Eat, Sleep, Gin, Review

Gin has been constantly gaining in popularity over the years, leading to new taste innovations. This trend is projected to continue well into 2023 and beyond. But with this ever-expanding market, just which of the myriad of gins should you try? Well, we here at Inside Food and Drink have got you covered. Here is a roundup of our choices for gins to give a try this year. We’ve done the hard work, so you don’t have to!? Here’s our guide of the onesFour Pillars – Bloody Shiraz Gin - Country of origin – Australia - (37.8% ABV - 70cl)?

Four Pillars Gin – Bloody Shiraz Gin - Country of origin Australia?(37.8% ABV - 70cl)?

Established back in 2013 in the Yarra Valley on the outskirts of Melbourne, Four Pillars Gin has fast become one of the world’s benchmark distilleries and Australia’s number one craft spirit. In 2015, Four Pillars began experimenting with some locally grown Shiraz fruit, steeping it in a high proof version of its Rare Dry Gin, which bled colour and flavour from the grapes.? The grapes were pressed off and the juice was mixed with some Rare Dry Gin resulting in a deeply purple and naturally sweet gin which soon earnt its very own cult following. Bloody Shiraz Gin has distinct notes of pepper and dense raspberry. The palate is lovely and sweet with a long juniper and spice character on the finish.

Ginelle Lorenzo – Business Development Manager:

“This is very natural and subtle in its sweetness; it is peppery with a light juniper kick. The dominant flavour is definitely that of shiraz grapes, a full-on punch of red fruit.”

Silent Pool Gin – Silent Pool Rare Citrus Gin - Country of origin: England (43% ABV - 70cl)

Silent Pool has created the perfect gin blend containing rare citrus fruits from Portugal. The Buddha’s hand creates the top note and lifts all other notes in the recipe with its bright, zesty, sherbet lemon aroma.?

The Natsu Dai Dai is the second citrus which produces rich notes of mandarin and subtle accents of lime, while the third citrus – the Green Seville Orange – provides a classic marmalade taste. The Hirado Buntan, the base note of the gin, contributes a subtle yet enticing grapefruit aroma with rich and creamy mouthfeel along with a honeyed sweetness.?

Phil White – Art Editor: “A finely balanced gin, zesty citrus notes give way to a bittersweet orange peel flavour. A peppery spice and a classic juniper note made this a perfect tipple on a hot summer’s day.”?

CBA Gin – Marrakech Gin - Country of origin - England - (42.5% ABV - 70cl)

Imagine warm spices wafting through the sultry air in the busy souk. Infused with bright citrus and fragrant Moroccan spices, this gin is inspired by wonderful tastes and aromas of Marrakech. But, if you can’t go in person, go in spirit – in this deep blue bottle, you’ll find a premium classic gin combining the flavours of 19 botanicals including fresh lemon peel, mint, coriander, and turmeric. Perhaps it’ll whisk you away to Marrakech faster than any magic carpet.

Phil Nicholls – Feature Writer: “This beautifully designed bottle was the first thing that drew me to the Marrakech Gin; a stylish label on gorgeous matte blue glass. The 19 botanicals gave the gin a complex flavour with Moroccan spices such as mint, coriander and turmeric. However, it was the fresh lemon peel which truly stood out for me, making a refreshing and satisfying drink with ice and tonic.”

Warner’s Distillery | B Corp? – Honeybee Gin - Country of origin - England - Country of origin - England - (42.5% ABV - 70cl)

Not just any old honey gin, this is Honeybee Gin; built around an infusion of locally sourced honey, including honey from the distiller’s very own hives. Bees rock, they keep Warner’s acre of botanicals healthy and give them a big dollop of honey for every bottle of Honeybee Gin. A total winner with Mediterranean tonic and a sprig of sage if you’ve got one nearby. Warner’s has an eclectic range of flavoured gins, including raspberry, which we also thought was wonderful.?

Summer Clover – Head of Administration: “Sunshine in a bottle, a honeyed sweetness, with a beautiful floral note. It has a soft mouthfeel, almost creamy. There is a subtle light citrus note at the base of this gem.”?

Mermaid ~ Isle of Wight Distillery – Mermaid Pink Gin - Country of origin - England (38% ABV - 70cl)

Mermaid Pink Gin, at 38% ABV, infuses the flavour and aromatics of island strawberries with the smooth yet complex taste of our award-winning Mermaid Gin, a blend of lemon zest, grains of paradise and fragrant rock samphire. Mermaid Pink Gin is the perfect foundation for a summer fruit cup with ginger ale, or a Mermaid Pink & Tonic – garnished with strawberries, fresh mint and or a slice of lime.

We also had the chance to try Mermaid Gin, which had a smooth, refreshing and complex contemporary style,

Ian Spencer – Art Director: “A relaxing glass of pink gin is the perfect summer drink. Served with ice and a dash of lemonade, topped with slices of strawberries and lemon, this pink gin is a warming sunset in a glass. From the textured bottle to the sweet strawberry flavours, Mermaid Gin is a delight for the senses.”

Bareksten Spirits – Old Tom Gin - Country of origin - Norway -

Bareksten Spirits – Old Tom Gin - Country of origin - Norway - (44% ABV - 70cl)

Old Tom is slightly sweeter than London Dry, but slightly drier than the Dutch Jenever – the perfect middle ground. It is a gin with a fine balance of earthy herbs and honeyed sweetness, with a crackle of forest floor spice underneath them both. This excellent gin has notes of juniper and citrus and a full body with a sweet and creamy texture. Taste of juniper, citrus, and berries, it is savoury and pleasant with a sweet flavour.

We also were lucky enough to sample Bareksten’s award winning Navy Strength Gin, a powerful offering.?

John Andrew White – Managing Director: “The essence of nature in a bottle. A morish mix of both sweetness and earthy herbaceous notes, you can almost hear the wind through the pine trees.”

Fallenangeldrinks – Blood Orange Gin - Country of origin - England (40.6% ABV - 70cl)

The most unique blood orange flavour, in without doubt one of the best bottles we’ve ever seen. All Fallen Angels’ bottles are hand made in British potteries using craftspeople and techniques that have been passed down for generations.?Premium English gin, blended with botanicals and blood orange creates both a bold flavour and vibrant colour. We were also treated to a Raspberry & Rhubarb Gin, presented in an incredible ceramic Medusa head, from the sister company – Stone Gaze Drinks.

Jordan Yallop – Feature Writer: “Truly iconic presentation, it is a showstopper. But its not all just for show; the gin inside truly delivers. Bright orange, almost red, it has a strong sweet marmalade flavour, grounded by a fine proprietary blend of botanicals and spices.”

INSIDE FOOD AND DRINK FIVE STAR AWARD:?

Sakurao Distillery – Sakurao Dry Gin Limited Edition - Country of origin - Japan (47% ABV - 70cl)

Sakurao’s master distiller uses 100-years of distilling techniques and know-how to select only the best ingredients from Hiroshima to create its gins. This includes citrus such as lemon and yuzu, as well as Japanese cypress and oyster shells. The gin also uses cherry blossoms, which is the symbol of Sakurao, where the distillery is located. The Dry Gin Limited Edition, in addition to juniper berries, also utilises a total of 17 specially selected botanicals from Hiroshima and has been distilled using traditional methods from England.

Sakurao also makes Hamagou Gin. The hamagou flower, known for its beautiful fragrance from long ago, is blended with miyajima and other botanicals and distilled using a combination of steeping and vapor methods.?

Daniel Barnes – Editor: “The pink-bottled Sakurao Dry Gin Limited Edition was a real treat! Strong but floral with a distinguishable juniper berry flavour, this drink was actually opened and enjoyed at my wedding, much to the delight of our guests!”

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