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Steven Coulson
Steven has been drinking beers, wines and spirits for decades and has a propensity to go about them at length after a few drinks.
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Exploring Personal Tastes: A Critical Review of the New Gin Offering
As a dedicated gin enthusiast, I often find myself eager to try new releases and share my thoughts with fellow connoisseurs. Recently, I sampled a gin that has been garnering quite a bit of attention within the community. After trying it both neat and in a classic cocktail, I feel compelled to share my experience and insights.
Initial Impressions: Neat Tasting
My first encounter was evaluating the gin neat. The aroma was predominantly alcohol-forward, which was somewhat surprising. While I detected subtle floral notes upon further tasting, there was a noticeable disconnect—the floral nuances seemed overshadowed by the high proof, leaving a somewhat underwhelming impression.
The Cocktail Approach: The Gimlet
To better assess the botanicals and overall flavor impact, I chose to make a traditional gimlet, a straightforward cocktail that puts a spirit’s character front and center. The recipe was simple:
- 2.5 oz gin
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 0.5 oz lime juice
The process was quick, with a gentle shake and strain into a glass. In the cocktail, the high proof was still apparent, but the added lime and sweetness of the simple syrup seemed to bring out more nuanced floral and botanical elements—though still not quite reaching the heights I hoped for.
Reflection and Context
As I sipped the finished gimlet, I found my perceptions shifting slightly; I was beginning to appreciate the spirit within the cocktail. However, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of disappointment, especially considering the hype surrounding this product. At a price point of around $40, my expectations were higher.
Comparing this experience to other memorable spirits like Barr Hill’s Tom Cat, The Botanist, or Bombay Sapphire, which initially impressed my palate and expanded my botanical appreciation, this gin didn’t quite resonate the same way. Perhaps over time, my palate has become more attuned to certain botanical profiles, or perhaps this particular spirit doesn’t quite hit the mark for me.
Final Thoughts
Of course, taste is deeply personal. While this specific gin didn’t meet my expectations, I absolutely respect that preferences vary widely among enthusiasts. If you enjoyed this spirit or found unique ways to incorporate it into your cocktail repertoire, I genuinely want to hear about it.
I’m sharing this solely from my personal perspective and not aiming to provide a definitive review. I simply wanted to document my experience and open a dialogue