Sharish Gin

I don't partake much these days, but when I did, I influenced my wife to enjoy gin and tonics. She continued this habit, so gin is the only spirit we still keep at home. After finishing a bottle of Monkey 47 (a delightful drink), I read an article about this distillery. Its founder and proprietor was an unemployed educator who was challenged to create a gin for his family's restaurant. He named it after a local shrub. It features Portuguese components, from the Bravo de Esmolfe DOP apple to Alentejo oranges and lemons, along with Lúcia-Lima, juniper, coriander seed, cinnamon, clove, and vanilla. I purchased a bottle because it received very high ratings, but I believe gin appreciation is far more dependent on individual preference than, say, whiskey. Generally, with whiskey, if you appreciate sherry-aged spirits, bourbon, or (to a lesser extent) peated varieties, and an excellent example of your preferred style is available, you will likely enjoy it. Gin, with its vast array of possible flavor combinations, makes selection more challenging. I know I'm not fond of floral notes; however, with so many distinct flavor profiles, even a highly-rated gin is often a gamble regarding whether I will like it. The primary flavor is apple, and sadly, while not terrible, it's not to my taste. If it suits your palate, it's a skillfully made example, but I really think I need to stick to my preferred flavor profile of citrus, pepper, and gorse-like notes moving forward..

The apple imparts a fruity richness reminiscent of gin made from grape spirits. The juniper and citrus zest are quite subdued. The aroma is fresh and fruity, with a suggestion of apple cinnamon turnover that briefly reappears just after swallowing, smoothly. When mixed with tonic, it becomes beautifully subtle, with the clove emerging as the most prominent note amidst a light, fruity profile featuring the faintest hint of citrusy tartness.

Exceptional taste, among the top Portuguese spirits available. The apple note provides that essential finish lacking in many others.

Wonderful gin from Portugal. A very harmonious spirit.

Fresh, Apple, Citrusy,... Excellent!

Gentle. Fruity like an apple. Splendid.