Californian cask-rested gin ‘sets standard’

A Californian distillery has released a small batch, cask-rested gin it claims will “set the standard” for aged spirits.

Venus Spirits, located in Santa Cruz, is rolling out its second batch of Venus Gin, which has been rested in American oak casks.

To create the gin, founder and distiller Sean Venus selected a specific blend of botanicals that would complement the flavours gleaned from the ageing process, including orange peel, bay leaf, cinnamon, vanilla, sage and fennel.

The distillery has claimed the expression, which follows the release of Venus Gin Blend No. 1 last year, will “set the standard for an entirely new category of aged spirit”.

It will be launched throughout northern California by Southern Wine & Spirits.

Venus Spirits also produces Wayward Whiskey and El Ladron Blue Agave Spirit.