Chicago's 1st distillery since the mid-1800's; Robert Birnecker, master distiller. Inspired by brandy tradition of distilling, slow ferments, heart of heart cuts. 100% Rye base, locally sourced, organic, all unmalted. Proprietary yeast strain. Slow fermentation, then 36 hour maceration with 13 botanicals, including fennel, coriander, lemongrass, rose hips, juniper, lime and grapefruit citrus peel, grains of paradise, angelica root, et al. Fresh, hand cut fennel is added for the last 12 hours of maceration. They use their original 300 liter still for the gin (they recently installed a new 5000L still). Nose: round, earthy at first, then fennel, flowers, lots of coriander and allspice. Juniper is present but not dominant. Fresh grassy notes. Palate: crisp and tangy on entry, blooming nicely into fennel, fresh grass, delicate berry notes. Coriander and white pepper on finish. An outstanding entry into the craft gin-stakes: expressive and exciting without coming off as showy or gimmicky. The 100% rye base sets it apart.
