Calyx Gin is a collaboration between famous winemaker Rajat Parr (2015 winner of the James Beard award) and Ascendant’s award-winning master distiller Stephen Gertman. Calyx is a unique, limited availability artisanal gin with a clean, crisp flavor composed of 14 botanicals. Made with a set recipe, the Calyx flavor profile will differ each year depending on weather and climate, creating a distinct annual production of the handcrafted gin. Parr is an award-winning sommelier and co-owner/winemaker of three wine labels (Domaine de la Cote, Evening Land and Sandhi). Calyx is Parr’s first spirits creation. Parr is known for his appreciation of terroir — Mother Nature’s influences such as sun, soil, wind, etc. – to come through in his wines (as discussed with the New York Times).This entry into spirits is also indicative of Parr’s background. Born and raised in Calcutta, Parr grew up around horse racing and gin, and later, while living in London, he became a fan of London dry gin. Gertman and Parr collaborated tirelessly to develop the perfect formula, working with about 60 hand-distilled organic botanicals to set Calyx apart in the gin category. The resulting mix, created solely by scent, features angelica, coriander, elderflower, ginger, honeysuckle and locally sourced grapefruit peel and mint. More than 30 experimental gins were created in pursuit of the perfect balance of flavors and aromas. The Calyx taste profile reflects the whims of Mother Nature and will change yearly because of varying environmental factors affecting the 100 percent organic botanical harvest. Each annual edition of Calyx will have its own characteristics and taste profile – a winemaker’s approach to gin. Said Gertman, “This is the first gin created for people who love and appreciate great wines, those who are seeking a new ‘modern martini’.”