Hendricks Gin — Bitters & Bottles
The latest in Hendricks's Cabinet of Curiosities limited release gins, Grand Cabaret is a fruit forward gin inspired by what the brand cryptically describes as a 17th century French fruit libation known for its odd tendency to show up at the liveliest of parties. Though no name is given for this libation, if it tasted anything like Grand Cabaret, there is no mystery as to why lively parties followed where it went - this Gin is easy to love.
The nose is immediately redolent of bright stone fruits, with apricot and candied peaches jumping out of the glass to meet you. A hint of florals, especially rose, isn't far behind. On the palate, more peach, juicy clementine, lemon oils, and a light touch of juniper are up front, followed by a honeyed sweetness with mirabelle plum, dried cherries, chamomile and elderflower. The finish carries more apricot, with a nice ending wisp of pepper and juniper to land it firmly in the world of gin. Bottled at 43.4% abv.
Balanced and delicate, Peppercorn Gin from the Bay Area's own Dissident Spirits (Richmond, CA) begins with flavors of pepper, coriander, and citrus before honeysuckle and juniper take over.
Nolet uses unique botanicals in their gin including rose, peach and raspberry. This slightly floral and fruity combination lends to its unquestionable versatility. Give this gin a try in your next French 75 or Spanish G & T.
Porter's Orchard Gin uses the bright and fresh flavors of apple and pear to create this 100% British gin. They use a cold distillation process to preserve the delicate flavors of the fruit along with juniper, black soybean, coriander, angelica, orange, lemon, orris root, cassia, cinnamon, liquorice and almond. This gin is best served in a French 75 or a classic gin and tonic with a slice of green apple.
This first edition of Citadelle's new Excentriques series of limited edition gins stars the small but mighty cornichon pickle, a true symbol of France. But not just any gherkin will do… the cornichons infused in Citadelle Original’s aromatic base come from Maison Marc, well known to foodies and fans of French terroirs. This Burgundy-based family business grows its Cucumis sativus without insecticides, herbicides or preservatives, and picks every one by hand. These are values shared by Maison Ferrand, which has planted 2,500 juniper trees in front of its home at the Château de Bonbonnet, all of which will soon be certified organic.
This first Excentrique, was also the first gin for Citadelle developed in their new distillery designed by Alexandre Gabriel and entirely constructed by the château’s in-house teams. Built on the property of the Château de Bonbonnet, it is entirely gin focused, while the main Château remains focused on Cognac production.
The gin itself is built upon Citadelle's signature distillation of 19 botanicals, with a couple key additions to support the cornichon. You'll find intense, herbaceous notes of juniper and aniseed, followed by the vinegar and salty dimensions of the pickles. A long and persistent finale with a subtle touch of mustard and pearl onions. Only 3000 bottles produced. Bottled at 43.8% abv.
First introduced in 1999, a time that is hard to recall from the vantage of today's gin soaked land of variety and cocktail culture. Back then there were few options on the shelf that weren't swill or super classic London Dry Gins. Hendrick's was a breath of fresh air with it's soft, cucumber-floral profile and eye catching Edwardian design. The opening is subtle, with a hint of cucumber mingling with juniper in the aroma, and white pepper, citrus and floral notes on the lingering finish.
