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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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Distillery No. 209 Kosher-for-Passover Gin
Distiller Score 86
The sugarcane base creates a spirit with a higher perception of sweetness than most gins including Distillery No. 209’s flagship. In keeping with their house style, juniper elements are played down in favor of highlighting citrus, fresh coriander, and the welcome but uncommon savory flavor of bay leaf and a lingering finish of spicy cinnamon candy. The combined flavors are pleasant, but a bit subtle and would be a good recommendation for fans of New Western gin.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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Micil Irish Gin
Distiller Score 89
Lovely floral notes, fresh and a tad perfumed. There's some honeysuckle on the nose too, as well as juniper and pomelo. The palate displays classic juniper notes, oranges and cardamom, but also sweet licorice. It becomes slightly vegetal at some point. Wonderful gin with a unique DNA.
Reviewed by Thijs Klaverstijn
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Ferdinand's Saar Dry Gin
Distiller Score 93
This definitely will not be confused for a London Dry Gin as the heady perfume of botanical leaves just a hint of piney juniper. Instead the melange of spicy ginger, nutty coriander, and ginger combine with a kaleidoscope of fruit flavors including quince, citrus, and of course, the sharp, tangy acidity of the gently sweet riesling wine. The wine adds a delicious, rich, oily texture to the palate which all but obscures the 44% ABV making this a delightful gin to drink on its own. Highly recommended for a gin that takes risks by thinking outside of the box and succeeds heroically.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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Oxley Classic English Dry Gin
Distiller Score 90
A combination of floral and bright citrus notes greets you on the nose with juniper and other spices lurking in the background. Further trips on the nose bring out a bit of rooty and licorice notes. The use of vanilla and licorice give the gin just enough sweetness to balance the other ingredients. Juniper is solidly present throughout and citrus is there to close out the evening. Thoughts on a cocktail are plentiful but starting out with a Martini isn't a bad idea.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Genevieve Genever-Style Gin
Distiller Score 92
Though it uses the same botanicals as their dry gin, Anchor's genever is a wildly different spirit. Taking in the nose of sweet malts is like walking through a brewery. Rich with grain on the palate, the juniper and other botanicals take on a much more subdued quality. Genevieve has the maltiness one seeks in an oude genever, making it suitable for sipping neat, with a beer, or in classic Holland gin cocktails.
Reviewed by Jacob Grier
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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
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Tarquin's Dry Gin
Distiller Score 90
The gin has the floral note running throughout, but the gin is more spice driven with the cardamom and cinnamon playing a little bit louder. The other botanicals add depth to the gin and the licorice just a touch of sweetness. The finish is dry and slightly bitter. Try in sour cocktails like the Casino or just a simple gin sour to show off the gin.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Conniption Navy Strength Gin
Distiller Score 90
There's a refreshingly savory element reminiscent of brown bread up front - think rosemary, anise, fennel, thyme. Sweeter accents come through in the midpalate to balance the savory notes out, with just a hint of juniper coming through. It seems more akin to a fuller bodied aquavit than a gin, but with such a clean finish it's still fun to sip, even neat on the rocks or with only a slight splash of tonic or soda, and would pair well with woodsy, spicy or herbal liqueurs such as maraschino.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Boatyard Old Tom Gin
Distiller Score 85
The botanicals are not prominent instead presenting notes of vanilla, baking spices and pepper. The palate is silky and rich like a sweet orange cinnamon cake. The finish is long and where the juniper finally appears, as though an afterthought. Sweet on its own, but great for cocktails. This pairs beautifully with ginger ale and a slice of blood orange.
Reviewed by Johanne McInnis
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Tamworth Garden Flora Gin
Distiller Score 88
As one might expect from its name and list of botanicals, Tamworth Garden's Flora Gin is a showcase for floral ingredients. The lemon verbena provides a nice counterpoint to all those flowers, offering an herbal citrus note. The juniper takes a back seat in this gin. Flora is not the gin to break out for a traditional Martini or Gin and Tonic, but it opens intriguing possibilities for spring and summer cocktails. It's a soft gin, and it manages to be floral without getting soapy; recommended as a softer, sweeter take on the spirit.
Reviewed by Jacob Grier
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G'Vine Nouaison Gin
Distiller Score 91
The profile is fairly fruity on the profile with a fruit salad aroma. Juniper comes in a bit stronger as you taste, but other ingredients shine such as the ginger and peppery cubeb berries along with the herbal vine-flowers. The gin finishes warm, spicy and slightly bittersweet with a lot of complex flavors to discover. The Pegu Club comes to mind for a drink recommendation, but this gin could work in other cocktails where you'd like the spices to pop.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno