Watershed Guild Gin

Watershed infuses chamomile flowers into Guild Gin after distillation in Columbus, Ohio. Bottled at 44% ABV, the gin centres on the delicate floral character of this botanical. Watershed describes Guild as softer and more floral than its Four Peel Gin, with a particular affinity for grapefruit in a gin and tonic.

Citrus · Floral

The aroma is gentle and floral, with chamomile's familiar dry-herbal character rather than a dense perfume.

On the palate, the floral note stays light and the gin remains clear and dry enough to be recognised as a spirit, not a sweet liqueur. Juniper supplies the expected resinousResinousAn aroma reminiscent of pine or fir resin. It is juniper's signature, due to compounds such as pinene.Glossary counterpoint, while the overall impression is softer than a strongly pine-led dry ginDry ginGin with no perceptible sweetness: in the European Union, the word "dry" allows at most 0.1 g of sugar per litre.GlossarySee Dry gin gins. A little dilutionDilutionThe water added by melting ice. In the right amount it opens the aromas and softens the alcohol; too much flattens the drink.Glossary opens the delicate floral side; too much sweet mixer would obscure it.

For the Perfect ServePerfect serveThe way the producer recommends serving the gin (glass, tonic, ratio, garnish) to show it at its best.Glossary, 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 ice, add 4 cl of Guild Gin and 10 cl of East Imperial Grapefruit Tonic, stir once and finish with a broad strip of fresh grapefruit peel and a chamomile flower. The distillery itself singles out grapefruit as a good match for Guild, and the tonic's citrus bitterness gives the chamomile a bright edge without adding competing floral aromas. Keep the garnish simple: the peel brings the grapefruit aroma over the glass, while a single small flower repeats the gin's botanical.

Guild is suited to drinkers who enjoy a more aromatic, floral direction while still wanting juniper in the glass. It can also be tried neat in a small measure or in a dry Martini, where its softer botanical character is not hidden by fruit or sugar. The 44% strength gives it enough definition for a tall serve, but the appeal lies in restraint: cold glassware, firm ice and a measured grapefruit tonic let chamomile remain the detail that distinguishes the gin.