VOR Barrel Aged Gin

A 50ml sample purchased in Iceland. Golden color from aging in oak barrels. Very floral and herbaceous aromas. Like the original Vor, it has a lot of lichen and local shrubs, but it's spicier due to the woody presence. The honeyed and fruity aspect is still present but now accompanied by caramelized notes reminiscent of a young whiskey (from an old Floki barrel?). On the palate, superb spicy and woody flavors, very boreal, almost forest-like. Autumnal shrub, dried root, mint, birch... with a relatively mild oak character that remains in the background. The juniper berry emerges gently with its characteristic flavors; the alcohol is lively and sharp but still well-integrated. Oak barrel aging seems to have reduced the vegetal aspect perceived in the original's finish, whereas here, the roots and minty foliage still dominate. Lovely smooth and very captivating texture. I regret only having 25ml left.