Corgi Garden Party Gin

 

Here’s an in‑depth article on Corgi Garden Party Gin, including its history, production, tasting profile, cultural significance, common “people also ask” questions (with answers), and a conclusion. (Approximately 3,000+ words.)

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Corgi Garden Party Gin: A Deep Dive

1. Introduction

Corgi Garden Party Gin is a bright, refreshing craft gin that evokes the feeling of a sunny garden gathering: the scent of cucumber, citrus, herbs, and gentle botanicals coming together in a lively, summertime drink. Produced by Corgi Spirits, a small (now-closed) distillery in New Jersey, this gin showcases the distillery’s flair for seasonal, playful yet refined expressions.

Unlike many classic London Dry gins, Garden Party leans into herbaceous and green notes — celery seed, thyme, cucumber — along with citrus zest and juniper. It’s distilled from a potato base, giving it a smooth, creamy texture, and bottled at 43% ABV, making it bright enough to stand in a fresh G&T while still delivering botanical depth.

In this article, we will explore:

1. The history and background of Corgi Spirits
2. Production and ingredients of Garden Party Gin
3. Tasting notes: aroma, palate, finish
4. Cultural and symbolic meaning
5. Frequently asked questions (people also ask)
6. Strengths and trade‑offs
7. Conclusion

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2. Brand Background: Corgi Spirits

2.1 Origins of Corgi Spirits

• Founding: Corgi Spirits was founded in 2017 in Jersey City, New Jersey, by Bob Hagemann, in partnership with his parents. (caskers.com)
• Philosophy & Branding: The distillery’s name and logo (a crowned corgi) reflect Hagemann’s fascination with British traditions — the corgi dog being closely associated with British royalty. (caskers.com)
• Gluten-Free Base: Corgi’s gins and vodkas use a potato base, giving them a super‑smooth, creamy texture. (caskers.com)
• Seasonal Expressions: In addition to core gins (like Earl Grey and Pembroke), Corgi made a number of seasonal gins: Very Merry (holiday), Bee Blossom (spring), and Garden Party (summer). (caskers.com)
• Distillery Reputation: The distillery was once named “New Jersey Distillery of the Year” and had a reputation for small-batch, creative spirit production. (caskers.com)
• Closure: According to some community sources, Corgi Spirits has since closed, which makes its seasonal and core gins potentially more collectible. > “The distillery shut down … this was my last batch …” (Reddit)

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3. Production & Ingredients

Understanding what goes into Garden Party Gin helps explain its refreshing and botanical character.

3.1 Base Spirit

• Potato-based: As with other Corgi gins, Garden Party Gin is distilled from a potato base, lending it a smoother, richer mouthfeel than grain-based gins. (caskers.com)
• Distillation Method: According to Caskers, Corgi uses an iStill and a maceration process for Garden Party Gin. (caskers.com)

3.2 Botanical Bill

The botanicals for Garden Party Gin are carefully selected to evoke green, garden-like freshness:

• Juniper Berries – as the backbone of gin. (Flaviar)
• Cucumber Extract – gives a cooling, watery note. (caskers.com)
• Celery Seed – adds a savory, vegetal-herb quality. (Flaviar)
• Thyme – for herbaceous depth. (caskers.com)
• Orange Peel – citrus brightness. (CaskCartel.com)
• Lemon Peel – additional citrus lift. (caskers.com)

These botanicals create a profile that is less about heavy spice or floral sweetness and more about green, crisp, and herbal freshness.

3.3 Alcohol Content

• Garden Party Gin is 43% ABV, or 86 proof. (CaskCartel.com)
• This proof was deliberately chosen to let the botanicals shine in tonic, according to Flaviar. (Flaviar)

3.4 Seasonality & Purpose

• Seasonal Vision: Corgi describes Garden Party as “designed to deliver the experience of sipping summer cocktails in a garden setting.” (Flaviar)
• All-Weather Use: Though crafted with summer in mind, Caskers notes it “can be enjoyed all year round.” (caskers.com)
• Gluten-Free: Because of the potato base, the gin is naturally gluten-free, appealing to consumers who avoid gluten. (caskers.com)

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4. Tasting Profile: Aroma, Palate & Finish

Here is a detailed sensory breakdown of Corgi Garden Party Gin based on expert sources and community notes.

