Corgi Gin: Your Guide to the Spirits from Jersey City

Welcome to the delightful world of Corgi Gin, where Welsh charm meets American craft distilling excellence. If you’ve ever been curious about the gin with the adorable dog on the label, you’re in the right place. This isn’t just a spirit with a cute face; it’s a seriously well-crafted gin with a story that’s as warm and inviting as its flavor.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Corgi Gin. We’ll explore the distillery behind it, the different gins they offer, what makes them taste so special, and how you can enjoy them at home. Whether you’re a gin novice or a seasoned connoisseur, prepare to fall in love with the spirits from Corgi Spirits at the Jersey City Distillery.

The Story of Corgi Spirits: More Than Just a Cute Logo

Every great spirit has a great story, and Corgi Gin is no exception. The tale begins not in a corporate boardroom, but with a family’s heritage. Corgi Spirits was founded by two brothers, Dan and Andrew Bober, who wanted to pay homage to their Welsh roots.

The name and the iconic corgi logo are a direct nod to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, a breed famously associated with the British monarchy and, more importantly, with the brothers’ family history. This personal touch is at the heart of everything they do. They aren’t just making gin; they’re sharing a piece of their identity.

The home of this operation is Corgi Spirits Jersey City, a distillery that has become a beloved part of its community. Located in New Jersey, they’ve embraced their locale, proving that you don’t have to be in London or Scotland to produce world-class spirits. This commitment to local craft, combined with a nod to the old country, gives Corgi Gin its unique and authentic character.

E-E-A-T: Why You Can Trust Corgi Spirits

When you buy a bottle of Corgi Gin, you’re supporting a brand with strong E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness).

• Experience: The founders have immersed themselves in the craft of distilling, focusing on small-batch quality and time-honored techniques.

• Expertise: Their knowledge is evident in the complex yet balanced botanical profiles of their spirits, which have earned them national recognition and awards.

• Authoritativeness: Corgi Spirits is a recognized name in the American craft distilling scene, featured in major publications and respected by spirit critics.

• Trustworthiness: They are transparent about their process and ingredients, and their engagement with the Jersey City community builds genuine trust with their customers.

Exploring the Corgi Gin Portfolio

Corgi Spirits offers a range of spirits, but their gins are the true stars. Let’s break down the key expressions you need to know.

1. Corgi Gin: The Flagship London Dry

The original Corgi Gin is a classic London Dry Gin, but with a distinct American craft twist. It’s a brilliant starting point for anyone new to the brand.

• Botanical Profile: It features a thoughtful blend of juniper, coriander, angelica root, orris root, and a special touch of fresh citrus.

• Tasting Notes:

  • Nose: Bright and fresh with a classic juniper punch, followed by zesty citrus notes.

  • Palate: A smooth, clean taste where the juniper is balanced by warm spice from coriander and a hint of earthiness from the roots.

  • Finish: Crisp and refreshing with a lingering citrusy warmth.

• Best For: This is an incredibly versatile gin. It’s perfect for a classic Gin & Tonic, a sharp Martini, or any cocktail that calls for a reliable, high-quality London Dry Gin.

2. Corgi Earl Grey Gin: The Fan Favorite

If there’s one product that has put Corgi Spirits on the map for a wider audience, it’s the Corgi Earl Grey Gin. This innovative spirit is a masterpiece of fusion, combining the world of craft gin with the beloved flavors of Earl Grey tea.

• The Process: They take their classic London Dry Corgi Gin and steep it with real Earl Grey tea leaves. This allows the gin to absorb the fragrant oils, most notably the bergamot orange, which is the signature of Earl Grey.

• Tasting Notes:

  • Nose: An immediate and inviting aroma of bergamot citrus—floral, perfumed, and reminiscent of a sophisticated cup of tea.

  • Palate: The citrus-forward notes of the gin base are amplified by the bergamot, followed by a subtle, dry tannic structure from the black tea. It’s not sweet; it’s complex and aromatic.

