The Gin Corner

Each issue, Tim Warren, our untamed reviewer of all things that make life wonderful, turns his attention to the bountiful New Zealand gin scene.

Kakapo – Kawakawa and Pink Peppercorn

Kakapo Kawakawa and Pink peppercorn is an interesting spirit that looks very pretty and pours finely in a classic London Dry style. On the nose, it has breadth with highlights. When you drink it, there’s a generous body while those peppercorns emerge with pride.
A mixer brings out a whole new flavour profile, revealing a strong yet not overloaded juniper presence. It’s not trying to be too complicated; this is a gin with a point, yet it’s flexible. You could enjoy this gin every day (and I did) yet my preference would be to keep it as a bit of a special one. It’s great as a gin and soda, cuts through any tonic, and it works perfectly in almost any cocktail. It’s simply a “damn good drop” – no wonder it keeps winning awards.
kakapodistillery.co.nz

Juno – Extra fine

Juno Extra fine gin’s gorgeous bottle indicates what’s to come. It’s got quite a round nose on it with little hints of citrus through a broad profile. A fine pour leads to a first taste, where juniper muscles forward and that citrus brightens things up for a sophisticated balance with the other botanicals. Soda brings forward an underlying spice yet the blend is such that nothing takes over.
It’s a beautiful drop, a big, broad, wide gin. They say extra fine, and I think that’s right. It’s a quality delicious, well-balanced flavour profile that invites pairing, and this would make a great martini. Either way if you are a gin lover, you will adore this.
junogin.com

Humdinger – Citrus Gin

This gin highlights citrus while maintaining a strong juniper backbone. The nose is bright and fresh, with a classic light pineyness. The citrus notes are complex; a wider citrus bouquet delivers a unique character. While the juniper is pronounced enough to satisfy any gin lover, the citrus element makes it feel like a special occasion gin. The balance is excellent, ensuring the citrus doesn’t overwhelm the other flavors. This gin would stand up well in a variety of cocktails, from a simple gin and tonic to a citrus-forward martini, as its more front-loaded profile prevents it from getting lost in a mixer.

Humdinger – Dry Gin

On the nose, it’s bright and fresh, with a clear, clean pour. The flavor is led by well-integrated juniper supported by a collection of other botanicals that merge so well. A subtle hint of citrus and other traditional gin notes, and the overall impression is one of balance. The careful selection of botanicals in this small-batch gin is evident, resulting in a, high-quality sip. This gin is well-suited as all round gin for all uses; a simple G&T or a more complex cocktail. It’s an excellent go-to option for any gin lover.

Humdinger – Sloe Gin

Humdinger’s Sloe Gin is a delightful departure from their other offerings. A classic sloe gin, known for its thicker pour and lower alcohol content (around 26%). On the nose, the pronounced berry flavors are apparent. Drinking it reveals an almost buttery, dessert-like quality, it’s on the sweeter side yet it maintains the same sense of balance as the other Humdinger gins. It’s so smooth and drinkable that it can be enjoyed straight as a liqueur; with ice and soda, the sloe berry flavor remains strong but allows other nuanced notes to emerge, creating a dangerously delicious drink, and as a surprise addition to a Negroni it was rather special.
humdinger.nz

CarbonSix – Takapuna Black Gin

This is something a little different. A generous pour reveals a fine dark spirit with a complex botanical smell. The black colour in gin often comes from sloe berries, but here it’s a secret recipe with many irregular botanicals.

It’s fine and strong on the palate and the aroma is amplified. Soda brings out new essences like dusky banana and stone fruit, turning it a stylish grey. It’s a very complex gin with medium juniper and an almost fortifying sense. It’s sweet without being sweet, perhaps from a little licorice.

This well-blended sip has a huge flavour. It’s challenging in a good way and is for the real gin drinker to sip over a long time. Unlike other black gins where colour is just a feature, this shade imparts genuine flavour.
carbonsix.co.nz