4.1 Nose / Aroma

• Bright & Fresh: The initial aroma is crisp, with cucumber being very noticeable. (Flaviar)
• Herbal Undertones: Celery seed and thyme emerge, giving a savory, green note. (caskers.com)
• Citrus Zest: Both orange and lemon peel contribute citrusy brightness — not overly sweet, but lively. (caskers.com)
• Pepper / Spice: Flaviar’s tasting notes mention a light peppery character on the nose, adding a subtle edge. (Flaviar)

4.2 Palate / Flavor

• Cooling Cucumber: As soon as you take a sip, cooling cucumber is front and center, delivering a watery green freshness. (caskers.com)
• Bright Herbs: Thyme, along with celery seed, gives the palate a garden‑fresh herbal complexity. (Flaviar)
• Citrus: The citrus peels (orange and lemon) deliver bright, zesty citrus — not sweet orange juice, but peel oils, which give lift. (caskers.com)
• Za’atar-like Note: Flaviar describes an herbal quality that reminds them of za’atar (a thyme blend), which connects to the thyme + herbaceous notes. (Flaviar)
• Juniper: Juniper is present but restrained — it’s not a pine bomb. Instead, it plays a supporting role to the green and citrus botanicals. (Flaviar)

4.3 Finish

• Herbaceous & Bright: The finish is lively and green, with thyme lingering, and a brisk, clean herbaceous tone. (Flaviar)
• Slight Savory Edge: The celery seed contributes a very light savory note on the finish. (CaskCartel.com)
• No Harshness: Given its 43% ABV and smooth base, the finish is clean and not overly harsh or burning. (caskers.com)

4.4 Overall Impression

• Bright & Refreshing: Garden Party Gin is designed for summer, garden, and outdoor settings — a gin that feels alive and green.
• Balanced Botanicity: It walks a fine line between classic gin (juniper) and botanical playfulness (cucumber, thyme, citrus).
• Versatile Serve: Because of its freshness, it works beautifully in gin & tonic, light summer cocktails, or even savory mixes (like a Bloody Mary as per Caskers). (caskers.com)
• Accessible but Craft: Not too heavy or “designer”—it’s complex but also very approachable.

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5. Cultural & Symbolic Significance

What does Corgi Garden Party Gin represent? Beyond just flavor, it has meaning in brand identity, cultural narrative, and craft ethos.

5.1 British Charm Meets American Craft

• The corgi motif ties directly to British royal imagery, giving Corgi Spirits a playful yet regal brand identity. (caskers.com)
• Garden Party Gin channels British garden tea-party vibes: cucumber, citrus, thyme — botanicals that evoke a manicured English garden.
• But it is distilled in Jersey City, New Jersey, blending British inspiration with American craft distillation.

5.2 Seasonal & Experiential Spirit

• Summer & Garden Theme: The name “Garden Party” implies outdoor gathering, sun, and conviviality — a spirit that isn’t just to drink, but to experience in a setting.
• Distillery Story: As a seasonal offering, it aligns with Corgi Spirits’ pattern of making expressions tied to time and feeling (e.g., Very Merry for winter, Bee Blossom for spring). (caskers.com)
• Accessible Luxury: It’s small-batch, but not so niche that it restricts appeal — a craft gin that can be enjoyed by enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.

5.3 Community & Legacy

• Corgi Fan Base: The brand has a devoted fan base, with users on Reddit talking about picking up bottles before the distillery closed. > “How cute … this was my last batch …” (Reddit)
• Collectibility: Given the distillery’s closure, Garden Party Gin may have increased collectibility, making existing bottles more meaningful.
• Gin Innovation: It embodies craft‑gin innovation: using potato base, unusual botanicals (celery seed), and seasonal identity.

