Archie Rose Inside Gin

Really citrusy

Archie Rose Distillery blending & tasting event, November 29th 2020, spirit #5 Nose: Red wine, grape juice, strawberries, orange peel, cardamom, cinnamon and juniper. Palate: Spicy and arrival with clove, cinnamon, dusty root extracts, dried orange peel, star anise, juniper and cardamom. Some citrus elements as well but they are in the background and have an herbal quality. There is a woody note probably from orris root or bark extracts. The texture is good but not outstanding. There is a note similar to the berry aromas that were found in the nose, but it is surprisingly faint given its prominence on the nose. Finish: Medium. Gently spicy, the baking-spices from the palate linger into the aftertaste. This is one of two gins made by Archie Rose Distillery in collaboration with the Sydney Opera House to be their official “house gins”. They are named “Outside” and “Inside” respectively. This Inside expression was inspired by the intense drama of opera and symphony orchestra performances, and the profile would indicate that it was designed to be served at indoor events or in cooler weather. It is a warming, spicy and very flavourful gin with berry-like overtones, particularly on the nose. I would guess this comes from sweet Australian native botanicals such as lilli-pilli and strawberry gum and there is probably a good helping of cassia and cinnamon bark in the infusion as well. It is a bolder gin than the “Outside” expression and I did not enjoy it as much either neat or in a G&T, but it could be interesting in cocktails and might make a very fine negroni. Another interesting variation on the standard Archie Rose Signature Dry Gin formula. It is, however, quite expensive and may be of limited appeal. I’d certainly recommend a taste before buying, if possible. “Above Average” : 82/100 (3.25 stars)