Sipsmith VJOP London Dry Gin

Batch #VJOP/00053 Thank goodness for gin that means business. It's hard enough to find Navy strength gin, so I'm thrilled to discover one that amplifies the very reasons we adore gin: the juniper berry. Ever since my preferred flavor profile became bitter, juniper, and consequently gin, has been a welcome addition to my collection (more so in the summer), and it's exciting to taste and discover. The issue, as with most spirits, is that anything truly worthwhile is either impossible to find or never distributed at all. I approached Sipsmith without any preconceptions, and though I'm unfamiliar with this distillery and generally dislike London gin, let's see if they can do any Navy justice. Juniper on the nose, as expected. Though there are nuances here. I'm detecting pure juniper berries with a vegetal undertone, juniper paste that's piney and peppery, and possibly citrus or even soap notes from classic distilled juniper. Or so I imagine. It's clean, but that's also due to a strong ethanol presence, which is enjoyable in the glass while also stinging the nostrils. I'd swear I have wet, whole juniper berries in my mouth on the first sip. This indeed evolves into a vegetal character, which is extremely dry, though with a slight citrus hint for minimal balance. Towards the finish, it becomes hotter, but not so much that it detracts from the juniper's appeal. The finish is more like raw juniper berry, just a touch brighter than what was tasted earlier. I actually don't care for this, and frankly, the sole reason is the extreme dryness typical of London gins. The juniper is perfectly represented here, but unfortunately, it's not complemented by other flavors. I suspect that if this were a standard American gin, a generous amount of citrus and/or floral notes would work wonderfully with the juniper intensity. Fortunately, this still has great utility behind a bar and would create a potent and excellent gimlet or gin and tonic.

The aroma presents strong juniper and some citrus. The palate is filled with juniper, a bit of spice, and light orange floral notes. It has a creamy, thick mouthfeel. The finish is long with spice and juniper. Despite being a navy strength gin, it isn't overly hot. It made a fantastic Martini and G&T the first night. Sipsmith produces a variety of excellent gins, and this one stands out. While it might not be for everyone – it's a juniper-forward spirit – I've come to appreciate it greatly, now ranking it among my top 3 favorite gins. It's definitely worth a serious try.

I did not like this at all. For the price, there are much better Navy Strength gins available. This was simply uninspired. It did not pair well with Old World Tonic; it only worked with blood orange and standard sugary tonic water, or a mix of soda and tonic. It was okay on its own with ice, but again, there are much better Navy gins that can be drunk straight. Overall, I am surprised by how overrated it is.

This is an overwhelming juniper profile, almost a novelty. While I appreciate juniper in London Dry gins, it's a bit too much for a classic dry Martini in my view. It shines in a Negroni, however, and I'm eager to experiment with it in other cocktails, perhaps a Corpse Reviver No. 2? I plan to keep a bottle on hand, but I don't anticipate using it very frequently.

A very distinctive gin. Juniper is highly prominent, with other botanicals playing a supporting role. When mixing, it requires a robust cocktail to achieve balance, such as a Savoy martini or a drink incorporating thyme or rosemary. Alternatively, adding a touch of syrup or fruit can help balance the juniper. I enjoy it chilled, but be cautious, as it packs a significant punch.

Initially a powerful alcohol presence, but beneath are many delightful herbal notes and a prominent juniper character. This gin is not easily enjoyed, yet it possesses some incredible qualities. Consider purchasing it out of curiosity.