Husk Farm Distillery, October 26th 2024, Gin #2 This was a re-taste of a gin I have had several times since I first reviewed it here 5 years ago. Looking at my old review notes the profile seems to be unchanged but I was surprised to see that I only gave this 83/100 at the time. I've increased that now as this is definitely one of the better local gins, and worthy of a score to match. "Very Good" : 85/100 (4 stars) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Original review from 2018: Nose: Sweet, citrus (sherbet lemon, lime, grapefruit), slightly floral (lavender). A bracing and forthright nose with the juniper well in the background. Palate: Sweet and bright, peppery spice, aniseed, licorice, cardamom, cinnamon, lemon zest, orange zest. There's a faintly anesthetic note to the palate. Finish: Sweet citrus, smooth and soft. A herbal licorice note. The instantly outstanding feature is the colour, which is a deep and purple/blue. This is not due to the addition of artificial colour, but derives from the steeping of Butterfly Pea petals in the spirit after distillation. This plant, known as bunga telang in southeast asia, is used as a food colouring in several traditional dishes and drinks. Interestingly, when carbonated or acidic water is added to the spirit it turns from opaque purple-blue to a delicate and very attractive transparent pink. It would be easy to dismiss the use of this plant as a gimmick and to treat this gin as little more than a novelty except for one thing - it's a good gin. The flavour focuses on citrus and sweet components instead of juniper, and is very refreshing and cooling. It's one of the few gins I enjoy sipping neat or over ice and it also makes a very tasty gin and tonic. "Good" : 83/100 (3.5 stars)