Colorado’s Idlewild Spirits Distillery has what they call a Wild Series. These are limited edition gins produced in runs of just over a hundred bottles. Purple Daze Gin was one such of these— a deep purplish blue gin that was made in the first half of 2018.
We’re reviewing batch 4, bottle 17.
Tasting notes
The color when poured is a purplish-blue that is becoming more and more common in gins these days. Look no further than the list of gins like this featuring Pea Blossom including Sharish Blue.
Aroma: The nose is slightly of violet, rose and celery. Purple Daze Gin has a perfumed air about it.
Flavor: Purple Daze to the palate has a bit more fruit character to it. A hint of juniper belies a predominantly floral and jammy mid-palate— lavender, tulip and boysenberry.
Finish: The finish is mildly peppery with a touch of spice ushering a finish of hibiscus and citrus zest.
Cocktails and suggested serves
Purple Haze Gin makes a stunningly colored Gin and Tonic. Among my favorite cocktails though was the Gin and Bitter Lemon. There’s something about the floral/citrus notes that worked perfectly well with quinine and citrus. If you do a G&T go heavy on some fresh lemon or lime. It’s a delightful combination.
Aside from that— Purple Daze Gin was a bit of a challenging mixer. Some its best qualities were lost in a Negroni, while the tart citric note of a Gimlet didn’t work for me.
Personally, I prefer to sip this one neat.
Overall, Purple Daze Gin
A lovely color and a lovely gin. While Purple Daze Gin is unlikely to become any bartenders’ house pour anytime soon— it distinguishes itself as a delicious and conversation piece sipping gin.
Fans of classic styles may find Purple Daze Gin a touch too floral and too contemporary— those looking for something other than old standbys like Nolet or Brockman’s— purple Daze Gin will be a welcome discovery.