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Archive for the ‘Gin’ Category

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Review: Hendrick’s Neptunia Gin

Posted by Arctic Wolf on July 12, 2023

Hendrick’s Neptunia is one of the new peculiar Limited Edition spirits in the Hendrick’s Cabinet of Curiosity lineup which has recently arrived in Canada sporting odd names like Lunar, Flora Adora, Orbium and in this case Neptunia.

Hendricks Neptunia Gin was created by their Master Distiller Lesley Gracie. According to the promotional materials sent to me:

Hendricks Neptunia is a limited release that captures the magic of the sea, in a gin. Ms. Lesley Gracie’s creation is as refreshing as her muse, the mighty waves that lash the Ayrshire coast. Infused with an exquisite blend of locally sourced coastal botanicals and with a remarkable crisp citrus finish.

Here is a link to my review and tasting notes:

Review: Hendrick’s Neptunia Gin

“… Bright citrus zest and spicy coriander lead out in front of juniper with a light touch of menthol freshness. (I guess this touch of menthol is meant to represent the effervescence of the coastal sea spray.)  Cucumber and red berries wander into the flavour profile with the blush of a flowery bouquet settling into the background …”

Please enjoy my review and stay tuned for more selections from Hendrick’s Gin throughout the summer.

Chimo!

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Review: Trait-Carré Aged Gin 1665

Posted by Arctic Wolf on July 5, 2023

It’s time to go back to the Distillerie de Québec which was founded several years ago by Christophe Légasse and David Lévesque. So far in my examinations of the distilleries spirits, I have reviewed their  Rhum St-Roc Foundation, as well as their Trait-Carré Dry Gin, both of which I enjoyed.

Today I will share my review of Trait-Carré Aged Gin 1665 which has been constructed from the same botanicals as the dry gin, but aged for up to two years in quarter casks of American rye whisky. This aged gin has won numerous awards, most notable a Double Gold Medal at the 2020 Berlin International Spirits Competition.

Here is a link to my full review:

Review: Trait-Carré Aged Gin 1665

“… Juniper arrives alongside a mild butterscotch sweetness and light scents of almond and vanilla. Citrus zest and red berries give the gin a light fruity quality and then a sort of menagerie of indistinct scents and smells arrive in a jumble giving me an impression of those dense evergreen forests that grow in the foothills next to the Rocky mountains …”

Please enjoy my review of this ‘sipping’ gin.

Chimo!

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Review: Trait-Carré Dry Gin

Posted by Arctic Wolf on June 28, 2023

This continues my look at La Distillerie de Québec. Last week I reviewed their St-Roc Foundation Rum, and today I turn to the first of their two gin spirits, Trait-Carré Dry Gin. (I will get to their aged gin and Cap Diamont Vodka in the coming weeks.)

Trait-Carré Dry Gin is a classic dry gin produced in small batches which has been designed to be tribute to the Quebec City community nucleus called the Trait-Carré. This community was founded in the Seventeenth century by the Jesuits under the direction of King Louis-XIV’s.

The Distillerie de Québec notes 14 botanicals which are used in the gin’s construction namely, Juniper Berries, Coriander Seeds, Bitter Orange Peels, Grapefruit Peels, Sea-buckthorn Berries, Elderberries, Sweet Clover, Hibiscus Flower, Chamomile Flowers, Peppery Green Alder, Angelica Root, Iris Root and Cardamom. These have been selected to be a blend of ingredients representing both Quebec as well as exotic countries as a nod to the diversity maritime community and trade history present of Nouvelle-France.

Here is a link to my completed review:

Review: Trait-Carré Dry Gin

“… The nose is mild and inviting with a soft juniper leading out followed by citrus and citrus zest as well as a gentle licorice-like scent. A light floral character is developing in the breezes as are aromas of mossy forest undergrowth and balmy spices.  I really like how all the various scents and smells sort of blend into each other …”

I hope you enjoy my review of this soft gin with its beguiling flavour profile.

Chimo!

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Review: Hendrick’s Flora Adora Gin

Posted by Arctic Wolf on June 23, 2023

Hendrick’s Gin has been adding new limited releases to compliment the brand’s growing family of unusual piny spirits. One of these new expressions, Hendrick’s Flora Adora recently arrived on my doorstep and as I promised a few weeks ago I plan to review as many of these new expressions as I can.

Flora Adora was created by Hendrick’s Gin Master Distiller Lesley Gracie. According to the promotional materials:

Within the walls of the Hendrich’s Gin Palace Garden, a most magical party is flourishing! Butterflies and bees dance in dizzy reverie, feasting on a banquet of fragrant flowers laid out especially by Ms Lesley Gracie. Now our Master Distiller wishes to invite you to join in these enchanting celebrations and introduce you to this delectable limited release Scottish Gin.

Here is a link to my latest Gin Review:

Review: Hendrick’s Flora Adora Gin

Waves of lavender. lilac and chamomile as well as scents and smalls of just about every other garden flower you can think of seem to rise up out of the glass. This is more than just a little similar to a fragrant Potpourri.

Enjoy my review of what has been the most floral spirit I have ever encountered.

Chimo!

 

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Review: Gordon’s Gin

Posted by Arctic Wolf on June 7, 2023

Alexander Gordon founded the Gin Distillery in London in 1769, and although the company is now part of the Diageo conglomerate, they have apparently remained true to their original Gin recipe which includes handpicked juniper berries and other secret botanicals. (According the company website, only 12 persons in the world know the secret recipe.)

Although Gordon’s Gin is about as typically English as gin can be, the version I am reviewing is distilled and made in Canada. (Apparently the gin is distilled to different bottling proofs for different markets, and for the North American market, Diageo has chosen to have the spirit made in Canada.)

Its been twelve years since I last tasted Gordon’s, here is a link to my updated review:

Review: Gordon’s London Dry Gin

“… Gordon’s Gin has an assertive flavour profile with a piny (and mildly bitter) juniper leading out in front. A Lightly sweet lemony citrus follows.  The gin is dry, and as I sip my glass, my mouth puckers …”

Please enjoy this long overdue re-visitation to Gordon’s Gin. You will find that my assessment has changed a little in the twelve years since my last review of this spirit.

Chimo!

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