Drink of the Week: Calwise Spirits Big Sur Gin

Dubbed “liquid California,” the spirits from Paso Robles-based distiller Calwise aim to capture the local flora and flavors of the Golden State, which is particularly evident in the Big Sur Gin. Founder Aaron Bergh launched the business in 2016 out of San Luis Obispo with three spirits, a blonde rum, a spiced rum and a gin, for which he has been steadily collecting medals and gaining shelf space at notable West Coast bars like Kindred and Whitechapel. With a base distilled from wine grapes and a botanical bill including bay, yerba santa, lavender and lemon, the Big Sur Gin is light and floral with bright elements of citrus and spice. It would be well-suited to a Gin & Tonic or even a classic martini with a twist. $29.99, hitimewine.net.