Flavor Profile
Sipsmith’s lemon flavored gin offering is inspired by early 20th century gin formulas for citrus-flavored gins. For example, Gordon’s is one of the extant gin brands who had a lemon gin on market in the 1930’s.
The “lemon drizzle” part of Sipsmith Lemon Drizzle comes from the non-lemon botanicals. Specifically almond and vanilla, which combine with the citrus for a more complex, bakery inspired flavor profile.
Lemon Drizzle is a specific type of cake popular in Britain. If you’re unfamiliar, here’s a recipe for Mary Berry’s version.
Tasting notes
Color: Perfectly clear
Aroma: Light notes of toasted shortbread, zesty lemon, and some green juniper underneath. It’s an unusual aroma for a gin, that plays up some of the toasty cake associations conjured by the name “Lemon Drizzle.”
Flavor: Tart, bright lemon peel at the front. Vanilla and almond are evident, especially on mid-palate. They combine to create a note of lemon meringue pie, with even a toasty, warm note suggestive of singed peaks of meringue.
Later, a hint of coconut cream topped with cracked black peppercorn. It becomes a touch rooty with licorice root and angelica root.
Finish: Lightly warm with a moderately long finish. Very smooth, with a dark citrus/lemon peel notes complemented by a low volume, but lasting hint of ripe, cracked juniper.
Cocktails and suggested serves
Sipsmith Lemon Drizzle is well designed for citrus-forward cocktails; however, it’s robust complimentary approach means it’s not a single note gin. The hints of toasted meringue and shortbread add to citrus drinks like the Tom Collins or French 75.
I also appreciate the texture and mouthfeel of this gin. It works well in a Martini, though I think the core botanicals clash in the Dirty Martini or Gibson.
In terms of mixed drinks, Sipsmith Lemon Drizzle is a versatile gin. Pair it with cola or especially soda water.
Overall, Sipsmith Lemon Drizzle
More than just a lemon gin, Sipsmith Lemon Drizzle manages to take the inspiration from a full cake— and execute it well. The vanilla, almond, and most importantly a bold juniper core, makes this a versatile gin.
The only caution might be that if you’re looking for a truly citrus-forward gin, this might not be it. This is a citrus-cake-forward gin. Not necessarily a critique, but when stood against other citrus-flavored gins, it is quite it’s own thing. For that, we commend it.
Recommended.