No one will be surprised to hear oysters and other fruits de mer are a favorite partner for coastal gins. Paired with crispy lobster po’boys or butter-drench Dungeness? Pure pleasure. The saline quality enhances the delicate flavors in a sashimi platter but can hold its own to grilled seafood dishes, almost like a generous pinch of seasoning. “It pairs surprisingly well with cheeses like Comté or aged goat cheese, thanks to its mineral structure,” says Tanasiou, a recommendation echoed by Buick.
6 Artisan Coastal Gins for Any Occasion
Isle of Bute Distillery Oyster Shell Gin, $48
Adding oyster shells made this gin the first of its kind. The maritime overtones introduced by the Loch Fyne oyster shells and savory nori seaweed are expertly paired with traditional botanicals like citrus and angelica.
Breathtaking and balanced. Japanese yuzu makes an appearance, so too does bitter orange, supported by the canonic juniper, angelica, and coriander. The saline seawater note seamlessly integrates here, yielding a smooth, well-rounded gin.
Sausalito Liquor Co. Marin Coastal Gin, $35
“We use a lot of classic gin botanicals with a local twist,” Jampol explains. “We wanted it to be unmistakably a gin, but highlighted by the uniqueness of our area: Citrus fruit and seaweed.” As a Bay Area native, I can confirm Marin Coastal tastes like home.
Sheringham Distillery Seaside Gin, $45
Moving further up the West Coast into Canada, there’s Sheringham Distillery’s Seaside Gin whose profile is influenced by Vancouver Island’s coastal environment. This one leans into rose and lavender florals with the local sustainability-harvested winged kelp taking on a supporting role. If you’re looking for an introduction to coastal gin, this is it.
Oyster shell, citrus peel, zesty wax flower, and hibiscus layered over coastal wattleseed, which lends a touch of nuttiness to Papa Salt, and an attractive spice note. “Papa Salt really shines in long, citrus-forward drinks. You can make a great Paloma with Papa Salt and grapefruit soda,” Haas recommends. One for lazy days at the beach.
I apologize in advance, because this one isn’t available in the U.S. Rather, it’s one to seek out the next time your travels take you to the Emerald Isle. Santa Ana is based on the Donegal distillery’s exceptional Irish Maritime gin, crafted with five local seaweeds. This version is aged in Rioja casks and bottled at navy strength—a first in Ireland and an ingenious take on the style.