Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin
Brilliant, faint steely blue color. The aromatics are citrus-forward with waves of grapefruit, lime, and lemon peels supported by notes of green tea, juniper, cardamon, and earth. The palate echoes the nose delivering a spicy, citrus-focused core with assertive caraway and pepper accents and juniper and tea rising on the finish. Full-bodied and ideally balanced with a bright dose of citrus and acid that finishes dry with lingering spice notes. $36.99 – 4.5 Stars
Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish California Orange Citrus Gin
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are very intense, offering scents of orange peel and citrus with supporting notes of mandarin and green tea. The palate substantially agrees with the nose delivering a dried orange zestl-driven core with supporting flavors of citrus zest, dried herbs, mineral, and grapefruit zest. The finish is crisp. Medium to full-bodied and favorably balanced with a vibrant texture. $36.99 – 4 Stars
Lighthouse Gin
Brilliant, crystal clear. Complex lemon notes dominate the aromatics supported by fresh-cut herbs, juniper, pine forest, and a subtle Christmas spice note. The palate echoes the nose delivering a bold, citrus-focused core with fresh lemon juice equaled by lemon zest with accents of baking spices that warm the finish. Medium to full-bodied and ideally balanced with waves of fresh lemon elongated by a silky and generous grain spirit. $49.99 – 4.5 Stars
Mr. Pickles Pacific Northwest Gin
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is wonderfully aromatic with the fresh scents of juniper in the lead with supporting accents of green tea, peppercorns, and hints of pine forest floor. The palate is in full accord with the nose delivering a rich and lush core of semisweet spirit with waves of juniper, citrus, and pickling spices with fresh herbs. Full-bodied and ideally balanced with the silky spirit being supported by a generous dose of acidity making it a pleasure to sip. $34.99 – 4.5 Stars
Eight Settlers Green Ditch Gin
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose reveals a robust, classic Gin with waves of juniper in the lead supported by scents of citrus zest, sweet anise, and dried seeds. The palate echoes the nose delivering a pleasingly juniper forward core with waves of lemon and lime zest with licorice, and hints of coriander and pepper. Full-bodied with a silky spirit and generous botanicals balanced ideally with citrus and spice. $42 – 4 Stars
Tulchan Gin
Brilliant, faint steely hue and crystal clear. The aromatics are simply alluring with waves of juniper supported by dried berries, wild flowers, angelica, and anise. The palate echoes the nose delivering a silky core spirit accented by assertive spice notes including pepper with citrus zest and complex earthy edges. Full-bodied and ideally balanced with a bright dose of citrus and acid that finishes with a ginger/pepper note that lingers for minutes. $40 – 5 Stars
Engine Gin
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics leap from the glass! There is nothing subtle at first as juniper and sage steal the show with lemon zest, wild flowers, and licorice in support. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a round and silky core with prominent sage and juniper flavors flanked by citrus zest, licorice, and lovely accents of green peppercorns. Full-bodied and ideally balanced with pleasing herb barrage that finished dry with hints of sea salt and pepper. This Gin takes you on a wild ride. If you love fresh sage there is no better vehicle for the herb. The funky oil can packaging will catch your eye but I can't seem to pour without spilling. $34.99 – 4.5 Stars
Clonakilty Distillery Minke Gin
Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are citrus-forward with waves of orange flesh and lemon zest, supported by accents of pine cone, fresh fennel fronds, and sea salt. The palate echoes the nose delivering a silky, fruit-driven core with flanking notes of citrus, juniper, and pepper with a complex lactic note. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a bright dose of acidity and salinity that keep it very refreshing. $29.95 – 4 Stars
Gracias a Dios Oaxaca Agave Gin
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose offers a wild ride as the number of new scents multiply with each inhalation. Waves of juniper, citrus, baking spices, and smoke fill the nose. The palate confirms the nose delivering a rich, viscous fruit and roasted bell pepper core with waves of salt, charred pineapple, and rosemary. Full-bodied and ultra funky walking the line between Mezcal and Gin — not sure which one is winning! $39 – 4 Stars
Empress 1908 — Indigo Gin
Brilliant and beautiful, deep indigo color. The aromatics jump from the glass being very floral with bright notes of juniper and grapefruit, with an underlying earthy edge. The palate echoes the nose delivering a very sprite and vibrant botanical core that delivers floral essences with a bit of ginger heat to frame the package. Medium to full-bodied with ideal balance thanks to a bright note of acidity that keeps the complex mélange of botanicals at attention. Made from eight botanicals in Victoria, Canada. $39.99 – 4.5 Stars
