Bluecoat American Dry Gin

Bluecoat is Philadelphia's answer to the London Dry, named for the blue uniforms of the American independence fighters and made in small batches at Philadelphia Distilling. Rather than push juniper to the front, it dials it back to a gentler note and lets citrus run the show, with sweet orange peel and lemon zest doing much of the aromatic work. Five distillations in copper stills give it a clean, deep, notably smooth character.

The nose is all fresh citrus over soft juniper, with light floral hints. The palate is soft and full-bodied, led by sweet orange peel with a subtle spice and mild juniper, before a long, pleasantly dry finish of fruity citrus and fine spice. Pour it with a good Indian tonic and an orange twist, or let it carry the citrus in a Negroni.