Knockabout Gin

1. 1:  suitable for rough use knockabout clothing

2. 2a :  being noisy and rough :  boisterous knockabout games b :  characterized by boisterous antics and often extravagant burlesque knockabout comedy

3. 3 of a sailing vessel :  having a simplified rig marked by absence of bowsprit and topmast a knockabout sloop

   [source]

About Knockabout Gin

Now that we got definitions out of the way [it’s clearly number 3! and a reference to Massachusetts maritime heritage], Ryan and Wood Distilling distill their Knockabout Gin on a custom built copper pot still. The botanicals are distilled upon a grain base spirit.

Tasting Notes

Juniper, spice, and a bit of ethanol heat on the nose. Knockabout Gin definitely has a bit of a burn at first glance. It’s something of a knockabout on the nose (definition 2).

The palate is noticeably softer. Citrus and a strong note of pine and green juniper at first taste. A little bit of cinnamon kissed sweet spice, lemon zest, and turning quite full juniper. Orange and cinnamon late on the palate. The finish is fairly classic on perspective and approach with juniper dominating with the spice and citrus notes harmonizing together as a support note.

Cocktails

Knockabout Gin was a tad overwhelming in the Martini, with the nose overshadowing the rest of the drink. Combined with some more ingredients, say in a Bronx Cocktail or Gin and Tonic, it adds its own character to the nose and lets Knockabout Gin’s juniper and spice-forward core shine.

I also found Knockabout Gin to be good in a Negroni. It was a comfortable juniper note even at the classic equal parts ratio.

Overall

Fans of more classic styled gins and contemporary spice forward gins will find something to like in Knockabout Gin. It works well as a general mixing gin and gin drinkers will find that it compares favorably to many other more established standbys in this space. Some might say that its a good knockabout (definition 1) behind the bar.