Second Sip Low Proof Gin

Second Sip shines in classic gin-forward cocktails where its botanical complexity can take center stage without the need for heavy dilution—think bitter Italian-style aperitifs or citrus-driven serves—and while it's pleasant enough on the rocks with a twist of lemon, its lighter body really comes alive when mixed, making it an ideal choice for day drinking in warm weather or pairing with lighter fare like seafood, salads, and fresh cheeses.

Nose: Clean juniper leads with a bright, piney character that's reminiscent of fresh evergreen boughs. Citrus notes follow—mainly lemon peel and bergamot—with a subtle herbal quality from coriander and angelica. There's a faint nuttiness from almond in the background, along with a whisper of licorice root that adds a gentle sweetness. The aromatics are present but softer than a full-proof gin, requiring you to lean in a bit closer to catch all the layers.

Palate: The juniper flavor is forward and assertive, delivering that classic gin profile you'd expect from a London Dry style. Bright citrus oils from lemon and bitter orange provide a crisp, zesty quality that keeps things lively. The botanical blend—coriander, orris, and angelica—adds earthy, slightly peppery notes. The addition of Maldon sea salt and umami extract from seaweed creates a savory backbone that gives the gin more body and texture than you'd anticipate at 20% ABV. The mouthfeel is lighter and more delicate than traditional gin, with a silky quality that's smooth and easy to sip. In cocktails, the flavors hold up surprisingly well, especially in stirred drinks where the botanicals can shine without being overshadowed by higher-proof spirits.

Finish: Medium-short with lingering juniper and a clean citrus brightness. The herbal notes fade gently, leaving a subtle salty-savory quality on the back of the tongue. There's no alcoholic burn or heat, just a crisp, refreshing fade that makes you want another sip. The finish is cleaner and less complex than full-strength gin, but it's satisfying in its own right—particularly when you're looking for flavor without the intensity of higher-proof spirits.

Second Sip is distilled in small batches at New York Distilling in Brooklyn using a higher concentration of botanicals than typical gins—including juniper, coriander, orris root, and citrus peels—then fortified with organic juniper CO2 extracts to amplify the piney, resinous notes without cranking up the alcohol, and finished with umami extract derived from seaweed plus a pinch of Maldon sea salt to create a fuller, silkier texture that tricks your palate into thinking there's more booze than the gentle 20% ABV actually delivers.

• Second Sip packs more botanicals per bottle than standard gins to compensate for its lower alcohol content, creating a flavor intensity that rivals full-proof spirits—proving that less alcohol doesn't mean less taste.
• The secret weapon in Second Sip's silky texture? Maldon sea salt and umami extract from seaweed, ingredients you'd never expect in gin but which add a savory depth and mouthfeel that makes the spirit drink like it's much stronger than its 20% ABV.
• This low-proof gin was crafted by an all-star team including the bartender behind England's moorland-inspired Hepple Gin, a James Beard Award winner who ran NoMad's legendary bar program, and the founder of Dry Soda—making it one of the most pedigreed spirits collaborations in recent memory.