Barr Hill Gin

So, I'm trying something new here: my first review on this site for a spirit that isn't some form of whisky. And the reason? Much like climbing a mountain, the simplest answer is: because it's accessible, meaning this gin is available in my collection, and it's intriguing. I should mention that my ratings are often based on how a particular spirit compares to others of its kind that I've experienced, so when I review a bourbon, I contrast it with other bourbons I've had, considering price versus quality. The reason this gin is currently at my home is that my wife, after seeing them featured on a show or social media by a celebrity chef, wanted to make negronis. Typically, I always have whisky at home, we usually keep a handle of Tequila for when my wife desires margaritas, and there's often some spiced rum for making buttered rum during the winter holidays. I don't usually keep gin or vodka around primarily because I'm not much of a mixed drink person and, secondarily, on their own, vodka and gin don't really capture my interest. In fact, to risk alienating readers, I tend to think of people who drink straight vodka as alcoholics or close to it, though perhaps that's hypocritical. Regardless, my wife wanted to try making the negroni, and when researching which gins are best for negronis, Barr Hill appeared on a top 10 list. It wasn't at the very top, but further down, yet I already had a history with this Barr Hill. During a long night of extensive conversation with a friend, he brought this over as his drink. He doesn't care for whisky and wanted something clear, so he bought this and some grapefruit juice, and while I drank Old Tub bourbon, he made drinks for himself. At the end of the night, about a third of the bottle remained, and he didn't take it with him. So, I tried it, and it was possibly the most delicious gin I had ever encountered. My assessment now is that it still is, but naturally, I'm speaking as someone who has only tried Gordon's, Tanqueray, and Bombay Sapphire. So I'll admit my experience with this particular spirit is not extensive, and if I decide to explore further, I might find something even better. However, I'm going to guess that with a community rating of 4.25 and an "expert" rating of 96, I'm likely on the right track and this is a high-quality gin. But what exactly should one look for when evaluating the quality of a gin? I'm sticking to the fundamentals: aroma, palate, and finish. Are there other factors? The initial scent is one of juniper and honeysuckle, which makes sense as it's crafted from juniper and raw honey, as stated on the bottle. It doesn't necessarily gain complexity beyond that, but that's acceptable because the aroma is pleasant enough, and I don't expect it to evolve over time in the glass (does gin do that? Gin experts, please offer some insight...). On the palate, you get citrus combined with the juniper and honey, with very little alcohol burn, and the finish has a lingering hint of spice, making it quite enjoyable in a way I haven't enjoyed another gin before. In fact, this is the first time I've ever understood why someone might enjoy drinking gin straight or on the rocks. And while it makes a good negroni, I can't help but think that Gordon's works just as well in a negroni, and this should be reserved for special occasions when I feel like deviating from my usual and drinking something other than whisky neat. Will it replace my fondness for whisky? Certainly not, but might it introduce me to the world of gin? All I can say is the door is slightly open, and now I await further suggestions.

A fresh bottle's initial pour, tasted neat. My plan is to craft a delightful gin sour for Sunday morning, and this seemed like a suitable candidate when combined with freshly squeezed lemon, a touch of rich simple syrup, and a couple of dashes of Peychaud's. Before proceeding, I decided to quickly review it. The sample was permitted to sit for several minutes prior to assessment. Remarkable! This is unconventional and truly unanticipated! The aroma is subtle, fragrant, and nearly beyond description. I am aware it's crafted from honey, and I anticipate a honey scent. However, it's genuinely absent. I detect honeysuckle at night, just a fleeting, exquisite hint. There's a thread of juniper, some white pepper, and notes of citrus that lean more toward orange and grapefruit than lemons or limes. Perhaps a trace of lavender is present as well? On the palate, I'm astonished by its sweetness. This is not at all what I would anticipate from a gin. I'm uncertain if this will perform well in a martini, but my mind is racing with possibilities involving fruit juices, tonic, and soda. There's a vegetal note that I recognize but cannot pinpoint. Something green. Sweet. There is some fresh pine and a hint of honeycomb. A degree of spiciness is present, but it leans significantly more toward sweet than dry. This could potentially work well in a Negroni or a variation thereof. And I imagine a gin & juice would be simply superb. This is genuinely quite pleasant and very accessible. It's not a classic London Dry by any means. And for the most part, it's not a "New Gin" that is primarily juniper but with other botanicals. This possesses richness in both taste and mouthfeel, trending more towards an interpretation of genever without the maltiness. I enjoy this immensely. I could readily consume it over ice. I look forward to discovering the synergy it will create with other components. Recommended for the daring cocktail explorer.

Nose: prominent juniper, coriander, black pepper, spicy botanicals, honey, thyme, lavender, spruce, pine resin, anise, lime peel, considerable alcohol intensity. Palate: peppery juniper, honey-lemon lozenge, menthol, coriander, thyme, black pepper, lavender, ginger, pine, anise, pine, spruce, botanical and floral notes, spearmint, rose, lemon and lime peel, moderate alcoholic sharpness, finishing with a long impression of spicy juniper, sweet honey, and rose flavors. For a gin with a more conventional flavor profile, this one is truly excellent. The juniper aroma is striking, detectable from a considerable distance. The spicy juniper translates effectively to the palate, followed by a remarkable flavor similarity to mentholated lemon-honey cough drops. Overall, I genuinely appreciate the robust and distinct character of both the nose and palate. I believe this is most similar to the Botanist, and one's preference would hinge on their inclination towards the lemon-honey-menthol profile.

Unimpressive and more unimpressive --- low on juniper, but the honey aspect is still too prominent. Like a sophisticated flavored vodka. Acceptable for sipping on ice, but doesn't work in any mixed drinks... perhaps with lemon or lime or something without added sugar? No spiciness, which is a positive for some, and also no complexity. If the awards and accolades are genuine and not just industry self-congratulation, it's simply baffling, in my opinion.

After trying many gins, this is unequivocally the finest. When mixed with Fever Tree tonic and a lime twist, you'll experience an unparalleled G&T! While few gins are enjoyable neat, I urge you to try this. It balances juniper and sweet honey on the nose, has a creamy texture on the palate, and a warm, lasting finish. It comes at a higher cost, but it's truly worth every cent. Cheers!

I was informed this was rated the top American gin, so I was anticipating sipping it neat. I felt the honey was an afterthought because it was certainly not subtle! It actually leaves a sticky residue in the glass. The botanicals do contribute a distinctive note, and I detected citrus flavors with an anise aftertaste. Not particularly impressed, so I suppose I'll stick with a drier gin.