Isle Of Harris Gin

Nose: Crisp and clean with highlights of juniper and pine needles. There’s a light floral aroma reminiscent of orange blossom and rose water, and a subtle spicy note of musky nutmeg and coriander. It’s a fairly simple nose, but it is well composed. Palate: Peppery sweet juniper on arrival. Citrus flavors follow quickly, along with herbal and spice notes. Like the nose, the palate is relatively simple but agreeable. There is an elusive and slightly odd note that I presume is the sugar kelp botanical they feature. It lends a dry maritime touch that is a good counterpoint to the dominant piney juniper, but it turns a little flinty and sour towards the finish. Finish: Medium. The finish fades into a clean but bittersweet vegetal aftertaste. A pleasant gin that works well sipped neat or mixed, however, it’s not as outstanding as the press reviews would suggest, and it is quite expensive. There are many excellent gins that equal or surpass this at similar, or considerably lower, price points. “Good”: 83/100 (3.5 stars)

On The Nose A distinct juniper aroma with pine needles, quickly followed by the bright citrus notes of bitter orange, lime, and grapefruit. It evolves into a complex floral scent of rose and wallflowers with crushed green herbs, coriander, and gooseberry, all supported by mixed spice. Sugar kelp contributes to the complexity and richness, adding a dry, sea-like quality. On The Palate A refreshing spirit with a good equilibrium between the bitter juniper and pine and the sweet fruit flavors of mango, grapefruit, and orange. A green herb taste has emerged, like crushed coriander. It is distinctive and smooth with a dry, mineralic flavor. On The Finish Overall, a long, clean finish. As the juniper and citrus notes fade, sweet vanilla and black pepper remain, with a gentle hint of the sea.

This gin is disappointing and somewhat baffling. Straight, it offers a noticeable yet subtle sugar kelp taste, which I found to be an interesting variation, but this gin gets lost when mixed with premium non-sugary tonic. It fares better with full-sugar tonic, but again, the flavor is diminished. I found it best with soda water and blood orange, but the flavors present when drunk straight are completely masked by any mixer. The bottle is visually appealing, and it's acceptable on its own, but considering the price, there are superior and more affordable gins available that I can enjoy neat, in a gin and tonic, a Collins, or straight, appreciating the gin's diverse flavors in all preparations.

Remarkably well-balanced. The scent has juniper and pine with citrus, spice, a hint of green herbs, which is echoed on the palate. The finish is moderately long, featuring a pleasant warmth, pepper, and a subtle saltiness. This is easily my preferred gin. It's exceptionally smooth, I believe it's best enjoyed straight. Perhaps with a grapefruit slice, but it's not even required. I adore this gin.

While this gin leads with juniper, the touch of brine makes it unique and enjoyable. Absolutely stunning with tonic that's high in quinine and a lime wedge - a very refreshing summer afternoon drink.

I'm not normally a big gin fan, but this one is excellent! It lacks the harshness on the finish that most gins have, offering a very smooth experience with a citrus taste at the end. I definitely suggest it!