Just so you know, this post contains affiliate links. We do receive a small commission when you click on our links and make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). We always give our honest opinions, and these opinions are fully our own. See our Disclaimers →
Silo Gin
About Silo Gin
I can tell the popularity of gin is increasing rapidly, because I keep seeing bottles from unexpected places in the United States. In fact, I think this bottle of Silo Gin is the first spirit I’ve ever seen from a Vermont distillery.
Owners of Silo Distillery Peter Jillson and Ann Marie Delaney, first established the distillery in 2013. Inspired by Vermont’s natural beauty, the pair had a mission to make spirits using local ingredients. They started with a corn based vodka, but have since expand their offerings to include gin, whiskey and cider.
The recipe for Silo Gin is fairly simple. Local corn and apples are mixed with juniper berries from Massachusetts. It’s also gluten free and non-GMO.
Bottle Specs
❖ Spirit: Contemporary American Gin
❖ Distillery: Distilled and Bottled by American Craft Spirit for Silo Distillery
❖ ABV: 45% (90 Proof)
❖ Moderate Price
Tasting Notes
❖ Color: Clear
❖ Nose: Lemon, pine, juniper
❖ Taste: Fresh apple, pine, citrus, bit of heat
❖ Finish: long, citrus and pepper but evolves into sweet apple
Cocktail
Gin and Jam
1/2 oz Lemon Juice
1 Tablespoon of your favorite jam
2 oz Gin
Tonic
❖ Add lemon juice, jam and gin to a shaker
❖ Shake until chilled and pour into a tall glass
❖ Top with Tonic
It always feels good when the perfect cocktail falls into your lap. I was already hoping to use Silo Gin in a cocktail with lemon juice or tonic, and luckily this recipe for a Gin and Jam was clearly displayed on Silo’s official website. My partner and I often use jam with breakfast or snacks, so I even had a few different options to try. This particular cocktail has Bonne Maman Wild Blueberry.
Even with the strong flavors from the other ingredients, I was surprised but pleased the apple notes from Silo Gin were the most dominant. The lemon juice is also quite strong, so the drink is a bit like an apple lemonade.
I tried a few different jams, but didn’t really notice much of a difference in flavor. But, it does add a subtle fruity note and the sweetness balances the other ingredients well. I think you will get similar results with any jam you already have, but maybe consider a sweeter one if you tend to prefer sweeter cocktails.
Bottom Line
RATING: 3/5
Silo Gin is quite an enjoyable spirit with a straight forward and balanced flavor profile that works well in cocktails, especially ones with lemon juice or tonic. Fresh apple, pine and citrus notes overshadow the traditional juniper notes, so this could be a decent option for people who are new to gin or put off by juniper.
But unfortunately, in simplifying the flavor, Silo also removed depth and complexity. The few notes that remain are still decent for sipping, but I wouldn’t reach for Silo Gin as my first choice. And while this works great for cocktails, I think the price is higher than I want for a mixing gin.
It also might be hard to find a bottle of Silo Gin. Not only are Silo Distillery products only sold by a small number of retailers, the gin was recently removed from the sole online retailer, Spirit Hub. The other Silo offerings are still on the site, so hopefully it’s available soon, because it’s an interesting gin that’s worth checking out.
As always, drink responsibly.
Not Quite what you're looking for?
SEE OUR OTHER GIN REVIEWS:
JOIN THE NEWSLETTER!
Get more from Let’s Drink It! by subscribing to our monthly email newsletter