It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since Bluecoat boldly entered the market as the Original American Dry Gin. The brand, created by Philadelphia Distilling just one year after the craft distillery was founded in Philadelphia, PA, is celebrating two decades of revolutionary spirit. Acquired by Heaven Hill Brands in 2022, Bluecoat remains locally produced and Philly proud. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, there’s no better time to celebrate a gin born in the birthplace of American independence.

Long before Bluecoat Gin helped define American Dry Gin, its inspiration began. The name Bluecoat draws from the spirit of the American Revolution and the people who dared to challenge the status quo. Just as the revolutionaries sought a new path forward, Bluecoat’s founders set out to create something distinctly American in a category traditionally defined by London Dry gin, often associated with the British “Redcoats.” The result was a gin that embraced independence, innovation, and the confidence to do things differently.

That same independent spirit inspired Philadelphia Distilling when it launched Bluecoat in 2006. The team set out to create Gin made for the American palate, combining craftsmanship, science, skill, and authentically sourced botanicals.

Bluecoat became a trailblazer in its own right as the first Gin to use “American Dry Gin” on its label. Where traditional London Dry gins lean heavily into sharp juniper, Bluecoat broke the British recipe with a softer juniper profile and 10 times the citrus botanicals, creating a bright, smooth, and expressive gin built for a new kind of gin drinker.

Every batch begins by macerating organic botanicals, including juniper berries, angelica root, and coriander seeds, in a high-proof neutral grain spirit. From there, the spirit is boiled to vapor, condensed back into liquid, blended to 94 proof, and sent to the bottling line before making its way into Revolutionary cocktails.

Behind that process is a team of distillers who bring curiosity, precision, and a love of flavor to every bottle.

“Bluecoat is a brand built by hand. The people that work to build that brand every day are the reason for its continued success. On our small team here at Philadelphia Distilling, we are all working towards making Bluecoat the most respected gin brand in the world. There are so many people across the brand who contribute to Bluecoat’s continued success, and I’m proud to be part of such a dedicated team.” – Director of Operations – Head Distiller Aaron Selya

Together, they carry forward the spirit that inspired Bluecoat nearly 20 years ago: challenging convention, embracing innovation, and creating something distinctly American. As the brand celebrates its 20th anniversary, Bluecoat remains a testament to the craftsmanship, collaboration, and pioneering spirit that continue to shape its story.

By bringing together different perspectives, skills, and experiences in pursuit of a common goal, the team behind Bluecoat has helped build a category-defining brand that continues to thrive together, honoring its roots while creating new opportunities for the future. It’s a legacy that reflects the spirit at the heart of Bluecoat from the beginning: Rebellion Distilled.