Gin Mare

Among the group of gins I recently sampled, the scent of this one most closely resembles a traditional London Dry. There are no unusual aromas detected. The macerated olive, rosemary, thyme, and basil notes, which are characteristic of this particular expression, are not immediately apparent in the nose. The olives might have softened some of the sharper elements, but the difference in the green botanicals isn't noticeable until a wave of sweetness eventually replaces the herbal notes. The taste is surprisingly, and agreeably, rich and smooth for a gin – one might even call it savory. Furthermore, the presence of rosemary and thyme provides a more robust and rounded herbal profile than typically found in a London Dry. The incorporation of basil's sweetness is an inspired and skillful idea, as it replaces the more medicinal qualities of standard coriander. Sweet citrus flavors then dissolve the botanical notes, merging them into aromatic hints on the palate. This is quite enjoyable when sipped neat. While it's unmistakably identifiable as gin – despite its modified components – this drinks as if the creators have innovated within the existing framework. When mixed 1:1 with Fever Tree Mediterranean tonic, the sweet and botanical notes become lively – even as the spice notes effervesce into orange and lime flavors. It's a masterpiece, well done!

Nose: Fresh, crisp, and maritime with herbal notes (rosemary, thyme) immediately apparent. Juniper, olive brine, lemon zest, and coriander emerge as secondary aromas. There's also a pine needle note. Palate: Elegant, clean, and maritime on the palate. The olive brine, lemon, and rosemary notes from the nose are strongly in focus initially. Over time, it develops softer flavors with orange appearing behind the lemon, and basil emerging from the rosemary. Pine tree and eucalyptus resin are present towards the finish. Finish: Medium. Herbal and maritime notes linger in the aftertaste. This was tasted at a pop-up stall at our local liquor store last Saturday, which was World Gin Day. I've seen Gin Mare around for a while but never tried it before. It has a distinct olive and maritime quality, along with a strong green herbal core featuring resinous aromas and flavors. The closest I've tasted is St. George Terroir gin, but that is more pine-focused and less maritime. I enjoyed the crisp, bracing quality of this gin, and perhaps it was just the power of association, but I thought it paired very well in a gin and tonic made with Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic, and I can imagine it would also make a nice dry martini. 'Good': 83/100 (3.5 stars).

Tasted neat, at room temperature, and with ice. The aroma is herbal (anise, basil, angelica), with juniper and a little dry spice in the background. On the palate, pine resin, eucalyptus, rosemary, olive oil, and basil. There's a slight brininess, bitter citrus, and an olive taste. The mouthfeel is soft and oily, and the flavors are dry and muted, with minimal ethanol bloom. The finish is quite short, with soft lemon peel and mint that leaves a lingering tingle. Adding an ice cube enhances the sweetness and basil notes, but you (almost) lose the resinous flavors, which seem to be the defining characteristic of this gin. I appreciate pine forest-forward gins, but if that's not your preference... well, this isn't the spirit for you. I wish I could try this in a dry martini, but... I only had time for a short glass by the pool on a warm day in Sicily. Ciao bella.

What an uncommon gin! Intense olive and sea essence, followed by some spice at the conclusion. The aroma is strongly olive to my senses, with other components lurking behind. This spirit would complement seafood or a savory platter wonderfully, but is less suited for other dishes. Due to its specialized character, I appreciate its niche but would not buy it again or drink it neat without a meal.

A lemon-forward foundation with distinct savory undertones and garden herbs present both in aroma and when tasted straight. The thyme and rosemary are quite clear, I believe I can detect olives, but I'm uncertain about the basil. Adding tonic shifts the profile towards citrus initially, but the herbs reappear, though more subtly, after a moment. It's a refined and truly pleasant experience overall.

I really enjoy this gin. I first had it in Barcelona around 2014 when it was quite common there but not widely available elsewhere. Now, I can get it more often, and a friend even brings bottles back from Spain for me. It has a nice savory taste, and it's the only gin I still add olives to. I use celery bitters when I make martinis with Gin Mare (my usual drink). I highly recommend it.