Your New Go-To Gin for Fall
October in North Carolina has a distinct character. The humidity breaks, the evenings grow cooler, and the landscape shifts into warmer colors. It's a season for gathering around a bonfire, for tailgating before a big game, and for settling into a slower pace. This shift calls for a different kind of drink: one with more depth, warmth, and character. This season, we recommend reaching for Sigil Gin, a spirit that feels tailor-made for autumn.
From As Above So Below Distillery in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Sigil Gin is not your typical London Dry. It’s a high desert style American Dry Gin, built around botanicals that evoke the landscape of its origin. Its unique profile of piñon, sage, and warm spice makes it an ideal companion for the cooler months, whether you’re sipping it neat or mixing it into a thoughtful cocktail. This guide will explore what makes this gin special and how you can enjoy it this fall.
What Makes Sigil Gin an Autumn Standout?
The distillery's name, As Above So Below, comes from the Emerald Tablet, a text associated with alchemy. This reflects the philosophy of founders Caley Shoemaker and Jeff Gust, who approach distillation as a transformative art. This thoughtful approach is evident in Sigil Gin, which brings the essence of the high desert to your glass.
Unlike gins that lean heavily on citrus or floral notes, Sigil Gin builds its foundation on the aromatics of the Santa Fe area. The core botanicals are juniper, piñon, and sage. These ingredients provide an earthy, herbaceous, and slightly savory backbone that distinguishes it from more common styles. With a total of 14 botanicals in the blend, the result is a layered and complex spirit that reveals more with every sip. It's this complexity that makes it so well-suited for a season of heartier flavors and contemplative evenings.
Tasting Notes
This gin has earned recognition, including a Double Gold medal and the title "Gin of the Year," for its distinct and balanced profile. When you pour a glass, you'll find it moves from bright and herbal to warm and savory.
- Nose: The aroma opens with sweet, bright, and herbaceous notes. As it sits, these evolve into softer spices and savory scents that invite you in.
- Palate: The first sip is warm, sweet, and viscous. Instead of a sharp juniper bite, you'll find flavors of vanilla and other bright notes that give it a round, approachable texture.
How to Enjoy Sigil Gin This Fall
The distillery suggests that Sigil Gin is excellent for sipping neat, and we agree. Its roundness and complexity make it a rewarding spirit to enjoy on its own. But its versatile profile also makes it a great base for cocktails, especially those that suit the autumn season.
For a Quiet Evening: Neat or on the Rocks
To fully appreciate the interplay of the 14 botanicals, pour two ounces of Sigil Gin into a rocks glass. You can add a single, large ice cube if you prefer, which will chill the spirit without diluting it too quickly. The piñon and sage notes become more prominent as you sip, making it a fitting drink for enjoying by the fire or on a cool porch.
For a Classic Cocktail Hour: The Dry Martini
The savory character of Sigil Gin makes it an outstanding choice for a Dry Martini. The gin’s herbaceous notes stand up beautifully to dry vermouth, creating a sophisticated and flavorful cocktail.
- 2.5 oz Sigil Gin
- 0.5 oz Dry Vermouth
- Lemon twist or olive, for garnish
Add the gin and vermouth to a mixing glass filled with ice.
Stir until very well-chilled, about 30 seconds.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist or an olive.
For a Holiday Gathering: The Bee's Knees
The Bee's Knees is a simple, classic cocktail that allows the gin to shine. The honey syrup complements the gin's inherent sweetness and vanilla notes, while the lemon brightens its herbaceous qualities. It’s a crowd-pleaser that fits right in at a Thanksgiving get-together or any fall celebration.
- 2 oz Sigil Gin
- 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 0.5 oz Honey Syrup (equal parts honey and hot water, stirred until dissolved and cooled)
Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice.
Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
Garnish with a lemon wheel or twist, if desired.
Finding This Gin in North Carolina
Because of its small-batch nature, Sigil Gin is available in North Carolina as a special order item. This means you won't typically find it sitting on the shelf, but it is accessible to you through any local ABC store.
To get a bottle, simply visit your preferred ABC store and speak with a clerk. Ask them to special order product code 40-300. They will be able to arrange for a bottle to be sent to their store for you to pick up. It's a straightforward process that gives you access to a wider world of spirits. And always remember to enjoy responsibly.
Also from As Above So Below Distillery
If the unique profile of Sigil Gin captures your interest, you may want to explore the other creative spirits from As Above So Below Distillery. Each one reflects the same commitment to quality and artistic expression.
- AASB Absinthe Verte
- AASB Aradia Aperitivo
- AASB Ixchel Botanical Dry Curacao
- AASB Lilith Alpino Amaro
- AASB Ritual Small Batch Vodka
- Elvira Mistress of the Dark Autumnal Gin
Work with Dorado Rock in North Carolina
We represent craft spirits brands and support bars, restaurants, and retailers statewide through the NC ABC system.
