Yahara Bay Distillers
Madison, WI
80 proof

Distiller and founder Nick Quint came out of retirement to start Madison’s first distillery (and one of Wisconsin’s first) back in 2007. Today, he and his step-son Lars operate the distillery together, creating at least a dozen unique spirits and liqueurs! These products include vodka, gin (of course), both a white and an aged rum, Holtz’s Apple Crisp Liqueur, an apple brandy, a kirschwasser, a cocoa liqueur and more. Somehow, they also find the time to contract distill a few products for others.

Yahara Bay’s Extra Dry Gin is done in the London Dry style, meaning more juniper-forward. But rather than a “piney” juniper you can find in some London Dry gins, the juniper is delicate and beautiful—with an emphasis, perhaps, on the “berry” part of juniper berry. This characteristic is present in the aroma, along with some light citrus and pepper. The flavor has a full-bodied juniper berry presence, but it’s not overwhelming. Rather, it is balanced by citrus and light floral notes, as well some sweeter spice, like cardamom. This is a classic gin with great balance while staying true to the London Dry style. It would be excellent in most classic gin cocktails.

yaharabay.com