A collaborative effort from the renowned head bartender at Islington bar The Gibson, Marian Beke and the second oldest operational distillery in Belgium, Copperhead.
The process of creating this bespoke gin began with Copperhead, who contributed its classic distillate made from five botanicals: juniper, coriander seed, cardamom, angelica and orange peel. With this forming the base, Beke then added 13 of his own botanicals, most of which were spices, including allspice, bay leaf, cassia, dill seeds, fennel, ginger, mace and pepper. Eight-year-old jenever was then added as a sweetener, as Beke wanted to avoid Old Tom territory by using sugar.
Nose: Sweet nutmeg, aromatic cinnamon and ginger lead, with prickles of peppery juniper. The gorgeous warming spices are confident and prominent, but leave enough room for a little orange blossom, which is evident among slight creamy aromas of angelica and vibrant hops. A herbaceous twinge lingers in the backdrop.
Palate: The juniper becomes deeper and earthier among aromatic fennel and a broad but crisp herbal bitterness. The palate continues the profile of the nose, with subtle sweet notes complementing the wonderful melange of bright and complex coriander, clove and cinnamon. The flavours combine expertly in an exceptionally viscous and savoury delivery.
Finish: Incredibly long and lingering, the rich and fragrant spices fizz away for literally minutes after the initial sip.
Overall: A singular and utterly enthralling mouthful - this is a savoury gin worth savouring!
