Old Raj Dry Gin (55%)

Nose: Strong, orange peel and peppery are quite dominant, some licorice, and flowers are always behind. Palate: Straight up - I am also a whisky fan and oh it is so much like tasting a cask strength whisky. Pepper and spicy on tongue with bitterness of fruit peels, and after you swallow the flavours flow back from the throat to bring more of the fruit peels but also some herbs, and a smoky leftover. The creamy texture is also uncommon on gins and it keeps the flavours longer on the tongue. With Tonic (Fever Tree) - more of the lighter characters come out like floral with orange peel, and scents of cinnamon. Finish: As if it never ends, very long on the pleasant bitterness of orange peel and juniper. Very interesting and it is rare for a gin to handle so well with straight up. Sorry for not exactly knowing what saffron tastes like - but I believe its addition likely have brought the flavours together in a strange harmony.

Nose: Full-bodied with warm spicy aromas. This is the antithesis of bright juniper-forward gins. Coriander, cumin, allspice, tumeric, anise, juniper, dusky citrus - but it's melded together into a single mellow aromatic presence. Very complete. Palate: A sweet and somewhat oily arrival that completely disguises the 55% abv (be careful!). The palate is mellow (maybe that's the saffron?) and it's clean but not crisp, being more creamy in texture. It's a little reminiscent of lemon curd and there's a fruity complexity. Over time spices emerge from the high proof, but again it remains well balanced. Finish: Long. Dusky spices and sweet lemon fade away slowly. This gin is quite bold but remains gentle, and is complex but well balanced. Tasting it neat is a little like tasting a cask-strength single malt, in fact this gin is quite something with just a dash of plain water. Although it's called a "dry" gin the palate is mellower than most London drys. It's in mixed drinks where this really shines and it makes a very nice G&T. Once the botanical oils are released by dilution, and in the presence of quinine, the gin develops a freshness and sparkle and you can appreciate how much complexity it really has. The warm spices never retreat, however, and it can take a lot of dilution before being overpowered. Note, however, that it doesn't like citrus and adding lemon or lime brings out a hard metallic edge on the finish. Very good in all respects, but don't be surprised if your first taste seems unimpressive. It's not like Monkey 47 or Never-Never Juniper Freak where you are bludgeoned by aromas and flavours that make a big initial impression. You need to spend time getting to know this one and in the end it's a personal decision as to whether the fairly high price is really warranted. "Very Good" : 4 stars