Hunting The Perfect Gin
Each issue, Tim Warren, our untamed reviewer of all things that make life wonderful, turns his attention to the bountiful New Zealand gin scene.
Juno – Maia Gin
Juno Maia is a seasonal spring-inspired gin with distinctive lemon-forward characteristics.
On the nose, the gin presents hints of lemongrass, lemon verbena, and a subtle coriander undertone. Its appearance is light, with an aroma that gradually intensifies. A neat tasting reveals bright, complex flavors. The initial taste is delicate and develops depth, showcasing a balance between bright citrus notes and traditional juniper and herbaceous elements and a wink of pine. Mixed, the gin’s flavor profile expands, revealing nuanced layers reminiscent of a spring day; a floral essence and a subtle dusky quality add complexity. A lemon rind garnish enhances the inherent brightness without overwhelming its character.
Impressive through its versatility, it works well solo and in fruity cocktails. A fun drink, it embodies the essence of spring, with a light profile and vibrant citrus-forward taste. Let’s mark that an enthusiastic thumbs up for its distinctive and enjoyable flavor.
Victor – Lime Leaf
From Thompsons Whisky comes this Victor Lime Leaf gin. It’s a bright and distinctive spirit, setting itself apart with a prominent lime leaf botanical that gives it an immediate and delicious aromatic quality.
It’s straightforward, yet with a powerful flavour profile. The vibrant and distinct lime note shines through whether you’re drinking it straight or with a simple mixer; where it becomes a very easy to drink summery drop. Its boldness means it stands alone, and you don’t need a complex mixer to enjoy it. The simplicity allows the quality of the gin itself to be the star. The only downside? It’s very morish, leaving you with a constant desire for another glass.
1919 – Pineapple Bits
Pineapple lovers, rejoice! The 1919 Pineapple Bits Gin is a fun-loving spirit that pays homage to the classic New Zealand pineapple lump. From the moment you open it, the smell of juicy pineapple is undeniable and sets the stage for a truly unique tasting experience.
This gin isn’t shy; on its own, the pineapple flavor playfully slaps you in the face, in the best possible way. The taste is pure pineapple lump, making it a fun and delicious pour. It’s best enjoyed simply, over ice with a splash of soda to open up the flavors, or with a subtle, light tonic for a touch of sweetness. This is a special bottle to share at a pool party or barbecue. It’s an excellent example of a distiller having fun with their craft and creating something truly memorable.
Kakapo – Mānuka honey and Elderflower
This gin is a bright, balanced, and highly versatile spirit that shines in a variety of drinks. The unique botanicals of manuka honey and elderflower are initially subtle, they work together to create a delicious and well-rounded character. The juniper is present but not overpowering, allowing this gin to be a fantastic base for cocktails without dominating them.
Its balance makes it highly adaptable and It’s particularly recommended for a Martini, where its unique profile can shine. A splash of lemon or a light tonic can help bring out the subtle honey and floral notes, yet it’s equally good on its own with a splash of soda. This gin is a perfect choice for anyone seeking a classic gin with its own subtle character.
Carbon 6 – Chrysanthemum
Carbon Six has crafted a truly unique and delicious limited edition with their Chrysanthemum Gin. Right from the pour, the gin reveals a silky texture and an amazing nose, bursting with notes of honey and summer fruits. It’s got a robust, almost smoky-sweet aroma with hints of pineapple, cinnamon, and smoked wood.
On the palate, it’s a revelation, a syrupy texture coats the tongue, leaving a lasting and unique flavour reminiscent of soothing herb tea. It’s complex, with a subtle sweetness that never feels overpowering and a surprisingly light juniper presence. This will appeal to whisky and rum drinkers, as it shares a smoky wood flavor profile. It shines when served with a splash of soda, which amplifies its tropical notes. This is a complete cocktail in a bottle!
Strange Nature – Pinot Noir edition
This gin from Strange Nature is a truly unique and special drop, made from Pinot Noir wine spirit with juniper as the only botanical. It has the color of a pale rosé and a bright nose of cherry and other red fruits, with a hint of tartness and a chalky quality reminiscent of Pinot Noir. When enjoyed with ice and soda, the flavor profile opens up even more, revealing juicy notes of strawberry and subtle herbal and peppery spices that all come directly from the grape itself.
This is not a standard pour but a gin for special occasions. It would be a perfect choice for a wine lover and pairs exceptionally well in a martini, especially with a medium red vermouth to create a contrasting and delicious cocktail. The beautiful, dark bottle is also a work of art that you’ll want to keep long after the gin is gone.
