Big Gin is the first product distilled by Captive Spirits in Seattle, Washington, with its first batch of gin distilled this year (2012). The only distillery in the Ballard neighborhood, Captive sells Big Gin at the distillery and throughout Washington at several retailers.

Gin always contains juniper, but it’s the combination of herbs, spices, and flavors that makes each brand unique. Big Gin is the spiciest gin I’ve ever tried: though it starts with juniper, it finishes with a big cinnamon/clove finish. Oh, now I get the name! Big Gin is bold and flavorful, certainly not as mild as Hendrick’s or Caorunn. Whiskey lovers may want to buy a bottle of Big if they haven’t yet found a gin they like.

My favorite way to drink Big Gin is on the rocks with an orange slice, and I imagine I may drink the whole bottle this way. Here’s a simple martini variation featuring Big Gin:

Big Martini (by Greg Mays)

• 2 1/2 oz Big Gin
• splash of dry vermouth
• 2 dashes of orange bitters
• stir with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass
• garnish with an orange peel twist