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Distillery No. 209 Chardonnay-Barrel Reserve Gin
Distiller Score 89
Fans of lush, creamy Chardonnay will find lots to love in this unique offering from the San Francisco bay. The botanicals are somewhat muted aromatically by the very present aromas toasted vanilla bean and baked apple pie. A hint of juniper and citrus peak through on the rich, full-bodied palate, but the main flavors are of hard butterscotch candy, creme brûlée, and a hint of old-fashioned cinnamon stick candy. A tasty drop on its own, but its sweetness may prove hard to balance in cocktails.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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Ki No Bi "Sei" Kyoto Navy Strength Gin
Distiller Score 89
While much thicker and more full-bodied than the original Ki No Bi, the classic yuzu citrus-forward character is ever-present. Pepper and ginger come through on the palate, leading to a long, powerful finish.
Reviewed by George Koutsakis
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Distillery No. 209 Sauvignon Blanc Barrel-Reserve Gin
Distiller Score 88
The wine barrel has lent a fairly rich, golden color to this unique gin. Although the aromatics are a bit muted with none of Sauvignon Blanc’s calling card flavor of gooseberry, the palate is dramatically enriched by the barrel’s addition of weight, tropical fruit tones, and a touch of tasty raw vanilla bean. This combination increases the gins perceived sweetness, but this is deftly balanced by a spicy “Red Hots” candy finish. The only failing is that the already light juniper-base gin has what little piney characteristics it had further obscured by the strong barrel influence.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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Hernö Gin
Distiller Score 92
Berries along with the fresh lemon scent are first to appear. This is quickly followed by piney juniper and a gentle meadowsweet floral scent. The palate tames the berries, but ups the ante on the juniper and black pepper. There's a softness on the body of the gin and the botanicals work together to present a spring-like fragrance with a bite of juniper. Really well done with the only "complaint" being that the proof could be just a tad higher. Serve in a sour cocktail presentation like a gin fizz.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Citadelle No Mistake Old Tom Gin
Distiller Score 92
Citadelle No Mistake Old Tom Gin pours an attractive golden straw color and shows layered aromas of golden raisin, cinnamon, baked lemon, and a powerful background of refreshing juniper. The palate is rich and lush from the added sugar with more tones of ripe, yellow fruits and a bit of exotic spice that culminate in another blast pine-driven juniper berry.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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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
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Stonecutter Single Barrel Gin
Distiller Score 85
For a barrel-aged spirit, the color of this gin is surprisingly light and translucent. In a similar fashion, the nose first kicks up a heady combination of medicinal juniper and crisp citrus peel before notes of burnt sugar and vanilla bean from the barrel become more apparent. The botanicals are not revealed by the distillery, but the flavor profile seems fairly traditional with notes of spring flowers, black tea, and a bit of spicy, cracked pepper. The spirit has a nice balance of fresh gin flavors and a warming, round oak character. It is quite drinkable on its own, but it could certainly be a tasty addition to a punch.
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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Manatawny Still Works Gin Finished in Port Barrels
Distiller Score 86
The nose moves between an herbaceous side featuring juniper, tart red berries, and butterscotch. The port influence comes on with a flourish on a rich palate, with juicy plums, raspberry syrup, and lingonberry preserves. The finish is spicy and astringent, with tannic oak, orange peels, black pepper, and vanilla extract.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Old Raj Dry Gin (55%)
Distiller Score 93
The similarities on the nose and palate are much the same as the Red Label. Coriander, citrus peel and juniper stand out. The saffron and orris lend a very light floral touch. Classic all-around. As the red and blue label just differ with their proofs, we'd advise to use the Blue Label when making boozy stirred drinks, particularly a Martini or a Negroni.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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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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Blaum Bros. Oak Reserve Gin (Batch 1)
Distiller Score 85
The heavy toast is immediately perceptible with a nose of roasted vanilla bean and baked sawdust. The palate holds similar flavors but also shows an assertive herbal streak of fennel and spicy coriander and cinnamon. This is a high-proof spirit, and more spice shows in the long, woody finish that is slightly tempered with flavors of rich creamed corn. A gin for bourbon drinkers if there ever was one.
Reviewed by John Rankin