Four Pillars Sherry Cask Gin

Gin tasting, held at The Oak Barrel in Sydney on November 7th, 2018. This was the sixth gin tasted. Smell: Aromatic juniper with floral undertones. Notes of aniseed, citrus, and wood (oak and pine). Taste: A mix of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors. Tastes like dish soap. Adding tonic water brings out flavors of fly spray and musty old cupboards. Finish: Medium length. Flavors of wintergreen oil, licorice, and pine needles. It's quite potent, with significant barrel influence. Pine needles and woody notes are present throughout. They apparently use a solera method and add a bit of sherry before bottling. The initial aroma is strong and promising, but the palate is odd, unpleasantly resembling pine-scented cleaner or dish soap. Absolutely do not add tonic or use it as a mixer, as the results are dreadful. It's meant to be appreciated neat. I'm surprised by this gin, as I've enjoyed several other offerings from this brand. However, sometimes you encounter a spirit that's so unconventional you either think it's completely bad or your palate isn't refined enough to appreciate it. I'm choosing the former explanation out of pride. "Poor" rating: 60/100 (1 star)

Pungent and slick with notes of clove and anise.