McHenry Barrel Aged Gin

Love the lingering spicy finish from its time in bourbon barrels. It still manages to carry the sweet citrus gin notes, too, with a nice balance between the two.

Nose: Vanilla, lilac, lavender, orange blossom, ground coriander seed, lemon myrtle, faint pine needles. Palate: Creamy, round, sweet arrival. Vanilla, mild baking spices (notably coriander, caraway and poppy seed), a slight spearmint note, some trace juniper and a foundation flavour of lemon zest. The texture is very rich and full. Finish: Medium. Sweet and mildly spicy with vanilla on the aftertaste. This is probably the most rounded and approachable barrel-aged gin I've tasted. The compulsory juniper note is very restrained (hardly noticeable, in fact) and the emphasis is all on a warm, floral vanilla and baking spice profile, enlivened by a little citrus. Unlike most gin, which I like to try neat but inevitably end up enjoying best in a G&T, this one is best as a sipping spirit, either neat or with just a chip of ice. Adding tonic makes a pleasant drink but also detracts from the spirit. This was produced through a variant of the solera system employing 24 heavily charred 200 litre ex-Russell's Reserve bourbon casks. The total maturation period was 12 months, with half the contents of each cask being cycled through the solera every 2 weeks. This is an unusual approach, and a long, intense maturation for gin. However the result speaks for itself through this richly flavoured, but subtle spirit. "Good" : 83/100 (3.5 stars.)