Headframe Anselmo Gin 750ML

Headframe Anselmo Gin 750ML is a fruit-forward, citrus-driven American craft gin distilled in Butte, Montana, bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof). Built on a base of 100% Montana white wheat and a proprietary blend of 10 to 12 botanicals — including huckleberry, grapefruit, and orange — Anselmo has earned a B+ rating from Drinkhacker and a reputation as a gin that wins over drinkers who typically steer clear of the category.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 Proof)  |  Origin: Butte, Montana, USA  |  Style: New American / Contemporary Gin  |  Distillery: Headframe Spirits

Production & Heritage

Headframe Spirits operates out of Butte, Montana, a city whose identity was forged by hard-rock mining. The distillery's name and product line pay homage to that heritage — "Anselmo" references a historic Butte mine headframe. What truly distinguishes this gin is the production technology: Headframe uses hand-built, continuous-flow stills rather than conventional pot stills, allowing a more precise and consistent extraction of flavor from each botanical pass. The 100% Montana white wheat grain bill delivers a notably soft, almost silky spirit base, while Montana snowmelt water — naturally filtered through surrounding mountain basins — contributes to the gin's clean, delicate character.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with distinct fruitiness — fresh strawberry and lemongrass come through first, followed by grapefruit peel and gentle floral hints. Juniper is present but markedly restrained, sitting well behind the citrus and fruit notes.

Taste: The entry is citrus-forward and sweet, with strawberry jam and ripe grapefruit dominating the early palate. Mid-palate, the soft wheat base asserts itself with a round, almost creamy mouthfeel. Juniper arrives only toward the back, providing structure without bitterness.

Finish: Medium in length with a clean, slightly sweet fade. Lingering notes of citrus peel and a faint herbaceous warmth keep the finish engaging without any harsh bite.

How to Drink Anselmo Gin

At 80 proof, Anselmo is approachable neat or over a single large ice cube, where the wheat-based softness and fruit-forward profile come through most clearly. Its bright citrus character and low juniper intensity make it exceptionally versatile in cocktails:

• Gin & Tonic: The huckleberry and grapefruit botanicals pair naturally with tonic water, creating a refreshing serve that needs little more than a grapefruit twist.
• French 75: Anselmo's strawberry and lemon-forward notes integrate seamlessly with champagne and lemon juice, adding depth without overpowering the effervescence.
• Bee's Knees: The soft wheat base and fruity sweetness amplify honey syrup and lemon, producing a cocktail with a rounder, more layered character than a juniper-heavy gin would.

Best For

• Introducing gin-averse drinkers to the category through a fruit-forward, low-juniper entry point
• Building a cocktail bar that highlights American craft distilling beyond the usual suspects
• Gifting to someone who appreciates small-batch spirits with regional identity
• Warm-weather sipping in simple, citrus-driven serves

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Anselmo Gin taste like? Anselmo Gin is citrus-forward and fruity, with prominent notes of grapefruit, strawberry, and lemongrass over a soft wheat base, while juniper stays well in the background. It is frequently described as a gin for people who don't typically enjoy gin.

How does Anselmo Gin compare to Hendrick's? Both gins dial back juniper in favor of more approachable botanical profiles, but Anselmo leans heavily into citrus and berry fruit — including huckleberry — on a wheat base, while Hendrick's is built around cucumber and rose on a malt-grain neutral spirit. Anselmo's continuous distillation also produces a distinctly different texture from Hendrick's pot-and-Carter-head combination.

Is Anselmo Gin good for cocktails? Its bright citrus notes, soft mouthfeel, and restrained juniper make Anselmo an excellent cocktail gin, particularly in citrus-driven recipes like the Bee's Knees, French 75, and Gin & Tonic.

Where is Anselmo Gin made? Anselmo Gin is distilled by Headframe Spirits in Butte, Montana, using hand-made continuous-flow stills and water sourced from Montana snowmelt that filters naturally through the surrounding mountain basins.

What foods pair well with Anselmo Gin? Fresh seafood such as ceviche or grilled shrimp benefits from Anselmo's citrus brightness. Soft goat cheese complements the gin's creamy wheat texture. Berry-topped desserts like lemon tart or pavlova echo the strawberry and huckleberry notes. Seared salmon with a citrus glaze creates a harmonious pairing, and light salads with grapefruit vinaigrette mirror the gin's dominant botanical.

What sizes does Anselmo Gin come in? Headframe Anselmo Gin is commonly available in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is Anselmo Gin worth the price? Anselmo positions as a small-batch craft gin in the mid-range price tier, and its unique continuous-distillation process, regional Montana ingredients, and distinctive botanical profile deliver strong value compared to mass-produced gins at similar price points.

Why Anselmo Gin?

Anselmo Gin stands apart from the crowded American craft gin field for a few concrete reasons. The continuous-flow still system — designed and built by the distillery itself — represents a genuinely different approach to botanical extraction than the pot-still or vapor-infusion methods used by most small producers. The 100% Montana white wheat base gives the spirit a textural softness that juniper-forward London dry gins simply cannot replicate, while the inclusion of huckleberry among the 10 to 12 botanicals roots the gin firmly in its Montana origin. For drinkers who find traditional gin too aggressive, Anselmo offers a legitimate alternative without sacrificing complexity.