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Ransom Old Tom Gin
Distiller Score 95
Look for a light amber color in the glass, thanks to its time spent in barrel, and a soft, floral aroma underlined by juniper and orange peel. On the palate, it's like a gin and whiskey hybrid in which gin gets the top billing. You'll taste top notes of juniper and cardamom, while the barley spirit from which it's distilled provides a rounded base. This would be equally nice on the rocks as would substituted into traditional whiskey cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Hot Toddy.
Reviewed by Anna Archibald
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Castle & Key London Dry Gin (Autumn 2020)
Distiller Score 88
This gin really delivers on the autumn theme showcasing a forest-y and spicy profile. The cedar and spice bush come through very clearly on the aroma while the juniper is present throughout. The taste is predominantly spicy with the two types of cardamom coming through. The licorice and orange peel provide just the hint of sweetness. Overall this is a gin worthy of picking up.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Fords Gin
Distiller Score 91
An intensely aromatic profile greets you on the nose with classic gin botanicals, particularly juniper. Coriander and citrus peel are the highlights with the gin having an earthy backbone and piney juniper flavor. A gentle floral note is found as well. The finish has a cinnamon-y bite and a moderate bitter flavor. Very versatile gin for a variety of classic cocktails -- nice proof as well.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Luxardo London Dry Gin
Distiller Score 90
Fans of juniper-driven London Dry will be pleased with this expression. The nose is quite aromatic with juniper and coriander and a touch of iris is there as well. As you taste the juniper once again comes in very strong on the palate. It is a bold gin which finishes with cinnamon and cardamom as the back notes. Use in any application, perhaps in a Last Word using Luxardo's Maraschino liqueur.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Bulrush Gin
Distiller Score 95
There's a lovely sweet, floral note to the nose, including a touch of lavender that doesn't overpower aromas of sweet orange and coriander. Flavorwise, this is a powerful gin, with a nice depth and warmth. Notes of orange zest, cinnamon spice and juniper fade to a pleasant bitter earthiness. This would shine topped with tonic water or mixed into a Martini and garnished with a lemon twist.
Reviewed by Anna Archibald
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Tanqueray No. TEN Gin
Distiller Score 93
There are dark spices in the background, but unlike the standard bottling, bright citrus is all around and is most strong on the aroma. Some fresh herb, earthy roots, and juniper are found as well and all work well in concert on the palate. The finish is clean and crisp with some spice (cinnamon, perhaps) and bitterness on the finish. Tanqueray's standard gin is no slouch, but this is the rare occasion, like with The Godfather, where the sequel is even better than the original. Gin Martini. High recommendation.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Tulchan Gin
Distiller Score 86
The aroma here includes lots of juniper and coriander notes with more of a spiced and earthy profile than a bright citrusy one. There's some green herbal notes here as well. The warm spices continues on the palate with a bit of a licorice bite at the finish. Classic gin profile with here without many surprises. Would stand up to any gin cocktail recipe where you want the gin to stand out like a Negroni or Gimlet.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Tanqueray Bloomsbury Gin
Distiller Score 91
Warm coriander is the predominant aromatic after juniper with light citrus notes following. The gin is moderately oily and the aromatics discovered at nosing are also found in the tasting with the coriander continuing to upstage the other botanicals. Sweet licorice is also present in a small dose. The finish is long and slightly bitter with the gin showing a fine balance of earthy, fruity, and spicy flavors. Thoughts for a cocktail are a gin and tonic done in the Spanish style, served in a large bowl wine glass with cracked ice and a garnish of fresh coriander (also known as cilantro).
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Hayman's Royal Dock Navy-Strength Gin
Distiller Score 92
Powerfully aromatic with citrus fruits, licorice, and coriander. Of course there is a bit of a punch from the alcohol, but there's enough sweetness and richness with the gin, that this all balances out in the end. Hayman's Royal Dock Navy-Strength Gin has depth and substance from the mix of botanicals and is great for cocktail use where you don't want the gin to get lost, like a Negroni.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Ish London Dry Gin
Distiller Score 86
Nothing stands out especially on this gin which is a good thing. Sweet orange, coriander, earthy/rooty notes, licorice, cinnamon; all work in harmony. Juniper stands out throughout the gin. Clean, peppery finish with a cinnamon-y profile. A warming gin to take care of you on chilly nights. Gin and tonic is a clear choice here.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Copper & Kings Old Tom Gin
Distiller Score 85
Neither the juniper nor the slight fruitiness and spice of this Old Tom gin is overwhelming on the nose. There's a slight oaky quality to it on the palate, thanks to its time in cask. Cinnamon and floral notes mingle with juniper on the tongue, and lingers. This would make an interesting Martini variation, but could also work in place of whiskey in an Old Fashioned.
Reviewed by Anna Archibald
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Corsair Barreled Gin
Distiller Score 86
The barrel aging brings a pleasant spiced and oak element to the gin quite like adding another botanical. The cinnamon and vanilla notes are a welcome addition here. Citrus and floral notes still peaking through and the juniper is punchier here compared to the American Gin from the brand. Overall, this is balanced and has a good flavor on its own. Would use in a Negroni or drink on the rocks. (Review from batch 78.)
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno