Martin Miller's Gin

Nose: Floral citrus - lemon gelato, orange blossom water, mandarin juice. Juniper is present but well-controlled. Clove, and some typical spicy and herbal notes like oregano or basil. Palate: Oily, thick, and peppery - the juniper is much more prominent here than on the nose, along with definite notes of licorice root and cassia bark. Ginger? Cinnamon? A good amount of spice, but less citrus than anticipated, and what is there is a little bitter and harsh. There's some heat from the various spices. Finish: Medium. The warm spices gradually subside to a mild sensation. The aroma is pleasant but not particularly intriguing. The palate is much the same. I often feel that gin is a more "homogenized" category of spirits compared to whisky. Most, like this one, fall within a narrow range, with only a few exceptions being either terrible or truly outstanding. This is likely because gin is inherently an engineered product, leaving little room for unexpected magic. It's all about finding a successful formula and adhering to it consistently. I have no complaints about this gin, but I wouldn't rave about it either. It's acceptable but hardly inspiring when consumed neat, and it tends to disappear when diluted. It occupies a space among scores of other gins that are just above average. I wouldn't refuse it, but I wouldn't actively seek it out either. It works well in a classic G&T without added citrus (a slice of lime or lemon is enough to overpower it), creating a crisp, fresh, and refreshing drink. However, at its asking price, it's a bit expensive to recommend over other very good gins available for the same or less money. "Average": 79/100 (2.75 stars)

I acquired this recently when I traveled to Columbia, SC to assist my son with clearing his dorm room as his school was closed due to the pandemic and he had to leave behind many of his belongings. There is a really good liquor store not far from his residence, and I typically check their selection when I visit him. They had this gin on promotion for $14 per bottle, so I decided to try it. This spirit fits into the category of "Spirits for individuals who dislike gin." The aroma is subtle with juniper and citrus notes. I checked their website for the ingredients and they include three different citrus peels, which are quite prominent when sipped neat. The body when consumed neat is very pleasant and citrusy with a very slight sting on my palate, but the peels introduce a little bitterness. The finish is agreeable and smooth with a hint of sting and bitterness. Now for the drawbacks, this spirit practically vanishes in most mixed drinks I've experimented with, except for Martinis and Gimlets. I prepared Gin and Tonics using various proportions and brands of tonic water, and none of them were particularly outstanding. The spirit completely disappeared in all of them. If someone is not fond of traditional London Dry Gin, prepare a drink with this and observe their reaction. For $14, it's a very worthwhile purchase and the flavors are pleasing, but as a go-to spirit, it doesn't quite meet my expectations. Enjoy.

A creamy gin originating from England, produced in pot stills and transported to Iceland, where it's blended with Icelandic spring water. Its flavor profile includes Tuscan juniper, cassia bark, angelica, Florentine orris, coriander, Seville citrus peel, nutmeg, cinnamon, and licorice root. It greets with an aromatic beginning of citrus, subtle hints of coriander and cinnamon; followed by a full and creamy body contributing notes of juniper and orange; culminating in a long and warming finish for cinnamon enthusiasts. February 2018

Excellent gin that pairs very well with all kinds of cocktails, and its notes remain present, whether the cocktail is dry, sweet, bitter, or sour.

A floral aroma with abundant juniper berries and citrus. It has a thick, slightly oily consistency with an alcoholic burn at the end. Adding ice improved it, but the taste didn't align with the scent for me; it's definitely best for mixing.

I had heard about the cucumber notes and was keen to try it because of that. That's mostly accurate. It's VERY cool and crisp, best served chilled or in a G&T on the rocks, but I've had superior experiences.