  • Finish: A long, smooth, and fragrant finish that leaves a hint of citrus and tea on the palate.

• Best For: This gin is a showstopper in a Gin & Tonic (garnished with a lemon wheel). It also makes an unforgettable Earl Grey Martini and is stunning simply sipped over ice.

A Visit to the Source: Corgi Spirits at the Jersey City Distillery

For those who can make the trip, visiting Corgi Spirits at the Jersey City Distillery is a treat. It’s not just a production facility; it’s a community hub. Visitors can often:

• Take distillery tours to see the copper pot stills in action.

• Enjoy tastings to sample the entire range.

• Relax in a taproom-style setting with expertly made cocktails.

• Purchase bottles directly from the source.

This direct-to-consumer experience reinforces the brand’s authenticity and allows fans to connect with the people and process behind the spirit. Checking their website for current hours and tour availability is always recommended before visiting.

How to Drink Corgi Gin: Cocktail Ideas & Tips

The beauty of Corgi Gin lies in its mixability. Here are some easy and delicious ways to enjoy it at home.

For the Classic Corgi Gin:

• The Perfect G&T: Use 2 oz of Corgi Gin and 4-5 oz of a premium tonic water. Garnish with a wedge of lime and a sprig of rosemary. The rosemary complements the gin’s herbal notes beautifully.

• The Corgi Martini: Stir 2.5 oz of Corgi Gin with 0.5 oz of dry vermouth over ice. Strain into a chilled glass and express a lemon twist over the top.

For the Corgi Earl Grey Gin:

• The Earl Grey Tonic: This is a must-try. Combine 2 oz of Corgi Earl Grey Gin with 4-5 oz of tonic. A grapefruit wedge garnish enhances the citrusy bergamot perfectly.

• The Bees Knees (Earl Grey Variation): Shake 2 oz Corgi Earl Grey Gin, 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice, and 0.5 oz honey syrup with ice. Strain into a coupe glass. The honey and lemon are a natural fit for the tea flavors.

Where to Buy Corgi Gin

Finding Corgi Gin has become easier as its popularity has grown.

• Direct from the Distillery: The best place to buy is directly from Corgi Spirits Jersey City, either in-person or through their website (if they ship to your state).

• Local Liquor Stores: Many craft-focused liquor stores in New Jersey, New York, and across the country now stock Corgi Gin. Use their online store locator if available.

• Online Retailers: Various online spirit merchants carry Corgi Gin. A simple search for “buy Corgi Earl Grey Gin” can yield results, but always ensure the retailer is licensed and reputable.

For more information on American craft distilling and to see how brands like Corgi fit into the larger landscape, you can explore the American Craft Spirits Association website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Q1: Is Corgi Gin made by a big corporation?
No, not at all. Corgi Gin is a true craft spirit produced by Corgi Spirits, a small, independent, and family-owned distillery based in Jersey City, New Jersey. They focus on small-batch production and quality ingredients.

Q2: What is the difference between Corgi Gin and Corgi Earl Grey Gin?
The original Corgi Gin is a classic London Dry Gin, which is juniper-forward with citrus and spice notes. Corgi Earl Grey Gin uses the original gin as a base and infuses it with Earl Grey tea, adding prominent flavors of bergamot orange and a subtle, dry tea character.

Q3: Can I visit the Corgi Spirits distillery?
Yes! Corgi Spirits at the Jersey City Distillery welcomes visitors for tours, tastings, and cocktails. It’s highly recommended to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours, tour schedules, and booking policies before your visit.

Q4: Is Corgi Earl Grey Gin sweet?
Typically, no. The Corgi Earl Grey Gin is not a sweetened liqueur. Its character comes from the aromatic infusion of tea and bergamot, which provides citrus and floral notes rather than sweetness. The perception of sweetness often comes from the natural citrus oils, not added sugar.

Q5: What awards has Corgi Gin won?
Corgi Spirits has garnered significant acclaim. Their gins have won medals at prestigious competitions like the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition, cementing their status as a high-quality, award-winning craft distillery.