Drytown Gin 750ML

Drytown Gin 750ML is a 10-botanical, four-grain American gin bottled at 46% ABV (92 proof) in a 750ml format. It earned a Double Gold medal at the 2016 New York International Spirits Competition and a Gold medal at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, placing it among the most decorated craft gins produced in the United States.

Quick Facts: ABV: 46% (92 proof)  |  Origin: Colorado, United States  |  Style: American Dry Gin  |  Distillery: Old Elk Distillery

Production & Heritage

Drytown Gin is produced at Old Elk Distillery and built on a four-grain vodka base. Head Distiller Kate Douglas developed the recipe over 64 prototype iterations, arriving at a blend of 10 botanicals processed through both maceration and vapor extraction. The process begins with an 18-hour soak of juniper, orris root, and fresh oranges, after which angelica, ginger, lemon verbena, lemongrass, lime, Colorado-grown sage, and pepper are introduced through vapor distillation. This dual-extraction technique pulls heavier, earthier flavors from the macerated botanicals while capturing lighter, more volatile aromatics through the vapor basket.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with candied ginger and cracked pepper before giving way to piney juniper and earthy wild herbs. There is a brightness beneath the spice — fresh citrus peel hovering just behind the denser herbal tones.

Taste: On entry, juniper and lime arrive immediately, followed by a surge of citrus that suggests both lemon and mandarin orange. Mid-palate, ginger spikes sharply, balanced by lemon verbena and pineapple sage that provide an herbal counterpoint. Underneath the botanicals, a toasted corn grain sweetness from the four-grain base adds unexpected body, while orris root and sage contribute a layered, savory bitterness.

Finish: The finish is bold and spicy, driven by lingering black pepper and dry ginger heat. Juniper reasserts itself at the very end, leaving a long, clean, herbaceous close.

How to Drink Drytown Gin

At 92 proof, Drytown stands up well neat or with a single large ice cube, which opens the citrus and tempers the pepper without drowning the botanical complexity. Its bold profile also makes it an excellent cocktail base:

• Gin & Tonic: The ginger and sage amplify against tonic water's quinine bitterness, producing a layered G&T with more depth than most.
• Negroni: The high proof and assertive juniper backbone hold their ground against Campari and sweet vermouth, preventing the gin from disappearing.
• Bee's Knees: Honey syrup and fresh lemon juice complement the existing candied ginger and citrus notes, creating a cohesive, lush cocktail.

Best For

• Gin drinkers seeking a higher-proof, botanically complex American craft gin
• Gifting to someone transitioning from vodka into the gin category
• Building a home cocktail bar with a versatile, full-bodied gin
• Side-by-side tastings comparing American and London Dry gin styles

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Drytown Gin taste like? Drytown Gin leads with bold juniper and lime, followed by a wave of mandarin citrus, candied ginger, and savory sage. The four-grain base adds a subtle toasted corn sweetness, and the finish is long, spicy, and peppery.

How does Drytown Gin compare to Hendrick's? While Hendrick's (44% ABV) is known for its gentle cucumber and rose petal character, Drytown runs hotter at 46% ABV with a spicier, more juniper-forward profile built around ginger and sage. Drytown delivers a bolder, more assertive gin experience suited to drinkers who prefer intensity over subtlety.

Is Drytown Gin good for cocktails? Yes — the 92-proof strength and pronounced botanical backbone mean it remains clearly present in mixed drinks rather than fading behind other ingredients. It performs especially well in spirit-forward cocktails like Negronis and Martinis.

Where is Drytown Gin made? Drytown Gin is produced at Old Elk Distillery in Colorado, United States. The recipe features Colorado-grown sage among its 10 botanicals, tying the gin to its regional origin.

What foods pair well with Drytown Gin? Smoked salmon or cured fish echo the gin's herbal and citrus character. Soft goat cheese complements the sage and orris root earthiness. Thai green curry mirrors the lemongrass and ginger notes. Grilled shrimp with lime brings out the gin's bright citrus side. Dark chocolate with candied ginger amplifies the warming spice on the finish.

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

Is Drytown Gin worth the price? Drytown positions as a premium craft gin, and its Double Gold medal, 64-iteration development process, and 10-botanical complexity justify its place in that tier. For drinkers who value a bold, higher-proof gin with real depth, it delivers strong value relative to other award-winning American gins.

Why Drytown Gin?

What separates Drytown from the crowded American craft gin field is its dual-extraction production and the 64 prototype attempts it took to finalize the recipe. The combination of an 18-hour maceration with vapor-basket distillation produces a gin with both heft and finesse — heavy enough to anchor a Negroni, nuanced enough to reward neat sipping. Its Double Gold and Gold medals from two of the industry's most respected competitions confirm what the liquid suggests: this is a seriously considered gin built on a distinctive four-grain foundation with Colorado-grown botanicals that give it genuine regional identity.