Giselle Pavlova Gin

Nose: Fruity notes overlay a standard gin character. Juniper is barely perceptible, with cotton candy being the dominant aroma. Hints of strawberry and vanilla suggest pavlova. Orange is present in the background, along with subtle traces of cardamom and fenugreek. Palate: A sweet, sugary, fruity entry – very confectionary and intensely sweet. As it develops, a slight spice emerges at the edges, accompanied by a pleasant creamy vanilla. It has notes of strawberry and raspberry. It genuinely tastes like pavlova. Finish: Medium in length. Sweet, spicy, and fruity notes linger. This is one of the most unusual gins I've encountered recently. Pavlova, a famous Australian/New Zealand dessert, is a staple at Aussie or Kiwi Christmas gatherings. It's a meringue base, crisp outside and gooey inside, topped with cream and seasonal fruits (typically berries or citrus, often passionfruit) – a delightful, sugary treat. The distillery, established in 2018, initially produced a blood-orange gin, which serves as the foundation for this spirit. The process appears to involve re-distillation and post-distillation flavoring. It's challenging to evaluate. While not unpleasant, when tasted neat, its sweetness and full body make it resemble a liqueur. A substantial amount of sugar likely added. It could almost pass as a liqueur, were it not for the undeniable gin undertones that might deter some. It's somewhat comparable to sloe gin, but flavored with candy instead of sloes. It performs adequately in a gin and tonic, though the quinine somewhat interferes with its sweetness. It's likely best enjoyed on its own, with fruit juice, or in a cocktail where its profile can be properly integrated. I don't dislike it; it's actually quite appealing and intriguing, but it is decidedly not a conventional gin, making it difficult to compare with others. As a component in a G&T or martini, it's inferior to a good London gin. Would I purchase it? No. For the price, I could acquire numerous superior and more adaptable gins. Would I accept a complimentary serving? Absolutely. There's nothing inherently wrong with it; it's simply unconventional and certainly not an average gin. Sampled from a complimentary 50ml promotional portion. Rated "Above Average": 81/100 (3 stars)

Vanilla, sugary, and extremely sweet. I adore this!