Nikka Coffey Gin

Following my exploration into Gin, inspired by the outstanding Monkey 47, I recognized the Nikka Coffey series due to my strong appreciation for their whiskey. Consequently, I felt compelled to sample this Gin, which is distilled in Coffey stills. I find it challenging to discern anything beyond citrus on the nose, but that's not necessarily a drawback. It's remarkably bright and lively. Whiskey noses often tend to be dark, sweet, or smoky and tannic. This one, however, evokes the scent of a lemon/lime spritzer in a distinctly summery manner. A more deliberate, deeper inhalation reveals a hint of sweet corn syrup, giving it an almost lemon/lime soda-like aroma. The initial taste is intensely sweet. Sugary lemon-lime soda is quite prominent; if I weren't drinking it neat, I'd swear it was mixed with a bit of 7up. As the mid-palate develops, a mild peppery sensation emerges. Perhaps notes of ground peppercorns and shishito peppers? This combination of citrus and pepper strongly suggests a delicious Yuzu pepper sauce. The finish becomes drier but maintains a pronounced citrus character. Juniper finally makes its presence known, along with some lightly spiced ground coriander. This Gin is bursting with citrus. It genuinely tastes like a cocktail made with 7up. That's not inherently negative. I can envision it being excellent for crafting a bright, summery Gin and Tonic. In fact, given the current heatwave in my region (expecting highs of 104 tomorrow!!), I think I'll prepare one now.

The aroma is immediately filled with yuzu. The palate is rich with citrus and fruit, with coriander continuing through the finish. It works wonderfully with other complex, herb-forward flavors in cocktails. I suspect it would pair well with lime.

My ultimate favorite. The bottle is a bit costly, but its bright, distinctive taste makes it exceptional. My preferred gin and tonic. Savory additions like sage complement it well in a g&t, given its inherent citrus characteristics.

Nose: vibrant, strong yuzu. White pepper. Palate: smooth considering the proof. Prominent Yuzu, a small but noticeable malt sweetness. Coriander. Orange. Finish: slightly sharp, moderately warm, and a bit spicy.

It's sweet compared to a London dry style. The aroma is intensely of yuzu rind. Citrus brightness and a fresh herbal touch give way to lemon candy. This is the most aggressively citrus-forward gin I've encountered.

This is the one Gin I always want stocked. It's exceptionally smooth and subtle, yet possesses considerable depth. Although I'm not a big Gin enthusiast, I'm happy to drink this one neat.