ESP Smoked Gin

A new American style Gin with innovative smoked juniper berries for a singular complex palate.

So far, Empire Spirits Project (ESP) is focused on unique Gins. Back in 2012 it all started as a vague idea in the mind of former chef Jake Sawabini. He is the distiller at ESP, and he opened up the business with his co-founders Allan Rothstein, Norman Rothstein, and Thomas DelVecchio in July of 2016. The company is New York born and bred, with offices in Penn Station and distillation in Yonkers — just a bit up-river from Manhattan. Their distinctive black frosted bottles and colorful wax seals hold some of the most unique Gins in the world.

ESP likes to keep the botanical infusions simple and clean, but innovative. ESP Smoked Gin is one of the best example of that ethos. Like all Gins, the botanical infusion starts with juniper. But just like Islay Single Malts smoke their grains with peat, the juniper berries are smoked over applewood. That’s the first time we’ve ever heard of that. The rest of the botanical mix includes peppercorns, caraway, and six other players.

When we first sampled this interesting sipper, the first thing that sprang to mind was that this would be a wonderful substitute for Vodka in a Bloody Mary — and it is. But imagine the impact of that flavor profile in a Dirty Martini. Sounds magical to us.