The latest release from Hendrick’s is not being billed as a “cabinet of curiosity” or “temporary release,” but instead a permanent addition to the Hendrick’s lineup. Similar to other line expansions, Another Hendrick’s begins as their base Hendrick’s gin and adds a couple new botanicals. This time, it’s orange blossom and cacao.
Bottled at 44%, the most striking thing about this release is the color— in a stark white apothecary bottle, Another Hendrick’s stands in stark contrast to the dark bottle of the original and other recent releases in the Hendrick’s family.
Tasting notes
Color: Perfectly clear
Aroma: Nutty, with chocolate and some bright citrus. I get notes of Nutella, with a touch of hazelnut. Orange blossom adds a hint of neroli, but there’s also creamy, buttery vanilla.
While the light top volatiles are decadent and dessert-inspired, there’s a core of classic gin underneath — green juniper, a touch of fresh cucumber juice, and coriander.
In other words, come for a quick aroma and you’ll get decadent hazelnut spread and citrus. But sit with it for a second, and you’ll get the Hendrick’s — and the gin.
Flavor: Juniper is at the heart of Another Hendrick’s — and while it’s the same underlying gin, this one seems to lean on that juniper note a bit more than the original. Orange zest and green juniper appear early; it’s the fruit that stars before the blossom.
Mid-palate, there’s some spice-led warmth that is lifted with bright hints of jasmine, vanilla, and neroli. And then — this is where Another Hendrick’s really shines — hazelnut, cacao, and a touch of ethereal rose emerge. This memorable, almost sudden shift toward the “another” side at the end of the taste leaves a culminating moment that sticks out: savory yet dessert-like; gin yet floral; rose and cucumber, but also chocolate and orange.
Finish: Moderate warmth with a touch of malted chocolate (Whoppers, specifically, the American childhood candy that comes to mind). Both a hint of rose and cacao linger on the palate for quite some time.
Cocktails and suggested serves
I think the unique flavor of Another Hendrick’s is well aligned with some of the trends of the day in gin drinking — it might be better in a gin and soda than a gin and tonic. The tonic overwhelms the chocolate, especially on the finish, whereas the soda lets the loud floral and cacao notes shine.
I think this might be among the most challenging mixing gins in the Hendrick’s lineup. As a bartender, you need to keep in mind two things — the notes it has (floral and chocolate) and where they sing most loudly (the back of the palate and finish).
I’d avoid the Gibson or Dirty Martini. I’d be cautious about the Dry Martini, Alaska, Gimlet, or Last Word. And I’d embrace the Tom Collins, Gin and Lemonade, or Ramos Gin Fizz wholeheartedly.
It doesn’t work in everything, but sometimes it’s okay to trust the mixer to support it appropriately. This, even among other Hendrick’s releases, might be the most challenging mixing gin since Flora Adora.
Overall, Another Hendrick’s
A fair critique might be, as many of the other recent Hendrick’s releases, that it’s too contemporary. Another Hendrick’s pushes the boundaries of the category— but it doesn’t forget its roots. There’s a ton of juniper here so gin fans will know for sure, it is a gin.
Another Hendrick’s stands on the shoulders of other gins that pushed the envelope over the past decade before. It reminds me of McQueen Orange Chocolate Gin, The “Sun” Gin, and even Blanc Ocean Gin (which I still have in the cabinet). While some of the Hendrick’s line expansions have seemed truly unique and inspired— this one feels like an established gin embracing a tried and true concept.
It’s good, it’s well executed, but it lacks the novel romance of Amazonia or Oasium. I further wonder if the test of time will be as kind to Another Hendrick’s as a permanent line expansion, as it has been to Midsummer (still an enduring favorite).
I might have put it in the cabinet of curiosities first, but, judging simply what’s in the bottle— Another Hendrick’s is an alright contemporary gin that you might have tasted before. Mix with soda, instead of tonic.