K&L Best of 2010 Awards: Gin

I had to wait for the Rusty Blade to come in before I could do this one, but even though it's only seeing the end of 2010, it's soooooooooo good there's no other choice for me.

David D picks: Rusty Blade "K&L Exclusive" Single Barrel Cask Strength Barrel-Aged Gin - This is such a homerun of a product that it might be best overall spirit of the year, if there were such a category.  The Rusty Blade is an intense spirit, very high proof, full of cloves, junipers, baking spice, and vanilla wood tannins.  This is the only one of our exclusive products that we'll be awarding a year-end prize to, so don't think we're entirely biased.  I've simply never had a gin this good, so there's no doubt about it for me.  Gin of the year - Rusty Blade.

David OG picks: Ransom Old Tom Oregon Gin - The Negroni and the Martinez have never tasted so good.  Oregon's Tad Seestedt crafted one fantastic gin on his alembic pot still to really give the classic cocktail mixologists something serious to work with.  That bit of richness from the wood really lends itself well to the sweet vermouth drinks, so if you're stirring something up with Carpano Antica, this is tailor made for you.

-David Driscoll