Best Texas Gins to Bring the Warmth Back
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Gin. It's been a bar staple for ages and the history of this clear spirit spans ages - especially in Texas' rich saloon history. The origins of gin traces back to Europe and the taste for this bar shelf staple was eventually brought over to the United States in Stories of great benders throughout the wild Texas outback towns wouldn't be complete without the fan favorite - gin.
The Origins of Gin
Gin has become one of the most popular spirits around the world, but its origin story is not as straightforward as you would think. The gin we all know and love today was born in Holland in the early 17th century, when it was first distilled from grain alcohol with juniper berries (how long do juniper berries last?). This spirit quickly gained popularity among Dutch soldiers during the Thirty Years’ War, as gin was believed to have medicinal purposes.
As gin production spread throughout Europe, it began to take on different flavors from country to country. For example, in England it was distilled with botanicals like coriander, orange peel, and angelica root for a more complex flavor profile. This gin was famously called “Mother’s Ruin” due to its high alcohol content and was very popular among the working class.
Gin eventually made its way to America, where gin-based cocktails like the gin and tonic were born. This drink quickly gained popularity in bars, as it was a refreshing mix of gin and tonic water. In the mid-1800s gin reached its peak in popularity, as gin was being produced and consumed at a higher rate than ever before.
Gin: Telling the Good From the Bad
If you want to take your gin game to the next level and separate good from the bad, there are several things you should pay attention to. The first thing to look at is the color. Good gin should have a nice golden-brown hue and be clear, while bad gin will be cloudy or have an unnatural yellowish tint. The smell is also important – good gin should have an inviting, herbal aroma with a hint of juniper and, at times, even rustic lavender, while bad gin can smell overly sweet or artificial.
Finally, you should take a sip to truly judge the quality of the gin. Good gin should be smooth on the palate with no sharp edges and a pleasant finish, whereas bad gin will have an unpleasant taste and strong aftertaste. Taste-wise, there are even specific craft gins that handpick where they source their raw ingredients where they grow naturally like red juniper. Knowing the difference between good and bad gin isn't hard if you know what to look for.
Texas Gin: What to Look Out For
Ahh, Texas gins. Nothing quite says “Southern hospitality” like a perfectly crafted Texas-made gin! The Top of Texas gin! Whether you’re looking for a unique blend of flavors or something more traditional, there are plenty of options to choose from in Texas gin brands. From the Lone Star State comes nine of the finest gins produced here in Texas and ready for your sipping pleasure. So, pour yourself a glass, let’s get started and find your best gin near me!
Seersucker Southern Style Gin
The smooth flavors of this gin are flavorful yet light and perfect for mixing into modern cocktails. This characteristically smooth easy-going gin is a product of Seersucker distillery that imbibes Southern Hospitality with every sip.
Distilled using the traditional Texas slow copper distillation, the recipe for their gin includes light juniper, mint, citrus, and a unique blend of clove honey makes this distilled spirit a great addition to any shelf. This locally produced gin hints towards flavors of citrus to the palate that mingles well with flavors of juniper, cardamon, coriander and mint and finishes sweet.
8501 Cover Rd, San Antonio, 78263
(210) 817-1580
Austin Reserve Gin
Made by Revolution Spirits in Southwest Austin, has grown to become a Texas favorite. They make spirits in small handcrafted batches. This means that when it comes to the Texas gin market, Revolution Spirits assures high standards are followed in the production of high quality Texan spirits.
With a traditional juniper-forward flavor and hints of rosemary, lavender, lemongrass, pink peppercorns and Texas grapefruit, the Austin Reserve Gin is a study on the American contemporary style gin.
12345 Pauls Valley Rd, Bldg G, Austin, TX 78737
(512) 358-1203
Waterloo No. 9 Gin
Produced in Dripping Springs, Texas, the Waterloo No. 9 Gin is an award-winning spirit that you must try. This Treaty Oak Distilling flagship gin embodies the essence of traditional dry gins while staying true to its origins. Sticking to traditional dry gins is achieved by infusing the natural flavor profile of lavender, pecan, and grapefruit through vapor-infusion.
