Sips & Sites & Bites

We told you about the fantastic whiskey and the amazing backstory coming out of Texas’ Maverick Distilling. 

And as the distiller welcomed the new year with open arms, they wanted to “toast to sophistication, innovation, and the exquisite artistry of distilled spirits,” according to a recent press statement. 

So, the gang at Maverick introduced Ginuary, a month-long celebration dedicated to the world of gin, where tradition meets innovation and flavors are king.

The distiller proclaimed “Ginuary” not just a month, but an experience … a journey through the diverse and nuanced world of gin. With its rich history and an array of botanical infusions, gin has become a canvas for master distillers to create unique blends.

For this Ginuary, Maverick Distilling is bringing Samuel Maverick Texas Dry Gin and Samuel Maverick Barrel Aged Dry Gin to the party. You can find their offerings online and order for direct delivery to most states, or buy bottles from the distillery in downtown San Antonio, Texas as well as shop from shelves at select retailers.

Samuel Maverick Texas Dry Gin is a traditional dry gin with a Texas twist, made using locally grown rosemary, pecans, bay laurel, Mexican mint marigold, and Valley grapefruit zest, along with traditional gin botanicals like common juniper berries and coriander. 

The nose is deep and complex with notes of juniper, honeysuckle, lavender, lemongrass, and baking spice. The palate is smooth with rosemary and juniper up front followed by citrus rind and a bit of a bite. The finish is long with notes of menthol and peppercorn. 

The distiller notes that this is a perfect martini gin, bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV) in 750ml bottles, selling for $45 each. Suggested cocktail recipe, the Raspberry Bramble:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Samuel Maverick Texas Dry Gin
• 5 muddled raspberries
• 0.75 oz lemon juice
• 0.75 oz simple syrup

Directions: Combine the shaken and strained ingredients over a long rock ice in a Collins glass and top with club soda.

Samuel Maverick Barrel Aged Texas Dry Gin has flavors of a “dreamsicle,” a gin hand-crafted by Maverick Distilling, produced fully in-house using 17 local Texas-grown ingredients and aged a minimum of two years in #3 char white American oak barrels (previously used to age Maverick rye whiskey) in the subterranean bank vault at the distillery. 

Samuel Maverick Barrel Aged Texas Dry Gin is a starlight amber color and features deep aromas of spring bluebonnet floral scents mingled with citrus, vanilla, and herbs. On the palate, there are citrus notes of lemon, grapefruit zest and tart green apple mingled with floral accents of blossoming laurel, spring bluebonnet, juniper and rosemary, followed by a lingering caramelized crème brûlée crust sweetness with a hint of whiskey on the finish. 

The Barrel Aged Gin was hand bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV), and only two barrels were made for the release of this limited-edition gin. It’s available for suggested retail price of $45 per bottle at the distillery, in select retailers, and online for direct shipping to most states across the U.S. via https://maverickwhiskey.com/spirits/. 

Suggested cocktail recipe, the Bees Knees:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Samuel Maverick Barrel Aged Texas Dry Gin
• 0.75 oz Wildflower Honey simple
• 0.75 oz Fresh lemon juice

Directions: Combine shaken and strained ingredients into a coupe cocktail glass.

For more information or to find a bottle, check out Maverick Distilling online at https://maverickwhiskey.com/.