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Hayman's Old Tom Gin
Distiller Score 90
Sweet spices and floral aromas are found as you smell Hayman's Old Tom Gin. It is soft on your palate as the sugar has rounded out the edges and tamed the juniper. The floral note comes back, but it is not intrusive. With a slightly sweet finish, there isn't much bitter to be had. Drink recommendations? Martinez or a Tom Collins.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Conniption American Dry Gin
Distiller Score 88
This is a very citrus-forward gin with prevailing notes of grapefruit, lime and orange held up by coriander, cardamom and grassy cucumber, which seems like it's in a fight to the teeth with the juniper, but the does end in a clean finish. Fans of Hendrick's would enjoy this one as an alternative.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Citadelle Jardin d'été Gin
Distiller Score 88
Though melon is one of the ingredients that's meant to set this gin apart, it's only delicately pushed to the palate as a backdrop to more citrusy, floral, junipery and herbal flavors. Zesty spices, particularly a sharp, spicy pepper note tickle the back of the throat. With a bit of sparkling water, more of the fruity notes work their way into the palate, but interestingly, tonic brings out more of the spice.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Filliers 5 Year Oude Graanjenever
Distiller Score 89
The nose is young and malty, with fresh notes of juniper, as well as nutmeg and orange. The palate displays a lovely fruitiness (think red apple), followed by cinnamon and cardamom, before ending on grassy notes. The balance of this drink is impressive, especially at this age.
Reviewed by Thijs Klaverstijn
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Broker's Gin (40%)
Distiller Score 87
The aroma is much more aromatic with the sweeter notes of coriander and licorice coming in stronger on this lower proof version compared to the 47% ABV. Naturally, it is softer and rounder with the additional water, but the juniper is still the king overall. The higher proof version is also more bitter than this version and shows more cinnamon. Still a solid value, this. Would serve in a Negroni.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Zuidam Rogge Genever
Distiller Score 90
The rye influence is very clear. Notes of menthol, rye bread and oranges. Quite sweet as well, with marshmallow at the forefront. The palate has a lovely spiciness to it, but also some great sweet and sour interplay. Plenty of toffee too. If you love rye whiskey, this is certainly worth looking out for.
Reviewed by Thijs Klaverstijn
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Rutte Jonge Graanjenever
Distiller Score 97
This jenever is quite aromatic. Sweet and savory botanicals are in use here and what comes to mind is that it is balanced. Holiday cookies also come to mind as there's a sweet pastry quality. But don't misunderstand. This isn't overly sweet, but it is very enticing. What really sets this jenever apart is that often times when tasting jenever the neutral grain component and the malt wine component can be tasted separately from each other in the final result. Not here. This is just stunning. Serve lightly chilled and neat.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Tanqueray Rangpur Gin
Distiller Score 85
The juicy mandarin really comes through on the aroma, covering up the juniper actually. As you taste, the ginger and juniper make appearances, the Rangpur lime is still holding strong. So as not to cover the gin's unique botanical, best to serve as a Spanish style gin and tonic or in a Gin Rickey to have the gin be the star.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Spring44 Gin
Distiller Score 88
This gin shows a wonderful medley of scents of wild mountain flowers and crisp citrus peel with a back current of evergreen juniper. The agave nectar adds a bit of mouthfeel and texture to the gin’s mid palate for a rich, dense spirit with a long, easy-drinking finish. This is an interesting midway point between European tradition and American ingenuity. An easy choice for a gin and tonic or other refreshing long drinks.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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Hayman's London Dry Gin
Distiller Score 90
The aroma is pretty intense with classic aromas with a bit of sweet spices particularly coriander. The licorice comes through just a touch as you taste. Citrus and cinnamon are the last notes you taste at the finish. This is an all-around use gin, but the sweet spices come through just a bit stronger which play nicely into a berry-based cocktail like a Clover Club.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Citadelle Gin
Distiller Score 85
Citadelle Gin has great aromas of spruce-scented juniper and a surprising amount of green coriander leaf that combine for a somewhat complex and herbaceous character. That palate has a nice richness (perhaps the result of those flame-powered pot stills) that finishes with a very intense spicy/sweet character fueled from the use of fresh cinnamon. A gin that has several classic components with a well-executed but somewhat simple focus on coriander and cinnamon. A sure-fire gin and tonic winner.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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Rutte Oude Graanjenever
Distiller Score 85
Just like it should be, this has a grainy foundation with light juniper notes, but also some basil, subtle spices and floral touches. The palate shows a sweeter, maltier side, as well as coriander and a pinch of pepper. A well balanced, inviting Oude Genever.
Reviewed by Thijs Klaverstijn