by Barr Hill Gin is a unique and award-winning gin that is distilled by Caledonia Spirits in Vermont.
What sets Barr Hill Gin apart from other gins is its use of raw honey as a key ingredient.
The honey is sourced from local beekeepers and is added to the gin after distillation, giving it a distinct floral sweetness.
Barr Hill Gin is made using a custom-built botanical extraction still, which allows the distillers to carefully balance the juniper-forward botanicals with the raw honey.
The result is a gin that is approachable and well-suited to elevate any gin cocktail.
In fact, Barr Hill Gin has won numerous awards and accolades, including a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2019.
Whether you are a gin aficionado or a casual drinker, Barr Hill Gin is definitely worth trying.
Its unique flavor profile and use of local, sustainable ingredients make it a standout in the crowded gin market.
So the next time you are looking for a new gin to try, consider reaching for a bottle of Barr Hill Gin.
Barr Hill Gin History and Founders
Todd Hardie and Ryan Christiansen
Barr Hill Gin is a product of Caledonia Spirits, a distillery located in Hardwick, Vermont.
The distillery was founded by Todd Hardie, a lifelong beekeeper who had been caring for bee hives across Vermont and the world, and Ryan Christiansen, a lifelong Vermonter who grew up working in his parents’ hardware store.
Todd Hardie’s passion for beekeeping and distilling led to the creation of Gin, which is mindfully crafted with premium, organic juniper and the botanical depth of regional raw honey.
The combination of these ingredients is carefully distilled over a direct fire, creating a magical fusion of sharp juniper notes and rich, luscious honey.
Ryan Christiansen worked with Todd Hardie and acquired the company five years ago, opening its 27,000-square-foot Barr Hill Distillery in Montpelier, on Gin Lane, appropriately, in July of 2019.
The distillery is equipped with a spacious tasting room, a gift shop, and a production facility where they produce their award-winning spirits, including Barr Hill Gin.
Todd Hardie and Ryan Christiansen’s partnership has been a success, earning Barr Hill the title of America’s most-awarded gin.
The distillery has won numerous awards for its gin, including the Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the Gold Medal at the New York International Spirits Competition.
Overall, Todd Hardie and Ryan Christiansen’s passion for distilling and beekeeping has led to the creation of a unique and award-winning gin that truly reflects the depth and character of Vermont.
Production Process of Barr Hill Gin
Barr Hill Gin is a unique spirit that is crafted with care and attention to detail.
The production process is divided into three main stages: distillation, botanicals, and barrel-aging.
Distillation
Barr Hill Gin is distilled in a custom-built botanical extraction still that was designed specifically for this purpose.
The still is made of copper and stainless steel, and it is equipped with a special gin basket that allows the distillers to infuse the gin with a variety of botanicals.
The distillation process begins with a neutral grain spirit that is made from corn.
The spirit is then combined with a carefully selected blend of botanicals, including juniper, flowers, and other herbs and spices.
The botanicals are added to the gin basket, which is located in the still’s column.
The still is heated, and the mixture of botanicals and spirit is vaporized. The vapor then rises through the still’s column, where it is infused with the flavors and aromas of the botanicals.
The vapor is then condensed back into a liquid, which is collected in a receiving vessel.
Botanicals
This Gin is made with a unique blend of botanicals that gives it its distinctive flavor and aroma.
The gin’s primary botanical is juniper, which is the key ingredient in all gins.
Juniper used in Barr Hill Gin is carefully selected for its quality and flavor profile.
In addition to juniper, Gin is infused with a variety of flowers, herbs, and spices, including coriander, angelica root, and orris root.
These botanicals are carefully chosen for their ability to complement and enhance the flavor of the juniper.
Barrel-Aging
Barr Hill Gin is also available in a barrel-aged version, which is known as Tom Cat Gin.
Tom Cat Gin is aged in new American oak barrels for several months, which gives it a unique flavor profile that is different from that of Barr Hill Gin.
The barrel-aging process gives Tom Cat Gin a rich, amber color and a complex flavor profile that is characterized by notes of vanilla, caramel, and wood.
The wood also helps to mellow out the gin’s juniper flavor, giving it a smoother, more rounded taste.
Overall, the production process for Barr Hill Gin is a careful and meticulous process that is designed to produce a high-quality spirit that is both unique and delicious.
Unique Ingredients of Barr Hill Gin
Barr Hill Gin is known for its unique flavor profile, which is due to its distinct ingredients.
