Thanks for the info. Just came upon this thread last night, and ended up starting at the beginning and reading through the whole thing. Appreciate your many posts. I now have a list of a few more gins to try, at least those that can be found in Seattle. I did go to the Spiritsbeacon.com, though it was a bit harder to find the gin-related info buried within…but will keep looking.
FWIW - I think the new owner for Aviation gin is rebranding; I’m seeing crazy prices/dumping in different stores. Best one was last night, for $15.69 up in north-central WA. At that price, stock up.
Isle of Harris Gin - Scotland - I’ve been looking for this one after a rave review in ginfoundry’s Gin Annual from last year or the year before. Never seen it in the states until last Friday when I stumbled across it at Pogo’s in Dallas (which is an exceptional but a little proud liquor store). It uses Sugar Kelp seaweed from the Hebrides islands around the Isle of Harris in Scotland, along with other far more traditional botanicals like juniper, cubeb, orris root, anise, and bitter orange peel. The result is a silky, almost dangerously smooth gin that has a pop of juniper mellowed out quickly but a slightly earthy note, bitter citrus, sweetness, and peppery spice on the back end (which my mom commented on). Orris root provides a slight floral note to the nose (which my dad commented on). The kelp note is similar to that found in Gray Whale, whose mint note makes a great companion. Isle of Harris is smooth and satisfying and a complex and well made gin. I think this would be better in a gin and tonic with a lemon or grapefruit than with a lime. I think it could use a little more touch of bright acid as the palate is a hair sweet with Fever Tree indian. Still, a very good gin and one I’d recommend. I have to imagine that this would be absolute dynamite in a martini with a lemon twist.
I love this gin and I agree about the grapefruit garnish.
I’ve been sticking with Botanist Gin for a while now and enjoy it quite a bit.
Occasionally I’ll grab a Bombay Sapphire if I’m feeling up to it.
I LOVE Nolet’s Silver for my G&Ts (with Fever Tree), and Tanqueray 10 for almost everything else.
A G&T with Nolet’s Silver makes you feel like you’re in small patio bar across the street from the sand in an ancient beach town in Catalonia. Make it in an oversized brandy snifter with lime and lemon slices and maybe a few raspberries or flower petals for color.
If the gin will be barely noticeable in the cocktail, I’ll do regular Tanqueray.
And if I need overproof, I’ll do Jos. A Magnus Vigilant Navy Strength.
Yes, they’ve been doing a range of spirits in Sherry casks. I’ve found reviews for everything but the gin.
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Gin is really big in Spain so I’m not surprised.
Nolet’s and The Botanist are the two I go to most frequently.
Isle of Harris recommends a grapefruit wedge (instead of other citrus) with their gin. It’s refreshing and pairs nicely!
I recently picked up two new bottles - Highclere Castle and Sipsmith VJOP (Very Junipery Over Proof). These will be regulars in my rotation. The Highclere is a more refined Beefeaters and is a fantastic all-around gin, while the VJOP is an absolute juniper bomb in the best possible way. Had it in a Martini with dry vermouth, orange bitters, and a twist of lemon. The best Martini I’ve ever had, period.
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Highclere is a nice london dry style, and I think a refined Beefeater is probably a fair assessment. It’s from Downton Abbey, which provides a bit of a fun touch especially if your missus is a fan of the show. VJOP is a fun one. Juniper bomb, high octane, slightly more viscous style. Punchy in a cocktail, great in a G&T, and makes a very fun, very intense martini. One of the better navy strength gins for a martini. But damn, it hits hard.
Picked up a couple of new to me Japanese gins.
Tonight was From Kuyayoshi - Matsui Gin the Hakuto.
9 botanicals here but it was described as Pear forward, apparently from the Japanese Pear. In reality this is a Sansho Pepper gin though as it is more apparent than Juniper might be in the most forward London dry. Wow, Pepper blast. There is some slight citrus and sweetness somewhere in the middle from pear and Yuzu, but no…this is straight pepper gin in reality. Unlike anything I’ve ever had, probably a love it or hate it gin take for most, but points for uniqueness. Would probably have a better place in a good bartenders hand for cocktails?
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Night 2
Kyoya Yuzugin - this is much more up my alley, reminds me a bit of something Roku which I love but this takes it to the next level for sure. Yuzu is apparent but balances with slight pepper and also reminding you that this is in fact gin Juniper notes. Not subtle though, very forward and makes an incredible Gin and Tonic. Recommended.
This bottle costs $70 and I’m not disappointed, the Hakuto costs $35 and I wouldn’t go to again.
Edit today this is really superior Gin. Even @ the price it’s well worth it IMO.
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I’ll look for this and try it out. Thanks for posting your notes. I am in a bit of a gin lull. Have not found anything new and particularly interesting in a bit, but have to hit a good store tomorrow to pick up some wine. I’ll see what’s there.
This gin has gotten some mixed reviews and maybe some downright bad ones. I’ve been seeing it on the shelf for a couple of years now and have never pulled the trigger. I think I’ll continue to steer clear. Pretty hilarious note, Dave.
My Mother in Law got me a bottle of Alkkemist Gin for Christmas. I was quite pleased and put it next to the half finished bottle I already own. Made a nice classic martini with it 3:1 with Dolin and a lemon twist. Lovely stuff.
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This is my new pickup. Kevin Pike worked at Skurnik for a long time and had Hans Reisetbauer design the still. They have 24/7 cameras so Hans can log in from Austria and monitor the distillation process!
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If you want Hans, why not just buy Blue Gin?
Because Hans doesn’t make a gin from NY State wheat on a farm in Dutchess County?
I actually haven’t had the Blue Gin side by side with this yet, but I guess it’s time to grab a bottle and compare!
Report back! I’d be very interested to hear.