Sweet Gwendoline French Gin
Sweet Gwendoline French Gin is a burlesque-born French gin — an 80 proof (40% ABV) 750mL grape-based spirit distilled in copper stills in Brive-la-Gaillarde, in the South of France, and bottled in New Orleans. Launched in the US by burlesque performer Dita Von Teese with spirits veteran Larry McGearty (who previously led the team behind Sailor Jerry Rum), it layers juniper, angelica seed, coriander, cardamom, sweet orange, lemon, and lime over a grape base, infuses prized Figue de Solliès figs, and finishes with French Moscatel white wine. Named for the iconic character from John Willie's mid-century Bizarre Magazine illustrations, with bottle art honoring the same. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- Proof / ABV: 80 proof (40% ABV) — 750mL
- Base: grape spirit, distilled in copper stills in Brive-la-Gaillarde, South of France; bottled in New Orleans
- Signature: Figue de Solliès fig infusion; French Moscatel white wine finish
- Botanicals: juniper, angelica seed, coriander, cardamom, sweet orange, lemon, lime
- Style: "new world" sipping gin — bright, nuanced, silky
Ten Years in the Making, from Dita Von Teese
"This gin has been 10 years in the making," says McGearty — and it shows in the detail: a grape base rather than grain, a prized French fig variety, and a white-wine finish borrowed from the French table. Sweet Gwendoline is positioned as a sipping gin that doesn't need extra mixers, though the brand calls it "perfect in a dry martini." Compare with more gin or browse the Sweet Gwendoline range at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Official-aligned copy: "A whip-cracking taste with a smooth, warm entry bursting with citrus and a black pepper finish." The fuller descriptor set: a sweet entry of ripe figs layered with citrus zest and gentle spice; a palate of juniper, pear, green apple, pepper, fresh herbs, and florals; the French white wine lending a rounded, silky finish with lemon, lime, and soft minerality. The Gin Guild's review finds citrus, fig, and pear on the nose and palate with black pepper and white-wine notes on the finish. Per trade listings, a Gold medalist at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in both 2024 and 2025.
How to Enjoy
Neat, on the rocks, or in a dry martini — this is a gin built for sipping. Serve at cellar temperature to catch the fig and white-wine nuance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Sweet Gwendoline Gin made?
Distilled in Brive-la-Gaillarde, in the South of France, from a grape base — and bottled in New Orleans for the US market.
What makes it different from other gins?
The grape base, the Figue de Solliès fig infusion, and a French Moscatel white-wine finish — plus classic botanicals like juniper, angelica seed, and cardamom.
Who created Sweet Gwendoline?
Burlesque performer Dita Von Teese, with spirits veteran Larry McGearty. It's named for an iconic character from John Willie's mid-century Bizarre Magazine.
A sipping gin with burlesque roots — order Sweet Gwendoline French Gin from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.