St. George Botanivore Gin
St. George Botanivore Gin is a 45% ABV (90 proof) California gin built on nineteen botanicals — from juniper berries and California bay laurel to fresh cilantro and Seville orange peel — distilled at St. George Spirits in Alameda, one of America's pioneering craft distilleries (founded 1982). Juniper, bay laurel and fresh cilantro are vapor-infused in a botanicals basket while the remaining sixteen steep overnight and distill in a 1,500-liter copper pot still. It's available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 45% (90 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Botanicals: 19 — angelica root, bay laurel, bergamot peel, black peppercorn, caraway, cardamom, cilantro, cinnamon, citra hops, coriander, dill seed, fennel seed, ginger, juniper berries, lemon peel, lime peel, orris root, Seville orange peel, star anise
- Process: dual — vapor infusion + overnight steep, 1,500L copper pot still
- Origin: St. George Spirits, Alameda, California
- Awards: 97 pts Distiller.com; 93 pts + Top 50 Spirits 2012, Wine Enthusiast
A Meadow in Bloom
The distillery's own tasting note is three words long: "a meadow in bloom." Fresh and lightly herbaceous, with bright citrus, subtle floral notes, earth and spice — that is the whole design brief of Botanivore, a gin that reads more like a garden than a juniper bomb. The dual process is the trick: vapor infusion keeps the delicate aromatics (fresh cilantro, bay laurel) vivid, while the overnight-steeped botanicals give the 90-proof backbone its structure. It has been collecting press since 2012 — Deadspin, the Wall Street Journal, Sunset, Esquire — but the 97 from Distiller.com says it plainest. Browse gin, explore the store's St. George shelf, or compare with the vodka collection.
Tasting Notes
Fresh and lightly herbaceous — "a meadow in bloom." Bright citrus and subtle floral notes over earth and spice, with juniper present but never dominating. Clean, structured and vivid at 90 proof.
How to Enjoy
In a gin and tonic with a big lemon twist — the citrus botanicals do the garnish work for you. Also superb in a dry martini or a French 75, where the floral-herbal character lifts champagne.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many botanicals are in Botanivore Gin?
Nineteen — including juniper, California bay laurel, fresh cilantro, Seville orange peel, bergamot peel, citra hops and star anise.
What is the ABV of St. George Botanivore Gin?
45% ABV (90 proof).
Has Botanivore won awards?
Yes — 97 points from Distiller.com and 93 points plus a Top 50 Spirits 2012 nod from Wine Enthusiast.
Nineteen botanicals, one blooming meadow — get St. George Botanivore Gin delivered from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.