Bully Boy Distillers today announces the launch of Estate Gin, a bright and balanced gin crafted with regionally indigenous ingredients that reflect New England character and the terroir of the region. Estate Gin will serve as Bully Boy’s flagship gin and join the distillery’s current line of premium regionally-inspired spirits.
While most gins utilize a neutral grain base, Estate Gin starts with a unique blend of neutral apple and grain, which is made in-house by distilling Stormalong cider, a local Massachusetts hard cider. To complement the apple base, Bully Boy uses wild juniperus virginiana and McIntosh apples, both sourced from the Bully Boy co-founders’ family farm in Sherborn, Massachusetts, alongside coriander and lemon as the main botanical charge. To add additional depth, the gin features hints of hibiscus, pink peppercorn and lavender.
“When we began developing our gin, both Will and I knew we wanted to make a strong and traditional gin in structure, but enhanced with bigger, bolder flavors that celebrated home,” said Dave Willis, co-founder of Bully Boy Distillers. “Estate Gin is our answer to the traditional London Dry Gins that have come before, but rooted with flavors that reflect New England, including some from our own backyard at Charlescote Farm.”
To celebrate the launch of Estate Gin, co-founders Will and Dave Willis will be at The Urban Grape, located at 303 Columbus Ave. in Boston, on May 12 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. This complimentary tasting event will provide a casual and intimate environment for spirit enthusiasts to sip on Boston’s newest gin while hearing about the creative production process from Will and Dave themselves.
Priced at $29.99 for a 750ml bottle, Bully Boy Estate Gin is 47% alcohol by volume and available alongside Bully Boy’s portfolio of premium hand crafted spirits at retailers, restaurants and bars throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island. For more information about Bully Boy Distillers and Estate Gin, visit bullyboydistillers.com.
Bully Boy Estate Gin Cocktail Recipes from Co-Founder and Head Distiller Dave Willis
Gin and Tonic: “Everyone associates limes or lemons with gin and tonic, but a lot of gins already use lime and lemon as part of the botanical charge. If you are looking to supplement the taste and not simply enhance a preexisting flavor note, try muddling an orange wheel in the bottom of a glass before adding ice, gin, and tonic. The Estate Gin’s floral and citrus notes really pop with the addition of tonic, and the orange is a really nice complement.”
Dave’s Recipe: Muddle an orange wheel. Add 1.5 oz. Estate Gin and 4 oz. tonic (I prefer Fever Tree). You can also rim the glass with an orange peel.
Negroni: “The floral quality of Estate Gin really shines in a Negroni. I like using Chinato sweet vermouth, and I always muddle an orange wheel before adding the spirits and ice. I know some prefer this cocktail up, but I always serve it in a rocks glass with plenty of ice.”
Dave’s Recipe: Muddle an orange wheel. Add 1 part Estate Gin, 1 part Chinato sweet vermouth and 1 part Campari.
Martini: “Nothing showcases gin like a martini, it is 98% gin after all. There is a movement nowadays towards being liberal with the vermouth, but I still prefer vermouth in small quantities so that it doesn’t dilute the gin flavor.
Dave’s Recipe: 6 oz. Estate Gin and one splash of dry vermouth (I prefer Carpano). Shake with ice and strain into glass.
Gin On The Rocks: “If you prefer your martinis really dry, you can ditch the vermouth all together and sip your gin on the rocks. If the 94 proof of Estate Gin is too hot for your liking, add a little water like you would with whiskey. It will open up the spirit nicely.”
Dave’s Recipe: Pour 3 oz. Estate Gin into a tumbler on the rocks. Add water to taste (but no more than a tablespoon).
