Seagram's Extra Dry Gin is bottled at 80 proof. It's relatively inexpensive, and easy to find. Seagrams is produced using the usual botanicals: juniper berries, cardamom, orange peel, angelica root, coriander, and cassia root. Of course, the specific proportions are "one of the Master Distiller's most closely guarded secrets." It has a crisp, clear color that has the slightest tint of yellow. It doesn't shimmer too much, which gives the impression of body.
Seagram's nose is full of juniper spice softened by orange zest and candied citrus. Also in the corners are a powdery crushed herb note and the essence of a lush freshness that calls to mind a dewey pine branch. Mouthfeel is light, playful, and somewhat thin, foreshadowing a light taste. The taste is, in fact, light. But its lightness does not mean its timid. There's a sharp spice that hits the middle of your tongue with a sugar-crusted sweetness that lights up the edges of your tongue. Sugar and spice are the pronounced flavors, and they're supported by an orangy undertone that's coupled with a mellow ethanol presence. Seagram's finishes with a understated burn that's tempered by its sweetness.
The most surprising characteristic of this gin is the sweetness. It mixes well in gimlets, and goes well served simply over ice. Seagram's Extra Dry Gin is a great buy for its price. There's no reason not to keep a bottle on hand for everyday use. It is certainly money well spent.
