Blackwattle Distilling Co. O.P. Sydney Gin

Nose: Juniper, pine, cardamom, orange peel, and a slight ethanol burn. Palate: Starts peppery and intense. Chili, white pepper, and a growing, strong lemon flavor. Later tastes reveal cardamom and coriander, but also an alcoholic bite. The mouthfeel is acceptable, but not remarkable. Finish: Medium to long. The intensity comes from heat, with flavors concentrating on citrus oils. The lingering taste is sour and bitter. This distillery, located near Sydney's industrial waterfront undergoing transformation, is newly established. When visiting recently, we encountered one of the two distillers and owners, who was offering complimentary tastes. This was the second spirit sampled. Compared to their milder initial offering, this one had more character but was somewhat limited and carried excessive heat, making it unpleasant on its own. The alcohol percentage is peculiar. While 'navy' gin typically implies 57% ABV or higher, this was bottled at 55%. However, it's good they avoid chill-filtering. We purchased a bottle primarily to support a new local enterprise, but in retrospect, it wasn't a worthwhile purchase. It performs poorly in a G&T but is better suited for mixed drinks. It holds its own against Campari in a negroni, so that's likely its intended use. "Average": 75/100 (2.5 stars)