Park Distillery Barrel Aged Gin

Park Distillery Barrel Aged Gin evokes memories of a cool, invigorating visit to Banff several years ago. During that trip, I had the good fortune to acquire batch 1 (bottle 233) of this spirit, which ages for 180 days in oak bourbon barrels over the winter. Upon pouring, I detect the scent of ethanol, light pine, and a musky mountain aroma, mingled with a faint sweetness of anise, honeysuckle, and orange. Familiar gin botanicals and white pepper are prominent at first on my tongue, then quickly mellow into a persistent oakiness that lingers on my palate indefinitely. This gin drinks like a whisky, which is an impressive accomplishment in itself. The distillery claims "there is no place like Banff," and I agree with that sentiment, especially for my international friends. It is certainly worth visiting. 7.75/10