Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1036886
22 / the tasting panel / october 2018 GIN L och & Union Distilling's American Dry Gin exemplifies the notion that exceptional works of art take time to create and even longer to perfect. The team at the Napa-based distillery spent three years developing a product to fit their vision of a new caliber of American spirits, testing more than 150 botanicals and distilling 100-plus ingredients to ensure the final product had the exact flavor profile they sought. After navigating through this extensive process, they finally landed on the perfect balance of 12 botanicals sourced from outstanding farms in ten countries. These flavor profiles produce a clean spirit with layers of complex- ity, beginning with the traditional backbone of juniper and leading into warming spice, floral, and citrus notes. The stills used to create the Loch & Union American Dry Gin were custom-made by the world-renowned CARL Artisan Distilleries and Brewing Systems, the oldest still fabricator in Germany. Combining a meticulous attention to detail during distillation with a fine-tuned blend of botanicals, Loch & Union creates a high-quality gin built for the connoisseur while also being approachable for the casual spirits drinker. Having just announced its national launch in September, Loch & Union Distilling is debuting online nation- wide, as well as statewide in California with a focus on restaurants, bars, and hotels in the Bay Area and greater Los Angeles area. The brand plans to continue expanding distribution and availability across the country in the coming months. Since the initial release of the American Dry Gin at a local level in the Napa area last March, Loch & Union has already received a number of awards and accolades. Once consum- ers are introduced to this new expres- sion, there's little doubt it will become a go-to for gin lovers across the country in no time—proving good spirits come to those who work hard for them. For more information on the company and Loch & Union products, visit lochandunion.com. LOCH & UNION PRODUCES AWARD-WINNING GIN IN THE HEART OF WINE COUNTRY by Emily Coleman The Spirit of Napa Valley The Team at Loch & Union Distilling in Napa, CA: Gian P. Nelson, Chief Distiller and Winemaker; Colin Baker, co-founder and Master Distiller; Matthew Meyer, co-founder and Director of Business Operations; Gordon Russell, Head Distiller; and Jesse Saunders, Lead Distiller. PHOTO COURTESY OF LOCH & UNION