Black Band Distillery 'Madame Backlash' Blood Orange & Orange Blossom Gin, Illinois

Juicy blood orange zest and lifted orange blossom aromatics immediately define Black Band Distillery Madame Backlash Blood Orange & Orange Blossom Gin, Illinois, offering a bright and expressive take on contemporary craft gin. This citrus-driven expression builds on a classic gin foundation while leaning confidently into fresh, aromatic fruit and floral character, creating a spirit that feels vibrant, modern, and purposefully styled for mixability. It reflects Black Band Distillery’s philosophy of balancing bold flavor with technical precision, honoring tradition while embracing creative expression.

Product Details:

• ABV: 43%
• Owner & Distiller: Chris Ober
• Style: Citrus and botanical gin

Sensory Description:

The nose opens with an immediate burst of ripe blood orange, carrying both sweet and tangy tones, followed by a soft wave of orange blossom that adds lift and elegance. On the palate, vibrant citrus leads with juicy intensity before giving way to delicate floral notes that feel perfumed but restrained. A traditional juniper backbone remains present throughout, providing structure and grounding the brighter elements, while subtle spice and citrus peel add depth. The finish is clean, aromatic, and refreshing, striking a balance between expressive fruit and classic gin dryness. This profile places the gin firmly within the modern craft movement, offering more nuance and integration than typical flavored gins while remaining unmistakably approachable.

Distiller's Background:

Black Band Distillery was founded in Peoria, Illinois, by owner and distiller Chris Ober as part of a broader effort to revive the city’s historic distilling heritage. With formal training and years of hands-on experience, Ober established the distillery with a commitment to grain-to-glass production, technical rigor, and thoughtful spirit design. Black Band Distillery is known for blending classical distilling principles with contemporary creativity, producing spirits that are precise, expressive, and built for both sipping and cocktail use. The Madame Backlash line reflects this philosophy, showcasing bold botanical concepts executed with balance and restraint.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve well chilled in a copa or highball glass with premium tonic to highlight the gin’s citrus and floral aromatics, garnished with a twist of blood orange or expressed citrus peel. This gin also performs beautifully in cocktails such as a citrus-forward gin fizz, a floral martini variation, or a bright, modern negroni-style build. Pair alongside light seafood dishes, citrus salads, fresh cheeses, or herb-driven appetizers to echo and elevate its aromatic profile.