Uncle Val’s Botanical is a fragrant, garden-inspired contemporary gin, and it is poured by the glass at Grappa in Queen Anne, Seattle. Soft, herbaceous and floral, it offers a refreshing change of pace from heavier, juniper-driven styles.
About the Distillery
Uncle Val’s is a small-batch American gin inspired by the garden of founder Val Dorgatt’s eccentric uncle. The botanical recipe draws on the herbs, flowers and produce one might pluck from a Mediterranean kitchen garden, and the gin is crafted in small batches to highlight that fresh, just-picked character. It is a thoughtful, modern take on gin that leans into aromatics over sheer intensity.
Botanicals & Style
This is a contemporary, botanical-forward gin rather than a classic juniper bomb. It is built on five signature botanicals: juniper, sage, cucumber, lemon and lavender. Juniper provides a gentle backbone, but it shares the spotlight with cool cucumber, savory sage, bright lemon and soft floral lavender. The effect is herbaceous, fresh and elegant, with a distinctly garden-like sensibility.
Tasting Notes
Expect an inviting nose of fresh cucumber, lemon zest and floral lavender over a soft juniper base. On the palate, cool cucumber and bright citrus meet earthy, savory sage and a whisper of lavender, all kept in balance by gentle juniper. The finish is clean, smooth and refreshingly herbaceous. It is a graceful sipper and an exceptional foundation for a crisp Gin & Tonic.
What to Pair It With
Uncle Val’s herbaceous, cucumber-fresh character is made for our garden-bright plates. Pair it with the Mediterranean Salad, our Heirloom Tomatoes & Burrata, or a bowl of Our Hummus. Explore the full dine-in menu for more.
How It’s Served at Grappa
At Grappa we pour Uncle Val’s Botanical neat, over a large rock, or in a refreshing cocktail such as a Gin & Tonic or a cucumber-forward Collins, at $11.
FAQ
Where is it from?
Uncle Val’s Botanical is a small-batch American gin, inspired by the garden of the founder’s uncle and built around a fresh, herbaceous botanical blend.
What does it taste like?
It is soft and herbaceous, with cool cucumber, bright lemon, floral lavender and savory sage over a gentle juniper base, finishing clean and fresh.
Is it juniper-forward?
No. It is a contemporary, botanical-forward gin where juniper provides a gentle backbone while cucumber, sage, lemon and lavender lead the character.
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