Distilled in Roscoe, New York, Staple Gin is a product of Rachael Ray and Do Good Spirits, featuring a botanical blend of juniper, coriander, orris root, Castelvetrano olives, bitter orange peel, bergamot peel, tarragon and extra virgin olive oil. It rests at 47% ABV and hosts a suggested retail price of $38.
A barely there lime-peel scent amplifies on the palate with a burst of citrus, plus star anise and juniper and a subtly saline finish. Mix into martinis garnished with olives, of course.
Personally, I am not a big olive fan from a culinary sense, so this gin is at a bit of a disadvantage in appealing to my own personal flavor wheelhouse. However, I like that they went out and forged a distinctive profile for this launch, and I expect those who gel with its particular botanical profile will love the way this will no doubt punch through the noise in a cocktail.
Then there’s the texture: Facquet told us that he and Ray decided to try and capture the experience of enjoying a Castelveltrano olive. It’s a pretty esoteric ambition and strange concept to wrap your mind around. But sample this gin and it’s immediately apparent they nailed their brief. Bravo!
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House Review
Nose:
Delicate aromas of citrus, raw bell pepper, caper, sea salt and white pepper.
Taste:
Salty, piquant and richly savory. The palate opens with canned asparagus, green olive, cut grass and cayenne spice before revealing notes of freshly shucked sweet corn, butter, cilantro and olive oil.
Finish:
The long finish carries sappy juniper, eucalyptus, mint and drying bitter orange peel.
Overall:
Staple is a unique savory spirit with a pronounced vegetal profile. It shines in a martini, particularly a super dirty one packed with olives, and for brine lovers, it also makes a standout pickletini. For those seeking something new in modern gin and a break from sweet floral sips, Staple delivers.
Score:
93
By Candie Getgen
Our in house critic rates spirits on a scale of 0-10 (10 best) and is aggregated the same as external sources
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