

We waded through the gin-maker masses to highlight some favorites from different regions around the country. These distillers produce many gin styles using a range of ingredients. The result: a wide variety of flavor profiles.

Whether you’re strictly a martini drinker or you dabble in the occasional G&T, you’re sure to find among these six distilleries a bottle you love.

  • The West: St. George Spirits

    St. George Spirits gin

    Liquor.com / Laura Sant

    The Bay Area has long been a hotspot for distilling, and that’s particularly the case with gin. Alameda’s St. George Spirits boasts four gins in its portfolio, of which the Dry Rye ($35) and Terroir ($35) are standouts. The Dry Rye has a toasted-banana quality that plays beautifully off its caraway, black pepper and rye notes. The Terroir—which is vapor-infused with botanicals from Marin County’s Mt. Tamalpais—brims with foresty earth, Douglas fir and bay-laurel essence.

  • The Midwest: Far North Spirits

    Gustaf gin

    Liquor.com / Laura Sant

    Hallock, Minnesota’s Far North Spirits offers one of the most unique gins around—though we’re going to stop short of recommending it for everyone. Solveig ($35) is not for the timid, as its funky, mushroomy, ripe-melon notes might scare off first-timers. Consider this one for adventurous drinkers only. That said, Hallock’s navy-strength offering, Gustaf ($53), is much more approachable—despite its high proof—with a more familiar spiciness and milder all-around flavor.

  • The South: Genius Liquids

    Genius Liquids gin

    Liquor.com / Laura Sant

    While the South is, obviously, best known for its whiskey, there’s plenty of gin made there. Austin’s Genius Liquids makes Standard Strength ($27), a complex expression that moves from the usual-suspect botanicals into lavender, lime and an agave-like hint of sweetness. Need a little more muscle in that Martini? Genius’ Navy Strength ($20) punches those flavors forward with a no-fooling-around proof of 114. Both of these spirits are great companions in citrus drinks.

  • The Pacific Northwest: Ransom Spirits

    Small's gin

    Liquor.com / Laura Sant

    Sheridan, Oregon’s Ransom Dry Gin ($30) takes a cue from Dutch genever. Infused with local marionberry and hops, it has a slightly hoppy, musty vibe that turns malty with strong notes of orange and spice. The Small’s American Dry ($33) starts off similarly, but goes in inventive new directions with an perfumy floral character.

    Continue to 5 of 6 below.

  • The East: Caledonia Spirits

    Barr Hill gin

    Liquor.com / Laura Sant

    Caledonia Spirits’ Barr Hill Gin ($38) is a unique and pleasing gin made in Vermont. Raw honey is added just before bottling, which imbues the spirit with a gentle off-white hue. With just the right amount of juniper and floral balance, a Barr Hill Ramos Gin Fizz brings you to the land of milk and honey.

  • The Mountains: Spring44 Distilling

    Spring44 Distilling gin

    Liquor.com / Laura Sant

    You could do a lot worse than sourcing your botanicals and water from the lush Colorado mountains, so suffice it to say that Spring44’s Mountain Gin ($35) is a product of its environment. Big dry pine, citrus and earth notes come through at the beginning, followed by a refreshing herbal, minty finish—a solid match for a splash of tonic. The classic bottling is full of juniper, coriander and nutmeg, and the Old Tom ($44) is lightly malty, but gently balanced with lemongrass, vanilla and baking spice. Perfect for a classic Tom Collins.