If ever there was a gin to inspire conversation, this is it: a superbly crafted spirit by Crispin Cain, a Mendocino, Calif., distiller who ages his wheat-based London dry gin for one year in ex-bourbon and ex-brandy barrels. Instead of the typical clear spirit, Russell Henry Dark Gin has a tannish hue and is rich with floral notes and spicy citrus and oak flavors.
- The gin is double distilled, first in a small hybrid pot still and then in a vintage alembic still.
- Botanicals include juniper, coriander, orrisroot, and lemon peel.
- About 3,000 bottles are produced each year.
- To fully appreciate its complexities, drink the gin chilled, straight up, in a martini glass or a tall shot glass—no olives.
Craft Distillers, craftdistillers.com ($60)
