Hotel Tango Ready-To-Drink Gin

As always, I'm pleased to support distilleries owned and operated by veterans. While I'd say Hotel Tango's whiskeys aren't quite there yet, their lemoncello was very enjoyable, and I anticipate their gin will be too. The only way to know for sure is to sample it from my USAF Glencarin glass. The aroma is quite clean, perhaps too much so, bordering on something like a household cleaner. It has moderate juniper, abundant lemon and lime oils, and a whisper of savory spices, particularly clove. The 90 proof is substantial and makes me flinch slightly after each sniff. The initial taste is underwhelming, but then explodes with black pepper and clove, among other warm and savory spices, just moments later. It's good that the spice and proof don't become overly intense, allowing this very distinctive flavor profile to be appreciated. Juniper is present too, but it's either being overpowered by the spices or I'm simply overlooking it in favor of everything else. The finish is of medium length, featuring more of the aforementioned flavors. I do appreciate this, but it doesn't even taste like what I'd typically consider gin flavors. Given the intense and concentrated notes of these dried spices, I'd be more inclined to believe it's a black pepper distillate or something similar. It makes me excited to consider how it could enhance martinis or gin & tonics, or how it could be managed with tart citrus juices or in other cocktail experiments. Like everything else I've tried from Hotel Tango, it has great flavor, but distinctly stands out as something unique.

Bright and full of flavor. Our house gin.