Flavor Profile
Nordés Atlantic Galician Gin seeks to differentiate itself pretty radically from the get go.
The base spirit is distilled from locally grown Albariño (or Cainho Branco) grapes. The wine from the grapes is bright, almost botanical just on its own, and wine-aficionados compare it favorable to Gerwurtztraminer. Food and Wine magazine one suggested it might be “the next great summer wine” (Rieslings be on guard!). While the wines are a particular specialty of Galicia, Albariños are still more uncommon, making this gin a unique specimen before you get to the botanicals.
And yes, the botanicals do include a familiar surprise, the seemingly fashionable Sea bean or Marsh Samphire. in addition to Australian inspired surprises like Eucalyptus.
Tasting Notes
The nose of Nordés Atlantic Galician Gin is bright with sweetly floral aromas, a bit like a perfumed guest soap or potpourri. Fruit wine, hints of peach and rose with smatterings of rainbow sherbet and raspberries. There’s a lot of intriguing moments in the nose, but it’s perhaps a bit too much. But, wow. I have no idea what this is going to taste like!
First sip, “this tastes like perfume.” The finish is a bit like strawberry Fruit snacks (gummy candies).
Second sip, I’m looking to try and get some more precision on that first note- there might be a slight bit of juniper in there, along with a lot of fruity floral notes. Raspberry and candied strawberry, stone fruit, menthol/minty notes towards the late palate before the fruit seems to come back.
Third sip, the spirit itself is fairly smooth, though medium thin. Heat is present in the back of the throat and the sides, but it’s a gentle radiant warmth rather than overt heat. The afterglow is medium/long, with fruity floral notes persisting, hibiscus tea, lemon verbena, and bay leaves as well. There is certainly a complexity in here, which is becoming more evident on the fourth, fifth and sixth sip.
Overall
I might be a little overwhelmed by some of the soapy/perfumed notes; however, there is plenty here that might merit a closer look. As this is only an impression, I couldn’t put it to the full test in a line of cocktails, but I can see how this might be a gin which transforms’ some ideas of what gin can be.
I really like this, it’s a nice fragrant gin, perfect for those hot summer days. Might be too floral for some, but I find that uplifting and fresh. So there is an intrigue that makes it quite different. IMO would be a great addition in any gin-tasting session. It’s in my top 5 of 2016.
My favorite to date. Most expensive gins, don’t taste that much different to each other (unless your a real expert of course !): this does, it grabs your attention and delights your taste buds. You have to try this–and what a lovely bottle too.
This is a fantastic gin because it is different. The florals and hints of hibiscus in the nose and early palate make it something super special and on any day not just a summery one it is something that will make you ponder.
Probably my favourite gin. Quite vinous in the mouth, a floral nose. Maybe doubtful if it should really be called a gin but it’s very good. Go easy on the tonic and ice, a sprig of basil goes well in it. It’s not stupidly expensive either, about £30 from Amazon or 12€ in Andorra.
I have a collection of more than 200 gins and this recent discovery is my all time favourite!
Terrible terrible. It taste and ir smells very perfumed. Worst gin ever. D
I’m an American and a real Hendricks fan until now. This is THE perfect gin for summer gintonic. Hopefully when I return to Atlanta I’ll be able to find it. So different and so perfect for sipping on hot days. Yummmmmm
I find it to be a perfectly intriguing Gin, with a strong floral taste. If you muddle it with a bit of rosemary, that can balance the flavors for those who like something a bit less perfumed. Truly one of my favorite gins.
My favourite gin for GTs. Have it with a slice of apple!
Better than Hendricks, Raj, Boodles etc.
Hands down the best gin I’ve tasted since raiding my parents liquor cabinet over 40 years ago.
My personal favorite. I enjoy it with a slice of lime peel and sprig of rosemary. Delicious difficult to find in the U S. A reasonable substitute is Monkey 47
Allways drink this when on Mallorca in Spain. They serve it in a big wine coupe with lots of ice, Fever-Tree Mediterranean tonic and some slightly crushed Grapes. One of my all time favourites.
One important note! The eucalyptus note isn’t Australian-inspired, it’s local-inspired! The hills around Rias Baixas, and well down into Portugal even, the whole northern coastline there, is absolutely blanketed in eucalyptus. The vineyards are often surrounded by it, and the scent is in the air.