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6. Frequently Asked Questions (“People Also Ask”)

Here are common questions people might google about Corgi Garden Party Gin — and thoughtful answers based on available sources.

Q1: What is Corgi Garden Party Gin?

Answer:
Corgi Garden Party Gin is a craft gin from Corgi Spirits (Jersey City, New Jersey). It’s distilled from potatoes and features botanicals like cucumber extract, celery seed, thyme, orange and lemon peel, and juniper. It’s bottled at 43% ABV (86 proof) and is designed to be refreshing, bright, and evocative of a garden gathering. (caskers.com)

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Q2: Who makes Corgi Garden Party Gin?

Answer:
Corgi Spirits, a family-run distillery founded by Bob Hagemann and his parents, is the producer. The company emphasized small-batch, seasonal gins with creative botanical profiles. (caskers.com)

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Q3: What botanicals are in Garden Party Gin?

Answer:
Key botanicals include:

• Juniper berries (caskers.com)
• Cucumber extract (caskers.com)
• Celery seed (CaskCartel.com)
• Thyme (caskers.com)
• Orange peel (CaskCartel.com)
• Lemon peel (caskers.com)

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Q4: How does Corgi Garden Party Gin taste?

Answer:

• Aroma: Bright cucumber, citrus zest, herbaceous notes of thyme and celery seed. (Flaviar)
• Palate: Cooling cucumber, fresh herbs, bright orange/lemon citrus, and juniper. (caskers.com)
• Finish: Clean, herbaceous, slightly savory from celery seed, with lingering garden-like freshness. (Flaviar)

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Q5: What is the ABV of Corgi Garden Party Gin?

Answer:
The ABV is 43%, which is 86 proof — a deliberate choice to balance the botanicals and ensure the gin remains flavorful in tonic or cocktails. (CaskCartel.com)

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Q6: Is Corgi Garden Party Gin gluten-free?

Answer:
Yes. Because it’s distilled from a potato base, it does not contain gluten from grain, making it a gluten‑free gin. (caskers.com)

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Q7: How should I drink Garden Party Gin?

Answer:

• Gin & Tonic: One of the recommended serves — the botanical profile (cucumber, citrus, herbs) pairs very well with tonic water. (caskers.com)
• Classic Cocktail: It works in stirred or shaken gin-forward drinks. (caskers.com)
• Savory Cocktail: Because of its herbaceous notes, it can also be used in a spicier drink such as a Bloody Mary (as suggested by Caskers). (caskers.com)
• Neat / On Ice: You can sip it chilled to appreciate its fresh botanicals.

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Q8: When is Garden Party Gin typically available?

Answer:
It is described by Corgi as a seasonal gin, ideal for warmer weather and “summer festivals.” (Flaviar) However, Caskers notes that it “can be enjoyed all year round.” (caskers.com) Given that the distillery is (reportedly) closed now, availability may be limited to remaining stock.

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Q9: Where can you buy Corgi Garden Party Gin?

Answer:

• Caskers: It’s listed there, though often “out of stock.” (caskers.com)
• CaskCartel: Available on premium spirit marketplaces. (CaskCartel.com)
• Specialty Retailers: Some local or craft liquor shops may have it, especially if they carried the Corgi lineup. Because Corgi Spirits has closed, remaining bottles may be more limited.

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Q10: Why is it called “Garden Party” Gin?

