Terroir began with a hike and a fir tree. Master distiller Lance Winters created St. George Terroir Gin to evoke the magic of the forest. Wildcrafted Douglas fir and locally foraged California bay laurel form its signature, while coastal sage and wok-roasted coriander connote the hillside chaparral.
Formats: 750ml & 200ml
ABV: 45%
Availability: Widely available
Forest-driven and earthy, Terroir is a profoundly aromatic gin with a real sense of place. Spirits are our form of self-expression, and Terroir expresses our love for the verdant landscapes of Northern California.
We pick fresh Douglas fir tips by hand in Marin, where the trees grow wild in their natural habitat. California bay laurel is common in the hills around Oakland. Chris often picks up a truck full of branches on his way into work, where Jack pulls the leaves off one by one. We wok-roast the coriander we use in Terroir, which brings out an earthy aroma. Angelica and orris root balance the bright aromatics of lemon and Seville orange peel. Coastal sage, cinnamon, cardamom and fennel seed complete the picture, while juniper berries bring the botanicals together.
We use two different distilling techniques to bring out the exact qualities we seek in our botanicals. Careful pot distillation on our custom Arnold Holstein stills allows us to coax incredible flavor from most of our ingredients, but juniper berries and fresh California bay laurel need a lighter touch. We put those in a steam basket, so the vapors of the distilled spirit can gently extract their delicate aromatics.
The label, art directed by Lance, shows a California grizzly alongside Douglas fir with California’s Mt. Tam in the background. Now, about that cowbell...
Terroir is a forest in your glass with ultra woodsy notes of Douglas fir, California bay laurel and a hint of citrus. Coastal sage and wok-roasted coriander suggest hillside thickets, while angelica root and cinnamon evoke the dusty smell of the trail.
Terroir is stunning on the rocks or in a Martini. It is also lovely in a Collins garnished with fennel, bay leaf, or whatever fresh herbs you have on hand. Its outdoorsy notes make for a perfect Bramble. When mixed with sweet vermouth and Bruto Americano (ala a Negroni) we call the drink an American Werewolf.
