Scapegrace Dry Gin

Nose: Juniper, lemon, and clove are the initial scents, followed by subtle cardamom and licorice. Palate: Quite sweet and fruity upon tasting. Warm spices emerge over time but it consistently maintains a sweet core, and the texture is rather creamy. It's very enjoyable to drink without dilution. Finish: Short. Pleasantly fruity, with no bitterness whatsoever - in fact, the lingering taste remains quite sweet. This is the less intense relative of the Scapegrace Gold I sampled about a year ago during a blind tasting (where it placed 2nd out of 9 gins). This bottling is considerably less alcoholic (42.2% compared to 57%) and the palate has a more harmonious profile. It's a well-crafted gin with a very traditional character featuring juniper and citrus, and it would work well in any application. In some respects, I prefer this to the more dominant and juniper-forward Gold version. It offers good worth for the cost. It's understated yet flavorful, well-balanced, and very soothing. For your information - if you're searching for this, note that the word "Classic" is not actually present on the bottle. The label on this bottle is a silver metal disc and reads "Scapegrace Small Batch Premium Dry Gin" "Good": 84/100 (3.75 stars)

A nice drink. Features Kumara, Aronia Berry, Saffron, Pineapple, Butterfly Pea, and Sweet Pineapple. It is referred to as black gin because its dark purplish hue comes from the butterfly pea and purple kumara, I suspect. The pineapple and kumara are quite prominent. Produced in my hometown of Christchurch, NZ.

Quite bland, lacking complexity. It has a smooth, almost slick mouthfeel. There's a hint of spice, but not heat. Almost no floral, herbal, or juniper notes. You would need to mix this, and even then, you'd have to add other flavors or juices. Completely uninspiring, but not offensive.

A fine, straightforward dry gin that is smooth, with hints of citrus and sweetness. It aims for the premium market, which might seem like a gimmick, but they actually succeeded.