This gin is copper pot distilled with a unique (even for gin) recipe which includes Sweet Basil and Wisconsin Ginseng. Made in a Milwaukee,Wisconsin by Great Lakes Distilling, they refer to it as a “Milwaukee Style” gin to differentiate it from other types of more traditional gin.
Notes: This gin is copper pot distilled with a unique (even for gin) recipe which includes Sweet Basil and Wisconsin Ginseng. Made in a Milwaukee,Wisconsin by Great Lakes Distilling, they refer to it as a “Milwaukee Style” gin to differentiate it from other types of more traditional gin.
Appearance: Crystal clear, sprightly, coats the glass on swirling, which then start to bead and become legs. Slightly oily appearance to body (sign of quality).
First Impression: A lot more bouquet and very different from a regular gin, the juniper intertwines with the sweet basil, cardamom, coriander and cassia, with the citrus (orange and lemon peel) being anchored by the earth and tea scents of ginseng.
Taste: Medium silky body with a wonderful viscous feel to it. Very aromatic blend of spices and citrus scents,with the basil and ginseng balancing the mix. Mild tingling on the lips and tongue from all the spices. Interesting green vegetal and aromatic notes from the basil coupled with the other ingredient remind you more of a Thai or Vietnamese fragrant lemon grass dish than a London Dry gin. Very clean distillation. Slight warming ,tingling burn on the way down from the melange of spices. Lingering finish with spice and citrus notes.Very smooth and spicy,especially if you consider the higher proof (which keeps the spices and oils well mixed and integrated).
Drinks: Makes a excellent but atypical martini – nothing wrong with that! Good gin and tonic, even makes an interesting Bloody Mary (not something one would normally think of). A new frontier in gin to mix with. Cheap enough to take some risks with, sufficiently different to warrant some research and time developing new cocktails with.
Bottle: Tall cylindrical clear glass bottle with longish neck and silver neckwrap. Somewhat distinctive and easy to spot makes it easy to find on a store of bar shelf.
Final Thoughts: A really excellent alternative gin. Very spicy, citrusy and aromatic. If you like Old Raj you will love this gin – not to mention it’s about 1/2 the money!
Website: http://www.GreatLakesDistillery.com
Website is well laid out with a good deal of useful information.
