Devil’s Grin Gin features fourteen botanicals, “sourced from the Lone Star State and beyond.” Those fourteen botanicals are added at different times/moments in the process. This sequence gives distiller Brett Luchesi a high level of control in the process.
The botanical bill includes some unusual and unique ingredients. For example, the bean of the Mesquite plant— a creamy, almost chocolatey flavored bean that was once an important part of indigenous Texans’ food traditions.
The base is distilled from Texas Corn and the spirit is reduced to bottling strength with captured rainwater, adding a level of sustainability to Devil’s Grin Gin.
Tasting notes
Aroma: Classic and bright with green juniper, some nice pine notes. Secondary citrus, and a rich of angelica root. At first nose, Devil’s Grin Gin is quite classic. But there’s hints of spice on the edge that will become a bit more pronounced once sipped.
Flavor: Devil’s Grin Gin presents a long and unfolding flavor profile.
Early, warm and woodsy with hints of cedar plank and green juniper. I’m getting notes of spruce here as well.
It’s almost as sudden where it veers into some more floral notes— earthy orris, a touch of lavender set against a surprising note of tobacco. Citrus is present as well, particularly oily lemon.
Notes of black peppercorn, dry coriander, toasted pecan, and the slightest hint hay and woodruff.
Finish: Warming and on the more intense side, but that heat serves nicely to buoy some of those spice, citrus and juniper notes on the finish. Pecan, dark earthy juniper, and a touch of lemon oil.
Cocktails and suggested serves
Even with its bold and complex flavor profile, I found Devil’s Grin Gin a versatile gin for mixing. It has a unique perspective that works in a wide range of cocktails— you’ll taste its unique perspective— and it never conflicts.
Some of my favorites? Honey accentuates the low lying nuttiness and floral notes in Devil’s Grin Gin. Try it in a Bee’s Knees.
The juniper and spice comes through beautifully in a Negroni.
And the flavor is enough to carry itself distinctively in a gin and tonic or gin and soda. In short, this gin works well across a whole range of cocktails. It is definitely a gin that you could stock behind the bar and not be worried about it “not fitting” in any drink a consumer asked for.
Overall, Devil’s Grin Gin
Devil’s Grin Texas Gin is a beautiful, versatile, contemporary style gin that has a good amount of juniper, a unique perspective, and works well in a wide range of cocktails.
I greatly enjoy this gin and I think it is worth seeing out— whether a bartender or cocktail program manager looking to add something unique to their back bar, or a gin connoisseur looking for something new at home to share with friends.
Highly recommended.