Tru2 Organic Gin was produced by Los Angeles-based Greenbar Distillery in the late 00’s and early 10’s.
Distilled from a base of wheat, just as the extant Tru Vodka, they were among the first certified organic spirits distilled in the United States.
Tru2 Gin was a bathtub style gin. Fourteen botanicals, including cloves and vanilla bean were macerated in vodka before bottled as is. The process is similar to other “make your own gin” at home kits.
Tasting Notes
Nose: The scent is only vaguely gin like. Very little juniper.
Flavor: Fennel, anise, cinnamon and clove predominate. As I poured myself a drink I wondered “is there any juniper in here?” Very, very spice forward.
Cocktails
In Gin and Tonic, the herbal combination overwhelms the tonic water.
Because the spices are center stage in Tru2 Organic Gin, this gin does not lend itself well to mixed drinks. Unless you’ve felt your Tom Collins or Gin Fizz was missing the strong aroma of constituent spices, I’d recommend drinking it in a Very Dry Martini.
Overall, Tru2 Organic Gin
Intense spice flavor with a highly aromatic profile, Tru2 Organic Gin ultimately lacks balance— but deserves credit for pushing the envelope in the Gin Renaissance’s early years.
Absolutely a delicious and well balanced “gin”. This is a far departure from any London Dry style and does indeed lack the prominent juniper notes and other expected profiles of more classic gins. Yet, the flavor profile has many dimensions to it, and from the nose to the swallow has an herbal evolution on each part of the palate. I second that it may be best enjoyed as a martini.
Where the hell do you buy Tru2 gin?? I can’t seem to find it anywhere!