Big Gin Bourbon Barreled is a barrel-rested gin from Captive Spirits, born just up the hill from us in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood, and poured at Grappa. We love this one for its hometown story and its amber, spiced character — a gin that drinks with the warmth and roundness of a fine aged spirit.
About the Distillery
Captive Spirits was founded in Seattle by Ben Capdevielle, who named Big Gin in tribute to his father, a bartender known affectionately as “Big Jim.” The distillery built its reputation on a bold, classically composed gin made in small batches close to home. The Bourbon Barreled expression takes that flagship spirit and gives it a patient rest in ex-bourbon casks, a Pacific Northwest take on the old practice of resting gin in wood.
Botanicals & Style
The botanical bill is generous and warming, built on juniper and layered with coriander, bitter orange peel, angelica, cassia, cardamom, orris and an exotic accent of Tasmanian pepperberry and grains of paradise. Resting in bourbon barrels softens the spirit and draws out gentle notes of vanilla and toasted oak, giving the gin its amber hue and a spiced, almost whiskey-adjacent personality while keeping its juniper backbone intact.
Tasting Notes
Expect a nose of juniper, warm baking spice and sweet vanilla from the cask. The palate is round and full, weaving citrus peel and cardamom through honeyed oak, with pepperberry warmth on a long, smooth finish. It is a gin for slow sipping.
What to Pair It With
Its spiced, oak-kissed character is lovely alongside our Spaniard Octopus, the gin’s warmth meeting the char of the grill, and it suits the brightness of our Heirloom Tomatoes & Burrata. It also pairs handsomely with Our Hummus. Explore the full dine-in menu to round out your evening.
How It’s Served at Grappa
Big Gin Bourbon Barreled is poured neat, on the rocks, or in a classic cocktail at $12.
FAQ
Where is it from?
It is made by Captive Spirits in Seattle, Washington, in the Queen Anne neighborhood, then rested in bourbon barrels.
What does it taste like?
It offers juniper, warm baking spice and vanilla, with a round palate of citrus peel, cardamom and honeyed oak on a smooth finish.
Is it juniper-forward?
Yes, juniper remains at its core, though the bourbon-barrel rest wraps it in vanilla, oak and spice for a warmer, rounder style.
When you’re ready, book a table, explore the cocktail & spirits list, and browse the dine-in menu.
