Review: Trait-Carré Dry Gin   87/100
a review by Chip Dykstra
Posted June 28, 2023

The Distillerie de Québec was founded several years ago by Christophe Légasse and David Lévesque, who are committed towards creating fine spirits with a regional (Quebec) taste. Theirs is one of many new micro-distilleries which have begun to proliferate the landscape of the North American Distilling industry. They have created a small portfolio of spirits that has began to penetrate the Canadian market which include Cap Diamant Vodka, Rhum St-Roc Foundation, Trait-Carré Aged Gin, and the subject of this review, Trait-Carré Dry Gin.

According to distillery co-founder Christophe Légasse:

For us, it’s all about being authentic and finding your “voice” when creating a spirit, not copying another successful product or trying the catch the latest fad. We like to say having a distillery is akin to running a marathon, not a 100-m sprint, patience is key.

The Quebec Distillery produces all of its spirits in small batches. This is evident when one examines their bottles which all have their batch number hand written on the backs of the labels.

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.

My bottle of Trait-Carré Dry Gin is bottled at 40.4 % alcohol by volume and it hails from Batch 028.

In the Bottle 4/5

To the left is my photograph of the Trait-Carré Dry Gin. Things I like include the synthetic cork topper, the wide mouth four pouring, and the ergonomic shape of the bottle which fits easily on my gin shelf. I am not too fussy about the label which really could use some more pizzazz. Although the name of the gin is easy to read, the placement of the words dry gin is odd. When I first saw a bottle I was confused as to what it was because I did not see the words Dry Gin at the top of the label. The side labels (not shown) are in an even smaller font and they are just plain difficult to read.

I do not understand the significance of the graphics on the label, Instead of whatever that is, I would like to see a map of some sort showing us the Quebec City community nucleus called the Trait-Carré. However I understand that a new distillery doesn’t necessarily have the budget for a graphic designer so I am going to be a little forgiving at this point in my review.

In The Glass  8.5/10

The gin has no discernible colour in the glass but when my glass is tilted and twirled I see that there is a lightly buttery texture as evidenced by the mildly thickened legs which fell from the crest.

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. It makes identification of firm descriptors difficult, but it also speaks to a certain harmony on the breezes which I find delightful.

In The Mouth  53/60

I would describe the the gin as light and refreshing. Juniper and citrus zests leads out, but they do not seem strong or aggressive. Young spruce and willow trees are suggested as well as a light earthy character underneath. A mellow bouquet of flowers is present, and then the gin finishes its travels with a spicy glow that brightens the palate. There is no aggression in the flavour profile, and there seems to be a nice harmony of flavour with no jarring off notes or bumps in the road.

Perhaps the flavour will be too mild for some; however, I am enjoying sipping the Trait-Carré Dry Gin, and if the flavours were more firm perhaps the balance would be upset. The juniper forward flavour profile means the spirit will be easy to mix into a variety of cocktails. Gimlets and Gin and Tonics will both taste nice, and given the smooth gentle character of the spirit I can even recommend a Martini.  (See my suggested cocktail below.)

In The Throat 13/15

The smooth finish brings the spiciness of coriander and citrus peel into focus. The spice remains restrained and easy to handle which allows me to enjoy the fading juniper with trails of mint and licorice.

Afterburn 8.5/10

Trait-Carré Dry Gin is a traditional, juniper forward gin with a well balanced profile that settles comfortably into your sipping glass as well as into your traditional gin cocktails. The botanical ingredients which are a selection from Quebec and exotic world locations are well chosen as is their execution as the spirit shows us both harmony and nuanced character in the glass.

You may read some of my other Gin Reviews (click the link) if you wish to have some comparative reviews.

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Recommended Cocktail:

This is a relaxed cocktail which suits the gentle character I found in Trait-Carré Dry Gin. The secret to making this cocktail is to restrain yourself when you add the soda. Just a splash makes this just perfect!

The Darby Cocktail

1 1/2 oz Trait-Carré Dry Gin
1/2 oz Grapefruit Juice
1/2 oz Lime Juice
1 tsp Sugar Syrup
Splash Soda

Pour the first three ingredients into a metal shaker with ice
Shake until the sides of the shaker are frosted
Strain into a suitable glass
Add a splash of soda
Enjoy!

Please remember to enjoy my cocktail suggestions responsibly!

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My Final Score is out of 100 and you may (loosely) interpret that score as follows:

0-25     A spirit with a rating this low would actually kill you.
26-49   Depending upon your fortitude you might actually survive this.
50 -59  You are safe to drink this…but you shouldn’t.
60-69   Substandard swill which you may offer to people you do not want to see again.
70-74    Now we have a fair mixing spirit.  Accept this but make sure it is mixed into a cocktail.
75-79    You may begin to serve this to friends, again probably still cocktail territory.
80-84    We begin to enjoy this spirit neat or on the rocks. (I will still primarily mix cocktails)
85-89    Excellent for sipping or for mixing!
90-94    Definitely a primary sipping spirit, in fact you may want to hoard this for yourself.
95-97.5 The Cream of the Crop
98+       I haven’t met this bottle yet…but I want to.

Very loosely we may put my scores into terms that you may be familiar with on a Gold, Silver, and  Bronze medal  scale as follows:

70 – 79.5    Bronze Medal (Recommended only as a mixer)
80 – 89.5     Silver Medal (Recommended for sipping and or a high quality mixer)
90 – 95         Gold Medal (Highly recommended for sipping and for sublime cocktails.)
95.5+            Platinum Award (Highest Recommendation)