Thresh & Winnow Citrine Gin 750ML

Thresh & Winnow Citrine Gin 750ML is a yuzu-driven, USDA Organic American gin bottled at 45% ABV (90 proof) in a 750ml format. Awarded 91 points and a Gold Medal from the Beverage Testing Institute, this grain-to-bottle expression anchors its identity in Japanese citrus and a distinctive spice backbone that separates it from the broader craft gin field.

Quick Facts: ABV: 45% (90 proof)  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois, USA  |  Style: Contemporary / New Western Gin  |  Distillery: KOVAL

Production & Heritage

Citrine Gin is produced by KOVAL Distillery, founded in 2008 as Chicago's first distillery since the mid-1800s. KOVAL is known for its grain-to-bottle philosophy, sourcing organic grains and distilling entirely in-house. Thresh & Winnow is KOVAL's ultra-premium sub-brand, launched in September 2024; the name references the ancient agricultural act of separating grain from chaff, signaling a focus on purity and refinement. Citrine Gin centers on yuzu as its primary citrus botanical, supported by juniper, lemongrass, and a curated selection of complementary aromatics — all carried through a USDA Organic–certified production process.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with a slightly confectionery quality — pecan shortbread and toasted grain — before bright grapefruit rind and piney juniper emerge. A thread of lemongrass weaves through the background, lending a clean, green lift.

Taste: On the palate, citrus takes command immediately: grapefruit and yuzu lead with tart, zesty energy. The mid-palate shifts toward toasted biscotti, fennel, and a gentle aniseed sweetness, while cassia and ginger provide a warming counterpoint that deepens the texture without overwhelming the fruit.

Finish: The finish is moderately long, astringent, and warm, with distant pine needles and a fleeting hint of unaged rye grain. It closes dry and clean, inviting the next sip rather than lingering heavily.

How to Drink Citrine Gin

At 90 proof, Citrine Gin has enough structure to drink neat or over a single large ice cube, where the yuzu and grapefruit aromatics open gradually. A splash of chilled tonic and a grapefruit twist makes a straightforward, rewarding serve. For cocktails, try these three:

• Gimlet: The yuzu brightness harmonizes naturally with fresh lime cordial, amplifying citrus without competing.
• Bee's Knees: Honey syrup rounds the gin's astringent finish and complements the lemongrass and fennel notes on the mid-palate.
• White Negroni: Citrine's warm cassia-ginger spice stands up to Suze and dry vermouth, adding an unexpected yuzu twist to the classic bitter framework.

Best For

• Gifting a gin enthusiast who already knows the London Dry canon and wants something different
• Building a home bar shelf focused on American craft distilling
• Hosting a cocktail evening where conversation-starting bottles matter
• Exploring organic spirits without sacrificing proof or complexity

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Citrine Gin taste like? Citrine Gin leads with bright yuzu and grapefruit citrus, transitions into toasted biscotti and fennel at mid-palate, and finishes warm and dry with lingering pine and a trace of rye grain.

How does Citrine Gin compare to Roku Japanese Gin? Both gins feature yuzu prominently, but Roku balances its citrus against Japanese tea and cherry blossom florals at a lower 43% ABV, while Citrine leans into grapefruit and lemongrass with a spicier, higher-proof (45% ABV) profile rooted in organic American grain.

Is Citrine Gin good for cocktails? Absolutely — its 45% ABV gives it the backbone to carry through mixed drinks, and its yuzu-forward character adds an unusual citrus dimension to classics like Gimlets, Bee's Knees, and Gin & Tonics.

Where is Citrine Gin made? Citrine Gin is distilled at KOVAL Distillery in Chicago, Illinois. KOVAL, founded in 2008, was the first distillery to open in Chicago since the mid-nineteenth century and produces all of its spirits grain-to-bottle on site.

What foods pair well with Citrine Gin? Fresh oysters benefit from the gin's grapefruit acidity. Seared scallops complement its lemongrass and fennel notes. Thai green curry mirrors the ginger-cassia warmth. Aged hard cheeses like Gruyère match the toasted biscotti mid-palate. Citrus tarts echo the yuzu without clashing.

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

Is Citrine Gin worth the price? Citrine Gin positions as an ultra-premium craft expression within KOVAL's portfolio, justified by its USDA Organic certification, grain-to-bottle production, and a 91-point Gold Medal from the Beverage Testing Institute — placing it among the higher-scoring contemporary gins in its class.

Why Citrine Gin?

Citrine Gin's strongest claim is specificity: it is one of the few USDA Organic, grain-to-bottle American gins built around yuzu as a lead botanical rather than a supporting player. That commitment earned it a 91-point Gold Medal from the Beverage Testing Institute and a 4.5-out-of-5 Gold Award from The Gin Is In — scores that reflect genuine complexity, not just novelty. As the flagship gin of KOVAL's newly launched Thresh & Winnow line, it represents a deliberate step upward from an already respected distillery, delivering a higher-proof, more layered spirit that rewards both neat contemplation and creative mixing.