Flavor Profile
Fraser Valley Distillery’s flagship Fraser Valley Gin is already a bit floral. In a practice that is becoming more common among especially American distillers, they elect to describe their new gin variation by its flavor profile.
The color of the label caused me to assume at first glance that this was “Lavender Fraser Valley Gin.” However, it’s more than that— the full name is Fraser Valley Gin with notes of Lavender and Hibiscus.
Tasting Notes
Color: Fraser Valley Gin with notes of Lavender and Hibiscus is distilled. Perfectly clear.
Aroma: Powdery, soliflore. Lavender is dominant, clear and center, with hints of orris root and earthy violet on the edges.
Flavor: Sweet, clean French lavender early on the palate. It’s dominant through the mid-palate where some of the other botanical notes begin to come through. Spice comes through— hints of cinnamon, coriander and ginger.
The back half is suggestive of Snickerdoodle cookies, with a dominant floral note. Linalool and fruit loop notes are present as well.
Finish: Hints of resinous juniper peer around the edges, but spice notes linger amid a floral glow. Some warmth gives Fraser Valley Gin with notes of Lavender and Hibiscus a surprising longevity on the back of the palate.
Cocktails
This gin is a challenging mixer. Mostly because the lavender is as dominant mixed as it is sipped neat. I recommend building cocktails around the lavender in Fraser Valley Gin with notes of Lavender and Hibiscus.
The lavender pairs well with other floral mixers. Try it in an Aviation or Moonlight cocktail for maximum floral effect. I steer clear of places where the lavender can clash. For me this in drinks like the Negroni, Last Word or Martinez.
While it works will with tonic, my favorite mixer is to pair with lemonade.
Overall, Fraser Valley Gin with notes of Lavender and Hibiscus
The name is long— but the flavor is simple. I might have stopped at lavender on the label. The Hibiscus is subtle and clearly in a supporting role. It’s presence buoys the lavender. It doesn’t star.
However, that being said the combination works well. It’s a delightful distilled floral gin with a clean, French Lavender aroma and flavor that will delight those are dancing on the contemporary edges of gin.
Critics will say it’s somewhat light on juniper. However, it is present at a high enough level that this spirit clearly differentiates itself from a flavored vodka.
Recommended among Lavender flavored gins.
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