Review: Catoctin Creek Watershed Gin
We’ve explored plenty of brown spirits from Virginia’s Catoctin Creek, from their core lineup to the occasional limited-edition whiskey and even a rye made in bizarre collaboration with a heavy metal band. But it has taken us far too long to review the only clear spirit in the distillery’s portfolio, its Watershed Gin. Named for the Chesapeake Bay watershed, into which their namesake Catoctin Creek flows, this gin is made from a secret mix of herbs and spices and the same 100% rye base used in the rest of the core lineup. Let’s take it for a spin.
The aroma is fresh and bright with notes of dry juniper, sweet citrus, and exotic florals. Despite the big botanical elements, there’s ample evidence of the organic rye at its core with a healthy black pepper spice, a cereal sweetness, and some chalky minerality. The palate is wonderfully rounded with a full mouthfeel, creamy texture, and warming, minty spice. Notes of sweet resin and rose hip give way to candied lemon peel, cinnamon, and fennel before receding into a long, licorice-filled finish. An excellent cocktail base, to be sure, but just as enjoyable neat or over ice.
92 proof.
A- / $35 / catoctincreekdistilling.com [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS] [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE]
Catoctin Creek Watershed Gin
$35
