Waterloo No. 9 Gin 750ML is a vapor-infused American gin from Texas bottled at 47% ABV (94 proof) in a 750ml format. It earned 94 points and a "Best Buy" designation from Wine Enthusiast, along with a Double Gold at the 2019 Sip Awards and Gold at the 2019 Los Angeles International Spirits Competition—credentials that distinguish it among domestic craft gins. Quick Facts: ABV: 47% (94 Proof) | Origin: Texas, United States | Style: New American Gin | Distillery: Treaty Oak Distillery Production & Heritage Treaty Oak Distillery, based in Dripping Springs, Texas, produces Waterloo No. 9 using a vapor-infusion technique in which all nine botanicals are suspended in the still's vapor path rather than steeped directly in the liquid. This approach extracts delicate aromatics without the heavy oils that direct maceration can produce. The botanical bill—juniper, lavender, grapefruit, pecan, orris root, coriander, anise, ginger, and licorice root—reflects a distinctly Texan identity, particularly the inclusion of native pecan. The distillate is cut with limestone-filtered Texas spring water before bottling at 94 proof, retaining significant intensity and body. Tasting Notes Aroma: Dusty coriander and walnut powder greet the nose first, followed by a generous wave of powdery lavender that recalls a field in full bloom. Juniper grounds the bouquet while traces of grapefruit zest add brightness. Taste: The palate enters brighter than the nose suggests, with a jammy citrus character that shifts into assertive juniper and a warm ginger tingle on the tip of the tongue. Anise vibrates through the mid-palate, supported by a subtle pecan nuttiness and persistent lavender. The 47% ABV carries considerable weight without harshness, giving each botanical room to register. Finish: Medium-long and smooth, tapering with lingering juniper, a whisper of licorice root sweetness, and a dry herbal close. The lavender resurfaces delicately in the final moments, reinforcing the gin's aromatic signature. How to Drink Waterloo No. 9 At 94 proof, this gin rewards neat sipping at room temperature or with a single large ice cube to gradually open up the lavender and citrus layers. It also stands up powerfully in cocktails. A Gin & Tonic with a grapefruit peel garnish echoes the gin's citrus backbone. A classic Bee's Knees benefits from No. 9's lavender florals playing against honey and lemon. And its anise-ginger spice gives a Last Word extra dimension alongside Chartreuse and maraschino. Best For Gin enthusiasts exploring the American craft distilling scene Gifting someone who appreciates botanical-forward, higher-proof spirits Home bartenders building a versatile cocktail gin that stands up to bold mixers Tasting alongside European gins to compare Old World versus New World botanical philosophies Frequently Asked Questions What does Waterloo No. 9 taste like? It leads with lavender and jammy citrus, followed by assertive juniper, warming ginger, and a vibrating anise note through the mid-palate. The finish is smooth with lingering licorice root sweetness and a dry herbal close. How does Waterloo No. 9 compare to Hendrick's Gin? Both gins push beyond a juniper-dominated profile with unconventional botanicals, but Hendrick's leans toward cucumber and rose at a gentler 44% ABV, while Waterloo No. 9 is bolder at 47% ABV with a distinctly floral lavender-and-pecan character rooted in its Texas origins. Waterloo No. 9 also uses vapor infusion for all of its botanicals rather than a blend of pot-distilled and Carter-Head distillates. Is Waterloo No. 9 good for sipping neat? Yes—despite its 94 proof, the vapor-infusion method keeps the spirit clean and aromatic rather than sharp, making it a rewarding neat pour for those who enjoy full-bodied gin. Where is Waterloo No. 9 made? It is distilled at Treaty Oak Distillery in Dripping Springs, Texas, in the Hill Country west of Austin. The distillery uses limestone-filtered Texas spring water in its production process. What foods pair well with Waterloo No. 9? Smoked salmon or gravlax highlights the gin's juniper and citrus notes. Lavender-honey goat cheese mirrors the floral aromatics. Grilled shrimp with grapefruit salsa echoes its citrus backbone. Pecan-crusted pork chops create a natural bridge with the pecan botanical. Light Thai salads with ginger dressing complement the gin's warm spice. What sizes does Waterloo No. 9 come in? The standard bottle is 750ml, which is the most widely available format. Is Waterloo No. 9 worth the price? Positioned as a premium American craft gin, Waterloo No. 9 delivers exceptional value at its tier—a point underscored by Wine Enthusiast's "Best Buy" designation alongside its 94-point score, indicating quality that outpaces its price category. Why Waterloo No. 9? A 94-point score and "Best Buy" nod from Wine Enthusiast, backed by Double Gold at the 2019 Sip Awards, places Waterloo No. 9 in rare company for an American craft gin at this price tier. The vapor-infusion distillation method and an unconventional nine-botanical bill anchored by Texas pecan produce a gin that reads as neither a London Dry clone nor a novelty project—it has genuine regional character. At 47% ABV, it holds its structure in stirred and shaken cocktails without losing the aromatic complexity that makes it compelling neat. For drinkers looking for a gin that demonstrates what American craft distilling can achieve beyond whiskey, this is a strong benchmark.
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