San Francisco gin extends reach across Europe

San Francisco’s Distillery 209 is to begin distribution of its No. 209 Gin in other parts of Europe this summer, as it rolls out its second batch of barrel-aged gins.

No. 209 Gin, a product of San Francisco, will soon be available in the UK, Spain, the Netherlands and Portugal

The Californian distillery, the 209^th to be granted a license in the US in 1882, is in negotiations to launch its super-premium gin in Netherlands and Portugal through Vinitum.

No. 209 Gin was “developed with a modern palate in mind with a focus on making the highest quality gin possible”. Featuring a vague “eight to 11 botanicals”, the gin, which is said to have a citrus-led profile, is produced by master distiller Arne Hillesland at San Francisco’s Pier 50.

The distillery also produces two barrel-aged gins under its Barrel Reserve Programme – No.209 Sauvignon Blanc Barrel Reserve Gin, and No. 209 Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Reserve Gin, using barrels from sister winery Rudd Oakville Estate in Napa Valley.

First released in October 2013, the distillery is now rolling out the second batch of Barrel Reserves to select markets.

“The gin, Bourbon and whisky categories have been growing steadily the past few years, so this is a way for us to experiment with ageing, while not straying from our gin roots,” said Wendi Green, brand manager for No.209 Gin.

“The flavour profiles of our two different No. 209 Barrel Reserve Gins are vastly different from one another, and it’s been interesting to see the market reaction in California. We find that our No. 209 Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Reserve Gin works great in an Old Fashioned and Manhattan, while the Sauvignon Blanc version is more floral, making a beautiful Vesper, Gin & Tonic and Martini among other cocktails.

“The market will dictate where the trend will go, and if it’s in line with our sales, we will see increases in this category.”

The second batch of Barrel Reserves will be available in limited quantities of 559 cases of the Sauvignon Blanc, and 177 cases of the Cabernet Sauvignon.