Danielle Leavell, master distiller and founder of Astraea Spirits, was inducted into the prestigious Gin Guild in London on Oct. 11. The Gin Guild was incorporated by the Worshipful Company of Distillers, one of London’s traditional Livery Companies, incorporated by Royal Charter in 1638. Its historical role was to hold key responsibilities for the control and regulation of early gin distillers.
Since its inception, only two other Americans have been inducted into the Gin Guild. Leavell made history as the sole female-led brand and the only female warden rectifier induced that night.
Leavell said, “Being inducted into the Gin Guild for my contributions to the Gin category was such an incredible honor. Our mission at Astraea is to reintroduce Americans to Gin by giving them a better experience through superior liquid. This induction supports our mission and reinforces Astraea as the leader in American Gin.”
Astraea Launches the first American Single Malt Gin, Meet Astraeus
On Oct. 1, Astraea Spirits released America’s first single malt gin, once again blazing a trail for women in distilling and setting a standard of excellence in the gin category. Leavell founded the brand with the mission of meeting all EU standards for London Dry Gin in the products produced.
Created in small batches by two master distillers, Astraea’s Danielle Leavell and Matt Greif, head distiller at the Distillery of Modern Art in Atlanta, Astraeus brings the depth and complexity of whiskey into the world of gin, making it an exceptional and rare offering in the U.S. market. While other malted barley gins are typically distilled to neutrality (190 proof), stripping away much of their whiskey essence, Astraea purposefully rectifies Astraeus to 160 proof, allowing the whiskey’s character to shine alongside the bold botanicals of gin.
Inspired by the arid, rugged beauty of desert landscapes, Astraeus is layered with desert botanicals like sagebrush and heather, distilled to evoke notes of arid earth, fresh rain, and savory florals. This powerful 57.5% ABV gin is both a sip-worthy masterpiece and a versatile cocktail component, serving as a true fusion of whiskey and gin.