North Shore Gin No 6 750ML

North Shore Gin No. 6 750ML is a ten-botanical American craft gin bottled at 47% ABV (94 proof) in a 750ml format. Awarded 95 points and a Gold Medal from the Beverage Testing Institute, this expression from Illinois's first post-Prohibition craft distillery balances bold juniper with lavender, citrus, and warm spice in a way that few domestic gins attempt.

Quick Facts: ABV: 47% (94 proof)  |  Origin: Green Oaks, Illinois, USA  |  Style: London Dry–Inspired Craft Gin  |  Distillery: North Shore Distillery

Production & Heritage

North Shore Distillery holds the distinction of being the first craft distillery to open in Illinois after Prohibition. The gin is produced on a 250-liter hand-hammered copper pot still affectionately named "Ethel," which uses a water bath heating system rather than direct flame — a design that gives distillers precise temperature control and results in a remarkably clean spirit. Ten botanicals, including juniper, cardamom, fresh lemons, and lavender, are infused into the base spirit for varying lengths of time before a slow, deliberate distillation run. This patient approach allows each botanical layer to express itself without any single element overwhelming the blend.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with bright citrus peel and lavender, followed by a wave of juniper that carries undertones of ginger and warm spice. It's inviting without being perfumed — the botanicals read as integrated rather than competing.

Taste: On the palate, the entry is surprisingly gentle given the 47% ABV, with ginger, clove, and cardamom emerging through the mid-palate alongside candied lemon zest. The juniper asserts itself at the peak, supported by a honeyed sweetness and subtle fennel character that adds complexity without veering into anise territory.

Finish: The finish is quite long and warm, with a faint hint of smoke and lingering pepper. Nutmeg and dried spice fade gradually, leaving a clean, dry close.

How to Drink Gin No. 6

The 47% ABV and layered botanical profile make Gin No. 6 a strong candidate for sipping neat or with a single ice cube to open up the lavender and citrus notes. A few drops of water reveal additional ginger character. For cocktails, three standouts:

• Classic Gin & Tonic: The lavender and cardamom bloom against the quinine, creating a more aromatic G&T than juniper-forward London Drys typically deliver.
• Bee's Knees: Honey syrup amplifies the gin's existing honeyed sweetness while lemon juice mirrors the fresh citrus in the botanical bill.
• Negroni: At 94 proof, Gin No. 6 holds its ground against Campari and sweet vermouth, with its spice notes adding a savory edge to the classic bitter-sweet balance.

Best For

• Gifting a gin enthusiast who appreciates small-batch American craft spirits
• Side-by-side tastings comparing American botanical-forward gins to traditional London Drys
• Hosting a cocktail evening where the gin needs to shine in both stirred and shaken drinks
• Adding a distinctive bottle to a home bar focused on award-winning craft distilleries

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Gin No. 6 taste like? Gin No. 6 delivers ginger, clove, and cardamom wrapped around a juniper core, with candied lemon zest and lavender providing a floral-citrus counterpoint. The finish is long, warm, and lightly peppery with a faint smokiness.

How does Gin No. 6 compare to Old Raj Gin? Both gins share a bold, spice-driven character, but Gin No. 6 offers a more varied botanical spectrum — particularly the lavender and citrus elements — where Old Raj leans heavily into saffron and heat. Gin No. 6 is also slightly lower in proof, making it a more approachable sipper.

Is Gin No. 6 good for sipping neat? Yes — the 47% ABV is high enough to carry the botanical complexity without overwhelming heat, and the long, warm finish rewards slow, contemplative drinking.

Where is Gin No. 6 made? Gin No. 6 is distilled at North Shore Distillery in Green Oaks, Illinois, the first craft distillery to open in the state following Prohibition. All production takes place on-site using their 250-liter copper pot still.

What foods pair well with Gin No. 6? Smoked salmon and cream cheese canapés complement the gin's faint smokiness. Lemon tarts mirror its citrus peel notes. Thai green curry echoes the ginger and cardamom. Aged gouda plays off the warm spice. Fresh oysters with a squeeze of lemon highlight the juniper and brininess.

What sizes does Gin No. 6 come in? The standard offering is the 750ml bottle at 47% ABV.

Is Gin No. 6 worth the price? Gin No. 6 positions as a premium craft gin, and its 95-point Beverage Testing Institute rating, small-batch production on a hand-hammered copper still, and ten-botanical recipe place it firmly among the upper tier of American craft gins in terms of quality and complexity.

Why Gin No. 6?

What separates this expression from the crowded American craft gin field is both provenance and process. The 250-liter hand-hammered copper pot still with its water-bath heating system is an uncommon setup that gives the distillers granular control over how each botanical expresses itself. The result — validated by a 95-point Gold Medal from the Beverage Testing Institute and a "Best Gin" nod from Chicago Magazine — is a gin that manages to be simultaneously bold and nuanced. For drinkers looking beyond London Dry convention, Gin No. 6 represents a genuine benchmark in Midwestern craft distilling.