Are you on the hunt for the best SF gin? You aren’t alone! San Francisco (SF) is a city celebrated for its iconic landmarks and vibrant culture. However, SF is also a haven for gin enthusiasts. If you love gin, a trip to San Francisco is certainly in order! Today, we’re going to explore the best options in SF Gin, so that you can make the most of your time here. 

From historic distilleries to innovative bars, the SF gin scene is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself. Whether you’re a gin connoisseur or new to this world, you’ll love our picks for the top gin experiences in San Francisco. Let’s get started, shall we?

What Is SF Gin?

SF gin isn’t just a buzzword, it’s also an experience. There’s a huge market in San Francisco for the best of the best gins in the region. When you come to San Francisco, make sure to set some time aside to experience the gin scene here. Try some or all of the things on our list – you won’t regret it!

Our List of the Best SF Gin Experiences in San Francisco:

#8: Seven Stills Wood Isle Dry Gin

Wood Isle Gin, inspired by Angel Island, incorporates botanicals native to the island, such as coriander, elderberry, fennel, elderflower, bay leaf, dandelion, and rosemary. 

Reflecting the early nickname of Angel Island as “Wood Isle,” due to its abundant trees, this gin features a label with a map and coordinates pinpointing the heart of the island. The gin is presented in a 375ml bottle, with an alcohol content of 45% ABV (90 proof), combining local history and natural ingredients to create a unique flavor profile.

#7: The Interval at Long Now

This unique bar and café, located in San Francisco’s Fort Mason, is part of The Long Now Foundation. Known for its thoughtful design and historical ambience, The Interval offers a carefully curated selection of gins. 

The bar is decorated with fascinating artifacts and a library, providing a unique backdrop for enjoying their diverse gin offerings (perfect if you’re going on an SF gin tour), including rare and locally crafted gins. The Interval combines a love for gin with a passion for cultural and intellectual exploration, making it a must-visit destination for gin lovers in San Francisco.

What People Think About The Interval: The Interval Review

The Interval at Long Now in San Francisco has received tons of positive reviews for its unique and historical atmosphere, quality cocktails, and more. Visitors love the bar for its phenomenal cocktails, which are described as well-balanced and delicious. 

The setting (reminiscent of both a library and museum) adds to the charm and makes it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists. Overall, it is highly recommended for those seeking a bar with great drinks and a great atmosphere.

#6: St. George Dry Rye SF Gin

The St. George Dry Rye Gin has a unique and intriguing flavor profile, blending elements of both gin and whiskey. This gin is known for its robust, full-bodied character, with a base of 100% pot-distilled rye, lending it a warmth and complexity often associated with whiskey. The botanical blend includes juniper, black peppercorn, caraway, coriander, grapefruit peel, and lime peel, which contribute to its distinctive taste.

The juniper, while present, offers a woodier, earthier character compared to the traditional pine notes found in many gins. The gin also features a peppery aspect, thanks to the rye and black peppercorn, while the citrus aromas add a pleasing balance.

What Do Critics Think of This SF Gin?

Critics have found St. George Dry Rye Gin to be versatile in cocktails. They recommend using it in Negronis, Manhattans, and even Bloody Marys. However, its unique flavor profile might not be suited to all classic gin cocktails, especially those with a fruit-forward taste. 

Some reviewers suggest it can be sipped neat, similar to a whiskey, highlighting its divergence from traditional gin offerings. It seems to have a particular appeal to those who enjoy both gin and whiskey, as it bridges the gap between these two spirits.

#5: Junipero Gin

Junipero Gin is recognized as one of the first craft gins in America since prohibition, and it’s known for its bold and classic flavor profile. The gin is crafted in small copper pot stills and is blended with 12 botanicals, including juniper, angelica root, aniseed, both bitter and sweet orange peels, cardamom, cassia bark, orris root, lemon peel, grains of paradise, cubeb, and coriander. 

This blend contributes to its distinctive taste, marked by a strong juniper core, complemented by bright citrus and herbal notes.

What Do Critics Think of This SF Gin?

Critics have praised Junipero Gin for its classic yet novel approach to gin-making. Despite its 98.6 proof, critics say that Junipero maintains a smooth and warming texture. Critics have noted that Junipero Gin strikes a perfect balance, saying it is one of the best gins made in the United States. This SF gin is great for those who appreciate a juniper-forward touch in their drinks​​​.

