October 2012

Martin Miller’s Gin

/ / Other Spirits, Review /

Martin Miller’s Gin/Martin Miller’s Westbourne Strength Gin
40% ABV/45.2% ABV
$30/$45
Website
Martin Miller's Gin
What the Distillery Says:
[Quite a lot actually. Mr. Miller and his company are quite loquacious about this eponymous gin. Definitely check out the website. Below are the summations from the press materials provided]

Martin Miller’s Gin
Distilled using an innovative process and nine classic botanicals, Martin Miller’s Gin is blended and bottled at 80 proof. It is soft on the palate, and has a gentle delivery of it’s juniper notes, making it the perfect gin for martinis and gin and tonics.

Martin Miller’s Westbourne Strength Gin
Pure and clear in appearance, and with a long peppery finish, Westbourne Strength at 90.4 proof was developed specifically for cocktails that include stronger and more complex flavours and ingredients. Perfect for Bloody Mary’s and classics, like the Negroni.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Herbaceous in a bubbly sort of way. Juniper, jasmine, a citrus zest.
Palate: Sweet, slightly bitter, and peppery with classic juniper flavor. Very soft and easy to drink.
Finish: Medium length with a clean juniper finish.
Comments: This is simply a lovely classic gin. It’s not riffing on the gin base like a Hendricks. It distills (no pun intended) down the essence of London Gin into a standard bearing example. While this is great by itself, naturally the tipple shines in cocktails. I always try a new gin in a martini and a gin & tonic to start. Both are great. However, one of the recipes provided with the samples is a smashing version of the gin & tonic called Gin to Nicks. I can’t recommend that one enough.
Rating: Must Try

I would like to thank Anderson Group PR for providing generous samples for review.

Gin to Nicks

Glass: Hi-ball
Method: Build over cubed ice in glass
Garnish: Lime peel

50ml Martin Miller’s Gin
Dash of Angoustura bitters
Squeeze of lime juice
Good quality tonic water

Martin Miller’s Gin Read More »

Springbank 10 Year Old 100 Proof

/ / Campbeltown, Review, Scottish Whisky /

Springbank Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky Aged 10 Years
50% ABV/100 Proof
$65+
Website

What the Distillery Says:
The original Springbank whisky has been distilled legally on the site of the present distillery since 1828, and probably illicitly since well before then! Known and loved amongst whisky enthusiasts the world over, Springbank is produced using lightly-peated barley and a unique two-and-a-half-times distillation. This gives the whisky a character all of its own, making it stand out as a must-have dram on anyone’s shelf.

Produced using the most traditional of production techniques, from floor malting all the way through to the bottling stage, Springbank can best be described as a “hand-made” single malt. The classic Springbank complex, rich character can be found throughout the various bottlings available: the 100 proof 10 year old is considered by many to be Springbank in it’s purest form with its salty, briny flavour.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Savory on the nose and the alcohol needs a little taming. From there the brine shines through.
Palate: Heavy on the brine and smoke.
Finish: A powerful smack you in the face finish that comes across like a more intense version of the palate.
Comments: Is this the regular 10 year old with more alcohol? Not really. This version is a little less nuanced to me. I much prefer the standard 10 year old.
Rating: Stands Out.

Springbank 10 Year Old 100 Proof Read More »

Springbank 10 Year Old

/ / Campbeltown, Review, Scottish Whisky /

Springbank Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky Aged 10 Years
46% ABV/92 Proof
$50 to $60
Website


What the Distillery Say:
The original Springbank whisky has been distilled legally on the site of the present distillery since 1828, and probably illicitly since well before then! Known and loved amongst whisky enthusiasts the world over, Springbank is produced using lightly-peated barley and a unique two-and-a-half-times distillation. This gives the whisky a character all of its own, making it stand out as a must-have dram on anyone’s shelf.

Produced using the most traditional of production techniques, from floor malting all the way through to the bottling stage, Springbank can best be described as a “hand-made” single malt. The classic Springbank complex, rich character can be found throughout the various bottlings available: the 10 year old is matured mostly in bourbon casks, emphasising the distillery’s character.

Matured 60% bourbon 40% sherry cask

The perfect introduction to the Springbank range. Complexity is the key word here. Yet the combination of Springbank matured in Bourbon and Sherry casks remains perfectly balanced from first sip to the full, rich finish.

Nose: Orchard fruit (pear) with a hint of peat, vanilla and malt.
Palate: Malt, oak, spice, nutmeg and cinnamon, vanilla essence.
Finish: Sweet with a lingering salty tingle.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Heather, honey, burnt sugar, and a little anise.
Palate: Very viscous, almost chewy. Great mouth feel. Fruity and briney. I’d love to be more specific on the fruity but it’s like southern ambrosia. It’s hard to pull the parts out.
Finish: A nice briney oak and an almost but not quite peat smokiness that all rolls together very nicely.
Comments: Oh Springbank I am so at odds with you. I love your whisky but I don’t want to tell people about it for fear it will be harder to get. It’s really hard to go bad with a Springbank. This one, along with Talisker, is in my opinion one of the two finest 10 year old single malt scotch drams available. The price may be a little off putting but you really need to try it.
Rating: Must Try

Springbank 10 Year Old Read More »