No. 209 Gin

No. 209 Gin. Distillery No. 209, Pier 50, San Francisco, California — the only distillery in the world built over water, producing a citrus-forward, floral modern gin five times distilled in a 1,000-gallon Forsythe copper pot still, with Calabrian bergamot at the center of a botanical bill that is distinctly different from juniper-heavy London Drys.

Distillery No. 209 has a history that stretches back to 1882, when William Scheffler registered a distillery in St. Helena, California and received federal license number 209 — which he painted over the doors. The modern incarnation was recreated in 2005 and relocated to San Francisco Bay, where the distillery sits on Pier 50, partially over the water — one of the world's only waterborne distilleries. Today it is operated by “Ginerator” Arne Hillesland, who creates every batch by hand from start to finish.

What distinguishes No. 209 from most American or London Dry gins is its deliberate departure from juniper dominance. The botanical bill is anchored instead by Calabrian bergamot orange peel — the same citrus that gives Earl Grey tea its distinctive perfumed quality — alongside Spanish lemon peel, Romanian coriander, cardamom pods, cassia bark, angelica root, and Italian orris root. Juniper is present but restrained, as a complement rather than the lead botanical. Botanicals are macerated overnight before a final fifth distillation in the Forsythe pot still (based on a Glenmorangie whisky still pattern with a long swan neck), producing approximately one batch every 11 hours.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Beautifully aromatic — predominantly citrus and floral with a hint of spice. Bitter orange and dry bergamot lead at the fore, with coriander, cardamom, petitgrain, and restrained juniper underneath. Intense enough to detect from the pour without burying your nose in the glass.
• Palate: Citrus high notes of lemon and orange lead, then bergamot and coriander release delicate floral notes as the spirit warms in the mouth. Mid-palate brings pepper-like warmth from emerging cardamom and juniper. Mint-like components emerge as cardamom continues to bloom. Medium silky body with a slightly oily, rich mouthfeel.
• Finish: Cassia and warm spice notes become prominent and linger encouragingly. Long and aromatic, inviting another sip.

Specs

• Distillery: Distillery No. 209, Pier 50, San Francisco, California
• Style: Contemporary American Gin
• Botanicals: Calabrian bergamot orange peel, Spanish lemon peel, Romanian coriander, cardamom pods, cassia bark, angelica root, Italian orris root, juniper, and others
• Distillation: Five-times distilled; overnight botanical maceration; 1,000-gallon Forsythe copper pot still
• ABV: 46% (92 Proof)
• Size: 750ml

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Frequently Asked Questions

• What does No. 209 Gin taste like? Beautifully aromatic on the nose with bergamot, citrus, and a hint of cardamom spice. The palate unfolds in layers — lemon and orange high notes first, then floral bergamot and coriander, then pepper-like cardamom warmth mid-palate, with cassia and warm spice on the long finish. Medium silky, slightly oily body.
• What is bergamot and why is it the key botanical? Bergamot is an Italian citrus from Calabria whose rind oil is best known for giving Earl Grey tea its distinctive perfumed, floral aroma. In No. 209, it anchors the gin's citrus-floral identity and gives it a character that is immediately distinct from juniper-forward styles.
• Is No. 209 a good Martini gin? Yes — its citrus-forward, floral complexity works beautifully in a Martini, offering subtlety and sophistication without sacrificing gin character. It excels in shaken cocktails where its citrus and bergamot profile can lead.
• Where is the distillery located? On Pier 50 in San Francisco Bay, making it one of the only distilleries in the world built partially over water. The distillery also houses a tasting room and is open to visitors.
• Why five distillations? Multiple distillation passes remove impurities and refine the spirit, producing exceptional smoothness. The overnight maceration before the final distillation maximizes botanical extraction without harshness.