Cutwater Spirits Old Grove Gin 750ML

Cutwater Spirits Old Grove Gin 750ML is a vapor-distilled American gin bottled at 44% ABV (88 proof) in a 750ml format. A Gold Medal winner at the 2017 Los Angeles Spirits Competition, this San Diego-distilled gin distinguishes itself through an eleven-botanical recipe that leans toward bright, California-inspired aromatics rather than heavy Old World juniper dominance.

Quick Facts: ABV: 44% (88 proof)  |  Origin: San Diego, California, USA  |  Style: American Gin  |  Distillery: Cutwater Spirits

Production & Heritage

Cutwater Spirits operates out of San Diego, California, where the distilling team vapor-distills Old Grove Gin from a corn base spirit. The vapor distillation method passes alcohol vapors through a botanical basket rather than steeping botanicals directly in liquid, yielding a lighter, cleaner extraction of essential oils. The eleven-botanical bill includes juniper berries, rose petals, lemongrass, and coriander as primary drivers, with supporting aromatics selected for freshness and complexity. The inclusion of rose petals is a deliberate departure from the London Dry template, giving Old Grove a floral dimension uncommon in its price class.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Juniper arrives first but shares the stage quickly with rose petal and a thread of lemongrass. Coriander adds a gentle spice accent beneath the floral-citrus top notes, creating an aromatic profile that reads distinctly Californian.

Taste: The palate opens with clean, well-defined juniper before transitioning into herbal and citrus layers at mid-palate. Rose and coriander emerge together, contributing a subtle floral-spice interplay. The corn-based spirit provides a slightly rounded, smooth texture that carries the botanicals without excessive grain sharpness.

Finish: Medium in length, the finish resolves with black pepper warmth and a whisper of vanilla. A crisp botanical dryness lingers, leaving a clean impression that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Old Grove Gin

Neat or over a single large ice cube, Old Grove rewards slow sipping — the rose petal and lemongrass notes open up noticeably with a slight chill. Its versatile botanical profile also makes it a strong cocktail base. A Gin & Tonic with a quality Indian tonic and a grapefruit twist highlights the citrus-floral character. A Bee's Knees (gin, honey syrup, lemon juice) pairs the honey sweetness against Old Grove's black pepper finish beautifully. A Tom Collins benefits from the gin's clean corn-distilled body, which keeps the drink light and refreshing without losing botanical presence.

Best For

• Introducing a craft gin drinker to the California distilling scene
• Warm-weather cocktail sessions where a bright, floral gin shines
• Gifting someone who appreciates American-made small-batch spirits
• Side-by-side tastings comparing modern American gins to classic London Dry styles

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Old Grove Gin taste like? Old Grove Gin leads with juniper but quickly layers in rose petal, lemongrass, and coriander, finishing with black pepper warmth and a hint of vanilla. The overall impression is bright, clean, and more floral than a traditional London Dry gin.

How does Old Grove Gin compare to Tanqueray No. Ten? Tanqueray No. Ten uses fresh whole citrus fruits (white grapefruit, orange, lime) in a small-batch still run, resulting in a more citrus-forward profile at 47.3% ABV. Old Grove Gin leans more toward floral and herbal notes from its rose petal and lemongrass botanicals and sits slightly lower at 44% ABV, giving it a softer, more approachable character.

Is Old Grove Gin good for cocktails? Its balanced botanical profile and clean corn-distilled base make it highly versatile in cocktails, from a classic Gin & Tonic to citrus-forward shaken drinks like the Bee's Knees. The 44% ABV provides enough backbone to hold its own in mixed drinks without overpowering other ingredients.

Where is Old Grove Gin made? Old Grove Gin is produced at the Cutwater Spirits distillery in San Diego, California. The spirit is vapor distilled on-site using a corn base and eleven carefully selected botanicals.

What foods pair well with Old Grove Gin? Fresh ceviche or crudo benefits from the gin's citrus and herbal notes. Soft goat cheese with honey complements the rose petal and black pepper finish. Grilled shrimp with lemongrass echoes the botanical bill directly. Light salads with citrus vinaigrette match the gin's brightness, and seared scallops with a herb butter work well against the clean, rounded palate.

What sizes does Old Grove Gin come in? The standard bottle size is 750ml, which is the most widely available format for this expression.

Is Old Grove Gin worth the price? Old Grove Gin positions as a mid-range craft gin, sitting above mass-market brands but below ultra-premium artisan bottlings. Its Gold Medal at the 2017 Los Angeles Spirits Competition and distinctive eleven-botanical recipe represent strong value within the American craft gin category.

Why Old Grove Gin?

Old Grove Gin stands out in the American craft gin landscape because of its vapor-distilled process and an unconventional botanical bill built around rose petals and lemongrass alongside traditional juniper. The Gold Medal at the 2017 Los Angeles Spirits Competition validates the quality of the finished spirit against a competitive field. Where many American gins either mimic the London Dry template or swing entirely toward New Western experimentation, Old Grove strikes a middle path — clearly juniper-led but distinctly Californian in its aromatic personality. For drinkers looking to explore what coastal San Diego distilling brings to the gin category, this is one of the most representative bottles available.