From Seattle’s Old Log Cabin Distillery, Counter Gin is distilled on a base of grain and features a concise botanical bill highlighting several herbs, including tarragon, lavender and lemon verbena.
Tasting notes
Aroma: Vibrant and green, with notes of orange and cucumber leaping from the glass. Hints of dill weed and lavender on the edges.
Flavor: A sparkle of nutmeg sits behind a touch of juniper, as the gin quickly veers towards it’s more herbal heart. Dill, orange, grapefruit pith and tarragon combine to form a green impression with a hint of dryness.
Finish: Green and vegetal with the cucumber coming through here— you’ll get hints of celery, green pepper and marjoram. Moderately warm and slightly dry.
Cocktails and suggested serves
Given the herbal, somewhat savory profile of Counter Gin, it might not be surprising that I don’t think it works as well in creamy cocktails. However, with the lavender and herbal profile it pairs well with floral. Maybe skip the Ramos Gin Fizz and go for the Arsenic and Old Lace.
I think it is as its best with citrus. Classic like the Tom Collins and White Lady all work well. I also found it to be really good in a Gimlet, adding a vibrant green note.
Mixed, I think it’s a good Gin and Tonic, and pairs well with flavored citrus and elderflower tonics. With soda it’s a bit green and almost like a celery soda.
Overall, Counter Gin
A well made herbal gin that might not work well in every cocktail, but it does enough things well that it’s sure to appeal to bartenders and gin fans who like a bit of “green” in their cocktail, even if that green isn’t just juniper.