Tastes

In a chilled neat sample: soft juniper and soft, sweet citrus and alcoholic heat. As a 2:1 Martini smells of juniper tastes of vermouth and citrus. 2.5 stars. Could be a brilliant neat sip or an extremely dry martini. Not a personal favorite.

Tried the 86 proof (43% ABV) bottling. Chilled (from the freezer) neat - sample may have been too cold as there was no aroma detectable. Flavor was softer than other gins, juniper was forward followed by a short citrus note and then a surprising heat from the alcohol and a licorice sweetness. 2nd airline bottle was mixed 2:1 with Dolin Dry and ~2 dashes Angostura Orange bitters. The softness was much more obvious. Juniper was there but was quickly overtaken by the vermouth. The sweet from the licorice was accented. Not a happy mix at this level, very much out of balance. May require a 4:1 or 5:1 mix to obtain the needed balance.

Tasted 9/2/17 - purchased same day from The Wine Store as 2 50mL airline bottles. Placed on in the freezer for several hours, the other at room temp. Tasted neat - Juniper/pine forward, citrus and coriander follow on, and the 94.6 proof showed with a heat that also was flavored with black pepper. Room temperature bottle was mixed 2:1 with Dolin Dry as a martini, with ~2 dashes of Angostura Orange Bitters and stirred over ice. The citrus shifted to the front and the sweetness of the licorice became more pronounced while the juniper was pushed into the background. Still a good gin, but not as complex in the martini as my go-to Beefeater. Very acceptable to drink neat or as a martini. 3.5 stars