Barreled Genever Gin – Adding Oak to a Tenth Ward Favorite 

Written by Bret Kimbrough, Manager, Distilling and Operations

I don’t know if any of you have noticed, but it’s HOT outside. I am told it is all due to a huge star at the center of our solar system. The aforementioned star is making preparations necessary for cold drinks to keep the sweltering heat at bay. So, how does one chill their insides when it is so oppressive outside? Man, am I glad you asked!

Is it awesome in a G&T?  Heck yes.

Will it make a killer Negroni? Absolutely.

In a nicely chilled Martini? You better believe it.

The possibilities for summertime refreshment are endless: Greyhound, Salty Dog, Gin Fizz, Tom Collins, Gimlet and any other gin classic you can think of. You name it, this barreled beauty will make it special. If it’s good with gin, it will be amazing with Honeyjack Barreled Genever.

Aged Gin? What’s the Deal?

Here at the distillery we have a multitude of great things. Many of those things, when put together, become even greater. Take for instance our classic Genever Gin and some barrels that aged our amazing Honeyjack. These are two ingredients just begging to be combined. So, that is just what we did. The result? Honeyjack Barrelled Genever. A smooth, crisp, aromatic, and delicious barrel-aged spirit that can be poured over ice, or put into your favorite gin cocktails.

The Process

Our Genever Gin is made from sugar cane and rye spirits. These two spirits work together to bring sweetness and body.  The rye spirit has full mouth feel and malty flavor while the sugar cane spirit brings a sugary warmth. Then we add a bounty of delicious botanicals like juniper, green cardamom, dried persimmon and roasted chicory root, just to name a few, to bring about the balance, spice and floral complexity that is the hallmark of a great gin. Some of these botanicals are directly added to the still, but others are added to a special vapor basket that allows the simmering spirit to diffuse gently through them as it leaves the still. Vapor basket infusion is more gentle and softens the impact of very strong ingredients. By combining these two infusion methods we can finely balance the herb and spice flavors that make the Genever special. Then, we tucked the spirit lovingly into Honeyjack barrels for a comfy six month sleep to absorb all those tasty barrel flavors and let the botanicals recombine in new and fascinating ways.  Finally, we bottled at a smooth and approachable 90 proof.

Nose: Teeming with bright aromas of lemon peel, mint, pine and warm spices.

Taste: A pleasant tingle from ginger root and a soft, lingering bitterness. Sweet notes of lemon candy, oak, vanilla and exotic spices come forward as the spirit opens up.

How to Mix It

Gen Julep

1.5 oz Tenth Ward Barreled Genever

0.5 oz simple syrup

5-8 mint leaves

Garnish: mint sprig

Put mint leaves and simple syrup into a rocks glass and muddle. Add Tenth Ward Barreled Genever and ice. Stir well and garnish. 

Negroni

1 oz Tenth Ward Barreled Genever

1 oz Campari

1 oz Sweet Vermouth

Garnish: Orange peel

Pour all ingredients into a rocks glass with ice. Stir well. Rub orange peel around the rim of the glass and leave on the rim or in the cocktail. 

Tom Collins

1.5 oz Tenth Ward Barreled Genever

1 oz lemon juice

0.5 oz simple syrup

Club soda to top

Garnish: lemon wheel

Pour all ingredients except club soda into a glass with ice. Fill remainder of the glass with club soda. Lightly stir to incorporate bubbles. Garnish.

How do I get my hands on it???

You can sign up today for free. Bottle Club members get all the perks at Tenth Ward, including having access to exclusive cocktail menu items, four amazing Bottle Club-only releases per year, special invites to Bottle Club-only events, and more. We also now offer shipping throughout Maryland and DC! Just check out our blog about the Perks of Being a Bottle Club Member here.