Tastings Sponsored by Master of Malt
Taster biographies
Bethany Whymark
After studying English literature at university, Bethany spent five years working as a journalist for regional newspaper groups in the east of England before moving into the spirits industry. She now edits Gin Magazine, trade website TheDrinksReport.com and Rum Magazine.
David T. Smith
David T. Smith is an independent spirits writer and consultant who specialises in gin. He is a chair judge for a number of spirits competitions and has written widely on the subject, incuding The Craft of Gin, Forgotten Spirits and Long Lost Liqueurs and Gin Tonica. He was winner of the 2016 Gin Communicator of the Year award.
THE PROCESS
• All samples are blind tasted, with ABV and style the only information disclosed.
• Samples are tasted individually over a two-week period.
• Tasters are provided tasting and scoring guidelines for consistency.
• The top scorer is awarded Editor’s Choice.
• Scores of 17+ qualify for our top five recommended gins award.
Byron’s Gin
Melancholy Thistle
SPEYSIDE DISTILLERS COMPANY LTD
Bethany
Nose: Very herbal and stalky with coriander (the leaves and seeds), a hint of tarragon, and grassy notes. A little lemon peel.
Palate: It’s still quite ‘green’ with coriander, juniper and savoury, dusty spice – perhaps mace or nutmeg? A little crunchy, vegetal sweetness.
Finish: Fairly hot given the ABV. Grassy and juniper notes linger.
Comments: The heat of this surprised me, but I really liked the green flavours – they could potentially be tamed with a Mediterraneanstyle tonic.
8.0
David
Nose: Green, with a hint of herbaceous sage and thyme and some resinous notes, too. Fresh and inviting.
Palate: Coriander seed followed by the floral earthiness of angelica. This has loads of flavour and oiliness, and the middle of the palate has the vibrant citrus zestiness of orange and lemon. Finish: Long-lasting, weaving between the gentle sweetness of angelica and resinous pine needles. Comments: A powerful gin that would stand up well to heavy mixing; I’d enjoy it with freshly squeezed orange juice.
7.7
Brookie’s
Byron Dry Gin
CAPE BYRON DISTILLERY
Bethany
Nose: Aroma is botanically intense and oily. Notes of juniper, orange citrus, and earthy tones of cinnamon and a pinch of coriander.
Palate: It has a lick of heat and a slightly waxy texture. Good juniper notes with zesty citrus peels, and spice and sweetness from cinnamon and liquorice.
Finish: It leaves you with some lingering juniper and citrus around the mouth.
Comments: A lovely classic character and nice spicy warmth. I can see it making a great Negroni.
8.5
David
Nose: A crisp nose with earthy spice and juniper: clean and classic.