#4: Distillery No. 209 Gin

Distillery No. 209 Gin, with its roots dating back to 1882 in California, offers a unique take on contemporary gin, making it a standout in the world of craft spirits. This gin, distilled from American corn, is known for its New World style. It has a subtle juniper presence with dominant notes of lemon, cardamom, and coriander. The botanicals, which include angelica, bergamot, cardamom, cassia, coriander, juniper, lemon, and orris root, are macerated overnight before the final distillation, adding depth to its flavor profile.

What Do Critics Think of This SF Gin?

Critics have said positive things about No. 209 Gin for its excellent mixing qualities, particularly in classic cocktails like Martinis and Gin and Tonics. Its citrus notes really shine in these cocktails. The gin is recommended for both casual drinkers and more seasoned gin lovers.  Distillery No. 209 Gin is also praised for its balance of flavors on the palate and nose, and its overall smooth character. 

#3: St. George Terroir Gin

As we saw earlier, St. George Spirits offers a range of distinctive gins, each with a unique flavor profile. Their Rye Gin made the list, too! But if you’re looking for a more traditional gin experience for your SF gin tour, Terroir is a great choice.  Inspired by the forests of California’s Mount Tam, this gin embodies the aromas and flavors of the local landscape. It includes botanicals like Douglas fir, bay laurel, and coastal sage.

What Do Critics Think of This SF Gin?

Critics at The Gin Is In give high praise. They highlight its representation of Californian terroir, noting the “prominent Douglas Fir and bay laurel nose.” The palate is described as complex, with a “herbaceous” and “woodsy” character. The gin is commended for its balance, with a blend of botanicals that are both familiar and unique. The reviews on this SF gin also appreciate the gin’s versatility in cocktails, especially recommending it for use in a Martini or a Gin & Tonic. 

#2: Venus Spirits SF Gin Blend No. 01

Venus Spirits Gin Blend No. 01, is known for its contemporary style and unique flavor profile. Distilled from organic wheat, this gin is bottled at 46% ABV and priced between $30-$40. Its botanical blend includes 10 different herbs and spices, such as ginger, tangerine, licorice root, and lavender. These herbs and spices might sound odd to traditional gin lovers, but they work together very well.

What Do Critics Think of This SF Gin?

Critics generally appreciate this gin for its distinctive characteristics, like we mentioned above. The aroma is of lavender and bright citrus, with a tiny bit of malt in the background. 

The gin is described as smooth by critics, with a “floral character” in the finish. The overall impression is that Venus Spirits’ Gin Blend No. 1 is a good example of a contemporary gin, hitting the right notes for gin drinkers who prefer more citrus and floral flavors.

#1: Whitechapel Bar: The Ultimate SF Gin Spot

Whitechapel in San Francisco is a unique and atmospheric bar, distinguished by its Victorian ambiance and a design reminiscent of a train-station. Think “steampunk meets Victorian era tube station.” 

This distinctive setting gives it a bit of a magical, otherworldly feel. One of the most notable features of Whitechapel is its extensive gin selection, which is reported to be over 600 varieties, making it allegedly the largest in North America. This impressive collection and the bar’s creative decor make it an ideal destination for serious gin enthusiasts as well as those looking for a unique bar experience in the city​​​​. While not all of their gin selections are distilled right in San Francisco, you can certainly walk up and ask for a local gin to complete your SF gin tour!

What People Think About Whitechapel Bar for SF Gin

Patrons of Whitechapel Bar hands-down love its extensive collection of unique gins. The bar is noted for its fantastic cocktail list and knowledgeable bartenders who can guide customers through the different gin flavor profiles to ensure they find a drink that suits their taste. 

Reviews highlight the bar’s ability to offer a great SF gin experience. With its wide selection and expertly crafted cocktails, Whitechapel has certainly deserved the positive feedback it has received from its visitors​​.

What SF Gin Is Your Favorite? Browse All of California’s Distilleries at Distillery Nearby:

Here at Distillery Nearby, we love connecting spirits enthusiasts like you with distillers and restaurants that share your interests. That’s why we’ve put together our distillery directory; so that you can easily find and discover local, new distilleries near you! So, what are you waiting for? Hop on over to our California distilleries list and see what else the SF gin scene has to offer you!

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