Opihr Spices of the Orient London Dry Gin

Nose: Coriander, juniper, ginger, pepper. Palate: Initial wave of seed spices (coriander, cumin, fenugreek) and powdered ginger, followed by a robust oily orange flavor that develops. Finish: Lingering spices and orange oil, medium to long in duration. This was sampled at a local liquor store event celebrating World Gin Day last Saturday. I'd noticed Ophir Spiced available previously but hadn't tried it. Its recipe differs from most gins due to its intense spice profile. Coriander seed, a common gin component, is amplified here, and I detected a strong, oily orange taste. While it has an earthy, warming character, the spices can be overpowering for many applications, and for my taste, they rendered it unbalanced. I wasn't keen on it in a gin and tonic, but I can see it working in a negroni or perhaps with a stronger mixer like ginger ale. It was an interesting tasting experience, but I'm unlikely to purchase a bottle. Rating: 82/100 (3.25 stars) - Above Average

The current boom in gin production (call it the 'ginaissance'?) has thankfully done away with old notions of what gin ought to taste like. Juniper must legally be a botanical, but it doesn't need to be the main event anymore. Consider this fine bottle: while a whisper of piney juniper lingers to confirm its gin identity, the primary taste is warm and zesty. Cumin leads, followed by black pepper, clove, and a multitude of other spices reminiscent of a South Asian bazaar. It's a little intense to sip straight, but it opens up a world of cocktail options. My favorite right now is a variation on the Sazerac. Rinse a glass with raki for a subtle aniseed note, mash some cardamom bitters, a bit of sugar, and a splash of water. Then, pour in Opihr, toss in 3-4 ice cubes, and finish with a gently bruised spearmint sprig. It tastes like Istanbul.

Initially, the gin presents as quite traditional, with a bit more citrus than a typical London Dry. However, it soon reveals a core of warming spices and a simmering heat beneath the juniper and lemon zest. It has a peppery quality and a lingering gingery texture, with the heat persisting for several minutes, yet the overall sensation is cooling. This gin pairs well with curries, vindaloos, and masalas in cocktails. Consider it for citrus-forward drinks to add a tropical flair. A very well-executed spirit.

A sophisticated London Dry Gin from G&J Distillers in England, featuring botanicals such as Malaysian cubeb berries, Indian Tellicherry black peppercorns, Turkish cumin, Moroccan coriander, Italian juniper, and Spanish orange zest. It begins with an aromatic introduction of coriander, lemon pepper within a pine wood, and a touch of juniper. Its vibrant middle phase introduces bold, spicy notes of peppercorns and citrus, culminating in a lengthy, dry finish with hints of berries and cracked pepper. July 2020

88 Nose: very spicy, pepper, woodiness, a little citrus, generally a rougher aroma 21 Taste: spice, pepper, but also a light sweet woodiness, bubblegum, cardamom, warmth 23 Finish: medium, citrusy and spicy, slightly alcoholic 21 Body: very pronounced overall, and although it would be great in a GT, I enjoy the intensity of the flavors even on its own 23

Spicy aromas with Asian notes stand out. Apparent cardamom and cubebs combine, reminiscent of ginger's body. An almost licorice-like flavor follows on the palate where peppers dominate. No extra peppers needed. Add two lime slices for sweetness and tonic for a refreshing 'kick.' A surprisingly delicious gin!