First Impressions
New Riff Distilling — known primarily as a Kentucky bourbon distillery — creates their Wild Gin with local foraged botanicals capturing the Ohio Valley's native flavours. Eleven botanicals including wild juniper, American allspice (spicebush), and a dash of their new make rye whiskey spirit. Gold at San Francisco 2023.
Tasting
Eleven botanicals with rye new make. Classic gin nose with allspice accents. Spicy-dry palate with lavender burst and rye richness. Citrus-spice finish with vanilla.
The Bottom Line
New Riff earns an 8 — a bourbon distillery's gin is always interesting, and the rye new make dash is inspired. The wild-foraged Ohio Valley botanicals add genuine American terroir. Gold at San Francisco. At £42, Kentucky bourbon country's wild gin.