Flavor Profile
Back in the day, they sat down for a gin and tonic at 6 p.m. Or at least the grandfather in fruit liqueur and sloe gin producers Bramley & Gage‘s families did. Hence the inspiration for the name of their 6 o’clock Gin.
When it launched in the UK in 2010, the distillery wasn’t new to making gin. They had long made a dry gin as a base for their sloe gins. However, 6 o’clock Gin was their first foray into making a dry gin for mainstream distribution.
The gin is designed in the London Dry style. It features one unusual botanical— winter savory. A perennial herb, it is much more piquant than its summer relative. it’s best described as having a facets of black pepper, thyme and mint.
6 o’clock gin was newly imported to the United States in 2020. The official gin and tonic hour remains unchanged at 5 p.m. as of publication.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Very dry, powdery elderflower. Green juniper and herbal notes lend depth.
Flavor: 6 o’clock Gin has a smooth, silky texture. The mouthfeel and body is quite exceptional.
Lemon and sweet orange oil peer out first. Juniper is present throughout. It remains a bit more herbaceous and resinous, never really going full pine. It’s a nice balance as 6 o’clock Gin adds slight hints of black pepper, lemon thyme and angelica.
Finish: Amidst some herbal notes, a gentle warmth pervades. Lemon thyme and coriander lend a nice warm spice note.
Nicely balanced throughout.
Cocktails
6 o’clock Gin has a nice body on its own, which lends itself nicely to spirit forward cocktails like the Arsenic and Old Lace, Gibson or Martini.
It can be a bit overpowered in a Negroni or Martinez. Some of the citrus and juniper comes through, but the nuance in flavor profile is reduced.
Overall, 6 o’clock Gin
With a relatively traditional botanical blend, Bramley & Gage have created a balanced gin, with a great texture and mouthfeel. It will have balanced appeal. With enough citrus and herbal notes to appeal to contemporary gin fans. The juniper is front of mind throughout the palate.
Recommended.
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