OOLA Gin 750ML

OOLA Gin 750ML is a New Western-style craft gin distilled in Seattle at 47% ABV (94 proof) from an organic wheat base with 13 botanicals. It earned a Triple Gold at the 2011 Micro-Liquor Spirit Awards across product, price, and packaging categories, and received a Highly Recommended rating from the Beverage Testing Institute in April 2015.

Quick Facts: ABV: 47% (94 proof)  |  Origin: Seattle, Washington, USA  |  New Western / Contemporary Style  |  Distillery: OOLA Distillery

Production & Heritage

OOLA Distillery was established in 2011 in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood by founder Kirby Kallas-Lewis. The gin begins as the distillery's own unflavored wheat-based vodka, produced from grains sourced exclusively from two organic farms in Eastern Washington. Those grains are milled and mashed on-site before being distilled through the house copper-pot still, nicknamed Kirby. From there, 13 botanicals — including hibiscus, coriander, lemon thyme, dried rose, black lemons, and black cardamom — are infused into the spirit. Several of the herbs, such as Tuscan rosemary and lemon verbena, are grown in Kallas-Lewis's own Capitol Hill backyard garden, giving the gin a hyper-local provenance that most producers cannot match.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with cascading citrus and rose petal aromatics that gradually give way to a subtle juniper underpinning. Spice-forward cardamom and coriander emerge alongside floral notes, creating a layered, complex bouquet where juniper plays a supporting role rather than a dominant one.

Taste: On the palate, the gin is silky and light-bodied with a velvet-like mouthfeel. Lively coriander and smoky black cardamom take center stage at the mid-palate, framed by delicate floral and herbal tones. The organic wheat base contributes a clean, slightly sweet grain character that anchors the botanicals without competing with them.

Finish: The wheat-vodka foundation delivers a long, finely textured finish with subtle notes of caramel and vanilla. Lingering warmth from the 94-proof strength carries traces of spice and dried citrus well after the last sip.

How to Drink OOLA Gin

At 47% ABV, this gin has enough structure for neat sipping — a splash of cool water opens the floral aromatics without diluting the body. On the rocks, it remains composed and expressive. Its botanical complexity also makes it a versatile cocktail spirit:

• Gin & Tonic: The hibiscus and rose notes bloom against a quality tonic, producing a fragrant, visually appealing serve.
• Bee's Knees: Honey syrup and lemon juice complement the gin's cardamom spice and floral backbone, adding richness without masking the botanicals.
• Negroni: The wheat-based softness and 94-proof intensity hold up against Campari and sweet vermouth, letting the black lemon and coriander cut through the bitterness.

Best For

• Gin enthusiasts exploring the New Western style beyond London Dry
• Gifting to a craft spirits collector interested in Pacific Northwest distilling
• Building a home bar with small-batch, organic-grain spirits
• Hosting cocktail nights where botanical complexity sparks conversation

Frequently Asked Questions

What does OOLA Gin taste like? OOLA Gin leads with floral rose and citrus aromatics followed by prominent coriander and smoky black cardamom on the palate, with juniper present but intentionally subdued. The finish is long and finely textured, with subtle caramel and vanilla from the organic wheat base.

How does OOLA Gin compare to Aviation Gin? Both are classified as New Western-style gins where juniper takes a backseat to other botanicals, and both are produced in the Pacific Northwest. OOLA distinguishes itself with a higher proof point (47% vs. Aviation's 42%), a 13-botanical recipe that includes uncommon ingredients like black lemons and hibiscus, and a base spirit distilled from certified organic Washington wheat.

Is OOLA Gin good for cocktails? Yes — the Beverage Testing Institute specifically noted that its "combination of grain, fruit, and herbal medicinal notes will make for interesting cocktails." The 94-proof strength ensures the botanicals remain present even when mixed with tonic, citrus, or bitters.

Where is OOLA Gin made? OOLA Gin is produced at OOLA Distillery in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. The organic grains are sourced from two farms in Eastern Washington, and several herbs are grown in the distiller's own backyard garden on Capitol Hill.

What foods pair well with OOLA Gin? Smoked salmon and cured fish echo the gin's citrus and spice profile. Soft goat cheese with herbs mirrors the floral and lemon-thyme notes. Thai green curry complements the cardamom and coriander. Fresh oysters on the half shell pair naturally with the clean wheat base and citrus aromatics. Rose-flavored desserts like Turkish delight create a harmonious echo of the gin's dried-rose botanical.

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

Is OOLA Gin worth the price? OOLA Gin positions as a small-batch craft gin in the premium tier, justified by its organic grain sourcing, copper-pot distillation, 13-botanical recipe, and garden-grown herbs. For drinkers seeking a distinctive New Western gin with genuine provenance, it represents strong value within its category.

Why OOLA Gin?

What separates OOLA from the crowded American craft gin field is transparency of process: every bottle starts with organic wheat from identified Eastern Washington farms, distilled through a single copper-pot still, then infused with 13 botanicals — several of which are harvested steps from the still house itself. That grain-to-glass traceability earned the gin a Triple Gold at the 2011 Micro-Liquor Spirit Awards and a Highly Recommended rating from the Beverage Testing Institute. At 94 proof, it delivers more intensity and botanical extraction than many New Western competitors bottled in the low 40s, giving it the backbone for both contemplative neat pours and spirit-forward cocktails. For anyone drawn to the idea that a gin can taste like a specific place — Capitol Hill's gardens, Eastern Washington's wheat fields — this is one of the most literal expressions of Pacific Northwest terroir in the category.