Colorado’s Gold Dirt Distillery distills several gins at altitude—8,500 feet, to be exact, or about 2,600 meters. Their gin-centric program features several gins, including the London Dry–inspired High and Dry Gin. Sage is the Rocky Mountain–inspired addition to the botanical bill.
Bottled at 40% ABV, Gold Dirt Distillery High and Dry Gin features Gwendoline the Bobcat on the label.
Tasting notes
Aroma: Sage forward with bright green herbal notes sitting above bright, terpey juniper. A touch fo spice lies just below with coriander and cardamom rounding out the aroma.
Flavor: While sage lead, Gold Dirt Distillery High and Dry Gin is a well balanced, quite classic style gin. Soft mouthfeel, at first its herbal, with notes of rosemary and marjoram. Then the mid-palate blossoms with a hint of bitter orange, piney juniper and a touch of thyme.
Later, it shows off a warmer side, with the base spirit adding a moderate and pleasant heat. Cardamom with a hint of nutty pecans, coriander, and spruce. It’s complex and classic without tasting like the standards.
Cocktails and suggested serves
Gold Dirt Distillery High and Dry Gin is a versatile mixer behind the bar that will work well in any cocktail you can throw at it. Citrus rounds out the gin, adding a brightness to the herb-forward palate. While things like the Gimlet or Tom Collins can be standouts, this gin is smooth and complex enough to work in a Martini or mixed with Tonic or Soda.
While a hint of sage often comes through, it does so more as an “herbal” facet that a single botanical gin.
Overall, Gold Dirt Distillery High and Dry Gin
A well made classic gin with a unique perspective— it reads as being rooted in gin’s tradition while having enough difference to be its own thing.
This is a gin that bartenders will find a delight to mix with, while others who like an herbal tinged classic gin will find a delight.
Highly recommended in its category