Gray Whale Gin

Gray Whale Gin is a beautifully crafted, coastal-inspired gin that balances bright citrus, cool pine, and subtle marine minerality. It’s a gin made for both sipping neat and elevating classic cocktails, offering a polished experience with character and elegance.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Produced by Golden State Distillery in Sonoma, California, Gray Whale Gin uses a 6-times distilled, gluten-free corn base as its spirit canvas. The botanicals are either sustainably farmed or wild-foraged along California’s Pacific coastline—following the epic migration path of the gray whale itself. Selected botanicals include juniper from Big Sur, fir-tree needles from Sonoma, almonds from the Capay Valley, limes from Temecula, mint from Santa Cruz and kombu sea kelp from the Mendocino coast. Both direct and vapor-basket distillation techniques are used to capture the freshness of citrus and fir, followed by a rest period before bottling. 

Tasting Profile

Nose: Bright citrus — lime and lemon zest — greets the senses, complemented by fresh mint and a hint of pine-fir from the fir-tree needles.
Palate: The experience unfolds with almond cream and dried orange peel, smooth juniper presence and subtle coastal brine/sea-leaf minerality from the kelp. A refreshing mint-herb lift adds complexity.
Finish: Clean and lingering, with a cool pine whisper, soft citrus peel and a dry mineral tail — reminiscent of a windswept California shoreline.

Quick Overview