Looking out past McWay Falls at the turquoise sea we saw a Gray Whale and its calf on their own road trip up North. A trip Gray Whales have been making for more than 30 million years, long before we stood up on two legs. Now, we celebrate their 12,000 mile journey, with a beautiful gin made of botanicals foraged along the migratory path of that majestic creature, from Baja California limes to sea kelp in Mendocino; as well as a few stops in between. Every bottle of Gray Whale Gin supports Oceana, protecting and restoring the world's oceans.
86 Proof (43% ABV)
Marsh and Jan Mokhtari met in a bar in Chicago 20 years ago. It sounds trite, but hey they make gin so it suddenly sounds profound. Marsh is a food & adventure show host on the Food Network, National Geographic, and the Travel Channel. Jan is an award-winning creative director and filmmaker, creating campaigns and content for some of the world's largest brands. In 2016, they combined their super powers and founded Golden State Distillery. A distillery that celebrates California and supports the Golden State through nature and wildlife conservation.
PROCESS: HOW IT'S MADE
Step 01 | Base Spirit: 6x Distilled
Our ultra clean, 6-times distilled, gluten-free corn base spirit provides the perfect blank canvas to allow our wonderful Californian botanicals to truly shine.
Step 02 | The Botanicals
It's time to prepare and ready the botanicals for distillation. Our carefully selected botanicals are sourced from sustainable organic farms, or wild foraged. First, all our sun-dried botanicals are weighed, inspected and poured directly into the pot still. Then the fresh hand-zested citrus and fir-tree needles are placed into a vapor extraction bag. This wonderfully fragrant giant tea bag is carefully tied inside our copper pot still helmet, directly above the base spirit.
IN POTSTILL
Juniper Big Sur
Kombu Mendocino Coast
Almonds Capay Valley
IN VAPOR BASKET
Limes Baja, California
Fir Tree Sonoma
Mint Santa CruzCal
Step 03 | The Final
Botanical Distillation: 7x Distilled
The most important and final step is the botanical distillation. During distillation, the alcohol vapors rise up to the extraction basket and delicately heat the fresh citrus & fir, releasing all their wonderful flavors. These rich vapors continue across the line-arm and are cooled and condensed. The Gray Whale Gin then rests for 48 hours until we bottle.
GOLDEN STATE DISTILLERY
All of our spirts are inspired by the Golden State and crafted from locally sourced organic or wild foraged ingredients. We proudly support California wildlife and nature conservation. Distilled and bottled by Golden State Distillery LLC in Sebastopol, California.
Gin For Good
We believe in gin for good. Good times shared with friends & family while enjoying a taste of California in a glass. We believe in a world where even the small choices we make each day can leave the planet in a better place than we found it.
That's why every bottle of Gray Whale Gin is made with sustainably sourced ingredients, from local farmers we know; thoughtfully designed with organic paint and a 100% biodegradable cork.We support the conservation of our oceans and the incredible creature that inspired it, through Oceana | Protecting the World's Oceans & 1% for the Planet | One percent of all sales go to environmental causes.
First, the aroma of citrus carries you north, followed by juniper and a subtle hint of cool coastal fir trees. As you move further up the path, fresh mint and the umami flavors of kombu sea kelp are rounded out by a beautiful lasting creamy almond finish. It’s young, bold and wise beyond its years.
THE OCEANSIDE
2 parts Gray Whale Gin + 3/4 part Salted Simple Syrup + 3/4 part Lime Juice + Soda Water + 6 Mint Leaves
To make Salted Simple Syrup, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 1 tsp. salt in a saucepan. Heat until sugar and salt are fully dissolved. To make the Oceanside Cocktail, add all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake for 3-4 seconds. Strain into a collins glass over fresh ice. Top with soda water and garnish with mint leaves. THE WHALE FLOWER
2 parts Gray Whale Gin + 3 parts Elderflower Liqueur + 2 parts Grapfruit Juice
Splash of Soda Water
Garnish: Grapefruit Wedge & Lavender Sprig
To make Salted Simple Syrup, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 1 tsp. salt in a saucepan. Heat until sugar and salt are fully dissolved. To make the Oceanside Cocktail, add all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake for 3-4 seconds. Strain into a collins glass over fresh ice. Top with soda water and garnish with mint leaves.
2 parts Gray Whale Gin + 3/4 part Salted Simple Syrup + 3/4 part Lime Juice + Soda Water + 6 Mint Leaves
To make Salted Simple Syrup, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 1 tsp. salt in a saucepan. Heat until sugar and salt are fully dissolved. To make the Oceanside Cocktail, add all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake for 3-4 seconds. Strain into a collins glass over fresh ice. Top with soda water and garnish with mint leaves. THE WHALE FLOWER
2 parts Gray Whale Gin + 3 parts Elderflower Liqueur + 2 parts Grapfruit Juice
Splash of Soda Water
Garnish: Grapefruit Wedge & Lavender Sprig
To make Salted Simple Syrup, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 1 tsp. salt in a saucepan. Heat until sugar and salt are fully dissolved. To make the Oceanside Cocktail, add all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake for 3-4 seconds. Strain into a collins glass over fresh ice. Top with soda water and garnish with mint leaves.
*SHIPPING NOTICE- If possible, please use a business address for shipping. All shipments require an adult signature which is much more reliable at a place of business. All orders usually ship within 24-48 hours unless noted otherwise Shipping Policy