Smalls American Dry Gin 750ML

Small's American Dry Gin 750ML is a 43% ABV (86 proof) American dry gin distilled by Ransom Spirits in Oregon's Willamette Valley. Earning 92 points from the Beverage Testing Institute and a Gold Medal from the International Review of Spirits, this expression stands apart through its use of local raspberries added during the final stages of distillation — a technique that threads delicate fruit through an otherwise classically structured botanical backbone.

Quick Facts: ABV: 43% (86 Proof)  |  Origin: Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA  |  Style: American Dry Gin  |  Distillery: Ransom Spirits

Production & Heritage

Ransom Spirits, based in Oregon's Willamette Valley, has built a reputation for historically informed, small-batch spirits. Small's Gin begins with a base of 100% neutral grain spirit, which is then redistilled with a layered botanical charge that includes juniper, cardamom, orange peel, lemon peel, coriander, angelica, caraway, and star anise. The defining production step comes in the final stages of distillation, when locally sourced raspberries are introduced, imparting a subtle fruit dimension that distinguishes this gin from conventional American dry styles.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dried flowers and green herbal juniper open the nose, followed by an unusual and complex layer of onion-pepper relish and lime custard pastry. The aromatic profile is wide-ranging, shifting between savory and floral with each pass.

Taste: The entry is round and supple, developing into a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body. Juniper and cardamom lead, while supporting botanicals — orange, lemon, coriander, and star anise — contribute bright herbal depth. The raspberry influence surfaces subtly at mid-palate, adding a gentle berry sweetness without pulling the gin away from its dry character.

Finish: Long and complex, with fresh-cut pine, pink pepper, and wintergreen giving way to lemongrass and a violet-lavender talc fade. The finish lingers with a cool, aromatic dryness that invites another sip.

How to Drink Small's Gin

Neat or with a single ice cube is the best way to appreciate the full botanical layering and the raspberry subtlety that defines this gin. A splash of cool water also opens the floral and herbal notes further. For cocktails, consider these three:

• Gin & Tonic: The cardamom and pink pepper notes pair naturally with a quality Indian tonic, while the raspberry element adds a faint berry hue to the classic serve.
• French 75: The lime custard and floral aromatics complement champagne's acidity, and the gin's medium-full body holds its own against the bubbles.
• Negroni: Small's juniper-forward core and dry-yet-fruity character balance Campari's bitterness, while the lavender finish adds an unexpected aromatic twist.

Best For

• Gifting a craft spirits enthusiast who values unusual production methods
• Building a home gin collection that goes beyond London Dry standards
• Hosting a gin tasting flight focused on American expressions
• Summer cocktail sessions that call for a gin with fruit complexity and herbal depth

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Small's Gin taste like? Small's Gin delivers a juniper-and-cardamom-driven profile with bright citrus, herbal depth, and a subtle raspberry fruitiness gained from locally sourced berries added during distillation. The finish is long and aromatic, with pine, pink pepper, lemongrass, and a lavender-talc fade.

How does Small's Gin compare to Bluecoat American Dry Gin? Both are American dry gins with citrus-forward profiles and reduced juniper emphasis compared to London Dry style, and reviewers at Drink Spirits have drawn direct comparisons between the two. Small's distinguishes itself with its late-distillation raspberry addition and a more pronounced spice element from cardamom and caraway, while Bluecoat leans into a cleaner, more citrus-dominant character.

Is Small's Gin good for cocktails? Small's Gin works well in cocktails due to its medium-to-full body and layered botanical complexity, which prevent it from disappearing behind mixers. It is especially suited to gin-forward drinks like the Negroni and French 75 where its cardamom, pine, and raspberry nuances can be tasted.

Where is Small's Gin made? Small's Gin is produced by Ransom Spirits in Oregon's Willamette Valley, a region known for its cool-climate agriculture and access to high-quality local botanicals and fruit, including the raspberries used in this gin's distillation.

What foods pair well with Small's Gin? Smoked salmon and dill canapés complement the gin's herbal and pine notes. Fresh goat cheese with cracked pepper mirrors its spice profile. Raspberry tarts echo the fruit element in the spirit. Grilled shrimp with citrus vinaigrette brings out the lemon and orange peel botanicals. Cardamom-spiced desserts create a natural resonance with the gin's dominant spice note.

What sizes does Small's Gin come in? Small's American Dry Gin is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is Small's Gin worth the price? Small's positions as a premium craft gin within the American dry category, and its 92-point BTI score and Gold Medal from the International Review of Spirits suggest strong quality for its tier. The unique raspberry distillation technique and small-batch Oregon production place it above mass-market gins in both complexity and craftsmanship.

Why Small's Gin?

The late-distillation raspberry addition is not a gimmick — it is a deliberate production choice that threads a barely perceptible fruit note through an otherwise classically structured dry gin, and it is the single element most responsible for the expression's distinctive personality. Backed by a 92-point rating from the Beverage Testing Institute and a Gold Medal from the International Review of Spirits, Small's has earned critical recognition that validates its approach. Ransom Spirits' Willamette Valley location gives the distillery access to the kind of local, seasonal ingredients that larger producers cannot replicate at scale. For drinkers seeking an American gin that respects tradition while introducing a genuinely original twist, Small's delivers without relying on novelty.