Black Band Distillery 'Madame Backlash' Rhubarb & Ginger Flavored Gin, Illinois

Bright tart rhubarb and warming fresh ginger immediately set the tone for Black Band Distillery Madame Backlash Rhubarb & Ginger Flavored Gin, Illinois, delivering a bold yet finely tuned expression that balances vibrancy with depth. This contemporary gin layers vivid fruit acidity and gentle spice over a classic botanical foundation, creating a profile that feels energetic, expressive, and confidently modern. It reflects Black Band Distillery’s approach to flavor-driven spirits, where clarity, balance, and intention guide every decision.

Product Details:

• ABV: 43%
• Owner & Distiller: Chris Ober

Sensory Description:

The aromatics open with a fresh snap of rhubarb, offering both tangy brightness and subtle earthiness, followed closely by the warm, lifted spice of ginger. On the palate, the rhubarb provides a lively, mouthwatering acidity that feels crisp rather than sharp, while ginger builds gradually, adding warmth and texture without overt heat. Classic juniper remains present throughout, anchoring the profile and lending structure beneath the fruit and spice. The finish is clean and gently spiced, with lingering freshness that keeps the gin balanced and highly versatile. This expression sits comfortably within modern flavored gin styles, offering more nuance and integration than overtly sweet interpretations while maintaining a clear sense of botanical identity.

Distiller's Background:

Black Band Distillery was founded in Peoria, Illinois, by owner and distiller Chris Ober as part of a revival of the city’s historic distilling legacy. With formal training and extensive hands-on experience, Ober established the distillery with a focus on grain-to-glass production, technical precision, and expressive yet balanced spirit design. Black Band Distillery is known for blending classical distilling principles with contemporary creativity, producing spirits that are intentional, versatile, and built to perform across a wide range of cocktail applications. The Madame Backlash line exemplifies this philosophy through bold botanical concepts executed with restraint and clarity.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve well chilled in a copa or highball glass with premium tonic to highlight the gin’s bright acidity and warming spice, garnished with a thin slice of fresh ginger or a citrus peel. This gin shines in cocktails such as a ginger-forward gin mule, a tart rhubarb spritz, or a modern martini variation with a savory edge. Pair alongside charcuterie, soft cheeses, roasted vegetables, or dishes featuring ginger or citrus to echo and elevate its flavor profile.