Lighthouse Batch Distilled Gin

Citrusy, smooth, on the drier side. I tasted this in a shop in New Zealand and promptly bought it. The lady tending the shop said something about it having a slightly briny, seawater undertone and I totally agree. Delicious gin, can be dipped on its own.

Incredibly smooth

Nose: Juniper and lemon are the main suspects, with pine needles and herbal potpourri following (largely basil), but it's a somewhat distant nose. Very light and subtle, and a little ethanol is detectable. It gains some heft over time when tasted neat. Palate: Earthy juniper, a very full texture is immediately noticeable but it's again subtle although quite sugary sweet. The palate is short and there is no development - it races to the finish line. Finish: Short. Sweet. I can't say that I was particularly impressed with this gin. In comparison to others I've tasted (even just today) it was plain and lacklustre. Nothing bad, mind you, but definitely nothing to write home about. Initially I tasted this in the company of two whisky/gin mates and we were all of the same opinion: Meh. However we were drinking it neat and with tonic. Later on one of them (the Master of the Martini) texted me that it works much better when used as a mixer in a martini or a gimlet (go on, 'fess up - when is the last time you had a gimlet?). At the price it's up against stiff (and IMHO superior) competition. Recommended if the only alternative is Vickers Gin. Bombay Sapphire is 2/3 the price and just as good. "Average" : 75/100 (2.5 stars)

To be honest this started out very much as a vineyard tour however stopping in at the Martinborough Vineyard they had this for the tasting. 4 wines or 3 and a gin. The boys went for the wines the girls wine and gin. They unfortunately mixed it with tonic so based on my tasting (of my wife's sample) I can't really rate but seems to mix well. I'll let someone comment and rate in detail.