Beehive Distilling, Decade Dry Gin

From the bottle: "A decade has passed since the inception of our inaugural gin [Beehive Jackrabbit Gin], and now, we proudly unveil the next chapter in our journey: Decade Dry. This meticulously crafted gin seamlessly marries the classic juniper notes with the exotic allure of makrut lime leaves, the warmth of sichuan peppercorn, and the zesty brightness of orange peel. The result is Decade Dry, a gin that pays homage to its roots while embracing an innovative Asian-inspired profile. 100% neutral spirit distilled from grain." Beehive's Jackrabbit Gin presents a pleasant mix of juniper, sage, dry woodland scents, and a whisper of rose, produced and bottled in Utah. I was eager to try this variation, Batch 2. Tasted neat at room temperature. The gin is clear with viscous legs in the glass. The aroma is strongly juniper, with a hint of dried lime and a sweet herbal quality. Pepper spice is present in the background. On the palate, a somewhat muddled combination of juniper and bitter lime peel, with a kick of ethanol and pepper at the finish. The mouthfeel is slick and coating, with a bit of warmth and peppery tingle leading to the finish. The finish is herbal and sweet, leaning towards a clearer lime flavor and sweetness over time. The pepper spice also lingers. It's a lengthy and quite enjoyable finish. Chilling the gin with an ice chip diminishes the juniper aroma, reduces the bitterness of the lime peel and pepper on the palate, and shortens the finish. It should perform well in mixed drinks. As a fan of Beehive gin, I'm somewhat let down by the muddled palate, though I do favor a classic crisp London Dry style over contemporary American (or, in this case, Asian) gins. There's a place for all styles, which is why a more forgiving rating is given, considering the distiller's goal. I plan to try this in a Martini, a Negroni, and a Corpse Reviver #2 to see how it fares. More details to come.