Bluecoat American Dry Gin 750ML

Bluecoat American Dry Gin 750ML is a citrus-forward, organic botanical gin from Philadelphia Distilling, bottled at 47% ABV (94 proof) in a 750ml bottle. Widely credited as the first spirit to carry the "American Dry Gin" designation, Bluecoat earned a Gold Medal Best of Class at the 2007 International Wine and Spirits Competition and an 88-point rating from Tastings.com.

Quick Facts: ABV: 47% (94 Proof)  |  Origin: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA  |  Style: American Dry Gin  |  Distillery: Philadelphia Distilling

Production & Heritage

Philadelphia Distilling holds the distinction of being one of the first craft distilleries in Pennsylvania since Prohibition. Bluecoat is built on a 100% corn base spirit, distilled five times through a custom-built, hand-hammered copper pot still — a deliberate choice that yields a clean, rounded foundation before the botanicals are introduced. The botanical bill is composed entirely of certified organic ingredients, including Mediterranean and Croatian juniper berries, citrus peels, coriander seed, and angelica root. Rather than following the juniper-dominant London Dry template, Bluecoat pushed citrus and spice to the foreground, a stylistic decision that effectively defined the emerging American Dry Gin category.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with an assertive wave of lemon zest and ruby red grapefruit, followed by woody juniper and a resinous pine note. Deeper sniffs reveal black pepper, subtle anise, and a fleeting hint of cucumber beneath the citrus.

Taste: On the palate, the entry is intensely smooth with bright citrus — bitter orange and Meyer lemon dominate the initial impression. The mid-palate broadens with a pronounced juniper note supported by a strong angelica component, introducing an earthy, spicy dimension with herbal complexity. Coriander seed rounds out the peak, lending a warm, peppery depth.

Finish: The finish is exceptionally long, bright, and clean, with lingering grapefruit pith and black pepper. A gentle pine dryness persists alongside a faint spice warmth that slowly fades.

How to Drink Bluecoat Gin

Bluecoat rewards a neat pour at room temperature, where its citrus aromatics and organic botanical complexity are most expressive. A single large ice cube opens up the mid-palate spice without diluting the essential character. In cocktails, its citrus-forward profile makes it remarkably versatile:

• Gin & Tonic: The bold grapefruit and lemon notes stand up to quality tonic water without disappearing, making this a textbook G&T gin.
• Bee's Knees: The honey-lemon-gin classic finds a natural partner in Bluecoat's inherent citrus brightness and peppery warmth.
• Negroni: At 94 proof, Bluecoat holds its own against Campari and sweet vermouth, with its earthy angelica and juniper balancing the bitterness rather than being overwhelmed by it.

Best For

• Introducing a London Dry gin drinker to the American Dry Gin style
• Building a craft cocktail home bar with a versatile, higher-proof gin
• Gifting someone who values organic, small-batch spirits
• Hosting a gin tasting flight alongside Plymouth, Tanqueray Ten, or Death's Door for a style comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Bluecoat Gin taste like? Bluecoat leads with bright citrus — grapefruit, lemon, and bitter orange — rather than heavy pine-forward juniper. It balances that citrus core with earthy coriander, peppery spice, and a distinct angelica root backbone.

How does Bluecoat Gin compare to Plymouth Gin? Plymouth is softer and more juniper-centered at a lower 41.2% ABV, while Bluecoat at 47% ABV pushes citrus and spice forward with a noticeably bolder, more assertive character. Both are well-regarded craft gins, but Bluecoat's organic botanicals and American Dry style offer a distinctly different flavor emphasis.

Is Bluecoat Gin good for cocktails? Its 94-proof strength and citrus-driven profile make it an excellent cocktail gin that maintains presence in mixed drinks without being masked by other ingredients. It performs particularly well in citrus-based classics like the Bee's Knees, Tom Collins, and Gimlet.

Where is Bluecoat Gin made? Bluecoat is produced by Philadelphia Distilling in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The distillery is one of the first legal craft distilleries to operate in the state since the end of Prohibition.

What foods pair well with Bluecoat Gin? Smoked salmon or cured fish complement the citrus and juniper aromatics. Soft goat cheese highlights the coriander and pepper spice. Grilled shrimp with a citrus vinaigrette mirrors the grapefruit notes. Arugula salad with grapefruit segments creates a direct echo of the gin's dominant fruit character. Dark chocolate with a high cacao percentage contrasts nicely with the botanical earthiness.

What sizes does Bluecoat Gin come in? The standard expression is widely available in the 750ml bottle, which is the most common format found on shelves.

Is Bluecoat Gin worth the price? Bluecoat positions as a mid-premium craft gin, sitting in the same price tier as Plymouth and Death's Door. Its five-times-distilled, all-organic production and 94-proof bottling strength offer strong value relative to mass-market gins at similar price points.

Why Bluecoat Gin?

Bluecoat's significance goes beyond what's in the bottle — it essentially named and defined the American Dry Gin category, establishing a citrus-forward, lower-juniper template that dozens of American distillers have since followed. The five-times-distilled, 100% corn base spirit provides a cleaner, sweeter canvas than the grain-neutral spirits typical of London Dry production, and the exclusive use of certified organic botanicals is a genuine production commitment rather than a marketing label. With a Gold Medal Best of Class from the International Wine and Spirits Competition and a "Very Highly Recommended" designation from Drink Spirits, Bluecoat has earned critical recognition alongside its cult following among bartenders and gin enthusiasts on the East Coast and beyond.