The Dutch created the spirit first, likely in the early 17th century, and called it genever for the juniper berries at its core. Over time the name evolved into gin, and today well-known brands are produced across the world. To gins made in Great Britain, the United States, Spain, Germany and elsewhere, we can now add a distinctive offering from Brazil: McQueen and the Violet Fog.
Produced in the hills of Jundiaí in southeastern Brazil, McQueen and the Violet Fog is distilled using 21 botanicals sourced globally. The maker highlights six botanicals that are uncommon in gin: Vietnamese star anise, Mediterranean fennel seed, Indian basil leaves, Portuguese rosemary, South Pacific calamansi and Brazilian açaí. The distillery uses two traditional techniques — maceration and vapor infusion — and small copper pot stills to create the spirit in limited batches. Each run yields just 500 liters, amounting to roughly 55 cases per batch.
That careful, small-scale approach helps explain why McQueen and the Violet Fog is notably smooth. It has a satin-like mouthfeel and a layered, evocative profile. Expect floral and citrus aromas, a touch of spice and a rich complexity that lingers on the palate. It is positioned in the moderate price range, generally around $35–$40.
The gin works well served simply on the rocks or mixed with tonic water, soda, fresh lime juice or ginger ale. The producer also recommends a signature serve called the Violet Fog: combine 1½ to 2 ounces of McQueen and the Violet Fog with 1 ounce of lime juice in a glass filled with ice, top with ginger beer and stir gently.
The brand name invites curiosity. McQueen and the Violet Fog takes its title from a poem about a mysterious rock band penned by a poet who uses the name Atticus. The final two stanzas of that poem appear printed on the bottle’s back label, adding a literary touch to the packaging.
As one admirer of the gin put it: when life hands you lemons, add gin, tonic and ice. Even better, choose McQueen and the Violet Fog for that refreshing combination.