House of Botanicals Gins Get the Thumbs Up Big Time

Geraldine Coates gets up close with two new gins from well known The House of Botanicals. 

I have to confess that I’ve always believed the words maple and gin don’t really belong in the same sentence. I’m not a fan of sweetness in gin although of course one recognises that Old Tom gins are going to be sweeter than the classic dry style, which was originally described as ‘unsweetened gin’ on old distillers’ price lists.  And did I mention that I’m not usually mad about Old Tom Gin. However, sometimes it’s an absolute pleasure to have one’s opinions changed. Being asked to taste both House of Botanicals Maple and Old Tom Gins has done just that – in the most delightful way. Here are my thoughts:

 

The House of Botanicals Maple Gin

Bottled at 47% ABV

On the nose: fresh, green juniper to the fore with lingering spice

On tasting: flavours of citrus and pine explode in the mouth nicely balanced with sharp, tangy cinnamon like spice and very subtle floral elements. A gentle toffee sweetness pervades.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The House of Botanicals Old Tom Gin

Bottled at 47% ABV

On the nose: aromatic, complex, strongly juniper

On tasting: gentle spice, herbaceous pine and a hint of leather in the background. Green floral notes shine out and there’s a distinctive, slightly sherried sweetness to the liquid.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Both these gins are extremely well balanced in terms of the botanicals used, which include many of the usual with some inventive additions post distillation. In the case of Maple these are saffron, chamomile flowers, ginger root and maple syrup: in the Old Tom it’s saffron and chamomile again with Muscovado sugar for sweetening. Delightful too to encounter gins that have not only been carefully thought about but, crucially, perfectly executed. Proper gin in short.

 

 

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