D. George Benham's Sonoma Dry Gin, California

Derek Benham, founder of Purple Wine Co., decided to try his hand at spirits, launching his venture in 2016.  One of the initial releases, produced at Graton Distillery, was this impressive gin.  Using twelve botanicals--Juniper, Meyer lemon, peppermint, coriander, cardomom, star anise, buddahhand, Angelica, chamomile, Orris Root, and a couple I'd never heard of, Galangal and Grains of Paradise--and finished at 45% ABV, this gin possess fierce aromatics, with a lovely taste, smooth, easy and nicely balanced, especially considering its 90 proof strength.