No.209 Gin (700ml)

The Rudd family came up with the original idea for No. 209 Gin. Their background is in wine and fine food - they own both Rudd Oakville Estate Winery and Dean & DeLuca - so meticulous attention to detail and focus on quality is second nature to them. When they embarked upon the exploratory research for this gin endeavor, they assembled a team with sophisticated palates and a passion for excellence, years of alcoholic beverage experience (not simply on the consumption side), youthful exuberance and drive. From the outset, their goal was to make the finest possible gin with care and intelligence for people who think about what they drink.
Depending on who listen to, they've either succeeded or at least come very close. Even Robert Parker, otherwise known exclusively for his wine reviews felt obliged to recommend it in his Hedonist's Gazette! (see below)

209 is distilled on a pier over the water in San Francisco’s docks from 11 botanicals including bergamot orange peel from Southern Italy and more usual gin botanicals such as Guatemalan cardamom, Chinese cassia, coriander, Angelica root and, of course, Italian juniper berries. Ideal clarity showing good viscosity. Lemon gelato opening sniffs give way to lifted piney, woody aromas - in a word - classic juniper. Aeration adds further interest with hints of smokey cardamom, faint liquorice root and white pepper. Creamy entry follows through with a nicely weighted lemon mousse/ juniper and pepper profile. Finish is lively, fresh, peppery and downright moreish. Fades mildly piney with juniper and lemon peel in the aftertaste. Reserve some for the coming Spring/Summer - if you can! 46%Alc.Vol.

Other reviews...The nosing passes find generous notes of citrus zest, juniper berry, orris root, licorice, coriander and angelica. The palate entry is bittersweet, intensely grainy and speckled with licorice and orris root; at midpalate the flavor turns delightfully herbal. Finish is decidedly herbal/leafy/seed-like and, finally, bittersweet. An adult gin with an adventurous attitude. 90-95 points -wineenthusiast.com

...No. 209 Gin has formulated what it believes to be the first Kosher-for-Passover Gin…The resulting gin?...more subtle herbal aromas and more evident warm spice flavors. Different, but only slightly.” – San Francisco Chronicle, Jon Bonne

...I rarely drink hard liquor, but I must say this was the smoothest gin I have ever had. Served straight up and ice cold, it was pretty amazing…. – The Hedonist Gazette, Robert Parker

5+ Stars - diffordguide.com