Gray Whale Gin
Gray Whale · Golden State Distillery
Gray Whale Gin embodies California's coastal terroir in a bottle, weaving together six botanicals foraged and sourced along the gray whale migration path from Alaska to Baja. It's a gin that quietly celebrates the circular journey of nature — each sip traces a migratory orbit from forest to sea. Beautifully balanced for sipping neat or elevating a classic cocktail.
Nose
A bright wave of juniper and sea kelp opens into citrus blossom and lime zest. Beneath the coastal salinity, there's a gentle earthiness of fir tree and wild mint. A faint whiff of almonds rounds out the aromatic profile.
Palate
Silky and medium-bodied, with juniper and lemon peel leading into a distinctive umami note from the kombu seaweed. California botanicals — fir needles, lime blossoms, and wild mint — create layered complexity. A subtle peppery spice emerges mid-palate alongside delicate floral tones.
Finish
Clean and lingering, with juniper, sea salt, and a gentle citrus fade that recalls the Pacific coastline. A whisper of pine resin anchors the final note.
- Style
- California Dry Gin
- Botanicals
- Juniper berries, kombu seaweed, lime, fir tree needles, wild mint, almonds
- Base Spirit
- Organic wheat-based neutral spirit
- Distillation
- Small-batch pot distillation with vapor infusion of six wild-foraged and sustainably sourced botanicals: juniper, kombu seaweed, lime, fir tree, mint, and almonds
Cocktail Suggestion
Pacific Orbit — 2 oz Gray Whale Gin · ¾ oz fresh lime juice · ½ oz honey syrup · 2 dashes celery bitters · Shake with ice, strain into a coupe, garnish with a lime wheel and a pinch of flaky sea salt
Food Pairing
Pan-seared diver scallops with a Meyer lemon beurre blanc, served alongside wilted sea beans and microgreens. The gin's saline, botanical character mirrors the scallops' natural sweetness, while the citrus and juniper echo the bright acidity of the sauce.
Inspired by the annual 12,000-mile round-trip migration of the gray whale along the Pacific coast, each botanical is sourced from a waypoint on that ancient, circular journey.
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