Answer:
The name evokes the spirit of a garden gathering — the freshness of cucumber, citrus, and herbs like thyme and celery seed mirror the sensations of being outside in a lush summer garden. Corgi’s own description explicitly ties it to the experience of “sipping summer cocktails in a garden setting.” (Flaviar)

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7. Strengths & Considerations

7.1 Strengths of Corgi Garden Party Gin

1. Refreshing & Unique Flavor Profile: The cucumber and herb notes set it apart from more traditional juniper-heavy gins.
2. Smooth Texture: Thanks to the potato base, it has a creamy, soft mouthfeel.
3. Versatile Serve Options: Works well in gin & tonic, refreshing garden-style cocktails, or even savory drinks.
4. Seasonal Appeal: Captures the essence of summer and garden gatherings.
5. Craft Ethos: Small-batch production, creative botanicals, and a distinct brand story make it authentic and artisanal.

7.2 Potential Trade‑offs or Challenges

1. Limited Availability: As a seasonal gin, and with the distillery possibly closed, it may be harder to find.
2. Not Classic London Dry: Those who prefer very juniper-forward, traditional gins may find Garden Party less “gin-like.”
3. Price: Craft, seasonal spirits sometimes command a premium.
4. Delicate Profile: In strong mixers or syrups, its subtle cucumber and herb notes may be easily overwhelmed.
5. Storage Risk: If people have older bottles (since the distillery is closed), flavor might degrade; careful storage is important.

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8. Community & Reception

• Reddit Discussion: One user expressed sadness at Corgi’s closure, especially noting Garden Party: > “Outstanding … this was my last batch … before cracking it open.” (Reddit)
• A Gin Lover’s Take: > “Garden Party is milder with citrus and herbal flavours then a savoury finish.” (Reddit)
• Retail Feedback: According to TheBestBourbonWhiskey, the gin is priced at about US$42.99 for 750 ml, making it relatively accessible for a craft seasonal gin. (thebestbourbonwhiskey.com)
• Distillery Legacy: Because Corgi Spirits has gained a cult following, its seasonal expressions like Garden Party are often cherished by fans who want to collect or savor “last batches.”

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9. Comparable Gins & Context

To understand where Corgi Garden Party fits in the broader gin world:

• Versus Traditional Gin: Compared to a classic London Dry (e.g., Tanqueray, Beefeater), Garden Party is much more botanical-forward and green, with less pine or dry juniper.
• Versus Other Seasonal Gins: Among seasonal gins, Garden Party stands out because of its herbaceous and cucumber-heavy profile. Many seasonal gins lean into floral, spice, or fruit; Garden Party’s garden-herb character is more “green” than sweet.
• Versus Other Corgi Gins:
  • Bee Blossom Gin: Very floral, with orange blossom, elderflower, and honey. Garden Party is more vegetal and fresh. (the GIN is IN)
  • Very Merry Gin: A holiday, spice-forward gin (figs, currants, warm baking spices) — almost the seasonal opposite of Garden Party’s brightness. (the GIN is IN)
  • Smoking Lounge Gin: Smoky, applewood-tinged – a completely different direction from the garden-fresh vibe. (caskers.com)

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10. Conclusion

Corgi Garden Party Gin is a beautifully crafted seasonal gin that transports you to a sunlit garden through its fresh, herbaceous, and citrus-forward botanical composition. With a potato base for smoothness, cucumber extract for cooling freshness, thyme and celery seed for green depth, and citrus peel for brightness, it strikes a delightful balance between tradition and creativity.

Some key takeaways:

• Flavorprofile: Bright, green, summer‑garden‑fresh — not overly sweet, not heavily spiced.
• Texture: Creamy yet crisp, courtesy of the potato distillate.
• Serveability: Ideal in a G&T, a light cocktail, or even a savory mix.
• Appeal: For lovers of light, herbaceous gins who appreciate craft distillation.
• Legacy: Given Corgi’s closure, Garden Party Gin now carries extra nostalgic and collectible value.

While finding a bottle may be increasingly challenging, for those who do, it’s a spirit that invites slow sipping, seasonal celebration, and a fondness for botanical elegance.

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If you like, I can also send 5 cocktail recipes that best highlight Corgi Garden Party Gin, or compare it with 5 other top summer / garden-style gins — do you want me to do that?