Bluecoat Barrel Finished Gin

Acquiring this gin (and a few other products at the same time) from this distillery was one of the most fun, yet simple experiences I've ever had. While walking around the King of Prussia mall during a work trip, I was shocked to see a little pop-up store for this distillery as one of the shop fronts. I spent a few hours in that little space speaking with the distillery representative, and was treated to sampling through the entire Philadelphia Distilling line, including the sourced Few whiskey products. I saved this gin for last, as I was very impressed when told that this is aged in first-use charred barrels, as opposed to the much more common use of bourbon barrels. In addition, the representative told me this was aged for up to/over 2 years, and although the Distiller listing contradicts that by saying only a few months, it also displays an old bottle and label style, so this longer aging may be a recent change to the product. Regardless, I was very impressed with this spirit on-site at the store, and I hope it delivers this again in a tasting environment. The color is very impressive for a barrel aged gin, and this is no doubt due to the first-use barrels; although still light and watery, the gold/sherry hue is quite similar to common, cheap 80 proof American whiskeys on the market. The nose is not necessarily powerful, but jumps out of the glass, with notes of juniper, coriander, crushed pine, and a flat floralness combining with a vanilla and caramel, but with the sweetness being far weaker than the overall savoriness. The concentration is just right, with some ethanol wafting up to indicate this is no ordinary 80 proof, while still remaining approachable and simple. The flavor begins with fresh, oily citrus peels and plain juniper, as well as some of the vanilla from the barrel. As it coats the mouth, things become very dry very quickly, with the barrel hitting the background in place of that dry yet citrus forward juniper bomb. The finish is slightly hot but quite dry, with notes of a toasted barrel as opposed to a level 3 charred one. Without context, this is a fuller bodied, more rounded version of the simple American base Bluecoat gin, but being told that it's first-use barrel aged is almost disappointing, because those oak flavors aren't nearly as powerful as they could, and should, be. I'd wager to say maybe the ~3 month time frame is likely more correct as far as the amount of aging time, because it would be far more disappointing if this is all the barrel flavor we got from multiple years spent in the cask. Compared to the plain base gin, this is a no brainer winner, and really shows off the transformation from the barrel, but if you're specifically looking for a gin that's taken on the sweetness from oak barrels in lieu of the brighter, drier botanical mix, you'll want to steer clear of this one.

I love this gin and wish it were more readily available in the UK. I first had it at the Bluecoat distillery when on our honeymoon and its so full flavoured. My husband isn't a gin fan, but he likes this because of its whisky notes so its perfect for us. It makes a great twist on an old fashioned, as well as a more trad gin drink. If I see this for sale, I'd always pick it up!

One of my first gins after being a dedicated bourbon and scotch drinker. Not being much for mixed drinks, I was experimenting with gin neat. Just fantastic! Herbal with a hint of oak. Light (compared to whiskey) but not bland. It’s become my go-to gin and surprises others that consider traditional gin a bit too sharp to drink straight. This is a hard one to beat.

I saw this at the bar and got very excited. I’d only seen the regular gin up until now. Thought that’s what I was getting until she pulled it down off the shelf. Wait. Is that the barrel aged one? Nice! And it was nice. All the gin flavors were present. Juniper. Floral. Lemon. Citrus. But then vanilla and wood as well. All present on the aroma and the flavor.

Exceptionally smooth, no surprise as the regular gin is quality as well. It was my first barrel-aged gin so I was surprised it tasted as sweet as it did, I could really drink it straight. Went great with ginger ale, juice or tonic water.

great (different) gin. great sipping, wood notes. you can easily taste the oak barrel aging on this gin. while I dont think a G&T is a good cocktail for this gin, a negroni on the other hand is definitely a good way to enjoy this gin