Bluecoat Elderflower Gin 750ML

Bluecoat Elderflower Gin 750ML is a 94-proof (47% ABV) American gin infused with organic elderflower, produced by Philadelphia Distilling in Pennsylvania. Originally a distillery-exclusive release, this limited edition expression earned 85 points from Tastings.com for its bold, intensely floral character.

Quick Facts: ABV: 47% (94 Proof) | Origin: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA | Style: Elderflower-Infused American Dry Gin | Distillery: Philadelphia Distilling

Production & Heritage

Philadelphia Distilling, one of the pioneering craft distilleries in Pennsylvania, produces Bluecoat Elderflower Gin by taking its flagship Bluecoat American Dry Gin and macerating it with fresh, natural, organic elderflower sourced from Croatia. This maceration process allows the elderflower to fully integrate with the existing botanical profile of the base spirit, resulting in a layered and genuinely floral gin rather than a superficially flavored one. The expression was initially available only at the distillery before demand pushed it into a wider limited edition release, making it a sought-after bottle among American craft gin enthusiasts.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Rose petals and elderflower lead the nose immediately, creating a heady, fragrant opening. Generous lemon peel and citrus pith follow, adding brightness beneath the floral layers.

Taste: The palate enters with pronounced floral notes rose and elderflower work in tandem before revealing an herbaceous mid-palate anchored by bitter angelica and peppermint. Lychee emerges as a subtle, exotic sweetness, while moderate astringency and a slight tannic dryness keep the profile structured and far from cloying.

Finish: Orange peel and pink peppercorn close the experience with a dry, lingering warmth. The finish carries moderate length, with the elderflower resonating cleanly alongside a trace of spice.

How to Drink Bluecoat Elderflower

At 47% ABV, this gin has enough backbone to drink neat or with a single ice cube, where the elderflower and citrus aromatics are most vivid. A splash of chilled tonic and a grapefruit twist makes an exceptional Gin & Tonic that highlights the floral-citrus interplay. In a French 75, the elderflower infusion adds a natural sweetness that reduces the need for additional sugar while complementing the champagne. A Bee’s Knees gin, honey, lemon becomes notably more complex here, as the rose petal and lychee notes harmonize with the honey. Finally, a simple Gimlet allows the elderflower to take center stage against the sharpness of fresh lime.

Best For

• Gifting a gin enthusiast who already owns the standard bottles
• Spring and summer cocktail sessions where floral gins shine
• Exploring the craft American gin category beyond London Dry styles
• Adding a limited edition bottle to a home spirits collection

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Bluecoat Elderflower taste like? Bluecoat Elderflower delivers a bold, intensely floral profile led by rose petal and elderflower, with supporting notes of lychee, lemon peel, bitter angelica, and peppermint. The finish is dry with orange peel and pink peppercorn, giving it structure rather than sweetness.

How does Bluecoat Elderflower compare to Gordon’s Spot of Elderflower? Bluecoat Elderflower is notably bolder in its elderflower character compared to Gordon’s Spot of Elderflower, with a much more pronounced floral intensity. It also carries a higher ABV at 47% and uses organic Croatian elderflower through maceration, resulting in a more complex, craft-oriented profile.

Is Bluecoat Elderflower good for cocktails? Its 47% ABV and assertive botanical profile make it an excellent cocktail gin it holds its own against mixers without losing its elderflower identity. It works particularly well in a French 75, Bee’s Knees, or an upgraded Gin & Tonic.

Where is Bluecoat Elderflower made? Bluecoat Elderflower Gin is produced by Philadelphia Distilling in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The base spirit is the same Bluecoat American Dry Gin, which is then infused with organic elderflower sourced from Croatia.

What foods pair well with Bluecoat Elderflower? Fresh goat cheese and herb salads complement its floral and herbaceous character. Seared scallops with citrus butter echo the lemon peel and lychee notes. Cucumber and smoked salmon canaps provide a cool contrast to the gin’s botanicals. Light fruit tarts especially those with lemon curd or berries mirror the elderflower sweetness. Mild Thai dishes with lemongrass and basil align well with the peppermint and angelica undertones.

What sizes does Bluecoat Elderflower come in? Bluecoat Elderflower Gin is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is Bluecoat Elderflower worth the price? Bluecoat Elderflower positions as a premium craft gin within the flavored gin category, justified by its organic elderflower sourcing, small-batch maceration process, and limited edition status. For drinkers who find standard elderflower gins too subtle, this expression delivers considerably more intensity and complexity for the investment.

Why Bluecoat Elderflower?

What separates Bluecoat Elderflower from the wider field of elderflower-infused gins is the sheer intensity of its floral character reviewers consistently note it is significantly bolder than comparable expressions. The use of organic Croatian elderflower macerated directly into an already well-regarded American dry gin base gives it a layered complexity that artificially flavored competitors cannot replicate. Its origin as a distillery-exclusive that earned a wider release speaks to genuine consumer demand rather than marketing strategy. At 47% ABV, it also retains the full proof and botanical backbone of the original Bluecoat, making it a serious gin that happens to be beautifully floral rather than a flavored novelty.