Flavor Profile
Astraea Ocean Gin is designed similar to other gins in the Astraea line— botanicals are macerated, and then distilled in the London Dry style. Ocean deviates a touch, with its addition of salt after distillation, for a briny, coastal version of the Pacific Northwest.
Botanically, aside from the seaweed— Ocean Gin features 9 of the 11 most frequently used gin botanicals (at least based on this site’s database).
Tasting notes
Aroma: Like a juniper kissed by an ocean breeze— a hint of salt colors a bright green juniper nose. A touch of black peppercorn and gentle, almost floral citrus rounds it out. Complex and inviting.
Flavor: Juniper forward, with some gentle cassia spice early. Mid-palate, peppercorn, and touch of sweet cardamom— the cardamom begins to grow in intensity, becoming more powerful and dominant on the palate. Amidst the cardamom, bay laurel, some mineral hints of kelp, and piney juniper.
Finish: A gentle mineral, seaweed note hangs warmly in the echoes of cardamom. Lightly warm, it dries out with a slight saline note that lingers on the palate.
💙 Astraea Ocean Gin doesn’t taste like the ocean. It tastes like sipping a dry martini within the distant view of waves crashing against coastal rocks.
Cocktails and suggested serves
Astraea Ocean Gin is a beautiful Martini gin, naturally aligned with variations that use more savory garnishes. While I wouldn’t pass up Ocean garnished with a twist, it’s ideal for Gibsons or Dirty Martinis. Though its botanicals already call-to-mind a saline location, means it might be best without that added olive brine.
It’s not just a martini gin, but a versatile cocktail gin behind the bar. I really enjoyed the Negroni. In terms of mixed drinks, Gin and Lemonade or a simple Gin and Soda are also well recommended.
Overall, Astraea Ocean Gin
Astraea Ocean Gin is a beautiful, well-designed, and evocative gin that calls to mind a scenic location while staying grounded within traditional gin parameters. Bartenders will appreciate the versatility behind the bar as well.
Overall, it’s one of the best executed gins within the saline/seaweed family I’ve had.
Recommended in its category.
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