The International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) is one of the most respected accolades in the world of spirits. Each year, distillers from around the globe eagerly await the results of this prestigious competition, where expert judges assess a vast array of entries across categories, from whiskeys to vodkas, and, of course, gin. The 2024 competition brought to light two exceptional gins that earned the highest honors: Naught Distilling’s Overproof Gin, winner of the Classic Gin Trophy, and Hotaling & Co’s Junipero Smoked Rosemary Gin, which took home the Flavored Gin Trophy. These two gins, while rooted in the traditional juniper spirit, showcase distinct approaches to craftsmanship and flavor innovation.

A Classic with Modern Punch

Naught Distilling, based in Australia, has long been known for its dedication to producing high-quality spirits, but the win of the Classic Gin Trophy for its Overproof Gin has catapulted the distillery into the spotlight of the global gin scene. This gin is a celebration of traditional botanicals, elevated by its overproof quality (above 57% ABV), making it one of the most intense gins on the market.

Traditional Roots with a Contemporary Twist

One of the most fascinating aspects of Naught’s Overproof Gin is its ability to maintain a classic gin profile while embracing modernity through its high alcohol content. Overproof spirits can often be unbalanced, sacrificing flavor for strength, but Naught’s gin strikes a harmonious blend. The traditional botanicals — predominantly juniper, citrus, and coriander — are perfectly balanced, allowing the drinker to experience the intensity of flavor without being overwhelmed by the high alcohol content.

This balance speaks to the craftsmanship behind the gin. Distillers have to walk a fine line when creating overproof versions of spirits. Too much emphasis on strength can result in a harsh, burning sensation on the palate, while not enough flavor can lead to an overpowering sense of ethanol. Naught Distilling avoids both extremes, crafting a gin that’s both potent and palatable. The botanicals are distilled in a way that enhances their natural flavors, allowing each one to shine even with the gin’s increased potency.

Versatility and Depth

The Overproof Gin’s versatility is another reason for its critical acclaim. While many might assume that such a strong gin would only be suitable for simple cocktails, Naught’s Overproof Gin works remarkably well in a wide range of drinks. In a classic gin and tonic, the boldness of the gin shines through, cutting through the tonic with a clean, crisp flavor. At the same time, in a more complex cocktail like a Negroni, the gin’s botanicals hold their own against the bitter and sweet components, creating a well-rounded, balanced drink.

The gin’s strength also lends itself well to sipping neat or over ice, something that’s not always the case with gins. The juniper-forward notes, combined with the bright citrus and warming spice, create a sipping experience that is both bracing and smooth, with a long, lingering finish. This versatility is key to its success in the IWSC competition, as it demonstrates that Naught’s Overproof Gin is not only strong but sophisticated and adaptable.

Junipero Smoked Rosemary Gin

While Naught’s Overproof Gin represents the best of the classic category, Hotaling & Co’s Junipero Smoked Rosemary Gin takes a more experimental approach, earning the Flavored Gin Trophy for its daring and unique profile. Flavored gins have exploded in popularity in recent years, with distillers pushing the boundaries of what gin can be by incorporating a wide range of ingredients. Junipero Smoked Rosemary Gin is a standout in this space, blending the traditional elements of gin with the bold, smoky, herbal flavors of rosemary.

The Rise of Flavored Gins

Flavored gin has become a hot trend in the industry, but it’s not without its challenges. Many flavored gins suffer from an imbalance, where the added flavors overshadow the essential gin elements like juniper, resulting in a spirit that no longer feels like gin. Hotaling & Co has avoided this pitfall by maintaining a strong juniper backbone in Junipero Smoked Rosemary Gin, while letting the rosemary and smoke act as complementary notes rather than overpowering flavors.

The inclusion of smoked rosemary adds a layer of complexity and depth to the gin that’s unlike anything else on the market. The smoke is subtle, more of a whisper than a bold statement, which prevents the gin from becoming overly heavy or one-dimensional. It works in tandem with the natural herbaceousness of the rosemary, adding a savory, almost umami-like quality to the spirit. The result is a gin that is unmistakably contemporary but still rooted in the classic gin-making tradition.

Impression

Junipero Smoked Rosemary Gin is a dream for mixologists looking to create cocktails that are both familiar and innovative. The smoky, herbal notes lend themselves beautifully to a variety of drinks. In a martini, the rosemary complements the briny notes of olive or lemon, while the smoke adds an unexpected depth that elevates the entire experience. In more creative cocktails, such as those involving savory or spicy ingredients, the gin’s complexity allows it to play a starring role without overwhelming the other components.

This gin also shines when paired with food, especially dishes that involve grilling or herbal elements. The rosemary and smoke in the gin mirror the flavors of grilled meats or vegetables, making it an excellent pairing for outdoor dining or barbeques. This versatility in both cocktails and culinary pairings is part of what makes Junipero Smoked Rosemary Gin such a standout — it invites exploration and experimentation, something that’s highly valued in today’s competitive spirits landscape.

What These Wins Mean for the Industry

The success of Naught Distilling’s Overproof Gin and Hotaling & Co’s Junipero Smoked Rosemary Gin at the 2024 IWSC speaks volumes about the current state of the gin industry. Both gins, while distinct in their approach, represent larger trends within the spirits world: the celebration of traditional craftsmanship and the embrace of innovation.

For Naught, the win solidifies overproof gins as more than just a novelty — they are a legitimate expression of the distiller’s art, requiring a delicate balance of flavor and strength. The victory of Junipero Smoked Rosemary Gin, on the other hand, reflects the growing demand for flavored gins that offer complexity and depth, rather than simple, one-note flavors.

These trends suggest that the future of gin will continue to be a blend of the old and the new. As distillers experiment with new botanicals, flavors, and techniques, consumers can expect even more exciting releases that push the boundaries of what gin can be, while still honoring the traditions that make gin a beloved spirit worldwide.

The 2024 IWSC awards for Best Classic and Flavored Gins have brought attention to two exceptional spirits that reflect the diversity and dynamism of the gin world. Naught Distilling’s Overproof Gin stands as a testament to the power of traditional gin-making techniques, elevated to new heights by its overproof strength, while Hotaling & Co’s Junipero Smoked Rosemary Gin offers a glimpse into the future of flavored gins, where innovation and craftsmanship go hand in hand. Together, these gins illustrate the boundless possibilities of the category, ensuring that gin remains a spirit that continues to surprise and delight.

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