Noroi

My very first taste of gin, so my observations will be limited and likely not stellar. I have a general idea of what to expect but am still learning. A friend provided this sample. Nose: Immediately, juniper is prominent, followed by similar notes: boreal, spruce-like, piney. The aroma is also very citrus-forward, perhaps orange? There's also a minerality to the nose, but not brine. Palate: It tastes very green at first. The alcohol is quite aggressive and not very pleasant. This is followed by citrus (it literally registers as orange in my mind). You can definitely detect the juniper on the palate. The minerality is absent here. The pine notes are certainly present. However, the alcohol's aggressiveness is overwhelming. Finish: What finish? It's practically nonexistent. It's almost purely juniper (at least to me) and very short. Quite disappointing. My friend absolutely loves this. I hope not all gins are like this, because I don't think I'll ever enjoy them. Tasted both with tonic and neat. With tonic, it nearly disappeared.

First impression is very strong alcohol, then you perceive a bit more of the peppery aspect. It would probably be better enjoyed with a tonic that will give it a more citrusy and sweet profile. I will try it with Fever Tree elderflower tonic, and definitely also with Fever Tree grapefruit. I will also try it with other tonics.

An elegant presentation of many notes found in other distinctive gins: very mineral and boreal on the nose, sweet in the middle. Yet, no note stands out, and the final result, while clean, leaves us desiring a bit more vibrancy.

Wow, a genuinely good classic gin that deserves to be discovered. More complex than it appears

Lingers too long with alcohol taste in the mouth. Still a good gin.