Flavor Profile
Larios 12 is a premium gin launched in 2009, crafted from a unique blend of 12 botanicals that undergo five distillations to achieve a complex flavor. The gin combines traditional juniper, coriander, nutmeg, and angelica root with citrus like Mediterranean lemon and orange, Haitian bitter oranges, multiple types of mandarins, grapefruit, lime, and orange blossom.
Tasting notes
Aroma: The nose is bright and awash with orange blossoms and coriander. Quite nice, very inviting, and decidedly contemporary.
Flavor: The palate of Larios 12 Botanicals Premium Gin is still bright with lots of citrus: a melange of tangelo, orange, and particularly Mineola. The mid-palate signals a shift wherein juniper and Pfeffernüsse cookie excites the palate.
Finish: Grapefruit rind and mild warmth.
Originally Tasted: March 2015
Cocktails and suggested serves
I like the fresh vibrancy of the citrus flavor, and I think it works well in citrus-forward gin cocktails like the gimlet or gin rickey which could benefit from a little more.
The downside is that the juniper notes mid-palate are somewhat an afterthought, and disappear somewhat in more complex drinks like The Last Word or Negroni.
Overall, Larios 12 Botanicals Premium Gin
Someone who really liked this type of gin will say that the bright citrus aroma and palate makes it a great mixer. Someone who is a fan of more traditional gins might be a little put off by its “one-note” and juniper as a bit player character.
Larios 12 Botanicals Premium Gin is a decent gin, and a good value at its price point.
Dear Aaron,
Larios 12 is certainly better than the original and your review is right on the money. Its certainly citrus forward, with juniper in the background and in this respect has a greater affinity with New Western styles of Gin. However, it’s a little rough and ready around the edges but at a good price point (when in Spain). For me it makes a good everyday budget G&T for those who like the citrus profile. I’ll have to wait until the next time I try this to pay greater attention to the citrus balance/inbalance.
Thank you, David.