Waterloo Gin No.9 Gin Review.
Waterloo Gin No. 9 Gin Review.
I received this spirit as a review sample from Waterloo Gin, linked here. It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.
Every so often, a distillery steps forward and reminds you why gin deserves just as much reverence as whiskey. Waterloo Gin, out of Texas, does exactly that with their No. 9 expression. Transparent, elegant, and rooted in craftsmanship, this gin not only highlights local botanicals but showcases a distillation process built on precision and respect for flavor. Waterloo was kind enough to send over a bottle for review, and as a longtime fan of gin, I was eager to dive in and see if this could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the best.
Waterloo Gin No. 9 is crafted using a vapor chamber distillation process where the vapor passes through nine botanicals before condensing. Those botanicals include lavender, juniper, grapefruit, pecan, orris root, coriander, anise, ginger, and licorice root. The base spirit is made from Texas-grown corn, adding a subtle sweetness that complements the aromatic intensity. Even more impressive, all of the botanicals are sourced locally in Texas, which deepens the connection between spirit and terroir.
For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/NsdJOsLPWTg.
ABV: 47%.
Mash bill: 100% Corn base.
Area of Distillation: Dripping Springs, Texas.
Botanicals: Lavender, juniper, grapefruit, pecan, orris root, coriander, anise, ginger, and licorice root.
Appearance: Crystal Clear.
On the nose:
On the nose:
A burst of floral lavender leads the way, immediately setting a calming yet vibrant tone. Beneath it, there’s a soft spice from ginger and an earthy undertone from the pecan. Juniper takes a backseat here, present but not domineering, just enough to give that classic pine crispness. Grapefruit zest brightens things beautifully, and subtle hints of star anise and licorice root provide gentle intrigue without overwhelming the bouquet. The nose evokes a warm Texas evening, elegant, fragrant, and serene.
Taste:
Lavender remains at the forefront, coating the palate in a soft floral sweetness. Ginger and pepper spice emerge mid-sip, adding bite and liveliness. The juniper note returns with a refreshing pine-green character, while the pecan grounds everything with an earthy smoothness. The grapefruit carries through from start to finish, weaving in delicate citrus tones that keep the experience bright and crisp. The balance between spice, citrus, and floral notes is nearly perfect, each botanical playing its part without shouting over the rest.
Finish:
Clean, refreshing, and subtly sweet. The ginger and lavender linger longest, with just a whisper of licorice candy, soft, refined, and never cloying. The 47% ABV is expertly integrated; it drinks closer to 42%, showcasing just how well the distillation process has been refined.
Final Thoughts:
Waterloo Gin No. 9 is a standout example of modern American gin done right. The vapor chamber distillation captures every nuance of its botanicals, delivering a spirit that’s as refined as it is expressive. At around $35, it sits comfortably in that sweet spot where craft quality meets accessibility. Whether you’re mixing a martini, experimenting with floral cocktails, or simply sipping neat, this gin delivers on every level. Waterloo is a name worth watching in the gin world, and one that proves Texas distilling has plenty of range beyond whiskey.
Rating: B+ (Great).
Cost: $34.99 for 750ml.
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Learn more about Waterloo Gin via the link here: https://www.waterloogin.com/
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