Hendrick's Orbium Gin

It's strange that I'm only encountering this now, given its US availability since 2018. Nevertheless, one can always count on Hendrick's to produce numerous gin variations. While not all are exceptional, they're distinct enough to warrant trying. My impression is that this embodies a gin and tonic without the fizz. It shows promise for a pleasant taste, but its applications are unclear, perhaps involving adding soda and hoping the G&T essence is potent enough to come through. As a somewhat costly experiment, I hope it's not overly strong, especially since I already have other Hendrick's types on hand that take a while to finish. The aroma is exceptionally pure, almost like cleaning supplies, with simple juniper as the prominent element. A hint of black pepper and a subtle vegetal quality, reminiscent of blanco tequila, are also present. I strongly feel this would pair well with lime, particularly because there's virtually no citrus in the aroma, allowing the straightforward character to persist with continued smelling. The initial taste is dominated by juniper and has a slight fruitiness, but a bitter edge quickly follows. The quinine asserts itself promptly, and though the flavor and texture shift from pleasant and light to dry, bitter, and intense, it's still welcome for a classic tonic enthusiast. Subsequent sips transform the earlier fruitiness into a very dry assortment of citrus pith and peel, predominantly the former. I appreciate its straightforwardness, not in terms of flavor complexity, but because it tastes exactly as anticipated, without unexpected twists. I'm still uncertain about its best uses, but my first attempt will be with ice-cold club soda or seltzer and a generous squeeze of fresh, oily lime. I'd be cautious about mixing it with more tonic, especially varieties I typically enjoy that also feature fresh quinine, as there's little to praise in the base gin beyond basic juniper. Considering all this, as a standalone spirit, I don't find myself eager to revisit it, and while I believe a simple ice cube would add some depth and smoothness, ultimately, this doesn't seem like an essential purchase.

I tried both neat and on the rocks. Both the Lunar and Neptunia were fantastic, excellent neat and made a superb Martini, though I slightly preferred Lunar for that cocktail. I'm so impressed with the special releases from this brand that I plan to buy them whenever I see them and try them all. This is a very interesting gin. I don't usually like G&T because of the quinine from the tonic. I don't mind it, but my first thought with this gin is a hint of raspberry, similar to another brand. The nose is sweet, and the palate has many sweet and floral notes. It's complex and quite strong, with many flavors vying for attention. This might work well in a tall drink. I'll need to experiment with it in a Martini or perhaps a White Lady. I'm sure it will be interestingly good. It's not quite to my taste. I appreciate the direction this brand is taking, and this is better than average, but I probably won't buy it again. That's my personal preference. My rating scale puts 2.5 as average for spirits, and this is well above that.

This gin boasts a powerful aroma and flavor of flowers, with the blossom presenting intensely. It works well in a gin fizz or with tonic, where its taste doesn't clash with other components, but it falters in cocktails with more robust flavors (like a Negroni). In the end, it's like Hendricks with an added floral touch, and when served neat or in drinks with complementary ingredients, it's quite pleasing.

It's like the regular version but amplified significantly! All subtleties are gone. From the start, you get more bitterness and floral notes, while still retaining refreshment. The wormwood adds earthiness rather than tasting like absinthe. Since I don't often make sweet gin cocktails, this works perfectly in martinis, G&Ts, and Negronis. I would certainly purchase it again.

The aroma is intensely floral. The first taste is amazing. Notes of quinine and a floral bouquet hit you hard, yet it's enjoyable. The end is a bit potent, as most gin is neat. Mixing it 2:1 with club soda and serving it on ice transforms it: the fantastic experience of a Gin and Tonic without any sugar.

Juniper, tree bark, a touch of wormwood, quinine, pear, and citrus peel on the nose. On the palate, there's citrus, cake, herbs, flowers, vanilla icing, pepper, and another hint of wormwood. The lingering peppery finish is where the wormwood is most noticeable. Crisp, rich, and fruity with some spice. Definitely interesting.