Uncle Val's Peppered Gin

Uncle Val's Peppered Gin. 3 Badge Beverage Corporation, Sonoma, California — a bold, pepper-forward gin built on four all-natural botanicals: juniper, black pepper, roasted red bell pepper, and pimento (cherry pepper), offering an entirely different experience from the botanical category's typical floral or citrus directions.

Uncle Val's Peppered Gin is the most adventurous expression in the Uncle Val's family, designed for those who want their gin to lead with savory heat rather than sweetness or florals. The botanical bill is deliberately minimal: juniper provides the classic gin backbone, black pepper delivers the primary pepper character, roasted red bell pepper adds earthy smokiness and depth, and pimento (cherry pepper) provides a savory, slightly sweet pepper note that rounds and integrates the heat.

Despite the bold pepper profile, the gin is designed to remain smooth and versatile — both as a sipping gin and a cocktail base. The pepper character evolves through each sip rather than hitting all at once: sharp peppercorn on the nose, a bold and tingly sensation on entry, then the char of the roasted red peppers, and finally the smooth, fading finish of classic peppercorn. Like all Uncle Val's expressions, it is gluten-free with no artificial flavors, colors, or additives.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Crisp black peppercorn and a hint of charred peppers. Juniper present underneath. Bold and immediately distinctive.
• Palate: Bold pepper flavor and a tingly, slightly salty sensation on entry. The crisp, salty pepper evolves into juniper tartness and the pleasing bite of charred red peppers. Pimento adds a savory dimension. Oily and robust.
• Finish: Smooth and fading peppercorn. Clean, long, and dry with a satisfying warmth.

Specs

• Producer: 3 Badge Beverage Corporation, Sonoma, California
• Style: Contemporary American Gin — pepper forward
• Botanicals: Juniper, black pepper, roasted red bell pepper, pimento (cherry pepper)
• Certifications: Gluten-free; all-natural ingredients; no artificial flavors, colors, or additives
• ABV: 45% (90 Proof)
• Size: 750ml

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Frequently Asked Questions

• What does Uncle Val's Peppered Gin taste like? Sharp black peppercorn and charred pepper on the nose. The palate opens with bold pepper heat and a tingly, salty sensation, evolving into juniper tartness and the earthy smokiness of roasted red peppers. The finish is smooth and fading with long, dry peppercorn warmth.
• How hot is Uncle Val's Peppered Gin? The heat is bold and present but controlled — it is peppery in the way black pepper in cooking is peppery, not chili-hot. The tingly, salty quality from the pimento and black pepper gives it a distinctive mouthfeel without burning heat.
• What cocktails is Uncle Val's Peppered best in? Outstanding in a spicy Martini or Dirty Martini where the pepper complements olive brine beautifully. Also excellent in a Bloody Mary variant using gin instead of vodka, or any savory cocktail build. Works in a G&T where premium tonic balances the heat.
• Is this the spiciest Uncle Val's expression? Yes — by far. The Botanical is herbal and approachable; the Restorative is floral. The Peppered is the bold, savory expression for those who want their gin to have character and heat.
• Is Uncle Val's Peppered Gin gluten-free? Yes — gluten-free, all-natural, no artificial flavors, colors, or additives.