-
Monkey 47 Dry Gin
Distiller Score 99
Monkey 47 is an exquisite gin that pushes the boundaries of how much and what type of flavor a gin can have. The 47 ingredients build off of each other rather than contradict and the unlikely combination of forest fruit and exotic tones of wildflowers and island spices (especially on the balanced and long, rich finish) create a heady beverage that reveals more upon every sip. Juniper is present, but there is so many other flavors present that it is not nearly as dominant as in many more traditional gins. This is truly one of the world’s most complex gins and although we're sure that it would make wonderful cocktails, one should try it neat to appreciate the full spectrum of flavors.
Reviewed by John Rankin
-
Hernö Juniper Cask Gin
Distiller Score 96
The aroma from the glass is full of a cedar-like aroma with the piney juniper berries coming in close after. Lots to discover as you taste. the coriander and black pepper come along as do woody twigs. Really intriguing. The gin has a touch of sweetness, but finishes dry. The finish is an exhalation of coriander. This is a gin to sip and savor, much as you would a whiskey. But would make lovely sour cocktails as well. Many notes to play off.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
-
Procera Red Dot Gin
Distiller Score 86
Bright citrus on the nose, with grapefruit and macerated lemon peels, along with a mineral and iodine-rich seawater brine. The palate is peppery, with spicy chilies along with green and black peppercorns, and the numbing, tingling sensation of Sichuan peppercorns. The finish offers juniper, pine sap, and plenty more peppery punch.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
-
Four Pillars Olive Leaf Gin
Distiller Score 91
Lemon zest and violets open a bright nose, with potpourri, lavender, ruby red grapefruit, and a touch of savory salinity. The palate is savory and viscous, with juniper well integrated with notes of sage, expressed lemon peels, quinine, white pepper, and coriander. The presence of olives is felt most strongly on the finish, where vegetal and herbal notes reign alongside a final flash of vibrant citrus.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
-
Komasa Sakurajima Komikan Gin
Distiller Score 90
The aroma of orange and orange blossom practically reach right out of the glass to honk the nose! Aside from being VERY orangey (although in a pleasantly perfumey way), the juniper does manage to come come through in the back palate. What's interesting is despite its orangeness, it's not terribly sweet at all - more zesty than sweet - with hints of almond, pistachio and mint.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
-
The Botanist Islay Cask Aged Gin
Distiller Score 90
The gin flavors are still present on the nose, but they're muted. Heartier earthy and barrel spices come through as does the coriander, but little else. On the palate, the gin has a full mouthfeel and oak, but it's not too tannic and tight. The delicate floral and fruity notes typically found in The Botanist are lost. While this isn't totally into whiskey territory, it isn't quite in the gin camp either. Have fun and play around with stirred cocktails or serve on the rocks.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
-
Filliers 21 Year Barrel Aged Genever
Distiller Score 89
A whisper of chocolate with burnt peanut skins, as well as candied raspberry, and whiffs of orange and fudge. It even has an edge of pickled ginger. The palate gives room for warming spices such as cinnamon and cardamom, accompanied by a whiff of juniper and cigar tobacco. A proper aged spirit to savor and sip.
Reviewed by Thijs Klaverstijn
-
Procera Green Dot Gin
Distiller Score 92
This is a mellow sipping gin, and if you closed your eyes as you sipped and imagined a color, a soft green would be emanating from the bottle. As a single botanical gin, juniper takes many forms, from mint and tree sap to dried berries and its herbaceous qualities. The palate is viscous and dry, and the finish is extended with notes of lemon and a bitter tinge.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
-
Whitley Neill Raspberry
Distiller Score 88
Summer in a glass! Vibrant aromas of juicy ripe raspberries until the second wave of fennel bulbs and cilantro kick in. The mouthfeel is silky, sweet and tart all at once. More raspberries, a bit of pine with a smooth finish that is clean but short. Excellent for creating classic cocktails with a raspberry twist. Highly recommend pomegranate tonic with this one!
Reviewed by Johanne McInnis