Flavor Profile
We’ve reviewed some Gins from Buss Spirits before. This past June we took a look at their White Rain Gin, but the Raspberry was the flagship entry in their Author Collection. Founder Serge Buss, best known for founding Bar Bounce in Antwerp, has since expanded the product range to include the aforementioned White Rain, but also a Peach variation as well. Buss No. 509 Raspberry Gin is bottled at a relatively low 37.5 ABV, first impressions have me thinking to expect a spirit with some liqueur like sweetness. The color is vivid, dark rose, with red hues that evoke the simultaneously the notions of fruit punch, but also [and unsurprisingly] raspberries.
Tasting Notes
Tart berry, cucumber, and faint intimations of banana as well in the background. Definitely vegetal at first nose, which is somewhat surprising given the botanical mixture. It’s a mixture of floral/fruity that reads as somewhat earthy and green. Juniper as well, but with a really green/herbaceous note emphasized.
The palate is quite nice, with more traditional gin notes leading and ushering the tartness from start to finish. If you expected a raspberry cordial from either the color or the nose, you’re way off. Nuh-uh. Not even close. Citrus up front, lemon, raspberry notes, with floral and herb-garden notes in the mids, cardamom, angelica, and a faint hint of anise later, with pine emphasized juniper and a tart berry, slightly sour, but astringent and surprisingly dry on the finish. A dash of heat remains but overall, it tastes richer and more well rounded than one might expect for the proof.
Overall
Buss No. 509 Raspberry Gin defies expectations, and warrants a taste based on its merits. I can see this being a fantastic mixer in a gin and tonic, or other gin cocktail featuring lemon. As of now, my impressions based on this small sample are that the taste is quite good, though I’m not in love with the nose. Other than those drinking it neat, a good chill or mix will quell my only small complaint with this spirit. Buss No. 509 Raspberry Gin is a worthy closer look for those looking for a high quality berry flavored gin.