FIRST JOURNEYS - 80 GINS AROUND THE WORLD - PIN 17 OF 80
WILD JUNE GIN, Washington DC, USA
AROUND THE WORLD, ONE BOTTLE AT A TIME,
PHILEAS FOGG WOULD SURELY APPROVE
Today's stop on the Atlas is a little different, as it gives me the perfect excuse to explore a question that keeps popping up during this American gin journey... what exactly is New Western Style Gin?
Although Wild June Western Style Gin is produced by District Distilling Co. in Washington DC, I'm taking a small detour through West Texas, as this is where the star botanical is found.
Their gin features Red Berry Juniper, a wild juniper variety handpicked from the region, which they say gives the gin a sweeter and more unusual character than traditional juniper.
The idea of "wild" is an interesting one, because tasting notes are always subjective. For me, this isn't wild in the sense of being unfamiliar, but it is definitely different. There is a noticeable sweetness, with hints of caramel and rye coming through, while still holding onto those resinous juniper notes that remind you this is very much a gin. It's a bold, complex and surprisingly smooth sipping gin.
So, what exactly is a New Western Style Gin?
Traditionally, gin is all about juniper. In fact, the classic London Dry style requires juniper to be the dominant flavour. However, as craft distillers began experimenting with different botanicals, a new approach emerged where juniper was balanced with other flavours rather than taking centre stage.
Floral, citrus and herbal expressions became more common, allowing botanicals to tell their own stories and giving distillers the opportunity to create gins that reflect their surroundings. Rather than replacing juniper, this style allows it to become part of a wider botanical conversation.
Personally, I think that is what makes gin so fascinating. Whether it is a bold, piney London Dry or a more modern expression where citrus, spice or florals shine, isn't gin ultimately about balance?
The botanicals should work together to create something greater than the sum of their parts.
Of course, some gin lovers feel strongly that juniper should always lead the way, and the debate around how far gin can evolve is an interesting one. At what point does a gin become something else entirely?
Perhaps that is a question that will continue to divide gin lovers for years to come!
For those who appreciate a beautiful label, Wild June also has a creative story. The artwork was designed by Austin musician Bob Schneider, who created the labels for the brand's other expressions too.
“When does gin stop being traditional and start becoming something new?”
For today's serve, I've gone with a gin twist on a Texas favourite—the
Paloma—replacing tequila with gin and letting those West Texas flavours shine.
"Show me a bottle
and I'll tell you a story."