Mythic Gin

Flavor Profile

Appalachian Gap Distillery’s Mythic Gin is rich with concept. Firstly, the gin begins with same grain bill as their other spirits— the super precise 45% barley; 30% corn; 25% rye. Furthermore, they push beyond their local Vermont boundaries to include among their botanicals as exotic as Szechuan peppercorns and as homegrown as Balsam fir needles.

It’s designed to be more of an “18th century” take on gin. This suggests that Appalachian Gap Distillery is looking to create more of a “Gin-ever” or Holland-style gin where the flavor of the base spirit is treated as if a botanical. Meaning the grain isn’t distilled to such a high proof that it loses all character.

Tasting Notes

TL;DR: Grain is evident on the nose, but the palate is a melange of peppercorn, rose hips and juniper. 

Mythic Gin to the nose certainly has a bit of those hay and grain notes that you often get in other Holland-style gins. There’s hints of lemon zest and other baking spice nuance as well.

The palate is complex and unusual with a lot of different flavors. Citrus is there early, but you also get notes of black peppercorn and fruity, luscious rose hips. Juniper notes mid-palate evolve with some of those fir notes to create a resinous, thick balsamic background note. Black peppercorn is the predominant spice on the finish. Hints of grain come through late, but it’s far from the dominant characteristic. It’s expertly played as if a background botanical rather than the star.

Pleasant and moderately long lasting warmth— Mythic Gin has a nice viscosity to it.

Cocktails

It makes for a really nice Negroni and works well in more complex mixed cocktails. The touch of grain is a really nice addition to a Tom Collins or Gimlet.

Some of that Holland-style based makes Mythic Gin less ideal for a clean Gin and Soda or Gin and Tonic.

Overall, Mythic Gin

Despite Mythic Gin taking some risks with some unusual botanicals— fir needles included. It all comes together pretty well. I like the way they play off the base character as a botanical, and the way the fir accentuates the juniper. Bartenders should be advised— Mythic Gin is not a plug and replace gin for your classic well pours. But for those looking for an intriguing contemporary style gin to play with at home, Mythic Gin is worth a closer look.

Made possible through the New England Gin Exchange

Special thanks to John at Foodie Pilgrim. Since 2012, John has shared and sourced gins from New England and nearby that we at The Gin is In haven’t tried yet. This gin sample was shared by John, who is also a big fan of gin. So check out his New England Gin Reviews as well.