Renais - Réserve Familiale - Small Batch Gin - 70cl - 3 bottles

Renais Gin was co-founded by siblings Alex and Emma Watson. The development of Renais Gin First Edition was strongly influenced by the family's history in the beverage industry. The Watson siblings worked alongside their father, Chris Watson—a long-time winemaker in Chablis—incorporating grapes and botanicals native to the region. "Growing up around wine, I always found the concept of *terroir* to be so unique and exclusive," said Alex Watson, Emma's brother. It encompasses the environmental variables—climate, grape variety, geology, and slope gradient—that shape a particular vintage. Drawing inspiration from their family's winemaking heritage in Chablis, France, the gin aims to bring the concept of *terroir* to the world of spirits. Renais Gin takes a unique approach by repurposing leftover grapes from the winemaking process. "We don't let any of the grape skins go to waste; we ferment and distill them into a beautiful spirit." Chris planted the family vineyard in Chablis in the early 1990s; notably, both siblings were born in France while he was working in the industry. In 1991, Chris purchased a plot of land in Chablis that had been abandoned following frost damage. It was overgrown with trees, and it took him eight years to clear the site and navigate French bureaucracy before finally planting vines in 1999. Over time, he expanded the vineyard, and it became a family project. They planted high-quality grapes to concentrate flavors and encourage deep root growth. Renais Gin incorporates various elements of the Chablis *terroir*, including linden blossoms, acacia, and skins from Grand Cru grapes. "With Chablis wine, you have three pillars of flavor: body, minerality, and fresh white-grape character," said Alex. "We’ve replicated that using limestone from the region and a touch of rock salt, alongside grape juice and botanicals." "The gin you’re tasting today is the result of that," said Chris. "The vines are now over 20 years old, and while they aren't officially classified as 'vieilles vignes' [old vines] yet, they are well-established. Their deep roots help them withstand extreme weather—such as drought or heavy rain—which we’re seeing more of these days." Renais Gin is smoother and less botanical than other gin brands. It was designed to be versatile, working equally well in a classic dry martini or a more refreshing spritz. Regarding Renais Gin, Emma Watson said, "The lovely thing is that the gin is really accessible—very smooth and easy to drink." When asked how she prefers to drink Renais, she told *Forbes* that she likes it neat with a twist of lemon as an after-dinner digestif—a decidedly more French approach to enjoying gin. It is aimed at bartenders who are passionate about explaining the spirit's provenance.