Proof mixologist gets into the game of gin with Army Navy and Jasper’s Gin
Deidre Schipani
Post and Courier, 2014
What’s the story?
In July 2014, Brent Stephens, master distiller, along with Alison Curry and Stephen Heilman opened the Charleston Distilling Company. The company is a micro-distillery using locally grown grains raised at Flowers Farm in Summerton. They produce small-batch spirits and liquors. The trio has outfitted its “factory” with two large copper stills imported from Eislingen, Germany, along with a tasting room and event space. Tours are available and reservations can be made online. The distillery is at 501B King St.
What is it?
Army Navy is a cocktail developed by Craig Nelson, the creative bartending wizard at Proof, 437 King St. The drink uses Jasper’s Gin from the Charleston Distilling Company.
The gin is distilled from Summerton grains, select botanicals and juniper. The blue-green juniper berries are what gives gin its unique taste and aroma. Genever is Dutch for juniper and the spirit is sometimes referred to by that name (although the Brits shortened the name to “gin” in the 1500s).
Nelson has added orgeat, made from almonds, sugar and rose water or orange flower water, Angostura bitters and fresh lemon juice to complement the blend of herbs and spices that define the flavor profile of Jasper’s Gin.
Who’s selling it?
The gin is available at the source: Charleston Distilling Company and also at Bottles in Mount Pleasant.
The cocktail can be enjoyed at Proof on King Street.
Who’s buying it?
Those who prefer small-batch distillations and custom-blended spirits. Stephens speaks to the “terroir” of the grains tasting as much of their environment as do grapes in wine.
Army Navy fans (the drink not the gridiron) enjoy the citrus-forward flavors and the “light’ quality of this balanced cocktail.
What’s the price?
Army-Navy at Proof, $9.50
Jasper’s Gin, $32 at Bottles, Mount Pleasant
Quotable
“Jasper’s Gin, hands down, the best gin I have ever had.” – Mike Evans, Thorndale, Pa.