Bluecoat Barrel Finished Gin

My experience acquiring this gin and some other items from this producer was both enjoyable and straightforward. While exploring a mall during a business trip, I was surprised to find a temporary shop for this distillery. I spent a considerable amount of time there, talking with the distillery's representative and sampling their entire range, including sourced whiskey products. I tried this gin last, as I was quite impressed to learn it's aged in new charred barrels instead of the more typical used bourbon barrels. The representative also mentioned it was aged for up to two years, though a listing suggests only a few months. This aging duration might be a recent change, given the older bottle style shown. In any case, I found this spirit remarkable at the pop-up and hope it performs as well in a formal tasting setting. Its appearance is striking for a barrel-aged gin, likely due to the new barrels. Despite being somewhat light and watery, the golden-sherry color resembles common, inexpensive 80-proof American whiskeys. The aroma isn't intense but is immediately noticeable, featuring juniper, coriander, crushed pine, and a muted floral note alongside vanilla and caramel, though the sweetness is much less prominent than the savory aspects. The intensity is balanced, with a hint of ethanol suggesting it's not a standard 80-proof, yet it remains accessible and simple. The taste starts with fresh, oily citrus zest and straightforward juniper, plus some vanilla from the barrel. As it coats the palate, it quickly becomes very dry, with the barrel influence appearing in the background instead of a dry, citrus-forward juniper profile. The finish is slightly warm but very dry, with notes of toasted barrel rather than a level 3 char. Without prior knowledge, this appears as a richer, smoother version of the basic Bluecoat gin. However, knowing it's aged in new barrels is somewhat disappointing because the oak flavors aren't as strong as they could or should be. I suspect the shorter aging period is more accurate, as it would be far more disheartening to get so little barrel flavor from several years in the cask. Compared to the standard gin, this is a clear improvement, showcasing the barrel's impact. However, if you're seeking a gin with significant oak-derived sweetness rather than a brighter, drier botanical mix, you should look elsewhere.

I adore this gin and hope it becomes more accessible in the UK. My first experience with it was at the Bluecoat distillery during our honeymoon, and it is so rich in flavor. My spouse isn't a gin enthusiast, but they appreciate this due to its whiskey-like characteristics, making it ideal for both of us. It offers a fantastic variation on an old fashioned, as well as a more traditional gin beverage. If I spot this available, I will always purchase it!

My initial foray into gin, coming from a bourbon and scotch background. I don't typically enjoy cocktails, so I was trying gin by itself. Absolutely brilliant! It has botanical notes with a subtle touch of wood. It's lighter than spirits I'm used to, yet full of character. This has become my preferred gin, and it impresses people who find typical gin too biting for sipping. It's difficult to find something better.

I was thrilled to see this at the bar, having only encountered the standard gin previously. I initially thought that's what I was ordering until the bartender retrieved it from the top shelf. I realized it was the barrel-aged version. It was excellent! All the characteristic gin flavors were present: juniper, floral notes, lemon, and citrus, complemented by vanilla and wood on both the aroma and the palate.

Extremely smooth, which is not surprising given that the standard gin is also of high quality. It was my first experience with barrel-aged gin, so I was surprised by its sweetness; I could easily drink it neat. It paired well with ginger ale, juice, or tonic water.

A fine gin, unique in its own way. It's excellent for sipping, offering prominent wood characteristics. The influence of oak barrel aging is quite apparent. While not ideal for a gin and tonic, a Negroni is certainly a suitable cocktail choice for this spirit.