Flavor Profile
Launched in 2016, Jawbox Gin is distilled in Northern Ireland at The Echlinville Distillery, and uses locally grown heather as one of its chief botanicals. Named for the traditional center of an Irish home, where everyone would gather— and talk and talk— the name box refers to specifically the design known as the Belfast Sink. And the jaw? The endless jawing that would happen around it. Similar to the locally grown heather, the name is chosen as an homage to the brand’s Irish heritage.
They are also the brand behind that “World’s Largest Bottle of Gin” promo from early 2021.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Pine forward juniper within a heathery-haze. An herbal, citrusy note and hints of coriander occupy the edges.
Flavor: Juniper and angelica early. Celery, heather, and herbal lemon come on mid-palate. Late, it becomes more spice-led: cardamom, coriander, and cubeb lend a pleasant, robust exotic spice note.
Finish: Moderately warm with spice, some resinous juniper and an earthy hints of licorice root.
Cocktails
The Jawbox Gin marketing team has looked to pitch it’s ideal mixer as Ginger Ale. I think that a bolder ginger beer type mixer will overpower the gin, whereas something milder like a Canada Dry is a better complement. However, I don’t think you need to do anything unusual. Jawbox Gin has a relatively classic (for a contemporary style gin) profile that fits perfect in a Gin and Tonic or Gin and Juice— which both let the beautiful spice botanicals on the finish stand out.
Jawbox Gin is an amiable mixer behind the bar. Bartenders can play with this gin as an alternative to many standard pours. Try it in a Negroni, Tom Collins, Gimlet or Clover Club.
Overall, Jawbox Gin
Pleasant and balanced, Jawbox Gin does a nice job of marrying some spice and herbal botanicals in a way that, although contemporary, seamlessly blends into a standard bar program. While the heather is a nice addition, it’s low in the mix which ultimately keeps Jawbox Gin from being more memorable.
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