St. George Terroir Gin

Inspired by hiking the trails on California’s Mt. Tam, we created St. George Terroir Gin as an ode to the wild beauty of the Golden State. Made from a host of evocative botanicals, it’s an olfactory snapshot of the lush landscape surrounding the Bay Area.

The Spirit

Forest-driven and earthy, Terroir is a profoundly aromatic gin with a real sense of place. We consider spirits a form of self-expression, and Terroir expresses our love for the verdant landscapes of Northern California.

What’s in it?

We use 12 botanicals to evoke the terroir of our beloved Bay Area landscape. Wildcrafted local Douglas fir and California bay form Terroir’s aromatic signature, while the fennel that grows tall alongside hiking trails and the coastal sage that covers the hillsides cast their spell. While gin is often described as “piney,” the juniper here blends with the fir until it’s hard to tell where the one ends and the other begins. Terroir evokes juniper in its natural habitat: the wild outdoors.

The Process

We use a well-seasoned wok to roast the coriander seeds used in Terroir Gin. Coriander isn’t endemic to the Bay Area, but roasted coriander has an intoxicating earthy bouquet reminiscent of the region’s chaparral. On roasting days, the entire distillery is filled with the most fantastic aromas.

The label, art directed by Lance, shows a California grizzly alongside Douglas fir with Mt. Tam in the background. Now, about that cowbell...

The Experience

Terroir is a forest in your glass—with ultra woodsy notes of Douglas fir, California bay, sage, and a hint of citrus.

Stunning on the rocks or in a Martini. Absolutely lovely in a Collins garnished with fresh fennel and bay leaf (or whatever fresh herbs you happen to have on hand).

For some, the Douglas fir in this gin immediately triggers an association with Christmas—but for us it's a gin for all seasons. At the height of summer, try Terroir with fresh huckleberries, blueberries, or raspberries for an earthy, brambly delight.