Flavor Profile
Taaka sounds vaguely Russian. And perhaps that shouldn’t be a surprise as the brand was originally introduced in the late 1950s as a bargain vodka. Later on Taaka Gin was introduced and it built upon the vodka’s grain base. Furthermore, it describes its botanical mixture as simply “imported.”
Taaka Gin is distilled at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky and is part of the Sazerac portfolio.
Tasting Notes
Taaka Gin has a nose of primarily juniper— piney, with a subtle citrus hue. It’s rather mild but unmistakably gin.
The palate is again slightly mild. Quiet at first, subtle spice notes build. Cassia sticks with a hint of forest floor lend Taaka Gin a surprising earthiness. Juniper peaks mid-palate. It’s slightly sharp, peaking with powdered juniper berry.
But Taaka Gin finishes with a hint of lemon zest and a mild sour, bitterness. It has a long and rather warm finish, but never overpowering. It’s actually quite nice for a “bargain gin” as it resists the cliche of those hot, ethanol finishes. Perhaps it’s the rather modest 40% ABV speaking here, but Taaka Gin is better than I expected based on the bottle alone.
Cocktails
Taaka Gin is built for inexpensive mixing. Though its better than expected neat, that’s not how I would recommend consuming it. It makes a nice, piney Gin and Tonic. It similarly comes through with a juniper note in a Gin and Juice.
I find it a bit disappointing in a Martini; however, it’s merely because it pales in comparison to the wealth of gin that’s currently available today. But if you’re going to sip a Martini with a bargain priced gin, Taaka Gin compared favorably to some of my favorites at this price point including Booth’s and Faber’s.
Overall, Taaka Gin
Listen, Taaka Gin isn’t going to rival the quality of flavor you get from even a Gordon’s, Tanqueray or Bombay. But when you buy 1.75 liters of gin for somewhere in the range of twelve dollars— you’re probably not expecting that.
Among gins at the “ultra value” price point, Taaka Gin is far better than many of its peers. I won’t call them out here by name— but this is one of the few gins in its class that make an acceptable cocktail. If you need a jug of gin for your next party— this is the gin I would recommend.
Recommended at its price point.
I think Taaka Gin is great. I drink it straight on ice with a twist and olive. Gin and Tonic too. Price is not a factor. It’s a good Gin. People should not shy away because it is inexpensive compared to others.
Price isn’t an indicator of quality, completely agreed. It’s not my favorite because they use essences and it isn’t a true distilled gin; however– I hear where you’re coming from.
Thanks for writing,
Cheers,
Aaron
Used to be that gin was the most frowned upon of all spirits. But of late gin has achieved a degree of renewal and with that comes the snobbery. Taaka is a wonderful gin hat exemplifies the dry tradition but because of its low price is relegated to the bottom shelf. I get it that the boutiques need to differentiate but a good dry still wins the day in my opinion. For a martini I prefer Beefeater. I have little to no time for Hendricks…overrated and over priced.
Discovered this at the ClassVI store and it is just fine. We add crushed lemon mint, cherry, and a twist of lime. Very refreshing. 🙂
I never had Gin and saw Taaka had a verion to sell at such a great price! I think my vodka days are over, this is delicious!!
In the passed I was drinking Rum. I tried this Taaka Dry Gin one day. I found that this Taaka Dry Gin blended and tasted great & also way far better tasting. Than my older Rum Blends.
Taaka , is my favorite gin, not because of price, but if your having more than one , it leaves you nice and Mello. Your higher rated gins are too overwhelming. And will leave you real foggy. I think our more sophisticated clientele will like it too
Hi. Hubby and I found this today…. If you don’t see an image, it is a bottle of Taaka with label on the handle instead of front of the bottle. 🤭
Someone’s been sampling the goods while labeling.
All kidding aside, if you are daily gin and tonic drinker, this one’s going to save you money.