Made from Cascade mountain springwater filtered through lava rock, natural grains, fresh Northwest botanicals, and hand picked berries, more Dutch than English
Notes:Made from Cascade mountain springwater filtered through lava rock, natural grains, fresh Northwest botanicals, and hand picked berries from the largest juniper (Juniperus Occidentalis from the largest juniper forest in the world (which is practically in their back yard). Micro-distilled with no chemical additives or aromatic fragrances and hand bottled.
This is one of a number of excellent products from Bendistillery which produce Diamond 100 Vodka, Crater Lake Vodka , Crater Lake Mazama Pepper Infused Vodka, Crater Lake Hazelnut Espresso Vodka, and Desert Juniper Gin .
Appearance: Clear, a little oily, scalloped edge forming, then good legs, followed by droplets. Nice thick slightly oily body overall.
First Impression: Nice understated juniper bouquet in the nose with a hint of coriander, cardamom and angelica at the back end. Not a lot of citrus, unlike a lot of other gins these days- a more understated gin harking back to early American or Dutch style. A welcome change from the tyranny of juniper and the return of a heavy gin.
Taste: The juniper, is thankfully not the only ingredient vying for attention. There is a distinct heavy body and anise/licorice notes from the grain in a weighty genever kind of way, nice heavy mouthfeel and taste to it. Warming end, but no burn. Delicious!
Drinks : We tried the gin in martinis, gin and tonics and a few more. It makes for a understated but heavy martini. Serious mouthfeel, almost chewy in texture.Let’s you know you are drinking a serious drink, not rainwater. In a gin and tonic it was beefier than most gins but refreshing. Not as aromatic as a number of the other gins out toady, more understated
Final Thoughts: A great gin for those old and/or classic recipes calling for a American or Dutch gin (as opposed to a London Dry). But do remember this is a 95 proof not 80 proof gin when mixing or consuming. At around $25 bottle for 95 proof it is also on of the cheaper quality gins available.
Bottle: Attractive frosted glass – a French style wine or brandy bottle. Muted but attractive graphics have a “Western” flair.
Other Info:
Website: http://www.handcraftedgin.com
Good simple web site easy navigation, simple and straightforward. You can order their products through the links on the site.
