Caorunn Scottish Gin – 5 cl

Gunpowder Tea is so called because each tea leaf has been rolled into a small ball, reminiscent of gunpowder. It’s usually made with green tea leaves and it’s that special ingredient that gives Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin its name. But beyond that, Gunpowder Gin is a complex array of botanicals from a number of traditions.

Three kinds of citrus fruit: grapefruit, lemon and makrut lime join the tea and are vapor distilled. The remaining ingredients, including Macedonian juniper, are macerated and distilled in a pot still. There’s the legendary American Jackelope on the bottle; Chinese tea as a signature botanical, but Gunpowder Gin is made in Drumshanbo, Ireland.

Tasting Note:

The nose is light and citrus-forward. The more delicate handling of the citrus ingredients is quite evident here. Fresh lemon zest highlights a subtle herbaceous, sagey juniper with the slightest hint of green tea and meadowsweet.

Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin explodes with flavor on the palate. Citrus once again dominates. This time its grapefruit. Juniper and green tea are present mid-palate: the juniper herbaceous and bright, the green tea calling to mind Jasmine green tea, as you might get before sushi at a Japanese restaurant. Towards the end though, it turns sweet and spicy/herbal. Anise and cardamom are subtly and expertly played in here. Meadowsweet, especially late and towards the finish lends its a honeyed, vanilla-like nuance. The combination of botanicals though somewhat eccentric is well balanced. The green tea is at the fore. Gunpowder Gin does justice to its namesake. However, where this really stands out for me is how it balances the botanicals. Enough juniper for classic gin fans, but also heavy on the citrus and herbs, without overpowering each other.

The finish is mildly warming with a pleasant heat.

Find this and more exceptional selections at Kaasak. 

Terres de Mistral Gin was born from three friends' love of all things Provence. Produced at a family-run distillery in Forcalquiers, they used their wine knowledge to create a beautiful rosy gin. The handcrafted gin is distilled from wine made with Provençal grapes and is then infused with 12 herbs and botanicals.

A wonderfully dry pink gin, and the ornate label doesn't go amiss either.

Tasting Notes: Herbs de Provence (of course), with thyme and rosemary alongside pink grapefruit peel and a touch of mint and aniseed

Fly finest quality alpine gin is made with natural flavorings from Swiss alpine water. where the finest craftsmanship meets the phenomenal fusion of wild Alpine juniper and crystal clear mountain water.With the best ingredients, the best technology and perseverance, Gin FLY was created. Distilled to exceptional Swiss standards, without compromise or shortcuts. Gin FLY is distilled multiple times for absolute smoothness and to allow all the flavours of the classic gin botanicals to shine through. The perfect choice for the most refreshing gin and tonic, or a crispmartini. Making it the ideal gift for gin aficionados.  

Born on one of the most prestigious estates in Speyside, Scotland, Tulchan Gin is a light style London Dry gin. It is more subtle on juniper than many other gins, which allows other Scottish botanicals to come through. The Tulchan Estate is located in East Scotland in the heart of Speyside, an area famous for bringing us some of the world's best Scotch whiskies. This Victorian hunting lodge has played host to many royal guests, reflecting its reputation as one of the best estates in Great Britain. Surrounded by 22,000 acres of pristine moors, lakes and valleys, the Tulchan Estate captures the essence of Scotland itself, as does the Gin that proudly carries its name. In addition to the traditional botanicals and typical flavor profile that one would expect to experience in a super-premium gin of the 'London Dry' content-type, Tulchan Gin elevates itself and celebrates its origins by conveying the character of typical Scottish flora, like sloe berries, and other 'wild' botanicals that can be found on the Tulchan estate.

Nose: Juniper, lemon & orange peels, coriander, very faint floral notes. 

Taste: Sweet up front with lots of candied citrus peels, followed by resin, cardamom, licorice, & coriander. 

Finish: Medium length. Kumquat & lemon curd, still quite sweet.ABV: 45%Country: Scotland 

Tanqueray London Dry Gin is made with an expertly crafted recipe that blends the four distinct botanicals of juniper, coriander, angelica and licorice. The result is a perfectly balanced spirit that has a unique herbal quality and dry finish.