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St. Augustine New World Gin
Distiller Score 93
As the name implies, this is a departure from the juniper heavy London style gin and instead emphasizes southeast America’s flora. The perfume of fresh, sweet citrus skin is tempered by a savory baseline of coriander, cassia bark, and angelica. On further tasting a subtle back note of juniper becomes apparent and lends a pleasurable sense of medicinal spice for an added degree of complexity. The 47% alcohol is very well handled and makes for a gin quite enjoyable on ice. The spirit’s freshness and bright character lends itself very well to tonic or cocktails that include citrus, but dry martini fans may miss the juniper intensity of more old world style gins.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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Tanqueray Malacca Gin
Distiller Score 86
Juniper plays a minor role here, showing up on the finish. Lime and ginger are more prominent with some rose notes throughout. It is slightly sweet muting the bite of the spices just a bit without drowning them out. The (relatively) low proof and sweetness makes this gin soft and plush. Would be a great entry to the category for those who think they don't like gin.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Tanqueray Sevilla Orange Gin
Distiller Score 85
A summer gin at its best! Aromas of fresh orange blossoms and fruity marmalade. The palate is vibrant, sweet and oily with a just a glimpse of juniper berries. Finish is long, sweet and robust. Well balanced. Makes the best Negroni, or recommend trying it with a Mediterranean tonic and a few red peppercorns for garnish.
Reviewed by Johanne McInnis
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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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Bobby's Schiedam Dry Gin
Distiller Score 90
Dominant aroma of lemongrass, giving it a fresh and inviting character. Plenty of coriander too, with hints of juniper in the background and a whisper of cinnamon. The palate is quite sweet, although the lemongrass is still omnipresent. Again, cinnamon plays a supporting role, while there's black peppercorns and cloves as well. The citrus notes linger for a long time. Should work well in cocktails, but is surprisingly easy to drink with some ice and an orange wedge.
Reviewed by Thijs Klaverstijn
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St. George Botanivore Gin
Distiller Score 97
The aroma is at once bright and complex with floral, spice, citrus, and anise shining through. There's a citrus flavor quickly followed by the piney juniper, cinnamon, and cardamom throughout. Fresh green herbs are present as well, but delicately so. There is so much going on, that there isn't enough room here to discuss them all. Honestly, this is a gin you could enjoy on the rocks with or without a splash of soda or tonic because of it being a cocktail in and of itself, but it certainly could and should be experimented with in modern cocktail applications. Bravo!
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Nolet's Silver Gin
Distiller Score 95
The juniper pine notes provide the backnote, but Nolet's Silver Gin is full of freshly sliced peach, ripe raspberry, and roses. Those notes are each found individually but the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Perhaps not everyone's cup of tea, but definitely worth a try at least. Cocktail suggestions: Think bubbles (French 75, Champagne Cocktail, Gin Fizz) or punch preparations..not really suited for classic martinis.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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The Botanist Gin
Distiller Score 92
With all of the botanicals used, it can take a while to move from nosing to tasting as there is a lot to discover. The key things that will stick with you are a fresh, lemony aroma coupled with spring flowers and a touch of mint. As you taste, the gin is clean and not too oily with more of the lemon floral notes sticking out. The juniper certainly falls to a background player here, but this gin, even with the dozens of botanicals used, doesn't get muddied. This is a gin that would work wonders in a sour or Collins preparation.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Plymouth Navy Strength Gin
Distiller Score 95
Much like the standard Plymouth bottling, sweet citrus and coriander notes take charge on the nose while the juniper becomes more present on the taste and finish. Good bite to the gin with some oiliness felt on the palate. Gentle sweetness on the palate and you're left with warm spices. Plymouth is known to most as the benchmark Navy Strength bottling, and for good reason. It's such a pleasure to drink on it's own it's a wonder more folks don't just order this on the rocks and be done with it.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Roku Gin
Distiller Score 90
On the nose, the initial burst of yuzu is followed closely by buttery pastries and walnuts. Roku eases smoothly on to the palate delivering abundant citrus, butter, toffee, and a hint of juniper, which is joined by pepper to bring a satisfying, spicy finish. A very worthy "protagonist" of the Japanese gin movement.
Reviewed by George Koutsakis
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Barr Hill Gin
Distiller Score 94
On the nose, juniper comes on strong for a moment before it's balanced out with sweet citrus and floral notes. A honeyed, lemon quality is consistent through the palate and is complemented by balanced lavender and orange blossom notes and mild juniper, with rich baking spice and cedar undertones. This gin would be fantastic in a number of applications, particularly when the floral, honey flavors are allowed to shine through.
Reviewed by Anna Archibald
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Aviation American Gin
Distiller Score 89
The aroma hits you with a dose of sarsaparilla first before the orange peel which emphasizes the lavender note follows. Slightly sweet as you taste, the juniper's pine comes out but isn't the star of the show. The finish is bittersweet with a cinnamony/minty fresh taste. Traditionalists may turn their noses up, but that just means more for us. Of course, an Aviation cocktail seems fitting, but feel free to use in other sours like a Pegu Club or a Bee's Knees cocktail.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno