Tasting Corgi Spirits

Recently, I was told Leandra, the Sales and Marketing Manager for Corgi Spirits, was in town introducing a selection of gins to Houston-area bars. I reached out to Leandra, and inadvertently muscled my way into a tasting with the bar manager at Axelrad. (If you haven’t been to Axelrad, fix that, stat. Fantastic space, chill vibe, creative cocktails, and 25-ish interesting craft beers on tap.)

Leandra took us through a tasting of three of Corgi’s gins (they also have vodka and blended whiskey) but y’all know what I focused on – and I was heartened to learn gin is what Corgi focuses on, too. Launched in October 2017, Corgi Spirits is located in Jersey City, New Jersey, and I’m told it’s the only LBGTQ+ owned distillery on the East Coast. The owner, Bob Hagemann, is fascinated by all things British and loves animals, so what possible brand could be better than a Corgi wearing a crown? Bob also believes in charity, and a portion from Corgi’s sales go to causes that support LGBTQ+ issues, as well as animal rescues; so I think you can feel extra good about yourself when you drink their gin!

A fairly unique aspect of their gins is the base, Corgi’s Saddlecoat Vodka, which is potato-based (vs grain, which is typical). I find that that potato-(and grape!) based spirits often have a bit of a creamier taste -we often talk about “mouthfeel” with wine, but you can find it in select spirits, too. It’s always a bit surprising to me, and also fun.

Bee Blossom Gin

This is what I call a good “gateway gin” – my term for gins that are light on juniper, that allow non-gin folks to ease into gin, then work their way up the juniper scale. It has a lovely nose; bright, floral, and sweet. I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to dab some on my neck or drink it. With local honey, orange blossom water, and hints of lavender and rose water it’s a mellow, easy drinking gin – I wrote “lovely” in my tasting journal. Originally designed as one of their seasonal gin offerings, it’s popularity moved it into the permanent rotation. 43% ABV

Pembroke Gin

Out of the three, I found this one the most interesting. Corgi calls it “new-world style” which typically means lighter on the juniper and heavier on the botanicals. This one bursts with citrus – lemon, orange, and pink grapefruit peel; adds some sweetness with lavender and elderflower, and then smacks you at the end with pink peppercorn, that just keeps going. I’d really like to play with this one in some cocktails! The Corgi website suggests some recipes including a French 75 (not sure about that with the pepper) and a Ramos Gin Fizz, which I think has amazing potential. 43% ABV

Earl Grey Gin

This is the one that I was most excited to try, and the one that I was underwhelmed with. Bergamot, the citrus that gives earl grey it’s signature heady aroma is my favorite scent – I want an orchard of bergamot trees just so I can stroll through it daily and inhale the air. Does this gin taste like tea? Yes, amazingly so – they actually steep the tea overnight along with the juniper and other botanicals; but I don’t get the bergamot. To me, it tastes more like an English breakfast/chamomile tea, which is tasty unto itself. Being from Texas, where we drink buckets of iced tea, I can absolutely see this in a poolside cocktail with loads of ice (maybe with some earl grey simple syrup added?). 40% ABV

Overall, Corgi Spirits offers great choice, and I appreciate them for their passion for gin and for the ideals they stand for. I’d love to visit the distillery the next time I’m in the region, try some of the seasonal gins, and hopefully find some (actual) corgis to squeeze. Cheers!

Thank you to Corgi Spirits for providing the fantastic photos!