Well, it was a lively tasting around the table the other evening for Gins in June. Thanks to everyone who came out for it. If you missed it, well, next time. Meanwhile, here are the tasting notes of the gins everyone tried. Thanks again to Sommelier, Ken Bracke for leading the evening and preparing all his research!
- Greenall’s London Dry Gin, England 40% abv. $29.99
Founded in 1761 by Thomas Dakin, the forefather of English gin and Greenall’s original master distiller, this gin has been at the forefront of British gin for gin lovers through the centuries. An interesting historical note: 1761 was the first year that gin making was legal in England; not coincidentally, that’s the year Greenall’s incorporated. Greenall’s continues to be crafted in Warrington using only the finest botanicals from around the World including wild Tuscan juniper, delicate Moroccan coriander, and zesty Spanish lemons. The Greenall’s recipe remains a closely guarded secret, known only to the 7 master distillers who have crafted the gin for generations. Distiller’s Notes: balanced between sweet and bitter, with notes of juniper, coriander seeds, angelica and lemon among other botanicals.
- Victoria Gin, Victoria B.C. 40% abv. $57.99
Launched in 2008, family-owned Victoria Spirits claims to have produced Canada’s first premium gin, and over the last decade, they have developed a cult following. The gin is produced in a small batch process from a neutral grain spirit which has been enhanced with ten natural and wild-gathered botanicals. These botanicals include, juniper berry, coriander seed, angelica, orris root, lemon and orange peel, star anise, cinnamon bark, rose petals and a secret ingredient which the company encourages you to guess. Distiller’s Notes: Balances the characteristic evergreen flavour of juniper with notes of citrus, floral and spice. An intensely flavoured spirit that is as full-bodied and as complex as a fine single-malt whisky.
- Bulldog London Dry Gin England 40% abv. $35.99
Bulldog was founded by former investment banker, Anshuman Vohra, who developed his passion for gin at an early age while enjoying gin and tonics with his father, a career diplomat. Inspired by his travels around the globe, Mr. Vohra (with help from Bulldog’s Master Distiller) sourced an exotic blend of 12 botanicals from eight countries that would create a smooth, harmonious flavour unique to Bulldog that he felt was lacking in existing gins. Bulldog’s mission: to service the growing demand of discerning customers fatigued by traditionally popular spirits like vodka, as well as revolutionize and expand the gin category. Tasting Notes: scent fresh, almost floral. Palate mellow, very drinkable. Juniper forefront but not overwhelming, hints of poppy and warm spice. Balanced.
- Gin Mare Meditteranean Gin Coleccion De Autor Spain 42.7% abv. $47.99
Gin Mare is produced in a small fishing village on the Costa Dorada in Spain using botanicals all sourced within the Mediterranean area. Alongside ‘traditional’ botanicals: juniper, bitter orange peel, seville orange peel, lemon peel, cardamon, and coriander seed, there are four that are not quite so common; Arbequina olives, basil, rosemary and thyme. The name ‘Gin Mare’ comes from the concep