Hendrick's Midsummer Solstice

I had been delaying trying it because it can be a bit expensive, but wow. If you appreciate sweet berry flavors, this is a top-tier gin. The aroma notes are quite accurate, but the taste truly reveals it, delivering abundant sweet red and blue berries. A blue-raspberry pie isn't out of the question; it's that delightful. There are just hints of citrus tartness and light green herbs, like thyme and ginger, that follow the prominent forward berries. Some might find it overly sweet, as it approaches a jam-like sugar level. What I appreciate about this gin is that it's the first berry-flavored spirit I've not only tolerated but genuinely enjoyed. I've sampled numerous blueberry vodkas and beers, and they mostly fell short, either due to artificial flavoring or harsh contrasts. This gin lacks those critical flaws; there's nothing artificial about it, just pure, sweet gin. The tart and sweet notes blend harmoniously, creating a genuine pastry-like experience. As long as you aren't seeking a very dry gin or dislike berries, you should be quite pleased.

I couldn't agree more with the expert take on the nose as orange. Orange, yes, but maybe just the peel..... Or left whole, unripened on the branch and surrounded by tree leaves. A further dip in the glass and I pick up a flowery perfume. The palate is vibrant and alive with the unfolding of a flower - I can almost taste the fresh violet and rose petals, intermingled with sweet berries, and a quick citrus note. Sugar notes then appear toward the finish. The latter reaches a crescendo of herbal spice and effervescence, while being balanced with a touch of wood bitterness. The floral, petal notes and the sweetness continue on for minutes after you've taken a sip. In a G&T, most of the floral and herbal flavors are dialed back into the orange peel note, while the sweet berry flavors sparkle into a lightly citric closure. This is an excellent bottle to have on hand when you want a pretty and very floral gin, to counterbalance the usual London Dry formula. Many thanks to a friend for the provocative review that pointed me to this memorable bottle.

It's clear and has no color. The aroma is floral, featuring a medley of unidentified flowers, with lavender being the most prominent. Beneath the floral notes, you can detect the signature Hendrick's Rose and cucumber. The initial taste is pleasant, floral, and smooth. There's no harshness in flavor or finish. The lavender is present but not overwhelming. The floral character is soft and mildly sweet. It's quite enjoyable on the rocks. However, tonic water plays a crucial role because of the subtle floral notes. Using a tonic that's too strong, like Fever Tree Indian Tonic Water, will cause the bitterness of the quinine to overpower the delicate flavors, making them disappear. Diet tonic, such as Zevia Tonic Water, also interferes with these gentle notes. But the right tonic, like Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic Water, enhances the floral qualities, creating a refreshingly light and floral beverage. Overall, this is a competent gin, but I personally prefer the straightforwardness of classic Hendrick's and the distinctiveness of Orbium over this version.

I'm generally not a big gin fan. But I purchased a bottle of this because my wife enjoys gin and tonics made with the standard Hendrick's offering. We had a gathering and opened this bottle. It was so well-received that other guests who don't typically drink gin started enjoying the gin and tonics too. They were absolutely raving about them. So, it goes without saying, I've bought a few more bottles for future occasions! It has a distinctly floral and citrus character. I haven't sampled it straight, but I suspect those notes might be a bit intense and strong, whereas when mixed, it's absolutely perfect. I'd rate this a 5, but I find it hard to believe anything is truly a 5.

- Aroma: Perfumed with hints of minerality and citrus, reminiscent of a sparkling water, somewhere between orange and lemon. - Taste: Sweet, perfumed character. Botanical notes, featuring a classic rose scent alongside a fruity undertone. The floral notes aren't excessively astringent. Hints of orange rind. Very subtle juniper, far less than expected. Delightfully smooth, viscous texture. - An excellent gin served over ice. While not deeply intricate, it's engaging enough to encourage another sip.

The aroma is quite floral, possibly roses and lavender. It possesses an oily, soapy texture, as noted by others. The taste is sweet and floral, with a hint of citrus and pine. I don't consider the soapy characteristic a flaw; it's more of a unique trait. Enjoyed neat, but I'm eager to try it in a gin and tonic once my tonic is chilled.