Whiskey Thief Prototype Spring Gin 2026

Whiskey Thief Prototype Spring Gin 2026 is a seasonal Kentucky release bottled at 100 proofProofThe American measure of alcohol strength: twice the ABV (90 proof = 45% ABV).Glossary, or 50% ABV. The distillery's label identifies a grain spirit distilled in Kentucky using a whiskey mash bill, a detail that connects this gin to the house's wider whiskey-making identity. The 750 ml bottle carries a spring-flower illustration and lists thirteen botanicals, giving this limited seasonal recipe an unusually broad palette to explore.

Citrus · Spicy · Floral · Herbal

Juniper provides the gin's familiar foundation, joined by lemongrass, orange peel and green cardamom for citrus and aromatic lift. Clove, coriander, anise and liquorice root add warm spice, while rosehip, red clover, mugwort, sweet woodruff and hibiscus bring floral, herbal and earthy dimensions. Rather than one dominant flavour, the ingredient list suggests a layered progression: citrus and green herbs at the opening, followed by a more warming, botanical middle and a dry, aromatic finish.

The 50% strength gives the aromas a firm presence. Juniper and citrus lead the nose, with lemongrass and orange peel providing a bright edge.

On the palate, cardamom, clove and coriander add spice; anise and liquorice bring a softer, rounded quality, while mugwort and sweet woodruff keep the finish herbal. Rosehip, clover and hibiscus widen the floral and tart-fruit impression without turning the gin into a sweet liqueur. The result is best approached slowly, allowing the different botanicals to emerge across the sip.

In a gin and tonic, a classic Indian tonicIndian tonicThe classic tonic: sparkling water, bitter quinine and sugar. The name recalls colonial India, where quinine warded off malaria.Glossary offers a clean frame for the many ingredients. Fill a balloon glassCopa glassA large stemmed balloon glass, popularised by the Spanish gin and tonic: it stays cold for longer and gathers the aromas above the drink.Glossary with clear iceClear iceIce without air bubbles, made by slow, directional freezing. Denser, it melts more slowly and dilutes less.Glossary, use 5 cl of gin to 10 cl of Fever-Tree Indian Tonic Water, then add one broad strip of orange peel and one star-anise pod to the drink. The orange connects directly with the orange peel in the recipe, and star anise echoes its warm spice. A restrained presentation is useful here: extra spice or a heavily flavoured mixer could obscure the spring botanicals. The same gin can also bring aromatic depth to a dry MartiniDry MartiniGin and a little dry vermouth, stirred over ice and served in a well-chilled stemmed glass, with an olive or a twist.Glossary, where a small measure lets its spice and citrus remain apparent.