The Bond Store Kawakawa gin

Last review before my break. I met up with a couple of friends for lunch drinks, asked for a gin & tonic, and this one was served. I really liked this one. A healthy amount of kawakawa gave it a great white pepper kick mixed with East Imperial Original and two slices of lemon. Simple but brilliant combination - juniper, pepper & citrus. When I looked up the gin, they sourced some of the botanicals from a local Kapiti farm. Initially, it was a mystery where it's made, though, as they go by the name koakoa. A husband, wife, daughter, and dog team, so a very small operation. The price is really low. I can get this for $25 USD a 700ml bottle. I never tried it straight, so who knows what it's really like neat (I suspect one-dimensional), but it makes a distinctive mix. My current Botanist g&t mix just doesn't have the same impact. The more I'm drinking g&t, the more I'm enjoying punchy pepper, juniper, grapefruit, gorse-type flavors, I think...clean and hot. Definitely not a fan of any 'floral' flavors, e.g., rose, lavender. I see my Warner's Double Juniper 0% and Monday 0% gin have cleared customs today, so welcome 0% Jan 2021. Hopefully, only 0% alcohol by volume, not 0% flavor, enjoyment, or desire to drink the stuff... I will keep people updated on that front shortly! Have a great 2021, everyone:-)

A pleasant, straightforward, easy-to-drink gin. It's our regular house pour. Needs lemon and a garnish to liven it up.