Loch "The Weaver" Gin

Nose: Slightly piney, orange citrus, juniper and a resinous note exactly like Friar's Balsam (which is perfect in this context). There’s also spicy base notes of cumin, cardamom and paprika. Palate: Fresh and crisp to start with, then warm and dusky spices come into play leading into a strong, heavy development that highlights juniper. The texture is full and it has a rich, creamy mouthfeel. Sweet and slightly licorice flavours come into view, but juniper and smoky orange hold the centre stage. Finish: Long. Heavy, creamy and savory. The Weaver gin is produced by Loch Brewery & Distillery, located in the town of Loch, Victoria. It’s a small artisan distillery run by a husband and wife team who are also making English-style ales and maturing their first run of whisky now in 2018. The Weaver has a very thick and rich character for a gin. It’s not at all a lightly perfumed or bright nose - the aromas are deep and smouldering, and derived from juniper, nutmeg, cassia, mace, coriander, anise myrtle, cinnamon myrtle, strawberry gum and wattleseed. When neat the high abv and strong flavour can make this gin a little overbearing, however taken over ice it is delightful by itself. As a mixer it is marvellous. It makes an outstanding G&T, where the strong character matches the bitterness of quinine, almost masking it. I’d suggest trying this in a G&T with Schweppes tonic water – it is a heavier and sweeter tonic than Fever Tree (some would say rougher) but it makes a solid partner for this bold gin and fascinatingly this power duo combines to produce a fragrant, almost floral nose of rose and lavender that is very striking. This is one of the best gins I’ve tasted. It’s a premium product and the price reflects that, but it is definitely value for money. “Very Good” : 87/100 (4.25 stars)