McHenry Barrel Aged Gin

Nose: Vanilla, lilac, lavender, orange blossom, ground coriander seed, lemon myrtle, faint pine needles. Palate: Creamy, full-bodied, sweet upon entry. Vanilla, mild baking spices (notably coriander, caraway, and poppy seed), a subtle spearmint note, some trace juniper, and a foundational flavor of lemon zest. The texture is very rich and substantial. Finish: Medium. Sweet and mildly spicy with vanilla in the aftertaste. This is likely the most balanced and accessible barrel-aged gin I have sampled. The required juniper note is very subdued (barely perceptible, in fact), and the focus is entirely on a warm, floral vanilla and baking spice profile, brightened by a little citrus. Unlike most gins, which I prefer to try neat but invariably end up enjoying most in a G&T, this one is best as a sipping spirit, either neat or with just a small piece of ice. Adding tonic creates a pleasant drink but also diminishes the spirit. This was produced using a variation of the solera system involving 24 heavily charred 200-liter former Russell's Reserve bourbon casks. The total aging period was 12 months, with half the contents of each cask being transferred through the solera every 2 weeks. This is an unconventional method, and a long, intense maturation for gin. However, the outcome speaks for itself through this richly flavored yet subtle spirit. "Good": 83/100 (3.5 stars.)

I appreciate the lasting spicy finish from its time in bourbon barrels. It still retains the sweet citrus gin characteristics, creating a nice harmony between the two.