Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/776532
january/february 2017 / the tasting panel / 1 19 january/february 2017 / the ta BREAKING FREE: BLUECOAT AMERICAN DRY GIN Handcrafted by Philadelphia Distilling, Bluecoat American Dry Gin (SRP $23.99) is a delectably fresh spirit guaranteed to seduce every sense in your body. It's a revolutionary depar- ture in style from the venerable British brands that may well change how you think of gin from now on. Bluecoat is crafted in a small, custom-made copper pot still designed specifically to produce ultra-pure small batch spirits. It's singular size and shape allows the master distiller to control the process with surgical precision. The gin is five times distilled in small batches on a foundation of neutral grain spirits from rye, wheat, barley and corn. The proprietary recipe uses 100% certified organic botanicals including juniper berries, coriander, angelica and fresh citrus peel. Bluecoat Gin is then filtered for clarity, purity and smoothness of character and bottled at 47% alcohol (94 proof). The distillery sources only organic juniper berries, which imbue the gin with spicy, earthy notes rather than the pungent piney notes typical in most gins. Bluecoat is indeed a distinctive spirit loaded with the sophistication and charm of an American dry gin. The spirit is generously aromatic and features a brilliant citrus and herbal nose with earthy, semi- sweet juniper notes that follow closely behind. Be patient while allowing the gin to fully open up. It has a silky light- weight body that immediately fills the mouth with a complex array of dry citrus and juniper-laced flavors. The award-winning gin finishes long and citrusy. The effect is absolutely mesmerizing. "While all gins begin with a proprietary blend of botanicals, what makes Bluecoat American Dry Gin laudable is its delicate yet layered flavor that gives it an elegant presence and a beautiful citrus finish," observes Andrew Auwerda, co-founder of Philadelphia Distilling. "What distinguishes us from many other gins is the research and effort it takes to source the 100% organic botanicals. In addition, Bluecoat is made in hand-hammered, custom-made copper pot stills, which help to create a smoother spirit. Our master distillers are committed to preserving the history of their craft and the legacy of batch distilling." PHILADELPHIA DISTILLING