The company behind Gabriel Boudier Saffron Gin has been connected with distillation since the 1870’s. Founded as the House of Fontbonne, they began producing liqueurs in Dijon, France.

It is thought that saffron was introduced to England in the fourteenth century. The Cornish traded their tin for Spanish saffron. It is then thought to have been grown in England around Bude. Hence the beautiful Cornish saffron bread and buns. A lovely story says that a pilgrim smuggled a saffron corm into England hidden in his hollow staff. Saffron growing became widespread in Essex and also Suffolk and Norfolk. Chipping Walden even changed its name to Saffron Walden. The heady bergamot orange is a fragrant citrus that grows in France and Italy. It looks like a squat green lemon. Its juice is more acidic than lemon but its peel is uplifting – it has a deeper, almost woody citrus scent. I adore it. You can also buy bergamot lemons which look like a traditional lemon but taste sweeter, with a more orange skin; I like to use the greener bergamot oranges as they have more of the floral lemony notes I love, but both work. I have made a pretty pink-tinged blood orange version too. From the bustling streets of Rome to the picturesque canals of Venice, Italian bartenders have been perfecting their craft for centuries. And now, their unique and flavorful creations are gaining popularity in bars and restaurants around the globe. An expensive spice with stimulating and digestive properties which arrives today, as then, from the East and Africa. Strain the gin into a jug, then add about the same volume of sugar syrup and taste it, adding a little more to taste – the more sugar the smoother the flavour.We produce numerous vodkas. A Premium & Super Premium Vodka. Our "house" vodka is distilled at least five times and filtered through custom filtration tubes. To ensure its purity, we distill our Super Premium Vodka minimum of 7 times, travel's an equivalent‎ of 1 mile or 1.6km during this repeat filtration process, and bottled at 55% ABV (110 Proof). But recently, saffron has been gaining popularity in the world of mixology, with bartenders experimenting with different ways to incorporate this spice into their drinks. Place the peel in the bottom of a lidded clean glass jar or bottle and add the gin, using a funnel if it’s easier. Leave in a dark place for the flavours to develop; this can take from 1–3 weeks. Generally, once the peel has turned white, all its flavour has been infused. We produce an Aquavit, made from 100% Organic Wheat neutral grain spirit and aged for up to a year in small five-gal ex-single malt barrels.

As much as possible, we source raw materials from local producers. Much of the botanicals and fruits we use in our craft spirits are produced right here in Colorado. By doing so, we reduce our operation’s carbon footprint; locally sourcing raw materials means a shorter distance to travel and thus lesser fuel consumption. It also maximizes our positive impact on the local economy. By purchasing from local businesses, we increase the income of local producers. This, in turn, provides locals with more work opportunities, directly or indirectly increases' locals' spending power (which boosts the local economy even more), and increases the government's tax earnings — the Colorado proud way. This review is for the 55% ABV version of Old Raj Dry Gin. It begins with a classic set of botanicals among which are juniper, citrus, coriander, cassia, and other classics. But what really sets it apart is is slight golden tint, which is a result of the post-distillation addition of saffron. Gabriel Boudier Saffron Gin is said to be based on a recipe found in the archives. It’s an East (saffron) meets West (gin) interpretation.We outsource what processes we can to other local companies. For instance, we contract some of our wash to local breweries and complete the fermentation in our distillery. Which is not only efficient but also produces more work for the local community.

Once your gin has had its steeping time you are ready to mix it with the sugar syrup. Put the sugar and 300ml of cold water into a saucepan and bring to a gentle boil, allowing all the sugar to dissolve, then simmer for a further 10 minutes. Allow to cool completely.Peel long strips of rind from the bergamots using a vegetable peeler, taking care not to use too much of a heavy hand, otherwise you’ll end up with a lot of bitter pith. The story of the history of saffron is interwoven with myths. Ovid wrote that Smilax changed her pursuer Crocos into a flower, leaving the red stigma as a symbol of his passion. Another myth describes Hermes, the messenger to the gods, wounding his friend Crocos by accident. Blood dripping from Crocos's head fell on the ground, where Hermes changed it into the flower. Zeus is also said to have slept on a bed of saffron. We at NOCO Distillery believe in doing business that benefits not only us but the rest of the community as well.