Flavor Profile
Brockman’s distinguishing characteristics are surely the botanical blend. The language that tells the story of Brockman’s Gin probably won’t sound new to anyone. Let’s paraphrase: “smooth” [check], “able to be drank on its own (or with ice)” [check], something “new” [check] and “original” [check]. Was it distilled in an antique copper still? Yes [uh Check!]. The story’s not new, but the botanical list does hold surprises. The two berries being of the utmost. Its story isn’t new, but the drink itself clearly stands out.
Tasting Notes
Brockman’s Gin is bright and floral on the nose. Strawberry, Hibiscus, a touch of sourness and a hint of raspberry. A little bit more traditional citrus bouquet in the mids, with a faint hint of ethanol in the lows. The bouquet is strong and intense, but dissipates rather quickly in the air. Very inviting, very enticing. I love the nose on this.
The palate of Brockman’s Gin begins with a surprising amount of heat for being bottled at 40%. The early taste is unresolved with hints of gingerbread and angelica. The mids are where the notes that make Brockman’s stand out come to life. Raspberry lemon cake, a distinct sweetness, bright and robust. It begins to take on a more dry tone with blackberry and coriander, ripe berry. And then where it all ends up, its remarkably dry. Refreshing, and invites the palate to want some more. This dry finish to all of this sweetness is what really sets it apart from the vast majority of Contemporary fruit/floral forward gins. I loved the dry finish, and found it to be the right balance of sweetness and dryness to make me want to drink it neat. Or on the rocks.
Cocktails
The Gin and Tonic was exquisite, with notes that reminded me strongly of a blackberry bramble. Orange, lemon, blackberry strongly present themselves on the palate, with smooth and clear berry notes on the finish. It really was startlingly bright and distinctive, and this drink highlighted all of the most distinctive [and best] notes of this gin. Recommended.
Since Brockman’s asks to be served on the rocks, I mixed up my martini with a Martini on the Rocks. It was sweet and refreshing. The floral notes muted, but present less intensely. The finish was still dry, with a long fermented finish. Though the finish had the Vermouth talking loudly, the actual sips themselves were balanced and nice. I also quite enjoyed this drink.
I think tried it in a Gin Daisy. This is where it surprised me a little, as I found it a touch more sedate than expected. It took a bit of a backseat role. Mild lemon, with a little bit of crispness and blackberry on the finish. Refreshing indeed, but perhaps a touch less unexpected. Nice, but it didn’t wow me.
But the Aviation did. Cherry and blackberry cobbler on the finish, baking spice and summer pie. The finish was ripe with rhubarb and violet, long and floral. There was a lot happening in here, with the added spirits from the Aviation really transforming and pushing to the front of the palate different notes than we got in the other cocktails. In a series of cocktails we definitely enjoyed, this was the single most standout one. And we love how the dry finish married the best parts of contemporary and classic Aviations all in one.
We also enjoyed the Bronx Cocktail, and it’s rare we have a drink we like this much end up as only the “second best” drink with a certain gin. Spicy and earthy on the finish, with a lot of depth to the citrus flavor. Baking spices like angelica, cinnamon, and tart fruit come through before making way for berry on the finish. Bright and really good. This cocktail could make a fan of many a non-gin drinker, and anyone not sold on the Bronx cocktail. It’s good stuff, also recommended.
Overall, Brockman’s Gin
If you’ve already made up your mind about contemporary style gins, this is one I suggest at least trying. The dry finish sets it apart and it may win you back over. For those who already enjoy the contemporary style, this is one that I think stands head and shoulders above the vast majority. It’s bright, fresh, and fruity, without being too over-the-top.
I’d recommend this wholeheartedly to anyone who’s looking for an upgrade from their Hendrick’s, or looking for a Nolet’s that’s more cocktail friendly. There’s a lot to like here, and all but the most hardcore juniper-only gin drinkers will find something worthy of their time here. I highly recommend Brockman’s Gin.
Delicious, warming, fruity little number – perfect after a crisp winter walk across the fields to our local pub. The barman recommended it above the usual suspects, and it didn’t disappoint. I’ll definitely be adding a bottle to my collection. Nice one!
I wanrt to try this one for sure!
Completely agree that this gin is something special. My inclination is to head towards more of the summer seasonal gin cocktails like a gin fizz with muddled berries, especially since the bubbles in the soda water could open up and highlight the botanicals here. I definitely want to try it in the aviation after your review!
It makes a great Negroni!
A remarcable surprise for the pallet a beautifull experience I will try it with frosen blackberries in sted off ice.
Had for the first time in Spain in a Gin and Tonic and was blown away. Not your typical Gin due to the berry notes but a combination unlike any I have ever had. Tough to find outside of the Northeast in the US.
I’m a gin lover. Had this for the first time the other night & it was gorgeous. Served as a G&T with lemon peel & blueberries… Absolutely superb!
This you s amazing……. Where is it produced????
★★★★
A gin that makes our mouths salivate
I have always had a soft spot for Brockmans gin, which goes perfectly with a ginger beer. A judicious mix that propels us to the seventh heaven. It is a fruity and grassy whirlwind that propels us towards tasty worlds. There is a honeyed smoothness in this surprising product. Oh yeah!
If I wanted a berry flavored soda, I can go the corner store and get one. I’m absolutely amazed that the author of this site gave this a 4.5 star rating. What are you thinking? I was considering giving this gin to a friend with a sweet tooth, but in the end I poured it down the sink. Just for reference, I’ve enjoyed Beefeaters, The Botanist, Hendricks, and many others.
Awesome gin. Something different as the berry’s notes are notable. The gin & tonic is exquisite. Pretty hard to find.
Happened to see this at a liquor mega-store, and remembered it was on my list. I have tried many, many gins, and this is superb. I love the berry notes, which come through even upon opening the bottle and taking a sniff. I put this in the Pantheon of Greats, along with Martin Miller’s Westbourne and Drumshanbo Irish Gunpowder.
Fantastic gin, definitely a unique flavor profile compared to other gins.
It’s like it was made for brambles. The berry flavors in the gin match perfectly. And at $23-$25 a bottle it’s hard to argue against.