Astraea Gin has announced the release of Astraeus, what it calls “a truly one-of-a-kind” single malt gin distilled from 100% malted barley. As the latest addition to Astraea’s award-winning portfolio, Astraeus, dubbed “Desert,” joins the ranks of Ocean, Mist, Meadow, and Forest, yet offers something entirely different: a rich union of two ancient spirits—whiskey and gin.
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.
“Astraeus represents a boundary-pushing evolution in both whiskey and gin,” says Master Distiller Danielle Leavell. “We’ve created something that’s truly unlike anything on the market. The result is a gin with the complexity of whiskey and the vibrancy of gin—a spirit that stands in a category of its own.”
A Gin Born from Desert LandscapesInspired 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.
Astraeus challenges traditional gin-making, offering an entirely new sensory experience that transports the drinker to the vast, untamed landscapes of America’s deserts. The gin pairs perfectly in cocktails that traditionally feature whiskey or gin, offering a multidimensional tasting experience that whiskey and gin lovers alike will appreciate.
Tasting Notes:ABV: 57.5%Botanicals: Sagebrush, HeatherTasting Profile: Arid Earth, Fresh Rain, Savory FloralsBottle Size: 700 mL
Botanical List:Juniper, Coriander, Yarrow, Sweet Orange Peel, Bitter Orange Peel, Orris Root, Heather, Sage Leaf, Strawberry Leaf, Oatstraw, Red Clover Blossom, Almond Meal