Volstead’s Folly

Flavor Profile

Volstead’s Folly Gin features twelve botanicals, including hand picked pine needles. They are macerated in a spirit for 18 to 28 hours before distillation. Their gin still was handmade in Missouri with serial number 630— hence the distillery name.

The Volstead is the Andrew Volstead, United States representative who co-authored, sponsored, promoted and ultimately built the alliance that led to the passage of United States’s ill-fated attempt at alcohol prohibition.

Tasting notes

Aroma: Sagey on the nose, with green bay laurel, pine, and a touch of lavender. The aroma is a hazy herbal melange set in a camphor glow.

Flavor: Spiced, herbal and complex— the palate contrasts the mild spice of steamed galangal root with crisp dragon fruit. It sets this against a background of pine blossoms, bay leaves, and a hint of licorice and anise.

Finish: Soft and flavorful, its has nearly no astringency, despite a bold, long lasting finish. Pine buds hang tenaciously on the back of the palate.

Cocktails and suggested serves

While much of Volstead’s flavor leans classic, the impression at the end is one that celebrates the floral, “first day of spring” side of pine.

I liked this gin less in a gin and tonic, finding that both lemonade and soda water allowed the gin’s beautiful botanical heart to come through.

I like sipping this gin neat, so it’s no surprise that I would also like it in a very dry Martini or Vesper.

Bartenders will likely want to build cocktails around the fresh, bright, herbal facets of this gin, rather than treat it like a Gordon’s replacement.

Overall, Volstead’s Folly

Volstead’s folly is a beautiful re-interpretation of classic style gin. It accentuates a lot of the signature green and pine flavors, but in a way that re-imagines what pine and juniper can come forward to be.

Highly recommended.

Awards