Flavored gin has been on a white-hot streak in England, the spiritual birthplace of gin. Over the past few years it has jumped the pond and is gaining prominence on liquor shelves here in the U.S.
Yet, here’s the problem: How do you define flavored gin? Gin already is required to contain pine-scented juniper as its dominant flavoring. Since specific parameters aren’t yet available in either country, we’ll categorize any gin that has readily identifiable flavoring in addition to juniper as a flavored gin. It depends on the botanicals the distiller wants to promote and champion. Juniper will always be included, but it’s up to the distiller to decide which other flavorings will shine through.
Like flavored vodkas, most flavored gins are not particularly subtle. In fact, some seemed very familiar, like flavored vodkas recast with a bit of brisk juniper. The bottlings sampled this month neatly divide into three categories: citrus, from sunny lemon to tangy blood orange; other fruit, including blackberry, rhubarb, and strawberry; and floral, spanning rose, violet, and lavender varieties.
Another point of confusion: How to drink these new flavored gins? In general, bubbly highballs seem to be the preferred vehicle, particularly for Gin & Tonics. That said, some wonder if soda water—a more neutral, less sweet mixer—might provide a more appropriate foil. Compared to Brits, who overwhelmingly prefer G&Ts, it’s possible that American consumers, who enjoy plenty of flavored vodka-sodas, might find flavored gin-and-soda combos more appealing. Enjoy exploring this burgeoning category of gin. Cheers!
Look for a pale pink hue and an inviting aroma of fresh strawberries. The soft fruit flavors pair perfectly with the classic herbal juniper notes to create a balanced flavor profile with a hint of strawberries.
This flavored gin has a demure pink blush and grapefruit peel aroma. The palate is silky and light, opening with grapefruit peel bitterness and following through with notes of white pepper, rosemary, and faint hints of ginger and clove heat. Should make for an interesting spin on Gin & Tonics.
Clear in the glass, this flavored gin, made with Italian lemons, offers gentle lemon and grapefruit peel aromas. The bracing, lightly sweet palate has a nice authentic lemon flavor, with hints of peel and pith, finishing appropriately bitter. Skip the lemon twist, and mix into martinis and other drinks.
The faint aroma mixes notes of berries and savory dried-herb. The palate is light, with a powdery feel. Juniper and mint lead into a juicy midpalate and long finish that is perfectly balanced.
The soft, floral lavender aroma of this type of gin can have hints of cardamom and juniper, with interesting layered flavors of botanicals and spice.
