Scapegrace Gold Navy Strength Gin

Blind gin tasting, Sydney, April 20, 2019. On Saturday I took part in a blind tasting of 9 gins and I'm recording the group consensus notes here in order of increasing score. Gin #9 on the day was Scapegrace Gold (57% abv). This gin may have suffered from being the last on the card, as by that time palates were getting tired. It was still rated equal 2nd of the day. The notes were very consistent between the group, and maybe the abv masked subtle hints and only showed the most outstanding facets. I noted simply that it was a boldly assertive juniper-citrus nose with an equally bold palate. Everyone noted that this was obviously a high proof spirit, with guesses ranging from 50-60% abv. A strong star anise and licorice note was commented on in both the nose and palate, and two of the group said they noticed a tannic edge, and thought it may have been a lightly barrel-aged gin (it's not). I noted that it was powerful and uncompromising, with a profile more straightforward than complex, but that it was an outstanding mixer with tonic and most likely "couldn't be drowned if you tried". Every member of the tasting group rated it as 4/5 (but it should be noted that when the price was revealed some of the group agreed that as good as it is, it is not great value for money). "Very Good" : 85/100 (4 stars)