Gin is experiencing a craft revolution at the moment, and Christmas is the perfect opportunity to intrigue customers with a collection of some of the latest and best gins on the market.
Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice
This small-batch, limited-edition gin by Hendrick’s Master Distiller Ms Lesley Gracie is instilled with a secret selection of floral essences, celebrating nature’s most effervescent blooms. The Midsummer Solstices’ fragrant notes include zesty juniper with an initial brightness that melts to reveal undertones of orange blossom and exotic brightness.
The result, the first release from Ms Gracie’s Cabinet of Curiosities, is an enchantingly floral and refreshing gin inspired by the power of the Summer solstice when the Earth is tilted maximally towards the sun.
Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice will be available for a limited time only; additional new and unique gins will be released, replacing the previous expression, with each variant only available exclusively during its launch year.
For more information, visit hendricksgin.com
Available from Federal Merchants & Co.
Juno Extra Fine Gin
A hand-selected, harmonious blend of pure New Zealand mountain water and the finest botanicals and spices, Juno Extra Fine Gin is the heart of a collection of premium New Zealand gins produced by BeGin Distilling.
Named after the wife of Jupiter and goddess of marriage and domestic harmony, Juno is the perfect goddess to oversee the marriage of flavours that happens within the copper pot still during distillation.
Available from Euro Vintage.
For more information, visit junogin.co.nz.
Blush Rhubarb Gin
Rhubarb, juniper, and liquorice root combine beautifully to create Blush Rhubarb Gin. Juniper notes dance on the palate before sweet juicy rhubarb flavours come to the fore on the finish.
The team at Blush Gin want to change the perception of gin – all their gins and vodkas are triple-distilled and hand-crafted.
For more information, visit blushginstore.co.nz.
Roku
Roku is a premium Japanese craft gin created by the House of Suntory in Osaka, Japan.
Built in 1919, the Osaka distillery uses four different distillation methods to extract the best and purest flavours to create a truly unique gin. Inside every bottle of Roku, six Japanese botanicals of the highest quality are brought together: Sansho pepper, Sencha tea, Yuzu peel, Sakura leaf, Gyokuro tea, and Sakura flower.
This balance of ingredients is a testimony to Japan’s renowned craftsmanship, employing traditional and modern techniques in its creation.
Available at all good liquor stores for $54.99.
1919 Pineapple L*** Gin
Named for the year that New Zealanders stood up for their rights and voted down prohibition, 1919 Distilling has quickly earned a reputation as one of the market leaders in the emerging craft gin sector.
This latest concoction is the first limited release in their Kiwiana Collection.
“Whilst we can’t quite say the name, we’re sure Kiwi’s will agree it’s just as delicious as the original stuff,” say 1919. “Enjoy served over ice around the BBQ or soaking up some rays by the pool.”
For more information, visit 1919distilling.com.