The gin is made using only two botanicals: honey and juniper. This minimalistic approach to gin making has resulted in a product that is both simple and complex.
Honey Infusion
One of the key ingredients in Barr Hill Gin is honey. The use of honey in gin making is not new, but the way it is used in Barr Hill Gin is unique.
The gin is infused with raw honey, which gives it a distinct sweetness and depth of flavor. The honey used in Barr Hill Gin is sourced from the beekeeper who co-founded the distillery, Todd Hardie.
Local Botanicals
Barr Hill Gin is also known for its use of local botanicals. The gin is made in Vermont, and the distillery uses wildflowers and other local botanicals to infuse the gin with a sense of place.
The use of local botanicals is a nod to the importance of agriculture in Vermont, and it also gives the gin a unique flavor profile that is not found in other gins.
Overall, the use of honey and local botanicals in Hill Gingives it a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other gins on the market.
The gin is approachable and well-suited for a variety of cocktails, and its use of simple ingredients makes it a favorite among gin enthusiasts.
Tasting Profile and Cocktails
Tasting Notes of Barr Hill Gin
Barr Hill Gin is a unique gin that is distilled and lightly sweetened with raw honey sourced from the Northeast.
On the nose, the gin has a citrusy and floral aroma with hints of juniper and wildflower nectar. The gin has a straw hue and a smooth finish that is perfect for cocktails.
The juniper-forward botanicals are well balanced with the soft wildflower nectars from the honey, making it approachable and well-suited to elevate any gin cocktail.
Cocktail Recommendations for Barr Hill Gin
Barr Hill Gin is an excellent gin for cocktails. The gin’s unique flavor profile makes it perfect for a variety of cocktails. Here are some cocktail recommendations that showcase the gin’s flavor profile:
The gin’s pine notes and honey sweetness complement the vermouth and maraschino liqueur, creating a well-balanced cocktail.
Barr Hill Negroni: The Negroni is a classic cocktail that is made with gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. The Barr Hill Gin adds a unique twist to this classic cocktail.
The gin’s juniper-forward botanicals and honey sweetness complement the Campari and vermouth, creating a well-balanced cocktail.
Barr Hill Lemon Gin Fizz: This cocktail is made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water. The Barr Hill Gin adds a unique twist to this classic cocktail.
The gin’s citrusy and floral notes complement the lemon juice and simple syrup, creating a refreshing cocktail.
Overall, Barr Hill Gin is a unique gin that is perfect for cocktails. The gin’s unique flavor profile and smooth finish make it an excellent choice for any gin cocktail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What botanicals are used in the production of Barr Hill Gin?
Barr Hill Gin is made with a combination of honey, juniper, and other botanicals.
The exact botanicals used in the production process are not disclosed, but the gin is known for its juniper-forward flavor profile and the floral depth of the raw honey.
How does Barr Hill Tom Cat Gin differ from the classic Barr Hill Gin?
Barr Hill Tom Cat Gin is a barrel-aged gin that is aged for three to four months in new American oak barrels.
This aging process gives the gin a unique flavor profile that is different from the classic Barr Hill Gin. The Tom Cat Gin has a slightly darker color and a more complex flavor profile with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak.
What is the price range for a bottle of Barr Hill Gin?
The price of a bottle of Barr Hill Gin varies depending on the location and the retailer.
However, the average price range for a 750ml bottle of Barr Hill Gin is between $35 and $45.
Which retailers carry Barr Hill Gin for purchase?
Barr Hill Gin is available for purchase at a variety of retailers, including liquor stores, online retailers, and specialty stores.
Some popular retailers that carry Barr Hill include Total Wine & More, BevMo, and Binny’s Beverage Depot.
Can you suggest some cocktail recipes that highlight Barr Hill Gin?
Barr Hill Gin is a versatile gin that can be used in a variety of cocktails. Some popular cocktail recipes that highlight the flavor profile of Gin include the Bee’s Knees, the Tom Cat Martini, and the Negroni.
What is the unique production process behind Barr Hill Gin?
Barr Hill Gin is distilled in a custom-built botanical extraction still that is designed to extract the maximum amount of flavor from the botanicals used in the production process.
The gin is made with a combination of honey, juniper, and other botanicals, and is distilled in small batches to ensure consistency and quality.
The honey used in the production process is sourced from the Hardwick, Vermont area, and is added to the gin after distillation to give it a unique flavor profile
