Gray Whale Gin is one of my favorite West Coast gins right now. Not only does it have a great story, a brand that I can support, and taste great ... but frankly speaking it also just looks fantastic on the bar. This gin, distilled six times from a gluten-free corn base, captures the essence of the gray whale's 12,000-mile migratory voyage in each drop, with botanicals sourced from the whale's path spanning from the tip of Baja to the Arctic ocean, it is also an inspiration to travel to some of my favorite places.
The Story Behind Gray Whale Gin
Marsh and Jan Mokhtari decided to create Gray Whale Gin after a camping trip to Big Sur. Leveraging their experience as a food and adventure show host for various shows featured on Food Network, National Geographic, and the Travel Channel (Marsh) and Jan's experience as a director and filmmaker, i tis no surprise that they've absolutely nailed the vibe here. The gin doesn't just taste great and look great in the bottle but it tells a tale of inspiration derived from the remarkable 12,000-mile migratory odyssey of Gray Whales.
From vibrant juniper to rich California almonds, tangy Temecula limes to crisp fir tree, invigorating mint, and even kelp from the ocean itself. Then it is finished off by a 7x distilled process that guarantees a smooth, complex flavor profile. This gin is literally like sipping everything that makes California so special.
Supporting Wildlife With Every Bottle
With every bottle of Gray Whale Gin purchased, the brand proudly contributes to the protection and conservation of marine wildlife, underscoring their unwavering commitment to ocean preservation and the well-being of the majestic gray whales. This dedication extends beyond simple corporate social responsibility. It is a heartfelt pledge, rooted in the founders' profound admiration for these oceanic giants and their extraordinary migration.
Great For Sipping But Fabulous For Cocktail Making
While I do like sipping gin over some rocks on a hot summer day, the folks at Blue Whale Gin have created some fabulous cocktail recipes as well. So if you are getting ready for summer entertaining, lets get ready!
Mint Rickey
Our take on the gin rickey is a lower-sugar way to enjoy Gray Whale Gin. It features our signature botanical mint along with the classic lime and is topped with soda water for the ultimate refreshment.
Ingredients:
- 2 parts Gray Whale Gin
- ½ part Fresh Lime Juice
- Club Soda
- Garnish: Mint Sprig and Lime Wheel
Instructions:
Fill Collins or highball glass with ice. Add lime juice and gin, and top with club soda. Garnish with lime wheel and mint sprig.
Elderflower Spritz
This drink combines Gray Whale Gin with white vermouth, elderflower liqueur and prosecco or cava for a fun & floral take on the classic spritz. Topped with soda water for extra refreshment.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 parts Gray Whale Gin
- 0.5 part Carpano Bianco
- 0.5 part Elderflower Liqueur
- 2 parts Prosecco or Cava
- Club Soda
Garnish: Lemon twist
Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a wine glass and top with ice. Garnish with a lemon twist.
East Coast Kicker
A spicy twist on the Eastside, this drink will be a hit for anyone looking for a refreshing kick from their cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 2 parts Gray Whale Gin
- 1 part Fresh lime juice
- ¾ part Simple syrup
- 3-4 Cucumber slices
- 5 Mint leaves
- 3-4 dashes Firewater bitters
Garnishes: Mint sprig, jalapeño slice
Instructions:
Muddle cucumber slices in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add remaining ingredients and ice, and shake. Fine strain into a coupe glass and garnish with mint and jalapeño.
Blackberry Negroni
This is a springtime twist on the classic negroni, featuring in-season blackberries, Campari, and Cocchi Dopo Teatro. If Cocchi Dopo Teatro isn’t available, another sweet vermouth will do.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 parts Gray Whale Gin
- 1 part Campari
- 0.75 part Cocchi Dopo Teatro
- 6 Fresh Blackberries
Instructions:
In a cocktail glass, muddle four blackberries. In a mixing glass, combine Gray Whale Gin, Campari and Cocchi Dopo Teatro. Add ice and stir until chilled. Strain the mixture from the mixing glass into the glass with the muddled blackberries. Garnish with the remaining two blackberries.