During the later parts of the distillation process, each bottle is proofed down with limestone-filtered spring water and rated at 47% ABV.
“Dripping Springs Distillery" 16604 Fitzhugh Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
(512) 599-0335
Fox & Seeker London Dry Gin
The Fox & Seeker London Dry Gin is a new-comer to the Texas gin market but don't let that stop you. Their distillation process uses a tried and tested grain-to-glass process. Distillation uses an in-house blend of winter wheat and Texas-grown corn craft vodka as a base that hints at orange peel and vanilla to the nose.
This flagship distilled gin is representative of London Dry gins where it presents a neutral spirit rich in classic flavors of juniper, angelica root, and lemon zest (how long does lemon zest last?).
2500 Summer St, #1130, Houston, TX 77007
(713) 482-1591
Blackland Gin
Blackland Distillery’s Gin uses a 100% Texas wheat spirit that is infused with fragrant botanicals - producing a daring distilled gin. The grains used for the base spirit of this locally produced gin is sourced from TexMalt of Fort Worth.
As far as gin goes, Blackland Gin comes off a bit strong and is perfect if you enjoy gin on the rocks or just looking for something to give your favorite cocktail that much-needed kick.
2616 Weisenberger Street, Fort Worth, TX 76107
(682) 268-5333
Old HighBorn
The Old Highborn Texas Dry Gin by Genius Distillery is a dry spirit that is made using the traditional pot-distillation process. This allows that gin to retain the infusion of deep flavors and fragrant oils.
The 47% ABV allows flavors of cinnamon, citrus peels, tea, and juniper berries to shine through. This makes for a traditional gin with an added Texan touch.
704 Highway 71W, Suite D-300, Bastrop, TX 78602
(512) 710-7907
Real Spirits Gin
Taking botanical inspiration from 10 different types, the Real Spirits Gin from Blanco Texas’ Real Ale Brewing Co. is a triple-distilled spirit you should definitely check out. They have added the distinct sweet flavor of menthol with added hints of banana and tropical fruit.
Real Spirits Gin uses ten different botanicals which results in one of the most elegant sipping gins. With its levels of flavor, this is one of the gins that makes Texas proud.
231 San Saba Ct, Blanco, TX 78606
(830) 833-2534
Still Austin American Gin
The Still Austin American Gin is made by Austin's local whiskey producers as a gin with a unique flavor catered for whiskey lovers. The defining flavor of rustic spices along with subtle notes of allspice, elderflower, cinnamon, and lemon pith, produces a gin with warm Southern flavors.
Best enjoyed on the rocks or mixed with a specific recipe for a cocktail, Still Austin Whiskey Co.’s American Gin is a spirit definitely worth trying out.
440 St. Elmo Rd E, Austin, TX 78745
(512) 276-2700
Dripping Springs Traditional Gin
From one of the first vodka distilleries in the state, Dripping Springs Distillery's Traditional Gin is an Artisan clear spirit that has been made in the classic London Dry style.
Heavy on the juniper, the flavor profile of this distilled gin is made complex with hints of hibiscus, orange peel, and cumin. This craft gin makes for a great gin & tonic or spicy cocktail bases because of its complex flavor profile.
5330 Bell Springs Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
(512) 858-1199
These nine texas gins are some of the best that Texas has to offer, whether you’re looking for something unique or more traditional. Whether you’re looking for something to sip neat or mix into your favorite cocktails, Texas gins have you covered. So whip up a Texas-style gin and tonic and toast to the Lone Star State! While you’re at it why not check out some of the best Mexican Gins.
Seems like BBQ is a best pair for gin. For best BBQ experience in San Antonio.
Talking about gins, BBQ is surely a perfect pair. Here’s a list of the best in Austin!
For the best BBQ in Houston area.
